Game 66 Open Thread: June 16, 2006

by lboros on Jun 16, 2006 5:44 PM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

marquis cook
8-4, 4.88 5-6, 3.75

pujols is already back on the field, and the latest buzz (per bernie) is that he might be activated next week. . . . if he does indeed return, it will be after an absence of just over three weeks. whatever happened to the ultraconservative timetable? here's dr geo paletta, speaking the day after the injury:

"This is an injury that we are going to be extremely cautious with, because if you send the guy out there too early, then you have a major setback and a major re-injury."

i fretted about edmonds' early return, and that seems to have worked out ok. so i'm not gonna fret; i'm just pointing out that an expedited return, if it happens, would contradict the team's own professions on the subject.

leave it at that.

Update [2006-6-16 17:57:50 by lboros]: addendum to the when-albert speccalation:

TLR downplaying expectations, as predicted...

"He's been exercising. It shows he's improving. He wouldn't get clearance to increase it unless he was doing well. But there's no timetable. I've been encouraged not to speculate. When it's time, it's time. The last test he'll pass is when he can play the game of baseball 100 percent."

The talk in the clubhouse is this: at this point, the boys wouldn't be surprised at all to see Pujols activated sometime during the trip to CHI and DET.

other news n stuff:

the cardinals signed #1 draftee adam ottavino. he will debut in short-season a ball, not in at low-a quad cities as i hypothesized this morning.
another stl draftee, 4th-rounder eddie degerman, is the presumed starting pitcher for rice tomorrow in the college world series vs georgia. the game's on espn at 1 pm central.
reyes is on ev'yone's mind. he pitches tonight for memphis.

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I still stand by my statement...

that he shouldn't be back before July 1. Sure, it could be wasting 2 weeks where he could be productive if he is healthy, but I'd rather take that chance then rush him back and watch him reinjure it.

Obsessions of a Cardinal Fan

by Quietude on Jun 16, 2006 5:48 PM EDT reply actions

i am with you

completely. hopefully this is just one of those little rumors that goes nowhere . . .

by lboros on Jun 16, 2006 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

While I don't want El Hombre to rush...

....I was pretty sure that Paletta and Larussa were acting like Chicken Little a bit with the injury. The Cardinals medical staff seems to be the Bureau of Disinformation. If they tell you 4 weeks, expect 17 days.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Also...

...as I pointed out in previous threads, coming back in the AL trip allows him to bat without playing the field. Thus, it's like a 4 to 6 game rehab assignment but with major league pitching and the chance of getting into the 30s on HRs by the All-Star break.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Apparently TLR and Albert....

...don't agree, per STLCardinals front page.

I'm an idiot.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Stop - you're both right...

I'm completely in favor of extending the absence. Heal the side, keep him away from a lot of pounding on the foot to avoid a potential flare-up of plantar fasciatis. Just avoid wear and tear so that he is completely fresh for October. Our offense will depend a lot on him in the postseason.
That said, Albert hasn't looked too worn down in October so far in his career. He is clutch.

I want to do whatever it takes to win the World Series this year. Make a trade, rest your star, bring up Reyes after the trade break, anything.

by BozCardsFanSF on Jun 16, 2006 5:57 PM EDT reply actions

my word, but bernie

is busy. he files again from busch: eckstein's a scratch. ill. after zpiezo (new spelling !!!) and rolen's illnesses, the word "ill" is no minor matter. . . .

lineups:

COL
carroll 2b
spillborghs cf
helton 1b
holliday lf
atkins 3b
hawpe rf
torrealbe 2b
barmes ss
cook p

STL
miles 2b
rodriguez lf
rolen 3b
edmonds cf
en'cion rf
duncan 1b
molina c
luna ss
marquis p

by lboros on Jun 16, 2006 6:04 PM EDT reply actions

Interesting lineup

No glaring holes anywhere.

by rob is back on Jun 16, 2006 6:29 PM EDT up reply actions

eckstein has

a concussion, sustained yesterday breaking up a DP.

by lboros on Jun 16, 2006 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions

YIKES

Eckstein has made a HUGE contribution so far. I hope he's back soon.

by madridbend on Jun 16, 2006 8:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Can't believe my eyes

I tune in to mlb tv 2 minutes late, and the top half of the first inning is already over? With Marquis pitching?

Wow.

by SleepyCA on Jun 16, 2006 8:18 PM EDT reply actions

Hello, Dr. Jeckyl

How was your weekend getaway? It was very rude to miss so many appointments. Sad that those Hyde murders keep on happening.

by Valatan on Jun 16, 2006 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

He must have

pitched the first inning in the bullpen, pre-game.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I hear

the stretching machine doubled off him twice.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 8:39 PM EDT up reply actions

at least he didn't walk it...

n/t

by SleepyCA on Jun 16, 2006 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh.

I get back from italy, and find Pujols injured and accused of steroids, the pitching staff in shambles, and Roger Clemens coming back to the Astros. I come back, and the first thing I see is good Jason pitching a game.

Maybe I just shouldn't leave the country again.

by Valatan on Jun 16, 2006 8:46 PM EDT reply actions

you're lucky

you didn't come back last week, when the Reds were in first place and looking unstoppable...

by SleepyCA on Jun 16, 2006 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Was it last week they were in first place?

Because it was last week when they swept us at Busch.

by rob is back on Jun 16, 2006 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Good to see Marquis

end his hitting slump.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

meanwhile, down in Memphis...

... Reyes so far: 3IP, 0R, 1H, 1K, 0BB

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

What happened to the J-Rod

that hit the ball in the air every once in a while? It seemed like he had ridiculous power when he wanted it last year.

Everyone catch the Amaury Marti mention in the broadcast? Apparently the left field clubhouse he hit the ball over is like 500 feet away. Well, then. I hear that they were going to call some grounds crew members out to get him his first home run ball back, but he waved them off and just produced it out of thin air, from behind Blake Hawksworth's ear.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

and

in the Quad Cities, stealth man Trey Hearne (see diary at right):
3IP, 0R, 2H, 4K, 0BB

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

one-man bandwagon

I realize I'm the only one who cares (now), but Hearne's final line:

6IP, 4H, 0R, 10K, 1BB

You all will join the bandwagon. The only question is when.

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions

i'm on it

in his last 4 starts, hearne has put together this line:

22 inn, 17 h, 2 er, 4 w, 25 k

season line: 46 innings, 41 h, 9 w, 49 k
2.74 era, 1.09 whip

put it together with a very strong debut in short-a last year . . . . bandwagon worthy

by lboros on Jun 16, 2006 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

heh

I googled his name and the first result was your post on him here.

Thanks for the update!

by rob is back on Jun 17, 2006 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Not to put the jinx on...

.....but Jason Marquis must have read my post about being the All-Star Game starter.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

Updates....

KC leads Houston 4-0, with KC batting in the top of the 5th. CWS crushing Cincinnati 11-2, WS batting top of 7th. Could be a good night for the Cards.

P.S. Cubs lost too.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jun 16, 2006 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

What on earth

happened with that popup to shallow right?

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 9:34 PM EDT reply actions

popup

lost in the twilight, says the Moonman

by martin on Jun 16, 2006 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

Was Miles

tracking the moon or something?

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Does this game mean ...

... we're going to have to keep Marquis?

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

Since he leads the team in wins...

...I hope he was atleast staying with the club until October.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

and

this one he might even deserve.

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

No, just means we get more for him. NT

by craig3410 on Jun 16, 2006 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's a set of numbers ...

... Up and down the Cardinals system, all shutouts -- all told, 19 IP, 0R by Marquis, Reyes, Lambert and Hearne.

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 9:40 PM EDT reply actions

On Gameday....

....looks like Marquis kept it down, but Hawpe took a good swing at it.

Is this true?

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 9:48 PM EDT reply actions

@$()@^)$(^$)(*q

do dan'n'al get paid by the number of times they say "pitch to contact"?

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

help yourself

and hit the mute button, then turn on KTRS.

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jun 16, 2006 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Keep it real, DanUp

and scroll over to WTAX. And did you know that you were on the front page of the newspaper on Thursday?

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I have trouble dealing with the time gap,

but dan hraglauchlin are so bad today I've gotta bite the bullet and deal with it.

And no, I didn't know that, but it's really good to see my dateless streak getting the coverage it deserves.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Seriously

If you have Thursday's fishwrap, read the "wisecracking cow" story. You're mentioned in it. If you don't have the paper, I'll pass along the PDF.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Just checked it out on the website

I can't deal with my secret identity as "Tada" the clown being revealed like this... no, this won't do at all.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Actually...

the gentleman in the story is named Dan Upchurch, but Quark broke his last name at "Up." So in the paper the story read:

"...trailed by 'Tada' the clown, aka Dan Up-
church -- sometimes dressed ..."

I guess you had to be there. Or design the page. Or maybe it's just not that funny.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Suffice it to say

that this guy immediately becomes my favorite robotic cow-training clown.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone have any idea what Marquis

is doing differently tonight? I know we ask this every time he doesn't F'up too severely but seriously...what changes from his last start to this one?

This is why Marquis is so frustrating to me...I can't ever seem to offer a valid reason for his success?

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:00 PM EDT reply actions

It's called Budweiser Select....

...and it was about 15 of them before the game.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Haven't been watching the game

but he's only walked two batters so far, which is probably some of it.

by rob is back on Jun 16, 2006 10:06 PM EDT up reply actions

But why???

Walking fewer batters has to have a cause. It's not a cause itself.

Is he being more aggressive? Hitting his spots better? Bigger strike zone? Sharper breaking pitches? More gas behind his fastball (he hit 93 on the gun in the 8th)?

His peripherals improve when he pitches better but WHY do they improve? I just don't understand...

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe that

it is because we've discovered Jason's female alter ego. If Marquis was a prom date, he would be bi-polar Betty, a really nice girl who would be the envy of your friends, but you don't which personality is going to show up on the big night.

Gentlemen, you will all refer to me by my new name, Betty! Meh-heh-heh-heh! (Thank you, Kung Pow!)

by Solanus on Jun 16, 2006 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Is there a reason the last 4 pitches have been up

in the strikezone?

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Oooooooohhhhh...

Marquis got so effing lucky leaving that fastball up to Helton.

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

Actually

it was up around his eyeballs. That was a great pitch by Marquis.

Never since the days of shoeless Joe Jackson have I ever seen such a great shoeless athlete...

by robdouth on Jun 17, 2006 5:18 AM EDT up reply actions

I can assume....

....we are going to Izzy in the 9th?

105 pitches for Marquis. Tony won't let him go CG, will he?

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:08 PM EDT reply actions

I hope not,

Get Marquis outta there with a great outing behind him, and on the high note that is getting out Todd Helton on a hittable fastball.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope...

...TLR uses this opportunity to give Izzy the night off.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jun 16, 2006 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

OK, at 7-1 I'd let Izzy..

...come in and pitch. Even he couldn't walk enough to lose this game. Now, 8-1.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jun 16, 2006 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Marquis 105 pitches...

...through 8 innings.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jun 16, 2006 10:10 PM EDT reply actions

If we tack on another run...

...I wonder if he does. With the rotation shakeup, Jason may not pitch again for awhile.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:11 PM EDT reply actions

Why is Gooch PH for JRod

Dammint WJ. Please take away TLR's own personal Neifi Perez.

O and take away Timo too.

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

The Fat Man...

...is in the house.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

Ray King...

How I don't miss thee

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

way to do right by the posse, ray

n/t

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:17 PM EDT reply actions

Is there a way Juan can hit into a IEDP...

..at this point?

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:18 PM EDT reply actions

OMG are they IBB Encarnacion??????????

Has this ever happened before...I'm having heart palpatations...

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:18 PM EDT reply actions

Make sense...

...Duncan can hit ANY TIME...except when the bases are loaded.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Tony realizes this...

...and puts Lazereus in to pinch hit.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:20 PM EDT up reply actions

if this were a drinking game

we'd all have to chug

by martin on Jun 16, 2006 10:21 PM EDT up reply actions

LMFAO

that was awesome

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

just leave your bat

on your shoulder Speez. At least for now...

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jun 16, 2006 10:20 PM EDT reply actions

I like it when John Rooney asks questions

that show he hasn't been around STL long.

Rooney - "Ray King wouldn't walk in a run here would he?"

Obviously Rooney didn't see the mediocrity that was Ray King in STL last year.

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Everybody...

...bottoms up.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:22 PM EDT reply actions

If Molina hits a grand slam....

....you've gotta do 2 at once. If he pops out to the catcher, it's a half.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

If Molina hits a grand slam

I think the rule is that the pitcher has to drink paint thinner.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions

And Tony loses his...

...'Double Switch' Card for the series.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions

I think if it came down between those two

Tony'd just drink the paint thinner.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Wainwright for the save tonight???

I'd be happy to see that.

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:27 PM EDT reply actions

well there goes the save

but thats ok!!!!!!!!!!!

Viva Luna!

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions

What is this...

a baseball game or "The Benny Hill Show"?

The 26th Man

by 26thMan on Jun 16, 2006 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

Good old Rockies

just doing their thing.

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

Anyone that is watching...

...is Marquis on the on-deck circle?

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:28 PM EDT reply actions

Timo!?

Is this bizarro-St. Louis?

by DanUpBaby on Jun 16, 2006 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

bad-bye

Rockies

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jun 16, 2006 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Dammit Timo

No clutch hits. I want you gone ASAP.

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

now

we're going to end up keeping Marquis AND Timo!

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 16, 2006 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a blowout!

by craig3410 on Jun 16, 2006 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

With this huge lead...

...it would have been nice to see Marquis finish it.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

True, but...

at least he upped his trade value ever so slightly, right?

by dccardsfan on Jun 16, 2006 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Looper likes whiskey?

His Gameday photo sure makes it look like it. He's keeping ships from the cliffs with those teeth.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:33 PM EDT reply actions

How bad are the Rockie's late in the game...

That Timo gets a RBI?

El Hombre for El Presidente!

by RosevilleRedbird on Jun 16, 2006 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

Woo!

3.5 games up

by dccardsfan on Jun 16, 2006 10:38 PM EDT reply actions

Uuuuuuuuuhhhhh

What's that guy doing under the desk?

by Pujols for MVP on Jun 16, 2006 10:38 PM EDT reply actions

How strange

it feels to actually be happy to see Ray King take the mound...

Greetings Pagans! Don't forget your goat leggings!

by iron duke75 on Jun 16, 2006 10:40 PM EDT reply actions

Jason Marquis

Your NL Win Leader.

That would be with less than a month to go until the All-Star Break. If he goes undefeated until that point, with Glavine's loss 3 days ago, there's a good chance he could be starting the game that could decide if the Cardinals may get homefield in a possible World Series.

Not only that, but the Cards would have back to back starting pitchers in back to back All-Star games.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 10:42 PM EDT reply actions

Shudder

I don't want his weaknesses exposed on a national stage against the best AL hitters when we may be shopping him around this summer.

by azruavatar on Jun 16, 2006 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions

More trade value

An all-star pitcher has to be worth something, right?

by rob is back on Jun 16, 2006 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

He'll be worth more if we keep people looking

as much as his positives as we can: Innings eater, league average ERA, groundball specialist, high win total.

Look its not like I think he is fooling anyone but I'd rather not let him go up against the best of the AL. More likely than not, he'd get shelled. I'd prefer to let WJ focus on the above rather than things like low k rate, high walk rate stubborn as hell when trying to trade him this summer (if he is trying to trade him)

by azruavatar on Jun 17, 2006 1:08 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree

But I do find the idea of him starting intriquing. I could see good things possibly coming from it whether he got pummelled or breezed through it.

For the most part, though, I just think it's silly.

by rob is back on Jun 17, 2006 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Um, no

A pitcher with a 4.88 ERA (before tonight) and more walks than K's will NOT be starting the All-Star game. Fuhgetaboutit.

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Jun 16, 2006 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

If Marquis is the only 11 or 12 game winner...

...I don't see how they pick someone else. Unless Scrapiron throws Roger out there.

by Hardcore Legend on Jun 16, 2006 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

uh...

Brandon Webb, nuff said.

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together...it's Arrested Development.

by Bowen on Jun 17, 2006 4:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Marquis post-game comments

"I didn't have my best stuff, but my guys picked me up with their offense. I got the W, but I'm not sure I deserved it."

;-)

Greetings Pagans! Don't forget your goat leggings!

by iron duke75 on Jun 16, 2006 10:49 PM EDT reply actions

Glad we didn't face an AL team tonight

cause the AL has just dominated the NL this evening. The only NL victory, thus far, has been the Marlins over the Blue Jays 3-1.

by rob is back on Jun 16, 2006 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

brewers

beat the indians 6-4

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Jun 16, 2006 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I missed that one

Thanks!

And the Padres have since beaten the Angels, so the NL went 3-11 overall tonight.

by rob is back on Jun 17, 2006 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions

I used to think NY had the whiniest fans

And then I read a thread where no single Card was talked about in a positive light. Anyone that is not Pujols in this board has something wrong with them. (maybe eckstein too) Even Rolen gets bitched about because "he doesn't have the power he used to." Damn it guys, Marquis has a great start and not one damn attaboy in the whole lot. We really don't deserve a championship if this is the state of the Cards nation. We could win a damn WS 4 games to 2 and people would be bitching about the 2 losses, while I'm drunk and half naked with a lamp shade on my head. I'll be drinking to the Cards success, I hope you guys have fun drinking away "the pain."

Never since the days of shoeless Joe Jackson have I ever seen such a great shoeless athlete...

by robdouth on Jun 17, 2006 5:26 AM EDT reply actions

You fair weather fan.

Half naked? Dude, the Cardinals just won the world series get entirely naked.

by secretweapon on Jun 17, 2006 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions

haha

by dontEATnachos on Jun 17, 2006 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions

skeptical

The word to describe us is "skeptical" (except about Trey Hearne).

DCGreg

by DCGreg on Jun 17, 2006 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions

We want a CHAMPIONSHIP

Not a series win in June....

The people on this board have been through a lot of postseasons recently, and for me, anyway, with the talent on this team I expect to see the postseason----so a win in June is fun, but I'm thinking long-term, like mid- to late October.

It's frustrating to be crowing about how good we are during the regular season only to be exposed annually by all the things we lack---managerial competence, a strong second starter, etc.---once we're playing for all the marbles.

The people on this board are looking at the forest, not the trees. Not that the trees aren't nice, but you need to see the big picture or else you get eaten by a Sock.

by salvomania on Jun 17, 2006 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions

I'lll throw you a bone

Sportscenter showed 3 pitches from Marquis.

The sinker was freaking nasty. I literally looked at my daughter and said "damn." I'm not sure if 13 month olds can roll their eyes like Mom yet or not, but it looked like it.

by sdrone on Jun 17, 2006 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions