Game 97 Open Thread: July 23, 2006

by lboros on Jul 23, 2006 10:38 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

marquis billingsley
11-7, 5.97 1-2, 3.66

edmonds now has 8 homers this month. in his 6 years as a cardinal, he's exceeded that number only 4 times; august 2001 (9), august 2004 (10), july 2004 (13), and june 2003 (14). he's got 8 games left this month . . . .

the last line of joe strauss' article this morning neatly sums up the cardinals' pre-deadline trade position: "One realist pondered the hitter-pitcher question and offered succinctly, 'I think we'll take both.'"

a pitcher would help more, but hitters will be more freely available; you improve where you can. in 2004 the cards already led the league in runs scored and had a productive corner-outfield platoon; their pitching staff was the question mark. but when larry walker shook loose, the cardinals grabbed him --- and became more dangerous as a result.

the freest commodity on the trade market so far has been relief pitching -- and there, too, the cardinals could stand an upgrade. three of their potential playoff opponents -- the reds, padres, and braves -- have already acquired bullpen help; the white sox and rockies are still looking, but it's a buyer's market and i'd be surprised if the cardinals aren't shopping. one oft-named target, roberto hernandez, has been awful lately -- 18 baserunners in 5.2 innings this month -- but he still throws hard and he doesn't flinch. if the pirates are going to get anything for him, now's the time. another pirate reliever who's likely available, damaso marte, is having a good-not-great year; he walks too many guys and hasn't gotten left-handers out as reliably as usual this season, but he'd upgrade the soft left side of st louis' bullpen. another lhrp, arthur rhodes, will be moved for sure, but hopefully not to the cardinals; he's had one good month (may) and three terrible ones in 2006. the marlins signed joe borowski for just this opportunity -- ie, to trade him in july. but he might be the best of the crop, might generate a minor bidding war; won't come cheap. somebody might want to add the orioles' latroy hawkins, but he's got a strange stat line this year: only 18 strikeouts in 41 innings for this perennially hard thrower.

of the bunch, borowski and marte look like the most helpful imo; neither will be easy to get. to acquire bob wickman, the braves had to give up a good-hitting 21-year-old catcher in low-a ball; can the cardinals afford to part with their version of same, bryan anderson, for one postseason's worth of joe borowski? i doubt it.

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Comments

How bout

Howry or Eyre? Cubs oughtta be willing to part with one of them--though maybe not to us.

by rockin redbird on Jul 23, 2006 11:50 AM EDT reply actions

Oh yeah--

and thanx to Jeff Weaver for the small helping of crow. It tasted fine, but I'd like the much larger portion that would come with more starts like last night.

by rockin redbird on Jul 23, 2006 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Weaver had a solid start...

After a shaky 2 innings, he settled down and pitched very effectively.

It was in his old home, so maybe he felt more comfortable. I would like to see him continue to pitch well, especially on the road. His next start will probably be in Chicago. If he pitches well there, then maybe we have the good Weaver.

by jdubya on Jul 23, 2006 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Marquis tonight

Someone wondered in last night's thread about whether or not Marquis pitched worse after a loss (I've been wondering that myself). Knowing that my perceptions often don't equal reality, I decided to do a little research.

Marquis starts after a win - 11
Record in those starts 6-3 (2 ND's)
ERA in those starts 3.95 (2.57 ERA in the 2 ND's)

Marquis starts after a loss - 9
Record in those starts 5-4
ERA in those starts 8.65 (5.65 if you subtract the two blowouts [on 21 Jun vs CHW and 18 Jul vs ATL])

Jason has given up double-digit earned runs twice this year...after the Cards lost 20-6 and 15-3 respectively...

So it seems there might be something to this after all...unless I screwed something up, which wouldn't be too surprising (not great with stats).

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Good

Let's hope it holds true today. Another Dodger sweep would be sweeeeeet.

by rockin redbird on Jul 23, 2006 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions

thanks..

.. for doing the legwork on this one. I was too lazy to do it myself but I thought that that was the case with Marquis.

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

No problem

It only took me 2 hours. :-D If I knew where to look, I expect I could have finished it alot sooner. It would probably take most of these guys 5 minutes...

It seemed to me that Jason fared worse when he pitched after a team loss, but I thought that maybe his two mushroom-cloud outings had skewed my perception. Those two games definitely make his line alot worse, but even if you remove them from the equation his ERA after a team loss is over 1 1/2 runs higher (5.65) than when he goes after a win (3.95).

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Seems like this..

doesn't bode well for Jason come playoff time. I want a guy in my playoff rotation who can win after we lose. Then again maybe start Jason after Carp starts and he'd be ok. Who knows.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Supp

What SUppan's last two starts being very good ones does that make MArquis the expendable SP when Mulder comes off the DL? I think Marquis start tonight is important for that reason. I think Tony and Duncan (and me for that matter) trust Suppan a lot more than they trust Marquis. So baring the reyes, DUncan, Rasmus tradefor WIllis we will have one too many starting pitchers and Marquis will be the one who will need to go. Why not use Marquis as your trading piece for a bat or bullpen help? This may all be mute if Mulder doesn't come back in the next few days. But when he does we have one toom any Starting pitchers... lets all hope that the answer to that question isn't sending Reyes back to AAA... thou that is what my gut tells me they will do

by BigMac545 on Jul 23, 2006 12:13 PM EDT reply actions

Mulder is probably not back until Aug...

Tony has said that he would like to get some minor league rehab starts for Mulder. He probably will not be back until middle of August.

As for Suppan, he has looked good recently and I think there is no doubt that Tony & Dunc have more confidence in him. Look at the post-season. Tony has not hesitated in starting Supp in playoff games and Supp has performed well in post-season, Marquis has been ok in post-season not great.

Unless Reyes blows up the next few starts, I doubt that he will be sent back down. I hope he stays.

If there is not a trade of a starting pitcher before the deadline and our pitching continues to improve, then the Cards will have to make some tough decisions to make in the next few weeks.

by jdubya on Jul 23, 2006 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Marquis

He seems like the best candidate for the bullpen, but I doubt he would be happy about it.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Edmonds and marginal runs

In regards to your 7/12 article concerning marginal runs, I'm curious to see how Edmonds' "credit/debit" line has changed in the last few weeks. At the time, his VORP and FRAR put him at a worth of -$4.6 million given his current contract. I don't have the information at hand to compute such things, so if it's convenient, how has Edmonds' recent upswing moved that number toward the black? Picking up his option looks like a sound decision if he continues to play at a high level, so I'm wondering what his "value" in terms of marginal runs is as it stands at this point in the season.

http://www.inwaltwetrust.com

by inwaltwetrust on Jul 23, 2006 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

rheal cormier

is anyone else concerned about the state of our left-handers in the pen? Finding a good, quality SP will be really difficult but there are relievers out there who could help. One not mentioned above is Rheal Cormier. He's been superb this year and has even been more effective vs. righties than lefties. He makes $2.5 million and has a $3 million option w/ a 1/2 million dollar buyout. Isn't he a better option than Marte or Rhodes?

by chuckb on Jul 23, 2006 1:30 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, very much so!

As well as better than Flores and the million dollar man from Mexico that Walt signed this season who proved to be worthless.

Baily

by Baily on Jul 23, 2006 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

He's really not worth it

he's actually worse against lefties than our other two LOOGYs

Cormier vs. lefties - .250/.316/.365 (52 ABs)
Cormier vs. Righties - .188/.295/.234 (64 ABs)

He actually appears to be able to get out both lefties and righties at a reasonable rate. I'll still vote no on this one.

Two reasons why:

Bullpens and middle relievers are volatile by definition. I don't see any reason to acquire him at that salary w/ an option for next year. I'd rather let TLR/DD construct their league minimum middle relief staff and go from their.
Our relievers are fine. Better than fine actually they are quite good. It's when the starters implode that the bullpen suffers. I don't see the need to spend any money or prospects when our bullpen is 1st in BAA & 5th in ERA. We have the same problem that we've had from day one...the lack of a second ace.

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I think our bullpen is fine

another hard thrower who gets out righties would be good but the lefty relievers have actually been very good for the cardinals this year. The caveat to that is that they are both lefty specialists and if the starting pitching melts down and forces them outside of their LOOGY role...well its realllllly bad.

Flores vs. Lefties - .241/.313/.276 (58 ABs)
Flores vs. Righties - .340/.424/.440 (50 ABs)

Johnson vs. Lefties - .167/.295/.278 (36 ABs)
Johnson vs. Righties - .333/.429/.556 (36 ABs)

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 1:40 PM EDT reply actions

I think we all know why you want

Borowski lboros...Is he a long, lost polish relative of yours?

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jul 23, 2006 1:44 PM EDT reply actions

he's from the

dumb side of the family . . . bad spellers.

by lboros on Jul 23, 2006 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Brandon Yarbrough

He is a semi-decent catching prospect, I wouldn't mind giving up for reielf help. Seems like a better option than Anderson. I think Anderson is better and younger than the catcher the Braves gave up. Also the Braves catcher was their 2nd best catching prospect. Yarbrough is our 2nd best catching prospect. Please Walt give up Yarbrough over Anderson.

19 year old Anderson's line at Low-A
.305 avg, .405 obp, .445 slg

21 year old Yarbrough's line at Low-A (he's currently at high-A)
.303 avg, .340 obp, .422 slg

21 year old Max Ramirez's line at Low-A (Brave's catcher traded for Bob Wickman)
.285 avg, .408 obp, .449 slg

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 2:03 PM EDT reply actions

Ponson pulled after 2 1/3

2 1/3 IP
5H, 4 ER, 3BB, 5K, 2HR

I'm feeling better and better about letting him go. Weaver's start last night helps, too.

by nycbirdo on Jul 23, 2006 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

Based on my very subjective observations ...

Weaver seems to me more of a competitor than Ponson. While both pitchers have their problems, I feel like Weaver has more of a will to right himself than Ponson does.

matty fred is a web log.

by matty fred on Jul 23, 2006 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions

6 ER...

after the runners on when he left are driven in with a HR.

I don't wish any real ill will on Ponson, but I really hope the Yanks lose every game for the rest of the year.

by nycbirdo on Jul 23, 2006 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Why?

Honestly, how can you call yourself a baseball fan with that lousy attitude? Root for your team to win, and leave the other crap out of it. I'm a Cards fan #1, a Yankees fan #2, and a baseball fan in general. I'm happy the Mets are doing well, I love watching breakout performances by rookies and some of the exciting breakout players of this year.

I sincerely wish the best to Ponson. His first 5 outs were on strikeouts, and he had some NICE movement on his pitches, but keeps leaving way too many over the heart of the plate. They pulled him when he allowed a hit, homerun, and two more baserunners: his replacement promptly allowed a homerun, two more baserunners and another homerun before recording an out.

by SirVLCIV on Jul 23, 2006 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I too...

am #1 Cards fan, #2 Yankees fan. But I have come to accept that people hate the Yankees and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

He is a baseball fan...

Hating a team and following them just to see them lose does make you a "fan" in a certain regard. My wife points that out to me when I check on the Cubs games even though they are 18 games out. Rooting against a team is NOT a bad thing. Everyone needs an enemy. Your Yankee's fill that role for a lot of people. I am surprised you just found that out...

by foolish on Jul 23, 2006 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

True story

The 2003 Cubs playoff game with the Bartman incident?

Bunch of friends and I were at a bar (I live in Chicagoland). That play happened. Entire bar went silent at the exact instant I jumped up, pumped my arm, and screamed "YEAH!"

That didn't go over well. Hahahahah.

by sdrone on Jul 23, 2006 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions

You mean

I can't be a "baseball fan" AND hate the Yankees? Damn. I guess I've been living a lie for the last 40 years. Thanks for setting me straight. How about the Cubs? Is that allowed?

by rockin redbird on Jul 23, 2006 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

haha

thats a pretty high and mighty attitude; there's nothing wrong with rooting against teams.

by PGeorge @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions

It's the whole following a team

and enjoying the failure of a player (Ponson's bad outings), etc. ESPN has been getting to me with this whole ARod crap, and now you guys. Enjoy your 'best fans in baseball' and keep checking on the Cubs' losing and rooting against the Yankees: meanwhile, we need to worry about pitching and the Mets, or else it'll be a nice quick exit in the postseason, even IF the Yankees and Cubs lose every game for the rest of the season.

by SirVLCIV on Jul 23, 2006 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

that enjoying the failure of some players who havent done anything wrong to the team (like ponson) is kind of stupid. and the whole a-rod thing is ridiculous, but yankee fans are the worst / dumbest fans in baseball.

but I still don't think there's anything wrong with rooting against some players, like renteria who left the cards for the bosox despite being offered essentially the same amount of money from both teams.

by PGeorge @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I have no problem with that

and I have it from some decent sources that ESPN has been amplifying the boos for media value: while he DOES get booed when he makes an error/strikes out, its hardly the full stadium doing it (as it sounds like on Sportscenter). That garbage has me going to cbs.sportsline.com to check the scores.

by SirVLCIV on Jul 23, 2006 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Good for you for standing against ESPN.

I have boycotted ESPN all season. I will not watch a thing on that station (even Card's games) until they stop swinging from Barry's shriveled...

There is nothing wrong with rooting against ANY player. Why are you guys so sensitive today? Every good story needs a bad guy. Rooting against Ponson makes fans feel better about cutting him loose. Why is that a bad thing? Are you telling me there is a correct way to be a fan? It's baseball. It's beautiful. Calm down.

by foolish on Jul 23, 2006 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Believe it or

not, but most of us can root for our favorites, root against our chosen villians, and worry about Cardinal pitching--all at the same time. Multitasking. Give it a whirl.

by rockin redbird on Jul 23, 2006 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Sir Sidney

Ponson had a rough start for the Yanks
2.1 IP, 6 ER, 5 Hits, 3 BB, 2 HR
He blew up in the 3rd Inning. That is the Sid we know and hate.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 2:27 PM EDT reply actions

Looks like I need to refresh quicker

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions

ugh

Miles leading off today. Ugh.

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jul 23, 2006 3:57 PM EDT reply actions

Starting Lineups

St. Louis
A. Miles 2B
C. Duncan LF
A. Pujols 1B
S. Rolen 3B
J. Edmonds CF
J. Encarnacion RF
H. Luna SS
G. Bennett C
J. Marquis P

LA Dodgers
R. Furcal SS
C. Izturis 3B
N. Garciaparra 1B
J.D. Drew RF
R. Martin C
A. Either LF
J. Cruz Jr. CF
R. Martinez 2B
C. Billingsly P

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

No Eck

Still the concussion bothering him? Or just a day off after a night game?

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Rolen

I thought for sure he'd have a day off today. Good to see him in there.

by dayimetmusial on Jul 23, 2006 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone else

worried about rolen?

by PGeorge @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

nope

if a slump lowers your average all the way to .324, your doing alright.

"I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it." ~Rogers Hornsby

by spiderman15 on Jul 23, 2006 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions

In what world

Is Aaron Miles a better option at leadoff than Luna? Christ, what kind of herb does Tony smoke these days?

by ryanisforever on Jul 23, 2006 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

You got to have that scrappy element

at the top.

Count me among the Luna supporters...not sure why Miles continues to see ABs.

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I refuse to even say his name anymore

For now on he is That Guy.

by ryanisforever on Jul 23, 2006 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Does this Billingsly

kid look a lot "bigger" on TV compared to his picture...or is it just me?

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 4:17 PM EDT reply actions

like Bobby Jenks bigger

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he does

Isn't he the guy that kept getting out by the skin of his teeth against the Cardinals in the first game after the break? This might be a long day.

by ryanisforever on Jul 23, 2006 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Dammit

My MLB.com has crapped out. Anybody else having trouble?

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

Yep

Just came back for me. I have a Mac, which doesn't work so well with MLB.tv - waiting for that Mac version of their player.

by dayimetmusial on Jul 23, 2006 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Man

Froze up again.

by dayimetmusial on Jul 23, 2006 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Mine's working now

But for about 5 min it wouldn't load...

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

MLB NO TV

I've got gameday, but mlbtv say I've been logged on too many times - try again latter. what kind of bs is that. any body else get that too?

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Jul 23, 2006 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Never

gotten a message like that. I had an internal server error message for about 10 minutes, which I'd never seen before. Did you try emptying the cache and all that? It's frustrating - at some point, you wonder if you're getting your money's worth.

by dayimetmusial on Jul 23, 2006 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Damn

Now I'm getting that logged in too many times message.

by dayimetmusial on Jul 23, 2006 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Call the support number

and tell them what has happened. They can fix it so you can log back in. They will tell you that it takes two hours before you can, but they have the ability to reset it for you so you can log in. Make sure to ask them to do it though...they won't volunteer.

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I've had this problem before...

and fixed it by logging out.

There is a "Sign Out Completely" button on your account page on MLB.com. The button is on the left side of the page under "My Downloads"

If you click this button, it's supposed to log you out. After logging out, make sure that you also close all of your browser windows and then restart your browser and try to login to MLB TV.

by jdubya on Jul 23, 2006 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Odds On Bipolar Betty today?

good or bad?

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 4:21 PM EDT reply actions

We won last night

So I think the odds are in our favor... :-)

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions

He got out of the 1st unscathed

that's a good sign

by Valatan on Jul 23, 2006 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

alright Enc!

nice to get the early lead.

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 4:35 PM EDT reply actions

That's right Luna

Show TLR what he doesn't get with Miles - XBHs

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

i gotta wonder....

is our pitching improved, or is it just the fact the Dodger's hitting sucks right now?

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jul 23, 2006 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

I think..

.. why the cardinals are so dominant against the Dodgers is because they have no homerun pop. Thats what always kills the cardinals pitchers. They pitch to contact so they are going to have people on base quite often through out the game and the dodgers unlike the braves and whitesox dont have those big boppers that can step up and hit the 3 run homerun and demoralize the opposing pitcher. The homerun ball is what kills this staff and their confidence. If they can keep the opposing team from hitting the long ball after they give up a hit and a walk then this staff could be dominant. They wont give up tons of runs on consecutive base hits because they get lots of ground balls and have a decent infield. Does any of this make sense? I feel like im rambling now....

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe a little of both.....

The dodgers do have furcal, kent, Drew, Izturis, and Garciaparra on their team. So their offense isn't terrible. They've scored more runs than us this year. I think they are 5th in the National league in Runs scored.

by TNFan32 on Jul 23, 2006 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

that's certainly true

but they are ice cold right now.

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jul 23, 2006 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions

soriano

rafeal is supposedly being shopped by seattle...not sure why but he is young and good out of their pen..converted position player

by punchinjudy on Jul 23, 2006 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

C'mon DUNC!!!

by dccardsfan on Jul 23, 2006 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

In the White Sox game

Ozzie wanted his pitcher to bean someone in retaliation again. Garland didn't and Ozzie was pissed off.

Now I liked Ozzie alot but this retaliation crap that he pulls REALLY pisses me off. It's not so much that he asks his pitcher to hit someone, that happens, it's how pissed he gets when it isn't done. Particularly, when their reliever Sean Tracey was called up and Ozzie went off on him in the dugout because he wouldn't hit someone. I think that it is really juevenile of Ozzie and completely unprofessional. Then again, I guess Ozzie's never been accussed of being professional.

Does this bother anyone else at all...or is it just me?

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 5:30 PM EDT reply actions

I think

its annoying how public he is with it. I have no problem with him being pissed off at his players when they don't do something he tells them to do, she just shouldn't make a spectacle of it.

by PGeorge @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Bush League Stuff

I agree, and am just glad he's in that other league.

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Jul 23, 2006 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Coach's son

Anybody still believe that Dunc only gets at bats due to nepotism? He can play on my team any day.

Fan for Life. Go Cards.

by Birds on the Bat on Jul 23, 2006 5:31 PM EDT reply actions

did ap

just run through a stop sign?

by PGeorge @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 5:32 PM EDT reply actions

did ap

just run through a stop sign?

by PGeorge @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 5:33 PM EDT reply actions

Enc!

2 on the day!

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

Random thought

Lboros, I have no idea how much effort you put into this blog. It seems like a helluva lot. I also have no idea if you somehow get compensation for it. While I won't, for instance, give $5/month to Baseball Prospectus, I will give to things I really like. And let's face it, I read this thing 25 or 50 times/day. Have you every thought of putting a Paypal donate button or something like that up?

by sdrone on Jul 23, 2006 5:43 PM EDT reply actions

I agree

with the amount I read this daily, and the quality of content, I'd be happy to toss in some donations.

by cmat on Jul 23, 2006 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's hoping the dodgers make the

playoffs...we've totally owned them this year.

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 5:46 PM EDT reply actions

I'd be even more scared

facing a team that we totally owned during the season....

Anyone else noticed that Marquis doesn't hit much anymore...

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

but..

.. we owned houston during the regular season last year too. So take it for what its worth

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I wonder

if it's possible to play the Dodgers 162 times next year?

by cardsrul on Jul 23, 2006 5:53 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry if this has been covered....

Just read that Adam Ottavino got the call up to Quad Cities. He will join the team this week. They are in Kane County this coming weekend, about 90 minutes from my house. I might have to make the drive out there to see one of the games.

by Brock20 on Jul 23, 2006 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

Community #16 Prospect

Hey everybody,
Just trying to speed up the Community Top 20 list so head over to the diary and vote ASAP if you get a chance. Here is the link:
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/story/2006/7/23/13375/6764

Thanks for voting.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

Bipolar Betty is Manic Today!

Yaay! Well, since she was depressive last time, it's only right. Not that I'd ever try to predict Marquis.

I sure wish we could marry off this nutcase and get her out of the Cardinals' clubhouse, which turns to a house of Cards too often when she has a big date.

by glamberson on Jul 23, 2006 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

Miles 3 errors in 3 days...

TLR stop starting him PLEASE!

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 5:57 PM EDT reply actions

yeah...

... and he's working on an 0-Fer as well.

meanwhile, Luna's been fine in the field all year (at least in the IF... a little sketchy in LF), has been on base several times, and has XB power and speed.

i just don't understand sitting him all this time. does TLR know something that i don't? Hell, i'd rather have Speezer at 2B than Miles.

by kindred on Jul 23, 2006 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions

There has to be some kind of

bullshit "intangible" about Luna that rubs TLR the wrong way ... maybe the way he takes infield or something, or maybe he puts 'em on sock-shoe sock-shoe, and Tony is a sock-sock shoe-shoe guy. I just can't believe there's any actual logic involved in the way Luna's being used.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 23, 2006 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

anyone have stats that

show errors? i tried to look up miles did i miss it? at least A-rod hits occasionaly

by punchinjudy on Jul 23, 2006 6:04 PM EDT reply actions

Even though...

... Edmonds is 0-3 today he has really stung the ball a couple of times. Thats nice to see.

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 6:04 PM EDT reply actions

spoke too soon

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 6:15 PM EDT reply actions

I thought Speezer

...started 2nd yesterday, and made the errors. Did I miss something?

SerenityNow has only 4 hits going into the 8th. Figure TLR will keep 'em out there

by birdie on Jul 23, 2006 6:19 PM EDT reply actions

I think...

Miles came in as a "defensive" replacement. Then made an error in the 6th. Either way Miles is worthless.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

It was Miles who made the error

although the recap on the Cards official site said it was Spiezio...

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Quit ragging on Miles

He's about to hit a hot streak.

by Zubin on Jul 24, 2006 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions

nice pitchin' marquis

the starting rotation plot thickens ...

matty fred is a web log.

by matty fred on Jul 23, 2006 6:37 PM EDT reply actions

Who'd a thunk it

A three game series, we get 20.2 innings of one-run starting pitching and nobody named Carpenter or Reyes was involved.

by Intheway on Jul 23, 2006 6:40 PM EDT reply actions

Any chance

We can take the Dodgers with us to Coors?

Thx for the Miles clarification.

by birdie on Jul 23, 2006 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

Throw strikes kid,

No one has hit a 6 run home run yet.

by Zubin on Jul 23, 2006 6:48 PM EDT reply actions

Kinney

It has been a rough couple of weeks for the kid. Seems like Falkenborg pitched better when he was with us. I'd say you've got to give him another shot.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 6:51 PM EDT reply actions

Or....

we could give Andy Cavozos a cup of coffee. He's pitching just as well as Falkenborg at AAA. Either way Kinney needs a little more seasoning.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I was

pretty excited when we called him up, but he hasn't impressed me at all...

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jul 23, 2006 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions

well, at all

is harsh and would be untrue. but overall the prognosis has been negative.

Reverend Redbird

by erik on Jul 23, 2006 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Kinney

Needs a ticket back to Memphis. He just can't handle the bigs.

That's beer, that's Budweiser.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Jul 23, 2006 6:52 PM EDT reply actions

Kinney...

... seems to have good stuff, but I agree, he should spend a little more time in Memphis perfecting it.

Bring on Falkenborg.

by punditmoi on Jul 23, 2006 6:52 PM EDT reply actions

sweep!

matty fred is a web log.

by matty fred on Jul 23, 2006 6:57 PM EDT reply actions

Flores K's a Right-hander!

Wow!

by punditmoi on Jul 23, 2006 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

Nice win

Lets keep it going tomorrow Reyes.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 6:59 PM EDT reply actions

Nice to pick up a game...

... on the Reds, too. MIL finally beat 'em on a gem from Okra.

by punditmoi on Jul 23, 2006 7:00 PM EDT reply actions

Here's to trashing

the NL west!

by birdie on Jul 23, 2006 7:03 PM EDT reply actions

speaking of the nl west ...

there's a dandy of game between the pads and giants right now. (watching it on mlb.tv)

matty fred is a web log.

by matty fred on Jul 23, 2006 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

After today's outing

Marquis' ERA after a Cards loss = 8.65 (5.65 minus the 12 and 13 ER outings)

ERA after a Cards win = 3.56

The idea of putting Jason behind Carp in the rotation is looking better and better... :-)

"I grew up in Oklahoma, and once you start runnin' out there there ain't nothin' to stop you" - Johnny Leonard Roosevelt "Pepper" Martin

by iron duke75 on Jul 23, 2006 7:32 PM EDT reply actions

Here Here!!!

by RB @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 7:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Marquis

I still would rather have Willis behind Carp...

Check out my new Cardinals blog: http://rockinred.blogspot.com

by rockin the red on Jul 24, 2006 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, but I'd rather have...

Reyes after Marquis, Duncan batting in front of Pujols and Rasmus tearing it up at Memphis.

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 24, 2006 3:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Rasmus

has to advance to memphis in order to tear things up there

by Valatan on Jul 24, 2006 7:38 AM EDT up reply actions

He'll never get the chance if traded...

...see my point?

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 24, 2006 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

If given the chance, we don't know whether or not

he actually will...

by Valatan on Jul 24, 2006 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Bullpen

After getting worked hard in the Atlanta Series, i think the pen really liked the rest they got for this series.

by TNFan32 on Jul 23, 2006 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

Walt's at the Phillies-Braves game

According to everyone's favorite Jon Miller. I was just getting to really like Duncan in left.

by newguy @ Viva El Birdos on Jul 23, 2006 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

Mulder wants to stay

According to this article in the StL Post Mulder wants to stay in St. Louis. Seems to conflict with reports that he wants to play in Arizona.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/12C84F66298EE838862571B4001304A0 ?OpenDocument

I'd be nice to have Mark for semi-cheap if he comes back healthy this year, but anything more than $7 million a year is wayy to much.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 9:03 PM EDT reply actions

If he comes back helathy,

this injury and the preceeding suckage might be the best thing that ever happened to the Cardinals...

by Valatan on Jul 23, 2006 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Does anybody else think

we should platoon Aaron Miles and only bring him in to pinch-hit when Brad Lidge is pitching?

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Jul 23, 2006 9:28 PM EDT reply actions

if by platoon you mean "get rid of"

then yes count me in!

by azruavatar on Jul 23, 2006 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Community Prospect #17

Please, head over to the Top 20 Community Prospects and vote ASAP as the #17 Prospect poll is up and I'm hoping to have all 20 done by the end of the day tomorrow. Here is the link:
http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/story/2006/7/23/2203/46271#1

Thanks for voting everyone.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 23, 2006 10:23 PM EDT reply actions

Marlins won't be trading Willis

says CNNSI.

matty fred is a web log.

by matty fred on Jul 23, 2006 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

IMO

this is what id do, not sure if it works, but I'd trade for delucci send down miles and platoon the current guys with luna as fulltime 2b..does that work?

Or pikc up another 2b and delucci(not a big splash but cheaper) DFA miles and send down taguchi...SO it was good while it lasted, but you gotta go or maybe J-rod...but keep Dunc since hes on fire right now

by punchinjudy on Jul 23, 2006 11:52 PM EDT reply actions

ummmm No

If we trade for Delucci then we have 3 corner OFs (him, J-Rod and Dunc) who can only hit right handed pitching. And with Dunc hitting like he is now we do not need Delucci.
We cannot send Miles down, we can only DFA him. And we are not likely to do that since without him our backup at 2nd is Speizio (who doesn't quite have the athleticism to play there effectively)
So is our only backup CF. He has had some defensive lapses this year, but he's still a quality backup (not a starter in LF).
We need pitching help. Not a marginally better platoon outfielder (Delucci).

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 24, 2006 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions

CF

Encarnacion can play CF, and then your bench LF of choice can play. So, strictly, we have two backup CFs

by Valatan on Jul 24, 2006 12:55 AM EDT up reply actions

and

Delucci can play CF i think he did in Texas a bit...I wasnt aware they couldnt send miles down.

I have said all along that I thought a decent move not a big splash would do the trick something that says he we believe in ya guys...

by punchinjudy on Jul 24, 2006 1:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Miles

Only problem I have with your points is the part where you said Spiezio can't play second effectively. My question for you: Have you seen Miles play lately?

Check out my new Cardinals blog: http://rockinred.blogspot.com

by rockin the red on Jul 24, 2006 2:06 AM EDT up reply actions

I never said...

that Miles could play effectively. Just that he is probably better than Speezer there everyday.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 24, 2006 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Marlins and the Wild Card

The Marlins are only 6 games out of the Wild Card right now. They shouldn't trade Willis, especially seeing as how their payroll is the lowest in baseball - $14M.

If not a playoff team this year, they might be next year with judicious spending in the off-season.

http://player2bnamedl8r.mlblogs.com/

"I'm the player to be named later." - Crash Davis (Kevin Costner)

by player2bnamedl8r on Jul 23, 2006 11:53 PM EDT reply actions

Tougher division foe?

A Chicago Trib columnist wrote today that the AStros were pushing hard to trade Adam Everett and 2 "very good" prospects for Miguel Tejada.

by sdrone on Jul 24, 2006 12:02 AM EDT reply actions

Astros

they are about 10 games out now. Even with Tejada, I'm not too worried about them except maybe in the playoffs if they get their pitching together.
Also those prospects would have to be pretty darn good to nad Tejada which would hurt the 'stros in the long run probably.

"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon

by DJ87 on Jul 24, 2006 12:07 AM EDT up reply actions

the tejada

rumor has been there for a bit...but this one seems deeper...hope its false...Id like to see the 12 mil half a yr man go down in smoke

by punchinjudy on Jul 24, 2006 12:05 AM EDT reply actions

R. soriano

this would probably never happen, but i read somewhere that the M's were shopping him

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/team/player.jsp?player_id=400089

guy throws hard ive seen him before... if he could be had cheap Id do it...heck Id give em looper and miles

by punchinjudy on Jul 24, 2006 12:11 AM EDT reply actions

I wouldn't

give up Looper for him, but maybe two of our AAA relief "prospects" like Kinney and someone else. I think Looper is great in the setup role.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Jul 24, 2006 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Does anybody think

there's any way we could go after a quality 2B? Brian Roberts and Jose Vidro both play good 2B for bad teams. Neither Luna nor Miles is an everyday 2B in my mind, and the better 2B in the league play for bad teams. In LF and SP, the bad teams (read: sellers) don't really have that much to offer, except in Philly and DC, but in both of those cases (Abreu, Burrell, Soriano) the players would require too much to get back. Also, would it be completely out of the question to go out and try and trade for Reggie Sanders and/or Mark Grudzielanek? Good players on a bad team. Just some thoughts...

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Jul 24, 2006 12:16 AM EDT reply actions

Sanders

I think Reggie is headed for the DL. Same goes for Jose Guillen. 2 average outfielders with some trade value. I'll bet the Royals are kicking themselves right now...

Check out my new Cardinals blog: http://rockinred.blogspot.com

by rockin the red on Jul 24, 2006 2:02 AM EDT up reply actions

by punchinjudy on Jul 24, 2006 2:00 AM EDT reply actions

The best race is the NL East....

...where the largest New York collapse since 1951 is about to take place.

14 straight years and counting....

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 24, 2006 3:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Actually...

...Braves win East
Marlins win Wild Card
Dodgers win the West

Cards win Central and normally I'd say were were screwed because we'd have the Braves to play and they've killed us, but the Braves in the playoffs? That's like a gimme.

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 24, 2006 3:55 AM EDT up reply actions