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Around SBN: The Most Dangerous Division in Sports

Game 114 Open Thread overflow

Birdos_avatar_tiny by lboros on in St. Louis Cardinals News

2-0 st louis heading into the 5th. reyes is at 72 pitches; 6 flyouts, 1 groundball, and 5 strikeouts.

i'd say he's back to pitching his game . . .

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lets go
a few more runs and lets see if Reyes can buckle down
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Arroyo slows his motion down when he throws
his offsead. I think Duncan picked up on that

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 10, 2006 2:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Duncan...
I love this kid more and more every time i watch him

by TNFan32 on Aug 10, 2006 2:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Young Dunc
Is awesome. Man crush, baby. Man Crush.
Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 2:04 PM EDT reply actions  

I am starting love Duncan..
seriously....and I am a 27 year old male

by birdsonthehat on Aug 10, 2006 2:04 PM EDT reply actions  

Aren't we all glad
that we didn't deal him for a player of marginal return at higher cost. I think he may end up a fixture on this team if he keeps it up.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like em
I have like Duncan since he first came up to Memphis. He is gonna be good I think
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Not much doubt....
that he will be handed the everyday job in LF next spring.

by stanchar @ Viva El Birdos on Aug 10, 2006 2:05 PM EDT reply actions  

and....
should be.

by stanchar @ Viva El Birdos on Aug 10, 2006 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Sonofacoach...
Yeah-yuh.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:05 PM EDT reply actions  

"Chris Duncan homers (9)...
on a fly ball to right field."

Dang. wish he would've done it on my lunch break. gameday isn't as exciting.

by effin fisk on Aug 10, 2006 2:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Chris Duncan:
My girlfriend's fav player since Octobere 2nd '05.
Or as my Dad would say, "Her Don Blasingame."

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Jimmy
Lets do it one more time
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:06 PM EDT reply actions  

Duncan
is he just a truly good hitter, or is he benefitting from hitting in front of Pujols?

by lopey986 on Aug 10, 2006 2:06 PM EDT reply actions  

At this rate
We should possibly consider giving pujols the benefit of hitting in front of Duncan.

by SleepyCA on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Duncan is a good hitter..
...of fastballs.  He sees alot of those in front of Pujols.  Leave him in the role he is in, if it ain't broke...etc

by BigJawnMize on Aug 10, 2006 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

Didn't the homer
come off an offspeed pitch though? I'm not trying to take away from your point because I agree, but Duncan is hitting offspeed well too. I remember that 5 run inning in the 1st game rout. Duncan hit a curve the other way to plate the first run.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Spring training
I've been posting this on this site for a while now, but in Spring Training during batting practice, Duncan hit some of the farthest shots I've ever seen.  Just to give you some idea in case you haven't been to Jupiter: in right center field, there is a two story building about 30 feet beyond the fence.  Duncan was hitting balls onto and over that building.  The crowd, including the players, were ooing and aaahhing while they gawked at the long balls.  

Nepotism what?  (that always pissed me off when people would say that)

by Ray Lankford on Aug 10, 2006 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

WTF
I am watching cameday on my computer and.... What the hell is that thing on Speezer's face?
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions  

Loves me...
some Spiezio

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions  

Bronson Arroyo
You've just been FLAVOR-SAVORED.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

yes
you did my fellow card fan.  Nice work.

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

neverming
WHO CARES what it is
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions  

The Speez delivers again
Fear the red patch...

FEAR IT!!

"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions  

Speezer
has been a BEAST this series!

by stltrav09 on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions  

Wow
I think SS loves facing the Reds. WTG

by fuegophil on Aug 10, 2006 2:10 PM EDT reply actions  

L. B.
How many homers in this series??

Yeesh...I wouldn't want to pitch at the GAB.

Way to go speezer.

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:11 PM EDT reply actions  

3-4
thats 3 homers in 4 games.....NICE..........ah SO you suck
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:11 PM EDT reply actions  

He hit it hard
Two may be his quota for the day...a shame they were both wasted...
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

Is that like sir mix-alot?
3 homers, only if your 5-10?

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

nice
his anaconda don't want none unless you got runs, hon.

by effin fisk on Aug 10, 2006 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

you...
can do 2-seams or cutters, but please don't lose that heat.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

nope
it wouldm't be a leadoff double
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Chris Duncan is now what....
5 for 11 with 2 HRs, 2B and 3 RBIs?

Pujols verse the Cubs and Reds on the road this year has to be a tear inducing line, doesn't it?

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 2:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Join me
In being a SPEZIATIC. It's great to have a veteran like that who is so versatile.

by allenbrent on Aug 10, 2006 2:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Please..
No, God.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:15 PM EDT reply actions  

pitches
78 so far
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:16 PM EDT reply actions  

trainer
so whats with Reyes?
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Seems ok
They said they were talking to him between innings with the trainer.  He walked Freel, sent the trainer out, Reyes said he was fine. He then gave a fly out up to next batter and got Griffey to ground into a 3-6-3 DP.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

looks ok
started hatteberg with a 91 mph fastball; got him out with a 90 mpher . . .

by lboros on Aug 10, 2006 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

You guys ever heard of Anthony Reyes?
I hear he shaves with a rabid beaver and uses liquid hot magma for aftershave!
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 2:20 PM EDT reply actions  

Reyes
And his tears cure cancer.

Unfortunately he's never cried.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

trainer
TLR was probably worried about reyes because he is doing things like getting "strikeouts" and "flyouts". not a sign of good things for TLR.

by lopey986 on Aug 10, 2006 2:21 PM EDT reply actions  

Everybody throw your hats
its a hat trick. Good Jov Gary!

Oh wait! Wrong sport.

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 10, 2006 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Barry wants to talk to Reyes..
And Reyes keeps walking away..

I like to see Reyes with that mohawk down..he looks crazy with that haircut

by birdsonthehat on Aug 10, 2006 2:22 PM EDT reply actions  

Well...
at least he doesn't have corn rows....Arroyo=pansy.

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Reyes may be done
Pinch hitter on deck. No word if it's injury related or not -- he's at 81 pitches.

by jimstllax on Aug 10, 2006 2:23 PM EDT reply actions  

I know Marquis is pinch-hitting...
but does that mean he's coming in to pitch?

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

That wasn't a damn bit funny
"Do not speak of such things..."
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

I know Marquis is pinch-hitting...
but does that mean he's coming in to pitch?

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bennett
makes me appreciate Yadi, Einar Diaz, and Mike Mahoney so much more

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 2:23 PM EDT reply actions  

He did
foul one off that time.

by Intheway on Aug 10, 2006 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

At this rate
he'll put one in play sometime in extra innings.

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

To quote Harry Doyle:
"He's 0 for the century against this guy...but he does have several foul tips."

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Steve Stone could look at this same situation.....
pitcher has given up 2 hits no runs, but has had some baserunners:

Clemens:
"Clemens has shown why he is the best pitcher of his generation.  He's gotten himself out of jams and really has made very few mistakes, being almost dominant at times."

Anthony Reyes:
"Reyes has really been walking a tightrope out there.  If not for some flyouts that died and some strikeouts sprinkled here or there, he'd be in a lot of trouble."

LOVE IT!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 2:23 PM EDT reply actions  

good god
that really is his my space page...

i'm gonna look him up on facebook

by sjoshi on Aug 10, 2006 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

about me...
"i try to play baseball but i'm not very good"

so level-headed. it should read "i try to play baseball, im good when LaDunc don't screw with me"

by lopey986 on Aug 10, 2006 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

But he's in the Bull Durham mold
if he said what you say, he'd be considered an uppity young player with an attitude. He just has to thank god for the talent he was blessed with, and thank his teammates for playing a great game.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's cool
Birds on a Hat.  I was nervous clicking on the link.  I've seen some lame-o myspace pages out there.  

Here's Tyler Johnson's:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=4671207

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

my favorite books:
Juiced, by Jose Conseaco. The Mental Game Of baseball. I read a lot of tab books for guitar. The Websters Dictionary. The Interpretation of Dreams by Sigmund Freud.

by sjoshi on Aug 10, 2006 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

good to know
I already knew, but it is good to confirm that major league pitchers still score a fine piece of tail...I am assuming that the blonde is a "special friend"

by BigJawnMize on Aug 10, 2006 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Reyes pinch-hit for
I believe with that five innings of work he just said "Just try sending me down to Memphis now, bitches."

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Aug 10, 2006 2:28 PM EDT reply actions  

Why pinch hit Marquis
I know you may want to save the other guys for later, but is our bench so depleted, that you can't give a position guy a pinch hit? Maquis is hitting under 200 this year, Even Suppan is over .200, why doesn't he hit. Or maybe even Ponson, he was 3-13 this year. We could have kept him for his bat.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:29 PM EDT reply actions  

bench IS depleted
They sent JRod out for a pitcher went Looper got hurt.  Belliard got the day off against a righty and he's still nursing a tender hammy.  Rolen out with back spasms.

Bench at the start of the game:

Yadi
Belliard
Encarnacion

In a word: thin.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

oh good point
didn't know we were nursing injuries. But even then, just a pinch hit and sit down wouldn't be so bad right?

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

good call
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 2:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Not sure I get why Wainwright is in here
Wouldn't this be a better time for Thompson -- use him in the 6th and 7th with a five-run lead, save AW in case it gets closer?

What am I missing?

by tdawg on Aug 10, 2006 2:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe...
use wainwright, so it doesn't get closer...

Also maybe TLR came in here to wind down after last game and heard the complaints about using Flores instead of Wainwright. Plus with Wainy not being used yesterday he's fresh to go 2-3 innings.

It's probably none of these, and it's just rookie day at the ballpark. Like Senior Night in High school.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions  

Stretch him out!
In a daydreaming world, he'd pitch the remaining four innings and start stretching out toward a start.

Hey, I said I was daydreaming!

by Cardinal70 on Aug 10, 2006 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

with all the complaints about starters
that are definitely warranted, why would you want to remove the most stabilizing arm from the bullpen. I know he could be transformed into a great starter, but even if he went 5-6 for the first couple starts of QS ball, what happens when the bullpen blows it for him?

OTOH, I guess being in it early is better than blowing it in the first couple innings and only having the scrubs do mop up work in the bullpen.

Maybe Marquis is supposed to pitch badly so that the middle relief guys get some work in mop-up situations and that way we don't overtax Wainwright by having him pitch a lot in meaningful games...

Just some ideas.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Flipping
Would Marquis do OK out of the pen?  I'm not sure if he could be a force in short doses or not, since he tends to get lit up from the get go.  If so, though, you swap AW and him with improved rotation and not as much of a drop off in the pen.

by Cardinal70 on Aug 10, 2006 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

good idea...
but you're right, he does seem to have trouble settling in, and it always seemed to be him over-throwing the ball and getting the adrenaline out of his system. That wouldn't be a good mix for throwing out of the pen.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Except
That he'd pitch more often and not have the five days to get that mental headcase fried.  Plus the second outing in a row, he'd be pretty tired and hopefully have more sink.

I'm not advocating it, just thinking out loud.

by Cardinal70 on Aug 10, 2006 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why the hell not?
If the veterans on this team are contributing to all the moping and bad vibes in the clubhouse, let's make it rookie day!  Reyes, Wainwright, Duncan all know how to open a can too.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Aug 10, 2006 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

Rookie Day
All Cardinals with a year or less of major league experience get a free highlight!

by Cardinal70 on Aug 10, 2006 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

how's about
a free High Life. In fact make it a case or two for the two dingers.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why only 5 for Reyes?
Second smallest pitch count of the year for him with 81.

by trogdor on Aug 10, 2006 2:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Question
Anyone know if a doctor has to confirm an injury for an MLB player to go on a rehab assignment?

I was thinking that it's too bad Marquis problem doesn't have a physical root cause.  They could send him on a rehab to pull himself together without exposing him to waivers.

I'm guessing a medico has to sign off or teams would do this all the time.

Any chance we could get a psychiatrist to sign of that he needs a mental rehab?

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 2:35 PM EDT reply actions  

Couldn't they just
put him on the DL then rehab him as if he was injured and just have him throw on the side? Plus do they need to have a reason to send him down to AAA to work out some issues, or are there rules against it?

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions  

the way he has been pitching
i wouldn't be surprised to hear that he IS hurt.

by sjoshi on Aug 10, 2006 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

speaking of prior...
He's pitching a heck of a game in Milwaukee right now! 4 runs on 2 hits in the 1st inning! Wow! With an ace like that, who needs a bullpen?

by ArachNerd on Aug 10, 2006 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wow
not a bad inning for Wainwright. 3 Ks.

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 2:36 PM EDT reply actions  

Strikes out the side
Damn I like this kid...
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 2:37 PM EDT reply actions  

Blister
I'll bet Reyes was developing a blister.  If he was feeling pain in his shoulder or elbow, I don't think they'd leave him in to finish the inning.  

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 2:37 PM EDT reply actions  

Was the duncan line drive
as exciting as the red dot on gameday made it look?

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:41 PM EDT reply actions  

Kinda...
...the broadcasters made it seem like it would be a HR.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

it seems like every pitcher
has decided to pitch albert on the outside corner almost exclusively.  albert just doesn't want to swing at that pitch and so he's taking tons of early strikes out there and getting down in the count.  he's going to have to just start leaning over there and taking those first pitches to the opposite field,  until he starts doing that, they're just going to keep pitching him out there.  he's adjusted to that pitching strategy before - don't know why he seems to not want to now.    

by satori21 on Aug 10, 2006 2:44 PM EDT reply actions  

isn't his BA good
in all counts. I think near the end of the year last year I saw a breakdown of his BA by count, and all of them were .300+ I think.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

i agree
he is a very good 2 strike hitter compared to others and maybe I'm wrong because I don't have the statistic at hand but I would be very surprised to learn that his average is better when hitting with 2 strikes as opposed to hitting 2-0 for instance.  

by satori21 on Aug 10, 2006 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think
last year he hit more home runs in a 2-1 count than any other count. I was watching MLB extra innings religiously last year and remember them pointing to that count as his "power count"

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pujols career situational stats
according to Yahoo:

Count 0-0   .352 .389 .651 1.039  
Count 0-1   .376 .702 .702 1.078  
Count 0-2   .195 .210 .368 .578  
Count 1-0   .401 .414 .810 1.224  
Count 1-1   .389 .393 .807 1.200  
Count 1-2   .249 .253 .452 .705  
Count 2-0   .395 .408 .839 1.246  
Count 2-1   .434 .444 .694 1.138  
Count 2-2   .275 .278 .481 .759  
Count 3-0   .500 .937 1.042 1.978  
Count 3-1   .381 .718 .714 1.433  
Count 3-2   .304 .504 .621 1.125  

by satori21 on Aug 10, 2006 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions  

elbow issues?
maybe it would be rougher on his elbows?

I still think he's injured, he seems to be missing that swagger he had before he got injured.  Every time he loses that swagger, two weeks later you find out he's been injured the entire time.

by Cybit on Aug 10, 2006 2:46 PM EDT reply actions  

I'm at work and apologize for my lateness
What was the pitch count on Reyes when they yanked him?

by bgh on Aug 10, 2006 2:47 PM EDT reply actions  

81 for Reyes
120 total for Arroyo.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

FAAAAARRRNEYYY.....
FAAAARRRNNEEYYYY......FAAAARRNEYYY.....

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:49 PM EDT reply actions  

But,
the Reds DO have Isringhausen...er...wait...we have Izzy.....damn...whose team is he on these days?

j/k Izzy man crushers.

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

with the exception of last night
which was a team effort, Izzy had been scoreless for over a month. Why is is that people only remember the worst of a player unless he's named Pujols? I remember when the heat came down on Jason when he blew a save earlier in the year, and someone had to break up the hate fest with the reminder that he had just won reliever of the week right before that, and that he's been nearly unhittable over his last 10 outings. With the exception of two rough patches, he's been very solid this year.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

because
as true fans, we don't unite enough?  Perhaps if we did all unite, we could form some sort of True Fan Voltron.

J/K, I just saw your name and wanted to give you a little grief.

I know it's probably beause you're a huge fan of Tru Calling.

Ok, just joking again.  I've got to stop now.

by dontEATnachos on Aug 10, 2006 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

Voltrons ruled
but I was a bigger fan of Transformers. And it was actually based on Transformers. But great insite.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ah
I didn't even think about the Constructacons.  Combine to form Devastator!

by dontEATnachos on Aug 10, 2006 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

Boy, that brings back some memories
Let's not forget the Aerialbots and the Stunticons... :-)
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Voltron - LOL
And incidentally, Eliza Dushku is hotter than a Laredo parking lot in late July...
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

First, if you look you can see I was kidding
j/k = just kidding

Second, I know Izzy is good, but saving games for a team like the Cardinals is a great gig.  Fact is he's 34yrs old and he simply cannot get three outs in a row.  He has WAY too many saves where he just gets by with the hair on his a...chin (whatever).  I don't see any better options, but by no means have I felt comfortable with him saving games the past few years, and particularly in 2006.

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

True
He may not go 1-2-3 every time, but more times than not, he will get the job done.  Which is basically what they're paying him to do.  Who cares how he goes about it, just as long as he does it.  It could be worse, we could have Carmona of the Indians.......

by BigdJC on Aug 10, 2006 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions  

that's my point
he gets it done "sometimes".  As I said earlier, he's obviously our best option, but that still doesn't make him a great closer.  The fact is that Izzy's best years are probably behind him and he is blowing lots of saves this year.  I have always liked Izzy (he being a childhood Card fan) but he terrifies me out there.  His volecity is down, his command is down and his blown saves are up.  Any reliever can get the job done sometimes; I want a closer, someone that comes in and doesn't give up sh%t.  I know there are numbers showing he is effective, but how many times have we seen him just get by?  I have a constant picture of Izzy in my head.  Its one we have all seen too many times:  He just got the save and is reaching out to shake Molina's hand as he exhales DEEPLY then smiles.  As in, "holy crap...that was close...I almost blew it."  Izzy has had a great career as a closer, but to think that he is dominating hitters this year is putting your head in the sand.  What, he almost had a scoreless month?  Well...that's what closers are supposed to do; not let the other guys score.  I don't have the numbers, but I'm guessing his 'scoreless month' was when the Cards were slumping badly.  Pretty easy to not allow runs when there are no leads for you to preserve.  

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

fair enough
but before last night, the ERA had dropped down below 3, which considering the rough early season, was quite a feat. He was having trouble with the Cutter, but it seems he's worked out most of his problems. Perhaps last nights save was because he is rusty. The team hasn't gotten him much work, and maybe he's losing his edge a bit.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed
All good points that can silence many of the Izzy nay sayers.  He did start off rough and has gotten better, but IMO he just didn't get enough better.  He has enjoyed some success this year with the re-emergence of his cutter as you pointed out, but again (I know I'm beating this to death) the very fact that we are having this debate says that he's not what he used to be or that something isn't clicking.  Maybe it's what you said; his lack of regular work, or maybe it's this alleged 'clubhouse attitude' leching on to him.  Regardless, I've always liked Izzy (still do) but he makes me nervous.  Like Julian Tavarez nervous.  I think a lot of teams would love to have Izzy as their closer, but how many of those teams will be in the playoffs this year?  

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

That's cold
He just stepped in when Wickman was traded because the Indians were sellers. Carmona is not the future, and I think he was originally supposed to be a starter for them.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

allowed to be frustrated
he's a frustrating pitcher and he's near the top of the league in blown saves this season. Plus we were playing the second place team in the league, trying to get a win for our club ace.

as someone else said: it wasn't the HR that bothered me, it was the walk on 4 straight pitches right before the HR.

by effin fisk on Aug 10, 2006 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions  

what is your lunch done
from the microwave? Oh wait nvm, I get it.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions  

Okay...
What's up with Adam? Isn't he conditioned to pitch the 7th inning?

by ArachNerd on Aug 10, 2006 2:54 PM EDT reply actions  

Trial by fire
For the Wainer.
Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 2:55 PM EDT reply actions  

And
He passes. Great job, Wainer.
Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions  

haha
wainer...

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bennett...
going for the golden sombero this inning.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 2:58 PM EDT reply actions  

thought Taguchi
would have forgot which base to run to there on that hit

by Poooo Daddy on Aug 10, 2006 2:59 PM EDT reply actions  

Miles should...
... bunt him over so he's in scoring position for the pinch hitter following Bennett's K.

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 3:01 PM EDT reply actions  

BUNT
Please dont even swing once. Gary just BUNT every pitch
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:02 PM EDT reply actions  

batting .193
Is there really no one better to backup Molina?

by dccardsfan on Aug 10, 2006 3:03 PM EDT reply actions  

At least
he made contact...
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Wow
he got the bat out there. What a liability we have in back up catcher.

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 3:04 PM EDT reply actions  

It's sad when Molina is on the bench
and we are missing him because of his offensive production...
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

Farney
I disagree... The word of the day is Farney
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:05 PM EDT reply actions  

Hrabowsky is such a joke......
talking about how valuable Bennett is to the Cardinals, clubhouse, etc....

I'm sorry--maybe Bennett is the nicest guy ever, but at a certain point (below .200 BA, .260s OBP, no real indication that he significantly helps our pitching numbers) doesn't production matter?

Hrabowsky is about as lame a broadcaster as there is....I've seen most because I have the MLB package and he is at the bottom.

by stanchar @ Viva El Birdos on Aug 10, 2006 3:05 PM EDT reply actions  

If only they'd give me a shot
I'd show them how low it can get.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

who cares
he's a backup catcher.  If you're gonna have a guy batting under 200 he might as well be your backup catcher.  He's a good clubhouse and bench guy.. he's always into the game unlike some bench guys who pout in the corner all game long.

Have we forgot that the catchers main duty is to CATCH... no hit.

by stltrav09 on Aug 10, 2006 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

I'll take him
over both of the White Sox guys. Ugh.

by dayimetmusial on Aug 10, 2006 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

I can't believe
a 5-1 lead doesn't feel safe at all. I count on at least a run with Flores coming in and possibly more.

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 3:07 PM EDT reply actions  

no matter what happens
Flores is only in for one batter, so unless Dunn hits a homer...

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

10 k's
I am glad to see we make a lot of contact
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:08 PM EDT reply actions  

we got them for 8 already
and we'll get at least one more in the next inning if not 2.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions  

What a joke
and I know stats say one thing but isn't this two days in a row where the whole lefty-lefty things has blown up in our face? How long til we decide Flores just isn't very good?

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 3:11 PM EDT reply actions  

in his defense
I think someone said that Dunn hits lefties pretty good, but usually the lefty matchup works out, especially against the long swinging lefties like Griffey.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

The problem is
that the lefty-lefty matchup seems to work in the hitter's favor more often than not against suck-job flores.

by sdesserman on Aug 10, 2006 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

I love the guy...
really I do.  But that's the third time this year I've heard John Rooney call a HR that wasn't.

Kinda sloppy.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 3:11 PM EDT reply actions  

Damn
You Adam Dunn. We need a good LOOGY.
Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 3:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Good start for Flores
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 3:12 PM EDT reply actions  

baby face
I am glad to see that baby face has come in. He has done real good down here in memphrica
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:13 PM EDT reply actions  

ok...
our lefties arent that good.

by stltrav09 on Aug 10, 2006 3:13 PM EDT reply actions  

Hate to repeat myself
But wouldn't we feel better if Wainwright were starting the 8th.  Don't we have "middle" relievers who are supposed to pitch the "middle" of the game?

by tdawg on Aug 10, 2006 3:14 PM EDT reply actions  

I sure would
And I actually like Thompson. Wainwright is the middle guy though.

by fuegophil on Aug 10, 2006 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Fine with me
If Thompson comes in and makes me look like an idiot.  I was pretty sure Flores wasn't going to . . .

by tdawg on Aug 10, 2006 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Atta boy BT
Welcome back...
"The Human Torch was denied a bank loan."

by iron duke75 on Aug 10, 2006 3:15 PM EDT reply actions  

So we sent down Thompson to
condition him as a starter, and this is what we do with him?

And boy that DP looked good.

by Intheway on Aug 10, 2006 3:15 PM EDT reply actions  

My understanding...
... was that they had him starting in Memphis to give him more innings to work through his mechanical issues, not so much to condition him for starting.

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

nope
the innings he got as a starter gave him an opportunity to get more work in, to hone all of his pitches.  and apparently, it was successful.

by sjoshi on Aug 10, 2006 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

smooth
that has been brad ever since he came down. Nice job
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:15 PM EDT reply actions  

Where
Have you been Brad Thompson?
Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 3:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Flores
I think he still has options so we can just send him down to Memphis
"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Aug 10, 2006 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

We only have so many pitchers.....
And his numbers for the role we're supposed to use him in are pretty good.

by sdrone on Aug 10, 2006 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

That walk sucks
not going to be easy from here on out for our staff.

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 3:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Uh...
Was Brad pounding Ross high & inside as much as it looked on Gameday?

by ArachNerd on Aug 10, 2006 3:20 PM EDT reply actions  

We can get some runs here
top of the line up, could get some more insurance

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 3:20 PM EDT reply actions  

It would be real nice
to have a guy like Cormier right now.

by stltrav09 on Aug 10, 2006 3:21 PM EDT reply actions  

tough walk
It was bad to see a walk, but that was a hard AB. I still think baby face looked good, better then most as of late
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:21 PM EDT reply actions  

Eckstein
his July was awful (.234, .281 OBP).  But since a 4-hit game on July 14th at LA he is hitting .192 in 98 AB's.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 3:23 PM EDT reply actions  

Eck's been bad
since his concussion hasn't he?

by fuegophil on Aug 10, 2006 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

yup
He's been really bad.

meat

youneverknow

by meat on Aug 10, 2006 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

WoooHoooo!!!
Thank god we don't have Shawn Green

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 3:25 PM EDT reply actions  

way to go duncan!!
nice day for the pitching coach's osn
hit em where they aint

by thefordhamflash on Aug 10, 2006 3:25 PM EDT reply actions  

Anyone know anything about this Duncan kid?
I hear he's the coaches son or something.  Seems like he can play some ball.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 3:25 PM EDT reply actions  

thank god his dad didn't coach his hitting
I don't like the idea of a hit to contact. Duncan's flyball/groundball ratio is great.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Jeez...
...I think Dunc might just be fo' real, as the kids say...

by glennrwordman on Aug 10, 2006 3:25 PM EDT reply actions  

again and again
YES Dunc atta boy
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:26 PM EDT reply actions  

Maybe...
... we DON'T need a guy like Cormier.

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 3:26 PM EDT reply actions  

he only gave up one run..
which is a lot better than our lefties have done lately.

by stltrav09 on Aug 10, 2006 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions  

Being Led To Victory
By the rookies. I love it.

Man crush, Young Dunc. Man crush.

Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 3:27 PM EDT reply actions  

lil' dunc
who knew a half a tin of copenhagen was a performance enhancing drug?  

GET ON THE DIP, ALBERT!!!!!!

by sjoshi on Aug 10, 2006 3:28 PM EDT reply actions  

He was chewing bubble gum there...
...before the break.  Maybe he's switched.

As Ricky Bobby says:
"If you don't chew Big Red, then F*** you!"

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

137 AB, 10 HR
Not quite Ruth, but not too shabby.

by BTown Birds fan on Aug 10, 2006 3:28 PM EDT reply actions  

i'm LOVING duncan
in the 2-spot.  if eck could start getting on base again, our line-up will down right scary.  duncan is looking more and more comfortable at the plate as time goes on.

by stlspecialsauce on Aug 10, 2006 3:28 PM EDT reply actions  

what happened
was that a hard liner like cameday said, or did Jimmy just have a shitty out to first
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:28 PM EDT reply actions  

both
Pujols and Jimmy's outs were ripped right at 'em.

by stash3630 on Aug 10, 2006 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Reyes has had terrible luck with umpires
Posted this elsewhere but look at this:

Date/Walks/Umpire/Walk rank/BB/9
5/20- 1 Marsh (70/82) 3.78
5/30- 1 Drake (56/82) 3.51
6/22- 0 Young (13/82) 2.87
6/27- 4 Davis (71/82) 3.78
7/3- 3 Guccione (59/82) 3.54
7/8- 3 Kulpa (43/82) 3.29
7/16- 1 Guccione (59/82) 3.54
7/24- 1 Cuzzi (6/82) 2.72
7/29- 5 Wegnar (63/82) 3.57
8/5- 3 Schrieber (61/82) 3.60

he's only drawn Two umpires in the top 50% in BB/9. Might have something to do with it. reyes has only worked to two of the top 41. Everyone else, save for Kulpa, seems to have a pretty narrow strike zone. I just found that interesting.

by Mike1312 on Aug 10, 2006 3:29 PM EDT reply actions  

i'm sure part of that
is being a rookie.  not gonna get the benefit of the doubt on close calls the first time around.

by sjoshi on Aug 10, 2006 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nope
Those are the umpires hes drawn behind the plate and their ranks for every game they've umped.  Those numbers have nothing t do with him personally.

by Mike1312 on Aug 10, 2006 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions  

Thanks
I like to hear that. At least they are having good outs if that is at all possible
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Baby face
Baby Face Baby Face
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:33 PM EDT reply actions  

yes
Start the chant
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions  

I love the shot of Tony in the dugout...
.."For Christ's sake, we're up by 5 runs!"

As Baby Face is pissing around out there.

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 3:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Nice
Good win. Way to go youngsters.
Cheers, Alex Fritz

by Alxfritz on Aug 10, 2006 3:35 PM EDT reply actions  

Forget yesterday!
Todays win was VERY satisfying!!  

Time to celebrate by downing some ice cold Bud Lights tonight!!

by stltrav09 on Aug 10, 2006 3:36 PM EDT reply actions  

Why the love for Wayne K, Red GM?
He's made A LOT of moves (only 14 opening day players still on the roster) but what has it gotten them?  They haven't overtaken the Cardinals, I don't believe that they are playing better baseball than they were in May.  All he has done was make a lot of noise with out alot of fire, am I correct?

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 10, 2006 3:38 PM EDT reply actions  

moral victories
look if you're a reds fan, wayne k has given you hope that the organization at least is "trying" to win and that in itself is a big deal for fans.  i don't think the reds will catch us, but it's huge for them psychologically to even be in this thing this late in the season.  so as a general baseball fan, i'm happy for reds' fans.

by stlspecialsauce on Aug 10, 2006 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions  

time will tell
you can't judge a trade in 3 1/2 weeks' time. he's made 5 or 6 trades in that interval.

by lboros on Aug 10, 2006 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, but would you be fine
with a dumb trade like Kearns just because the GM's "trying" to do something. You can try till the cows come home, but I'd be much more pissed if the Cards did what the Reds have done. I'd rather they sit on their hands and wait for a better time to upgrade (offseason.) I know they didn't move last offseason so they could at the deadline, but there were no real upgrades within their reach.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

the cards and reds are in very different positions
the cards have been the top-dawgs for a long time, while the reds have been crap.  so of course if the cards traded away a young cheap productive hitter like kearns for questionable relief, i'd be pissed.  i'm just saying for the reds, they have to develop the culture of winning that we have in st. louis and that takes time, but it starts with the fans believing in the front office.

by stlspecialsauce on Aug 10, 2006 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

IMHO
Austin Kearns, Ryan Wagner, and Felipe Lopez for:

Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, Royce Clayton, and Brendan Harris.

We've all been assuming, that the Reds were trying to make a move that made them competitive for this year. Picking up Clayton is worse than not having him as part of the deal IMHO. Majewski's on his way down this season. After a decent start, he had an 8.03 ERA in July and is following it up with a gang-busters 11.25 so far in August. Harris has never lived up to his top ten prospect status of 2005 and who is .210 career over 44 ML games over what is now 3 separate years.

I honestly don't know much about Bray, so maybe he is worth Kearns and Lopez and is the saviour of the bullpen, but I don't see how one top pitching prospect of the future is worth a relatively cheap outfielder who is at least above league average and a SS in Lopez who had a breakout year last year and although going through a slump this year, could have been the future at SS for them. Maybe I'm overrating Kearns and Lopez, or underating what they got, but I remember Reds fans were not very happy as well. If the move was to make them better for this year, it doesn't seem smart. If the move was to build for the future, then maybe its better, but it's relying on unproven rookies for this year to try and beat STL. Doesn't seem that bright IMO. Plus I have not heard one person praise this as a good trade. I'm willing to listen, but I just don't see it.

by trufansunite on Aug 10, 2006 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

might look like a bad trade
on the surface. but so did wilkerson for soriano; so did wily mo for arroyo. those trades were also widely labeled dumb at the time; they worked out better (for the nats and the reds) than many people predicted.

some considerations: felipe lopez is a terrible fielder and an overrated hitter who is heading into his arbitration years, during which he will be overpaid; not much of a market for a player like that. meanwhile, the market for relievers like majewski is cookin -- teams have to pay guys like that $4m a year for 3 years (viz. howry and looper and farnsworth et al), while krivsky will be paying majewski the minimum. if majewski comes back healthy next season, he'll be a much better value (ie, performance per salary) than lopez, imho.

that leaves kearnes and wagner for bray, clayton, harris and the a-ball pitcher; --- essentially, kearnes for bray. that's a roll of the dice by krivsky --- he's betting on bray's very high upside, hoping bray will become a cheap closer (a la k-rod or lidge or huston street) and provide a huge value gain to the reds for quite a number of years. krivsky did give up a fine player in kearnes, but a) he has a ready replacement in freel, who is a better value (not as good as kearnes, but much much cheaper) and moreover b) he understands that the reds need good pitchers more than they need another good hitter, if they're going to become year-in year-out contenders.

all trades carry risk; krivsky took more risk here than most gms are willing to take in this era. but there's a difference between "risky" and "dumb." krivsky has a reasonable chance to come out ahead on this deal, imho

by lboros on Aug 10, 2006 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions  

I like your last paragraph...
best, I'll go with the much less disrespectful term of it being a risky trade, and IMO, a little more risky that I would take. But I guess I'm in the STL management mold. It could payoff big for him, and the future of the Reds, or it could hurt him this year, but still be ok for the future, so I guess in that sense, it's not horribly risky.

by trufansunite on Aug 11, 2006 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

good game
I guess i should get back to work now, but...naaaa
Play hard, play to win, but make it fun!

by Edmonds is baseball on Aug 10, 2006 3:40 PM EDT reply actions  

Yea,
good win, nothing settled between us and the reds, but 2-2 isn't bad for a big series. Too bad we couldn't get the win yesterday since we hit well enough to win. That's baseball though. Hopefully we can take away from this series that we are the best team in the division. Hopefully, we also learned that Jason Marquis sucks. I know he's taught us that lesson a lot this year.

by Brownale on Aug 10, 2006 3:42 PM EDT reply actions  

It's funny...
... going into this series, I told myself I'd be happy with a sweep.  Now, I can't help but look at last night's game as a missed opportunity to do better than holding ground.

Sigh.  Never satisfied.

Still. Great win today.  Good to see Reyes and Duncan lead the way.

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 3:44 PM EDT reply actions  

Whoops!
That should read, "...I'd be happy with a split."   Of course I would have been happy with a sweep... assuming it was ours.  Sheesh.  Where's that editor when you need him?!?!

by punditmoi on Aug 10, 2006 3:45 PM EDT reply actions  

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