World Series Game 3 postgame

Great game

And complete lack of pine tar. Very refreshing to see a game won on the fundamentals (and opposing team boo boos)

I'm going to my happy place now.

by RosevilleRedbird on Oct 24, 2006 11:51 PM EDT reply actions

we win the next two at home

we better! Nothing like a WS win at home!

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
Evident the Wash, Mr. Rogers

by cardsfan84 on Oct 24, 2006 11:52 PM EDT reply actions

Good win

Aside from Belli (whom I still love) I got no grievances.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Oct 24, 2006 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

what happened to the fro?

i guess i can't be belliard for halloween anymore

get up baby, get up

by jimmybaseball42 on Oct 24, 2006 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

i'll take the tigers

giving us runs all series long, i think the playoff inexperience is coming into play, and will continue to now that they have their backs against the wall

let's give it up to our pitchers and dunc for the approach they have taken to the tigers hitters this series, keep playing off their strengths and keeping them off balance while not allowing them to get their arms extended

i think this game showed us how much these guys hate to be picthed inside on

get up baby, get up

by jimmybaseball42 on Oct 24, 2006 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

I always thought they had it in em...

Go BIRDS!!

they are making me proud!

by birdsonthehat on Oct 24, 2006 11:55 PM EDT reply actions

The Cardinals so far

have been very reminscient of the 2005 Cardinals, who lacked a lot of punch, but pitched extremely well. I'll take it!

by ryanisforever on Oct 24, 2006 11:55 PM EDT reply actions

Lessons learned

Carp is a master
Getting the top of the order on base pays off
Zumaya is plenty fast, but he can beat himself.
There's no place like home.

by madridbend on Oct 24, 2006 11:56 PM EDT reply actions

It doesn't matter if you throw 83 or 103...

when you can't find the strike zone.

Obsessions of a Cardinal Fan
Redbirds Fun

by Quietude on Oct 24, 2006 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

or 3rd base

by kindred on Oct 25, 2006 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions

...and once again...

...I missed all but the last two pitches--and the Cardinals win.

I promise to miss the rest of the series until the Cardinals win four. Uncanny, I tell ya'. (I've been able to watch the entirety of only five games--all the losses. Freakish).

Will some one get me the DVD when it's over?

by glennrwordman on Oct 24, 2006 11:56 PM EDT reply actions

The DVD set of this series

will come out in March, like every year.

I mean, I'll have them all on DVD but more than likely, if we win this series, the DVD set will be all WS games and Game 7 of the NLCS.

What I also hope for is All 7 Games of the 1968 WS. MLB has already shown the video of Games 1 and Game 7 on their website/DVDs.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 24, 2006 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I was proud to hear...

Ernie Hays playing "Here Comes the King" in the background when ESPN went to the Baseball Tonight guys after the game.

Oh, yeah, and I was proud to see another win.

2 down, 2 to go.

Obsessions of a Cardinal Fan
Redbirds Fun

by Quietude on Oct 24, 2006 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

lineup

eck
dunc
puj
rolen
jim
speeze
belli
yadi
sup

2morrow

by cjwest20 on Oct 24, 2006 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

I'd pay good money

to see that lineup.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 24, 2006 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

It's the World Series.

I'd pay good money to see Albert Pujols and 8 circus midgets in uniform, much less that lineup.

Obsessions of a Cardinal Fan
Redbirds Fun

by Quietude on Oct 25, 2006 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

flip jimmy and rolen

for the righty

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

and I'd be surprised to see

Speezio AND Duncan on the field at the same time. defense wise it's not an optimal arrangement and TLR does love his defense.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Soup's a ground-ball pitcher...

so having "Soul Patch of Doom" in LF and Young Dunc in RF isn't inconceivable...

If that makes ya too nervous, howsabout letting P-Dub play RF tomorrow night?

"A man should live forever, or die trying." -- Mike Callahan

by The Ol Goaler on Oct 25, 2006 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

doesn't make me nervous

but I just don't see TLR doing that. At least not post-season TLR who has been an entirely different manager imo from regular season TLR.

I'd rather see JRod than Spiezio but if Duncan is in the game, I'm ok with whoever TLR wants in the other corner outfield spot.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions

It seems..

..like Supp was getting lots of pop-ups vs. the mets.

by cardsfaninmass on Oct 25, 2006 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Miles

is 3-6 w/ a homer vs. Bonderman. Belly is 3-21. Bonderman's splits lefty vs. righty are very different, over a .200 point difference in OPS for lefties vs. righties. I think there's a good chance we see Miles instead of Belly tomorrow.

by chuckb on Oct 25, 2006 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

j-rod

I wouldn't mind j-rod over speeze there.

by DuncanDipper on Oct 25, 2006 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I think we see Miles

and I want SO in the outfield. He saved 3 hits tonight - you can't have Seeze and Dunc diving all over the place, leaving JEd to clean up their misses.

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions

just speculation

by cjwest20 on Oct 24, 2006 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

looks like the best idea to me

by nycbirdo on Oct 25, 2006 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions

After tonight

the Tigers have to be thinking that they need to win the next 3 in a row to avoid seeing Carp again. Tomorrow is such an important game. A win guarantees that, at worst, we'll get a 2nd start from Carp.

by chuckb on Oct 25, 2006 12:06 AM EDT reply actions

Soup for Tomorrow

Just to point out. I love the fact that after Carp kept the Kitty Cats off balance with his fastball and curve, they now have to face Soup with his upper 80's fastball and his offspeed stuff. Should be a good game. Go Cards!

by bsutherland on Oct 25, 2006 12:06 AM EDT reply actions

Boy, how impressive were the

Detroit relievers tonight? Those guys can throw heat! Did you see Miner tie Pujols up on those two inside pitches? That was awesome! You know he would have struck him out if he hadn't hit him with a pitch. And how about that Zumaya? He was throwing 100mph all night.

And let's not forget Robertson. What a job getting out of the 4th inning with only two runs scored! You know if the Tigers hadn't failed to hit that Cards starter, Robertson's heroic performance in the 4th could have had huge implications. I guess whatever Kenny Rogers has must be rubbing off on the rest of the staff!

Wow! Just Wow!

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 12:15 AM EDT reply actions

Who says irony is dead....

Wow. Love your post.

Of course, the truth is that I'd love for the Cards to have some of Detroit's fireballers, but I doubt they'd pitch much for LaDunc until they get that control thing worked out.

by madridbend on Oct 25, 2006 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I love Chris Carpenter

Amazing, dominant performance in a game that we really needed. And I admit, although I came into the Series believing that the Tigers had the best shot at the big time, I am honestly starting to think that this Cardinals team (and never did I think that I would see the words "scrappy underdog" attached to my beloved powerhouse 105-win Redbirds) has the balls to go all the way. Just because nobody thinks they will.

Then again, 105 wins got us a sweep at the hands of the "Idiots." Everybody keeps underestimating us, and we keep winning. I don't know for sure, but I'm feeling this whole "Hunt for Red October" thing... and I would go insane if it actually happened. In a good way.

Everything depended on Game 3, now everything depends on whether Supp can go out and match what our amazing ace just did. There is a lot of difference between 3-1 and 2-2. And to open Game 5 with a chance to win the whole damn thing at home... that would be beyond belief.

GO CARDINALS!!!!

I have a serious, serious Adam Wainwright addiction. Is there a 12-step group for loving 6'7" rookie relievers to death?

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Oct 25, 2006 12:16 AM EDT reply actions

Jimmy's press conference

"I knew it might be one of the last times I played here."

That just takes all the joy out of this win. I'd love to win a series with him, but I want him back on this team next year so bad. I know he's not 2004 Jimmy, but he's still my fav.

by effin fisk on Oct 25, 2006 12:17 AM EDT reply actions

GOD...

i hope they bring him back...he's actually my favorite player of all time (keep in mind i'm only 22)

by Matty I on Oct 25, 2006 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

and...

he's again proving that he's a BIG game player!!!

Here's to bring back Hollywood Edmonds!!!!

CHEERS!!!!!

by Matty I on Oct 25, 2006 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

The only way

Edmonds isn't a cardinal next year is if he retires in my opinion. The man is hurtin...

by El Hombre on Oct 25, 2006 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

He's my fav too

I hated to see Matty Mo go, and I'd REALLY hate to see JEd go.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
Evident the Wash, Mr. Rogers

by cardsfan84 on Oct 25, 2006 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

he's certainly seemed to have shaken off

that post-concussion syndrome. It still looks like he has some good ball left to contribute and with his defense I'm not sure who on the FA market could be worth what his option is to us. I'd still like to see us renegotiate it into a 2 year deal say 15 million over the next two years. At least keep him around long enough to let Rasmus progress.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions

I was wrong

Leyland gave up the rook, said "he made a bad fundamental play"
Gave Carp credit, but said "we've got some guys not swingin the bat real good"

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 12:19 AM EDT reply actions

FINALLY!!!!

ESPN said the Cards' two win weren't ALL due to the layoff -- they were ALSO due to the WEATHER b/c it's been so cold.

I swear, we win the series 4-1 and they are STILL gonna say that Detroit's "still in it"

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 12:21 AM EDT reply actions

Just goes to show you ...

Unless you cheat, it's just IMPOSSIBLE to get a good enough grip on the ball to throw a good breaking pitch when it's this cold!!!

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 12:24 AM EDT reply actions

The Sea of red did get some love from Brantley

All hail the green rally cap!

by tudor rooter on Oct 25, 2006 12:25 AM EDT reply actions

LOL

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 12:28 AM EDT reply actions

McCrae calls out Kenny??

ESPN says that Big Hal claimed Rogers was "scuffing up" the ball

That's a MUCH bigger deal, if true

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 12:32 AM EDT reply actions

I thought

the Rogers crap had been put to bed...

And, btw..JEd was talking about the end of the regular season when he said he "thought" it would be the last time he played in Busch.

by cardsrul on Oct 25, 2006 12:34 AM EDT reply actions

Neyer:

"Carp was OK, but the Tigers are doing it to themselves - just won't take a strike."

Carp threw about 70 strikes on 82 pitches. What walks?

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 12:36 AM EDT reply actions

Well,

Carp threw 82 pitches, out of which 55 were strikes.

If the Cards end up winning this thing, you just know the pundits are going to talk about how the inexperienced Tigers LOST the World Series, rather than how the Cardinals won. After all-weren't the Tigers supposed to steamroll the NL winner?

Which goes to show-that's why they play the game. We're up 2-1. We've played well, and are getting contributions from all over. It's wonderful.

by matt reeder on Oct 25, 2006 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions

let em talk

if STL comes out of this win a title, i really won't give two craps what anyone says about how it happened.

2 more!

Pujols For MVP!

by TheFranchise9 on Oct 25, 2006 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions

no 3-ball counts

carp didnt go to 3 balls in a count all night...kinda doesnt leave the tigers much choice but to swing away. awesome outing by our ace!

Go Cards!

Pujols For MVP!

by TheFranchise9 on Oct 25, 2006 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Wait-

Are we really up 2-1 in the World Series on the heavily-favored Tigers?

Honestly, it really hasn't sunk in yet.

What a wonderful feeling.

by matt reeder on Oct 25, 2006 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

Law posted what is easily

his most cogent and respectful article of the postseason thus far. I've been up and down on his analysis because he seems to lay far to much blame on hitters in games where Suppan has been good and pitched beyond his abilities. But tonights article was a really good wrap up. I like our chances against Bonderman (we roughed up Verlander) more than Law but still - good read.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

law

he was on espnews yesterday and didnt seem at all like the guy who had been writing those insider articles, he made very good points, didnt seem to be favoring either team in his comments, and he also said that was basically a live blog he was doing in the series, so maybe that is why it seems different than previous articles

by bigcardsfan5 on Oct 25, 2006 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Maybe after getting torched

by AlxFritz earlier this week, Keith realized that he was being a bit of a turd, and decided to reel it in some...

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions

Simulator correctly picks Cards to win again

The Simulator at Dodger Sims gave the Cardinals over a 60% win expectancy in tonight's game. Sites like Baseball Prospectus and their log5 method to predict game winners gave the Tigers about a 53% chance to win. I am going to run the numbers for Game #4 tonight and will post the results or you can check on them later.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 25, 2006 12:52 AM EDT reply actions

Big fact

Cards are into the Tigers' bullpen for NINE innings in THREE games. If Bonderman comes up short tomorrow (Thurs, actually) then the Tigs could start unraveling in a hurry.

Keys to the series
Good D (check)
Big games from Carp (check)
Win a "surprise" game (check)
Get into their Pen early (check)

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 12:55 AM EDT reply actions

media

let them say what they want the cards have won 2 Id like to see a win from soup but media hype makes me nervous

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Oct 25, 2006 1:01 AM EDT reply actions

hey folks

Liam discovered another rule which has been broken.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
Evident the Wash, Mr. Rogers

by cardsfan84 on Oct 25, 2006 1:04 AM EDT reply actions

That's nuts

how did baseball miss that?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 25, 2006 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

good question

I'm asking myself the same thing.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
Evident the Wash, Mr. Rogers

by cardsfan84 on Oct 25, 2006 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Better yet

Minute Maid is only 315 down the left field line.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 25, 2006 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions

tell Liam that

I'm sure he'll add it on to the post as an edit, or comment over there.

It's amazing how the stadiums got approved.

Is LF at MM the one with the cheap porch?

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
Evident the Wash, Mr. Rogers

by cardsfan84 on Oct 25, 2006 1:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I went through and looked

and not counting the minimum 400 to CF (which it seems many are breaking), PNC, PETCO, Minute Maid, Camden Yards and AT&T all break the rule.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 25, 2006 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions

Fenway's...

only 310' (actually about 308') to the Monster.

It's not a huge deal.

Obsessions of a Cardinal Fan
Redbirds Fun

by Quietude on Oct 25, 2006 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Well

Fenway was built before 1958.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 25, 2006 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

It can be waived

by the commish office. I saw a report on that earlier this summer, and basically if MLB thinks that having a heightened wall (ala Houston, San Fran, or Pitt) makes it comparable to other stadiums, they will waive the rule.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Oct 25, 2006 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Interesting

but why wouldn't they then put that in the rule book or change the rule book?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 25, 2006 1:47 AM EDT up reply actions

What would be the point?

Obviously the rulebook isn't that important these days...

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 1:58 AM EDT up reply actions

HA!

You're telling me....

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 25, 2006 2:03 AM EDT up reply actions

I've heard that next year the rulebooks

will be re-issued with pencils and erasers...

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 2:26 AM EDT up reply actions

While it's true that

every night it seems like we're trying to patch some hole in the lineup so that 4 or 5 k's or some misplayed balls in the outfield don't ruin the game, I have to say that Larussa's overall method of keeping almost the whole bench circulating through the lineup throughout the regular season and on into the postseason really seems like it's paying some dividends. That's underscored when you see Angel Infante (is that his name?) come up as a pinch-hitter for the Tigers and feel little to no fear, or when you realize there've been so few instances in the whole postseason where a bench guy from the other side (Nevin? gimpy Cliff Floyd? Piazza had a pinch AB) has really seemed like a big threat to change a game. You can argue that Larussa hasn't been quick enough to pull the PH trigger in several instances, but to have about 12 guys in there who could catch fire over the course of the series rather than riding the many cold bats Leyland has to ride out... that just seems like good season-long-and-into-postseason managing by TLR. Even if, yes, the need for platoons is brought on by a reluctance to spend another 10 or 15 million in payroll.

Here's to the Birds' starting 12!

by jfs on Oct 25, 2006 1:09 AM EDT reply actions

espn stat

1934, 1968, 2006 Game 1 winner: STL

1934, 1968, 2006 Game 2 winner: DET

1934, 1968, 2006 Game 3 winner: STL

The winner of Game 4 has gone on to lose the series. We'll break that curse this week.

Redbirds Fun
The Kentucky Democrat
Evident the Wash, Mr. Rogers

by cardsfan84 on Oct 25, 2006 1:11 AM EDT reply actions

This team has heart

This team had 83 wins all season long everyone counted them out this team has alot of heart. I.ve watched them play all year long and i know that when we.re on there is noone in baseball who can beat us.Hopefully we can keep this up and get a world championship i.ve been waiting years for this.Has anyone else noticed that whenever anyone on FOX or ESPN compliments the Cards they also put them down

by Calhoun on Oct 25, 2006 1:20 AM EDT reply actions

Its kind of sad

Its kind of sad that no matter who wins dumb analysts will make exscuses if the cards win it.ll be the the tigers rookies choked or they rested too long.If the tigers win it.ll be they cheated.

by Calhoun on Oct 25, 2006 1:27 AM EDT reply actions

missed the game, but

here in Hawai`i we tend to have to WORK through games. I left my classroom a couple times to 1) listen on the radio--Edmonds's hit! and 2) call my husband to get the score, as he was home. But we taped the game, so once the kids go to bed, we'll watch it, and without commercials.

aloha

by hawaiifan on Oct 25, 2006 1:29 AM EDT reply actions

every two strike count tonight on Detroit

turned into an out.

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 1:31 AM EDT reply actions

so yeah

i'll cry if the game rains out tomorrow.

by tnek5 on Oct 25, 2006 1:32 AM EDT reply actions

indeed

i.ll probaly break out crying if it rains out too

by Calhoun on Oct 25, 2006 1:39 AM EDT reply actions

Think About It This Way...

A rainout one means an extra day of rest in case Carpenter needs to pitch again...

Bench Juan Encarnacion!

by STLCardinalsFan on Oct 25, 2006 1:51 AM EDT reply actions

No...

I think they'll just play over the travel day and games 6 and 7 will happen on Saturday and Sunday as scheduled.

by guayzimi on Oct 25, 2006 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

yeah thats true but i dont think i can take it i wanna get this over with i wanna win already

by Calhoun on Oct 25, 2006 1:54 AM EDT reply actions

crazy game

Cards had eight walks (2 IBB) to the Tigers' none. Albert Pujols managed to have none. Free-swinging Preston Wilson had two.

The F-18s flew over about four bars too early in the National Anthem.

Carp threw 55/82, Looper 7/11 = 62/93. Cards pitchers faced 29 batters, 2 over the minimum--that's dominant. Holy shit. No walks, only 3 hits, and 1 DP = 29 batters.

FWIW Tigers threw 86/163 (Robertson was 54/93).

Somebody said Carp never even got to a 3-ball count which I can believe. When Carp was looked at on the mound by Weinberg, McCarver (who seems to be more informative than usual this year) pointed out that a crampy thumb means no curveballs for a while. Sure enough Carp didn't throw a curve that I saw until sometime in the 8th when he snapped a beauty (to Pudge I think) for a strike.

Cards are in the, er, catbird seat. They have won 9 of 14 in the postseason, they have four games to win two more....

by nota bene on Oct 25, 2006 1:54 AM EDT reply actions

Riden the Horse!

Cy Carp at his usual!
Rolen, Rolen, Rolen beside the River!Hoot!Hoot!Hoot!
Prince Albert, double and flashin leather!
JEd, enough said!!
So, will we see you again, I hope! D wins, again!
5 in 4, 8 in 5 and the tigers don't leave alive!
Preston Presto!

I think Leyland is protecting his pen! through the shuffel. Not letting the cards have to much of a peak. Afraid of the redbirds beak.

Waiter, I'll have soup and the desert, served by the lord of flatbill!

brought to you by the Zen Master and the Sophmore

by Southern Redbird on Oct 25, 2006 1:56 AM EDT reply actions

A rainout means Kenny Rogers could appear sooner

which is NOT a favorable development.

by Red in Chicago on Oct 25, 2006 1:57 AM EDT reply actions

how's this for a scenario?

Reyes pitches a no-no in Game 5 to win the WS and the MVP?

Even the radio and TV guys would have to credit that, wouldn't they? Or would it be: "Long Rest Holds Tigers to Minimum Appearances in Last Series Game"?

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 2:08 AM EDT reply actions

"The Cards rookie wasn't especially

sharp, issuing two walks over 9 innings. If the Tigers had managed to get a base hit, it would have likely gone ill for the inexperienced young hurler, who posted a losing record during the regular season."

"You're right Tim. And how about that Tigers bullpen?"

"Oh absolutely Joe, those guys were hitting 99 and 100 on the radar gun all night. That's impressive!"

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 2:34 AM EDT up reply actions

published anthology?

any talk about publishing the 2006 VEB boards? if the cards win or not, i think it would make an excellent historical.

The Cards at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas

by texbird on Oct 25, 2006 2:19 AM EDT reply actions

Awwwww! Cards are just a .500 team

Well, .500 will do just fine from here on out.

But, let's win tomorrow just to make a point!

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 2:19 AM EDT reply actions

Simulator says 52.21% chance Detroit wins Game 4

so it's nearly a tossup. The Simulation picked the Cardinals to win all of the first three games but is now giving the nod to the Tigers for the first time in Game 4. The simulation results can be found at Playoff Game Simulator. vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 25, 2006 2:27 AM EDT reply actions

parameters?

what lineup is he using?

The Cards at night, are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas

by texbird on Oct 25, 2006 2:29 AM EDT up reply actions

The cards lineup being used is...

the same as LaRussa used in Game #1 the last time the Cards faced a right handed pitcher. Small changes to the lineup don't have much effect. Especially if it is the difference between a Belliard or Miles, or Molina batting 7th or 8th.
1) Eckstein, 2) Duncan, 3) Pujols, 4) Edmonds, 5) Rolen, 6) Encarnacion, 7) Belliard, 8) Molina, 9) Suppan.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 25, 2006 2:43 AM EDT up reply actions

what is the simulation software's record for the

playoffs thus far?

Acquire Jason Schmidt!

by azruavatar on Oct 25, 2006 3:06 AM EDT up reply actions

Sim record

all the games are there for you to view and figure out it's record. It doesn't predict a winner or loser rather it gives a win expectancy based on the pythagorean win expectancy algorithm which is (1 / (((RS/RA)^2) + 1) where RS=runs scored and RA=runs against. 1,000 simulated games are run and the numbers are then plugged into the pythagorean formula. T The sim is pretty much predicting the Cardinals to win the W.S. It predicted...
The Cardinals to beat the Mets.
The Tigers to beat the A's.
The Cardinals and Padres to be even.
The Yankees to beat the Tigers.
The Mets to beat the Dodgers.
The A's to beat the Twins.
The Yankee/Tiger series is the only one it really failed on. vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 25, 2006 3:19 AM EDT up reply actions

correction...

part of that formula should read:
(RA/RS) not (RS/RA)
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 25, 2006 3:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I dunno Xei

You can be wrong on all the individual games and still get the winner of the series, which seems to be largely what your simulations show during the recent series.

I'm not saying it doesn't have some predictive value, but when you it says the Cards--on the road no less--hold a serious advantage starting "Scrapheap" Weaver vs. Kenny Rogers, I've got to doubt some of the inputs.

FWIW, I do think the Tigers will be tough tomorrow night, and that the Cards have a slightly better than even chance to win the thing.

by Red in Chicago on Oct 25, 2006 3:31 AM EDT reply actions

Scrapheap

it uses seasonal stats as input. Rogers has certainly got hot in the playoffs, I don't see how anybody, any computer or anything could have predicted his postseason hot streak. A look up and down the Tigers lineup and they really aren't that good offensively. They are pretty much a pitching dominant team. They bat their best hitter 5th, and bat Polanco 3rd. They bat one of their best hitters 7th and many of their hitters have very low on base percentages. The Cardinals do a much better job of getting on base and if they can pitch decently should have a better than 50/50 chance of winning the W.S. The Cardinals are in fact, a very very underrated team.
vr, Xei

by Xeifrank on Oct 25, 2006 4:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Both

the Tigers and Cards seem to lead their respective leagues in "warning track power." Ie. a lot of good, but not quite great hitters.

Along with pretty equal pitching staffs, this Series is coming down to which team is hotter over the next four games.

It's still nearly a toss up, but I like the Redbirds chances.

What a run!?!

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Oct 25, 2006 4:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually...

As an Mariners fan (with my NL team being the Cardinals), I'd say it's a combination of the Cardinals being slightly underrated and Detroit being massively, massively overrated. The whole 'Detroit in 3' sentiment that was going around was nothing short of insane.

Visiting from Lookout Landing

by Graham on Oct 25, 2006 6:26 AM EDT up reply actions

A MEMORY IN THE MAKING..

Its 4 am and im drinking a hot cup of coffee,smoking a marlboro and reading the sports page. Its allmost surreal to be reading about winning games in a world series!! I hope everyone sits back for 1 min. and just take a big freakin breath!! smell the roses! bright Cardinal red. i was 16 in 1982 and vagually remember that series but i do remember it. now 22 years later im watching another world series with my 14 year old daughter and its just fabolous!! not just cause were in it but we are having perhaps the most dominate world series pitching wise ever!! any way those are my musings so far. its been a great ride so far... lets saee far the boys can tace us. GO CARDS!!!!!

by CCERUTTI on Oct 25, 2006 3:55 AM EDT reply actions

Another observation................

Was just on the web site MLB.com Cris Carpenter gives a 9 min. interview to the media... he really makes me prpoud he pitches for our team -- classy guy. they ask him to explain what " cardinal baseball" is, he gives a great reply

one more thing--- Encarnacion does not make that catch in right field that Gooch makes!! what a job!! GO CARDS!!!

by CCERUTTI on Oct 25, 2006 4:37 AM EDT reply actions

That Keith Law dude.

I've been reading his stuff and despite his appearance on VEB which was slightly classy, I still despise him. I've written two posts about it on my blog:

http://bluntsbitchesandbaseball.blogspot.com/2006/10/open-letter-to-keith-law-go-fuck.html

and

http://bluntsbitchesandbaseball.blogspot.com/2006/10/assclown-strikes-again.html

I'm not usually so profane, but both were written in the heat of the angry moment. This guy is just too much. Do you think if the team put on Mets jerseys and some Jose Reyes masks that he would finally believe we can actually play baseball? Jerk.

by ers on Oct 25, 2006 6:14 AM EDT reply actions

Cards tomorrow

i love the SUPP!!!! cards will win tomorrow. my throw back poster from game three 87 is still in my window in Scottsdale AZ. WE will take it!!!!!!!!!!

by morelli64 on Oct 25, 2006 6:55 AM EDT reply actions

yep

yep i was six and on a japanese mag cover when i was seven holding that!!!! boys will come through

by morelli64 on Oct 25, 2006 6:56 AM EDT reply actions

Now That's How It's Done

Great pitching clinic put on by our resident Cy Young Carp. That was just a wonderful performance. Complete domination from his first pitch to his last. Awesome. Just flat out Awesome. I do not possess the vocab to give his performace its proper justice. The best I can do is say it was Gibson like. Being far to young to remember seeing Gibby in his prime I asked my dad how close to a Gibby played game it was. And his response on his computer was it was as close has he has ever seen. Just like Gibby except Gibby would have struck out more. Finished the game. And had a RBI or two. Other than that. It was dead on. And there is nothing I can add to it, or have said it better any other way. Carp was CY Young Carp tonight. And it was just like a throw back to the days of Gibby on the mound leading his Cardinals team to WS VICTORY.

Ok, that being said, I am really, really scared right now. I can't sleep. I am nervious as all get out. I am totally freaking out. Why? Well because I just don't belive what I am seeing. This cannot be the same team that lossed 7&8&8 games in a row being completly bulldozed over by their opponents. They are pitching like there is no tomorrow. A trait they only showed in early april and may. Their D is stellar. And although they are still lacking in driving in all the runs that they should, when it matters, they are still getting clutch hits that are producing game winning RBI's. So why am I so freaked out? Because I know, I just know that at any moment during a game, that team that got bulldozed in June will suddenly reappear and this great thing that we all are on the doorstep of will be ripped from our grasps. I fear the pitching will suddenly loose all of its control and start once again giving up home runs like pitchers do in BP. That the little clutch hitting they are getting will dissapear as fast as the Build-A-Bear FredBirds are off the shelves of Busch III. That are D will once again turn into something only those cursed souls that frequent wrigley field are accustomed to seeing. Fact is I have seen this team break my heart too many times before. The baseball gods, if there are any certanly can be fickle. And at any moment now it can and will all come crashing down like the beloved Busch II did late last year.

One of the main reasons I feel this way is because the tigers didnt almost win 100 games on accident. No, they pitched, hit and played stellar D most of the way over far better teams than our Cardinals. And they can, at any moment stop hitting .180 in this WS and once again start mashing the ball over the fences and threw the holes. And its not like the Cardinals are killing the ball. We are not even hittin above the Mendoza line. It can happen. And because it can I refuse to let myself get too high. I know what detroit is capable of. I know what our Cardinals are capable of. Most of all I know that what is happening before my eyes is just to perfect. Just to real to keep happeing. They just can't keep pitching so well can they? They have to stop scoring runs don't they? The tigers have to wake up soon don't they? And when they do watch out. It's going to get bloody ugly real fast.

But, BUT this can keep happening. The Cardinals can keep shutting down the tigers hitter. And the Cardinals can keep catching the ball and playing stellar D. And the Cardinals can keep scoring just enough to win ball games. They can because they have. So what I am just going to have to do is start enjoying this ride I am on because it can stop at any time, and my not come back for years if ever again. But I can't just yet. I am to freakin scarred.

SUP has to win tomorrow. He HAS to. If,and thats a big IF. If he can keep doing what he as done in the LCS, they should win tomorrow. But if he can't, and his control is off. It's going to be a long night. And bonderman can, and just might shut down are hitters. The pattern for this series is every other start the other teams pitcher does just that. Shuts down their opponents. If that happens, look out. It will get ugly in Busch III faster than it took that storm in July to knock power out of most of St. Louis.

The Cardinals have to keep the tigers from getting on base. They have to keep scoring just enough. And they have to keep playing stellar D. If they do that, we pop the corks thursday night. If not, we go back to detroit. And nobody around these parts wants to see that happen. So, if you can, keep making us all so very proud. And if at all possiable, do something great tomorrow night that will calm me down and let me get some sleep at night. Afterall, I can't go on getting 3 hours a sleep a night. Its just not healthy you know?

So guys, keep fighting the good fight.

Give'em hell.

Go down swinging.

And most of all,

GO CARDINALS

From THE MAN, to Gibby, to The Wizard, to Albert the Great. Cardinal Tradition lives on.

by gdm426 on Oct 25, 2006 7:13 AM EDT reply actions

Did anyone else see the fan

in the outfield with this sign?

That's good stuff. I saw the El Birdos sign somebody had, and Hardcore's signature sign. I was looking for the "I'm no gambler..." sign, but didn't see it...

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

by iron duke75 on Oct 25, 2006 8:39 AM EDT reply actions

But did anyone...

have an "Evident the Wash!" sign?

Obsessions of a Cardinal Fan
Redbirds Fun

by Quietude on Oct 25, 2006 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions

Another reason tonight is very important.

It's practically a must-win for the Tigers, but if they do win, they are in the driver's seat, with pitching advantages in 2 of the remaining 3 games (all 3 if we go with short rest for DreamWeaver, Carp, and Soup). Much like last night, it was nearly a must-win for the Cards b/c Carp was pitching, but since we won, we are in the driver's seat.

Tonight is important b/c if we are at 2-2, Tony might feel the need to bring back the three vets on short rest (a bad idea, regardless of the series). If we are up 3-1, I think he'll be much more likely to let Reyes throw, and then let Weaver and Carp throw on regular rest.

by OBPplusSLG on Oct 25, 2006 8:43 AM EDT reply actions

Experience, postseason, veterans

Pitching wins in the postseason. Duh. Have you guys noticed, that if any of our starting pitchers goes up and allows 5 ER in 5 innings, most of our postseason wins would most likely end up losses?

I'm just saying - the offense has -not- been stellar in this series so far, but the pitching has been LIGHTS OUT.

As good as Detroit's pitching has been, I REALLY do have to think their struggles are due to one primary thing: they're young, and not used to a full season of work, followed by more. The Cardinals (other than Reyes) are chock full of veterans at SP.

by SirVLCIV on Oct 25, 2006 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

I'm assuming it's a typo but,

the simulation (http://dodgersims.blogspot.com/) has the tigers scoring more runs but the birds winning the majority. Is that a typo or is it saying that the tigers have better odds to win a couple blowouts in the simulations therefore having an overall higher runs/game?

by toris34 on Oct 25, 2006 11:35 AM EDT reply actions

ahhh, World Series baseball

can't eat, can't sleep, can't work, can't stay home, puttin' the kids outside and tuckin' the dog into bed, I'M GOIN' FARGIN' NUTS!!!

I'm looking outside at a dull, dark grey sky and a radar with a giant green blob bearing down on Busch III. If Game 4 rains out, I may not live til Thursday night . . . can't take the delay.

Winning Game 3 was huge, but I can't even crack a smile. It's all or nothing in Game 4. If, WHEN Soup comes up big and we when, we're up 3-1 and need to win only one of Reyes, Weava and Carp

If we do that "other thing," we're in deep, deep do-do. Tied at 2-2, we have the Rook and 2 in Detroit to win 2 outta 3. I know the Cards can do that, but I don't think I can make. My heart'll give out. Plus, I'm deathly afraid TLR will panic and throw weava, carp and supp all on short rest - and I've spent my whole life watching Cards pitchers not named Gibson blow sky high in big games on short rest. Just doensn't work. But I don't think TLR will throw the kid with a chance to be down 2-3 going back to Detroit. So the BEST way to avert disaster, and maybe our LAST chance to keep command in this series is to TAKE IT TO EM TONIGHT!!!! (er, uh, I mean tomorrow night).

I stayed up all night trying to find a way that a rainout is good for us. Here's all I got: (1) it gives Detritus more time to obsess about the giant 0-34 in the middle of their lineup; and(2) it makes it somewhat more likely that, if we when the next game (whenever), that Leyland will make Kenny face the St. Louis crowd.

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

Rainout(s) and rotation(s)

Without a rainout, we have:

Wed Soup
Thurs Reyes
Fri -off-
Sat Weava (or Carp on 3 days)
Sun Carp

If it rains-out today, we have:

Wed -rain-
Thurs Soup
Fri Reyes/Weava, both full rest
Sat Weava/Reyes (or Carp on 3 days)
Sun Carp

So, I can't see that a rainout today makes a big deal -- except to my stomach, my job and my marriage -- though it could give TLR the opportunity to move Reyes back if he thinks the Rook doesn't need the added pressure of pitching at home (but, then, he'd be bucking Dream's home/road splits, but these I think are less meainingful in WS). But, if we have a chance to WIN it all at BuschIII, I can see TLR giving the ball to Weaver to spin a dream.

So, assuming we rainout today: I think TLR goes Weaver/Reyes if we're up 3-1, but Reyes/Weaver if we are tied 2-2.

Finally, what if we rain-out TWO DAYS (very possible):

Wed -rain-
Thurs -rain-
Fri Soup
Sat Reyes/Weava
Sun Weava/Reyes
Mon Carp

It looks to me that the analysis is the SAME as a 1-day rain-out. That is, if Soup WINS, then I think TLR throws Weava on Sat at home and Reyes/Carp on Sun/Mon, respectively. If Soup does that "other thing," then I think TLR throws the Rook at home on Sat and Weava/Carp on Sun/Mon at Detritus, respectively.

. . . and I'll be dead after back-to-back rainouts so I really don't care.

ps: if we play tonight and rain tomorrow out, all of the above holds, except we'll know the answer to whether we'll be (1) in GREAT shape, or (2) in BIG TROUBLE.

"Feel my ears, Mike!" -- Jack Buck

by ITouchedMcGee on Oct 25, 2006 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

Have to Say...

Every time I've had to work at night, where I would miss the Cardinals play a playoff game, that night has been a rain out. Yeah sure enough I have to work tonight. So, if we have a rainout tonight its my fault. Can't say I'm dissappointed cause I haven't missed a game yet. Only problem, I'm working friday night, too. So, baseball Gods I pray to thee, lets play and win tonight, and close the Series tomorrow night.

Faith, Hope, and Budweiser 3 things every Cardinal Fan needed this season.

by cyko42 on Oct 25, 2006 3:56 PM EDT reply actions