Game 16 Open Thread: April 20, 2007

by lboros on Apr 20, 2007 8:25 AM EDT in News Comment 424 comments

i refer you back to this post.

how disgusted is kip wells right about now? after all those years trapped in pittsburgh, pitching for inept teams, he finally gets an opportunity to show what he can do with a decent defense behind him and a little run support to back him up . . . . he must feel like the pirates all tagged along with him to his new team. maybe this is all his fault; maybe he checked his losing baggage through on the flight to st louis. wells played a great game yesterday but lost because he got absolutely no help. he generated the entirety of his team's offense --- scored both of the runs, supplied the only rbi, and got 2 of the 5 hits --- and had a stellar outing derailed when his first baseman dropped a routine throw, allowing the leadoff hitter to reach base in the 5th. on the very next pitch, wells' rightfielder misplayed a ball off the fence so badly that ryan klesko had time to chug all the way around to third base; the next hitter reached on another error, a throw in the dirt that pujols normally digs out.

we nitpicked pujols' hitting on wednesday and his baserunning on thursday; today's friday, so it must be time to nitpick his glovework.

at worst, those three batted balls should have resulted in two outs and a baserunner on third, with st louis still leading 2-0; instead the lead was gone and wells had thrown 14 pitches without recording an out. prior to that sequence he had faced the minimum, retiring 12 men on 53 pitches; he would need 57 pitches to get through the next 2 innings. he became increasingly errant as he tired, mislocating his pitches even when he threw strikes. the outcome was not surprising --- a loss that wells hardly deserved.

the team deserved it, though. after bearing down to win 6 of 8 games against houston pittsburgh, and milwaukee, the cardinals have completely lost focus --- mental errors, wasted at-bats. they've mustered just 23 hits in the last 4 games --- 19 of them singles --- to fall to dead last in the nl in both batting (.232) and slugging (.331). it would be nice to blame it all on taguchi and schumaker and miles, but gooch and miles currently rank 4th and 5th on the team in slugging --- just behind gary bennett. and schumaker, terrible though he is, has the same number of extra-base hits as spiezio and edmonds --- in fewer at-bats. calling up john rodriguez and/or ryan ludwick certainly couldn't hurt --- i mean come on, what are they waiting for? --- but it's not going to solve anything. the problem is that edmonds, rolen, pujols, and spiezio are hitting a combined .194 with no power. la russa is concerned; jocketty says give it time.

i think they're both half-right. pujols and rolen will come out of it; edmonds and speeze, i'm not so sure. speezer saved the cardinals last autumn, but before 2006 he'd topped the .800 ops mark only once in a 9-year career; all the projection instruments pegged him as a .250ish hitter with a .730ish OPS, and so far that looks about right. as for edmonds, he hasn't been himself since mid-2005, when his creaky shoulder (the same one he had surgery on this off-season) began bitching in earnest. of his 9 hits this year, 2 have been infield singles and 3 have gone the other way; his lone extra-base hit was a double slapped down the left-field line. jimmy has displayed no evidence this year that he can still pull the ball with power; it's early, and he got a late start, but if there's a reason to panic about the cardinals it's edmonds. "the fate of the st louis offense may rest in his hands," i wrote in my season preview at the Hardball Times. scary thought.

they're gonna have to make a trade.

onward now to chicago, where the cardinals were swept three times last year (once by the chisox). they face a left-hander, ted lilly, who has walked just 3 and struck out 24 in his first 3 national league starts. forecast calls for warm temps: 60s and 70s, sunny. good hitting weather. odds and ends:

both starters today have 2.37 eras.
former mizzou pitcher max scherzer, chosen 11th (by arizona) in last year's draft but still unsigned, has taken a cue from luke hochevar and signed with an independent league team. he'll go back into the draft pool in june.
azruavatar has got the full report from the farm at Future Redbirds. speaking of ryan ludwick --- he mashed two homers yesterday and is at .327 / .371 / .582 on the season.
somebody's sweet on the cardinals' ball girls (or cheerleaders, or whatever).


looper	lilly
2-1, 2.37	1-1, 2.37

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Morning Commute....

I have come to the very real possability that we might be sellers not buyers come the trade deadline. It would be a quick way to restock the minor leagues, like the Yankees did trading away Sheffield. (True, that occured during the off-season, but you get my point.)

The problem is that I don't believe we have ANYTHING that another team would want and we would be willing to give up. Encarcion or Looper come to mind first, and would imagine that they would only command a middling prospect at best. Maybe Kip Wells, but again, a pitcher on one year contract only commands a fringy type, ala Terry Evans. (Yes, I understand that Wells' numbers will be better than Weaver's were, but not so much as to replace Terry Evans with Cameron Maybin, or similarly well regarded prospect.)

We might be reduced to, "Wait til next year." and, "Let's see what the kids can do for the last few weeks."

by Brock20 on Apr 20, 2007 9:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And we'll live.

"Wait till next year" is fine with me when I've only been waiting since October of last year. It would be nice to have another hitter under 30 to complement Pujols and Duncan.

In a perverse way, I'm glad to know that lboros is worried about Jimmy too. I'm happy we didn't just cut him after last year, but a two-year deal for a center fielder of his vintage?...what was wrong with just picking up his option and letting him ride off into the sunset this year?...

by lordsummer on Apr 20, 2007 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whip out your VEB t-shirts, fellas

We're gonna need all the help we can get this weekend.

by sdrone on Apr 20, 2007 9:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lackluster Flyhawks Of Recent Memory

With a current group of outfielders who have amassed a total of 3 hr and 11 rbi in 176 ab (thanks mostly to C. Duncan's production), and some respective OPS numbers that range all the way down to .500 AND BELOW, it may be useful (or useless) to reflect back on unproductive outfields of the past.

Ranging back to '86 (a bad year), I offer McGee(.776), Coleman(.581), VanSlyke(.795), Ford(.682) and Landrum(.562); a tandem of good/decent outfielders all having bad/subpar years. Collectively, the five put up a paltry 24 hr and 184 rbi, most of that thanks to A.V.S. ... all in all, not much to write home about.

This '07 aggregation is well on the way to eclipsing those thin numbers. Personally, I gauge the desperation of this situation by the number of times J-Rod's name is invoked in this post. Geez!

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 9:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

the 1978 outfield was worse

as noted in this post

by lboros on Apr 20, 2007 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this habit of mine -

of dredging up bad outfield combos has gotta stop. Kills brain cells.

You're right. '78 = bad.

Now, instead let's focus on today's chances of solving another southpaw in the midst of this crushing slump.

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This Pujols kid

stinks. Bring back Bonilla!

I've got a bad feeling the Cards will make Ted Lilly look worthy of his salary this afternoon. If they do the same with Marquis tomorrow, I will officially be concerned.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 20, 2007 9:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ludwick

Anyone know much about what kind of defensive player he is?

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 9:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

New Poster

Greetings VEB Community-
First, I have to say thanks to lboros for the site. I've been a long-time reader, but have always put off creating an account in a feeble attempt to remain detached and (semi)productive at work....sigh.

So now I've caved and am looking forward to being a small part of this solid group. I was a big user of the stlcardinals.com message boards and had some good discussions there, but it is so overrun with spam and non-baseball discussion that I left.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to contributing to the board.

by goodymobb on Apr 20, 2007 10:04 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome aboard

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines

by RosevilleRedbird on Apr 20, 2007 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A'Pu and ScoRoo

I am rather unconvinced that Albert and Scott will come back to their former selves- at least Albert and at least this year. I have been watch a lot of video on MLB.TV and while my methods are crude I am seing rather disturbing things in Albert's swing. He simply doesn't have the quick wrists (anymore) that are so key to high average + power hitters.

If anyone is interested I'd really like some help in comparing some of Albert's swings. I think I can do the video, tho somewhat crudely. However I need appropriate at-bats (swings) to compare... Suggestions are appreciated!

by Zubin on Apr 20, 2007 10:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Swiss Army knives

Here's the theory I came up with on the subway this morning: at least part of the problem we're having stems from a failure to modify the bench in response to the injuries we've had.

In an ideal world, TLR likes to run a certain numbers of regulars out every day, plus one or two platoons. He likes his bench to consist of guys who can do a little of everything: play good defense; play several positions; bunt and/or hit-and-run; provide some speed, etc. Our bench is full of these guys now, and it has been since TLR came to St. Louis. These are guys who have all the tools, just in a diminished form -- sort of like those crappy tools they put on Swiss Army knives which theoretically give you, for example, the ability to punch holes in leather. Over the past few years, we've rarely had a guy on our bench who is a one position, power bat -- and generally that's served us well.

The Swiss Army guys make sense when they are truly functionining as bench/role/situational players. But when we are suffering through injuries, and guys like Taguchi, Schu, Wilson (who really should never start against a RHP), and even Speez are starting, the limitations of this approach are exposed. Right now, given the injuries to Enc and JED, we need to place less of a premium on the putative multi-dimensionality of our back-ups, and more on their ability to hit and just to play the position we need. Thus, we would be better off with J-Rod and even Ludwick over Schu, Taguchi, etc., but the team hasn't adapted and modified the bench.

Dunno, maybe a dumb theory that wasn't even worth wasting one subway ride's worth of thoughts. Maybe our players just suck, so we are losing.

by tdawg on Apr 20, 2007 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i think it's well put tdawg

the "little bit of everything" player can contribute when he's getting 185 at-bats a year; but when he's taking 80 at bats a month, his defects outweigh his virtues.

by lboros on Apr 20, 2007 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What else you gonna do on the subway?

I like it too. I will now refer to Spezio as "Leather Punch." Is that the same thing as an awl?

Lilly will tear us up today I fear. He's been good his first few outings.

by Brock20 on Apr 20, 2007 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the leather punch is the awl

I think of Speez as more of the can opener they put on those knives -- not what you would like to use if you had another option, but it will do in a pinch.

Wilson is the corkscrew -- basically useless and you can't figure out why it's there (who uses a corkscrew when camping? probably the same people who viewed PW as a good off-season acquisition), but it can be useful if you try really, really hard

To me, Taguchi and Schu are more like the awl -- every time I look at that thing, I wonder what the fuck it's supposed to be for.

by tdawg on Apr 20, 2007 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or maybe one

of those really small screwdrivers on the knife. You know what it's supposed to do, but if you try to use it you realize it fails miserably.

Wilson is getting better, though. It took him 5 or 6 pitches to get out yesterday.

by RedbirdRay on Apr 20, 2007 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

schumaker

he would be the tweezers. ever tried to tweeze out a splinter with those things? i've actually tried.

i think i'd a had better luck with the corkscrew.

by lboros on Apr 20, 2007 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fish Scaler story...

I went through a phase about the fourth grade, where I really wanted to be an "Outdoorsman." This coming from a kid where the "outdoors" was driving the thirty minutes up the River Road to Pere Marquette State Park, so we could stay in the lodge.

I wanted and got one of those really fancy Swiss Army Knives for my tenth birthday, with the understanding that I wouldn't use it unless an adult was around and I took a knife safety class. (Seriously, they have those.)

Long story short, I ended up playing with thing, carving on a Lincoln Log. I was using the fish scaler, because it was the biggest blade in the knife, and almost cut the tip of my pointer finger off. I ran around the house screaming, shooting blood everywhere, in which was not one of my finer moments, as my family likes to point out.

About ten years later, an ex and I were visiting my parents and my brother and were heading to dinner. She happened to catch a glimpse of the scar and asked me what happened to my finger. Without missing a beat, I replied, "Hunting accident."

My family laughed for a good eight or nine blocks before someone could actually catch their breath to explain to her why that was so funny.

by Brock20 on Apr 20, 2007 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, sure...

"The 10 Do's and 500 Dont's of Knife
Safety"

I read that when I reached the rank of Pussy Willow.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 20, 2007 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

dying

i am literally fucking crying after reading that, question is what did she say after the family had put in their two cents(which i am sure made u want to kill them)?

Pujols is the greatest Cardinal in my lifetime.

by bigcardsfan5 on Apr 20, 2007 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually....

I was throwing out the line to amuse them. I told her the real story after everyone calmed down. She thought it was cute.

by Brock20 on Apr 20, 2007 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, I know what the awl is for.

It's for making new shoelace holes when the old ones pull out. In the 15 years I've had my knife, it's the only situation where it's been needed, though.

by lordsummer on Apr 20, 2007 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better off without SoTag

I hate to jinx the guy, but last I checked he was batting .300 with an OBP near .400 and an ops over .800. I don't imagine he can keep that up, but its hard to imagine replacing what he has done very easy.

by Zubin on Apr 20, 2007 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe he's the smaller of the two knife blades

by tdawg on Apr 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta do something

I really think Walt needs to do something to shake things up. I say send down Skip, DFA Gooch, bring up Ludwick and Jrod to platoon in RF and let Wilson back up Edmonds in center. When Juancion is ready Ludwick can go back down unless he's tearing it up. I'm ready to at least see somebody else suck for a change.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 10:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You are right

Something needs to be done and some of us need to quit drinking the kool aid.

http://whiteyball.wordpress.com

by whiteyball on Apr 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spezio vs. Aurilia

I was a bit surprised when Aurilia signed with the Giants for 2 years and $8M (I thought he'd get a bigger deal). And then I was struck with remorse. I would have preferred him over Spezio, despite the additional $$. He's a better third baseman, can play the MI in a pinch, and hits lefties quite well. He wouldn't solve this lineup's problems, but he certainly wouldn't hurt.

by Hungry Jack on Apr 20, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rolen

I think he's past his prime and if we are sellers at the deadline we should get rid of him for as many good young prospects as we can get. The salary saved should be immediately used to sign A-Rod so that he and Albert can dominate the world.

by eeyorethedog on Apr 20, 2007 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Or just

A-rod can dominate the world, at least at this pace.

Jimmy steps in to lead off the bottom half of the inning... with nobody on base... It could happen... just not tonight.

by Hollywood15 on Apr 20, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Management will do nothing

Last season, day after day, week after week, the shortcomings of the team were exposed. And we called for something--anything--to be done. Management did very little. (They brought in Belli for Luna.) And they won the World Series, which justified their inaction.

Last season, I fear, will lead to doing nothing this season. It's going to be a long summer.

by bgh on Apr 20, 2007 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

on my way to the game

I hope that this impromptu Chicago trip doesn't suck with a shitty Cards performance. But at least I can scream at some Cubs fans...

by eglasier on Apr 20, 2007 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another First Time Poster

Hello All,
Been a loyal reader of the collumns for a while now and love this site. It is a daily read for me and I appreciate all the work lboros, Valatan and the others do to bring us such great info. And now, on to my Pujols rant...

I realize we are still in April, however, the manner in which we are losing these games and the mind numbing offensive production of this team make me very concerned. I was at last Sundays game against the Brewers, the alleged "breakout game" for Pujols. Outside of the two at bats he homered in he looked like a little leaguer up there even though Sheets was clearly struggling with his command. Most disturbing was his second at bat. He was fooled on EVERY pitch. Watching Albert throughout his amazing career so far I have never seen him look that bad during an entire at bat. My wife even noticed how bad he looked and commented on it. Above all, Alberts performance at the plate is what scares me the most about this team. This isn't something that just started, he has been hitting like this all spring and even since the start of the playoffs last year. Pujols stats from the start of the playoffs until today are...

46 Hits in 180 ABs for a .255 average with 9 HRs. That comes out to 1 HR per every 20 ABs. To put that in perspective, last season he hit 1 HR per every 10 ABs and through his whole career in the majors has hit 1 HR in every 13 ABs. Albert's power way down + not seeing the ball well at all = trouble for this team. When everyone else was struggling last season, Pu took the whole team on his back and pretty much single handedly won many ball games. Without his stellar production, we might as well be the Devil Rays, who by the way have the same record as the Cards and have scored 31 more runs.

Don't mean to put such a negative slant on my first post, so I will end it on a positive note. We won the World Series last year so I will take that as a way to ease my pain of this season so far and the potential season we have ahead of us. Oh yea, and the starting rotation even minus Carp is performing beyond expectations. Hooray, I just feel bad for them, especially Wells. Even the Pirates have scored 2 more runs than us this season so far. Ooops, there I go with the negative again... sorry.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I've made similar observations re: Pujols' struggles. The thing I've been saying for a while is that (heuristically at least) it seems like AP has turned into a dead-pull hitter, hence all the groundouts to SS/3B. I looked at a spray chart of his ABs a few times (last yr) and he just pounded the ball into the left side of the infield on a regular basis.

Remember when he was a deadly hitter to all fields? Recall that Homerun Derby show he put on a few yrs back (in Detroit maybe)- he hit linedrive HRs from right to left and simply tore it up. Then it seemed like everyone took notice, stroked the ego a lot, and he morphed into a dead-pull hitter.

Now instead of taking that pitch on the outer half of the plate to right-center for a double, he tries to yank it and ends up pounding it into the ground to SS. I don't have a chart at my fingertips, but it seems like a valid memory/observation.

Add the fact that he IS the offense on most days and maybe he presses even more. Look, the dude puts up the numbers, so who can complain but your stats (and my quick and dirty synopsis of my observations) suggest that he's struggled mightily in recent memory.

by goodymobb on Apr 20, 2007 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he has vision issues

I'm beginning to wonder if Pujols troubles in the field and at the plate aren't related to some kind of vision issue.

Maybe it's just not as crazy good as it used to be (because of age or who knows) and now he's struggling to adjust to the loss of this advantage or something.

by dontEATnachos on Apr 20, 2007 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reason to worry?

I'm one of those who recognize that we're just 15 games into a very long season. The problem is, however, much of what we're witnessing isn't really a surprise. We expected the offense to struggle a little, particularly against lefties. We wondered if Edmonds was too old or if Eckstein could provide anything at the top of the lineup. And we wondered about our RF situation and having people like Wilson on our bench. Those who are worried about Pujols are missing the real problems. Pujols, though he hasn't been good so far this year, will be BUT he has absolutely no help. If you look at game 1 of the Giants series, Feliz made errors, their pitchers walked a couple of batters, and Pujols crushed one -- and we lost. The problem is, that lack of help for Pujols isn't surprising and it probably will continue.

Juan will help a little and Rolen will hit some but that won't fix the problem that this offense is just plain bad and needs help. To expect a lot out of Spiezio is just plain foolish. Ludwick and Rodriguez aren't the answer -- they'd be better than what we have but almost anything would be. For the So haters, maybe you've missed that he's one of our better hitters right now -- and a much better player than either Wilson or Skip. I'm not sure what the answer is but I sure do know what the problem is.

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 11:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...so what's that mean?

Not many people would argue with those observations. However, what do they mean? Sure, our offense needs help and has been downright horrible. Are Walt et al. gonna do anything to acquire a bigtime offensive threat? I highly doubt it....we don't have a lot to offer and everyone's still in the race anyway.

I would've liked to have seen us make a play for Vernon Wells when TOR was (supposedly) dangling him. He didn't sign for much more than Jimmy's 10 mil-plus per year; now Jimmy's contract looks like one of the worst signings of the off-season.

by goodymobb on Apr 20, 2007 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What it means is

quit worrying about Pujols. He's going to be OK. But the offense is too dependent on him so it's the others that are the problem. I thought that was pretty clear.

Will Walt do something? Who knows? The team needs an upgrade at several positions -- 1b isn't one of them. Pujols hit a lot of grounders to 3b last year, when his OPS was over 1.100. He's on a pace to hit 40 or 45 homers again this year. He'll be fine. The offense isn't struggling b/c of Pujols, it's struggling b/c he is now forced to carry the offense and, right now, he's not doing it. It's an unfair burden for him to carry and to suggest that the offense is not scoring b/c he's hitting too many grounders to 3b is simply wrong.

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Odds and ends

Scherzer going to Ft. Worth doesn't mean he's headed back to the draft. The Hochevar situation with the Dodgers was far, far, far different; you can't get backstabbed by the scouting director, call him out for doing so, and then still sign with that team. That was such a bad situation I highly doubt that JD Drew opting out of the Dodgers was completely unrelated. It seems more of a Stephen Drew/Jered Weaver type. Both guys signed with Fort Worth (though only Drew played) and got their deals with the original teams at the midnight hour, Drew even being with the D-Backs.

And once again I have to say, Pujols bat speed is not the problem.

http://mlb.mlb.com/team/player_media.jsp?player_id=405395

4.19.07 HR against the Giants (make sure you get the video not audio). The side view again: his bat isn't slow. That's a pitch on the black. He's not a true .190 hitter with that swing.

Pujols you alive??

by joker24 on Apr 20, 2007 12:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

goold has a great analysis

of the scherzer situation in the bird-land blog today. as he points out, the similarity between comes down to their agent - scott borassssssssssss.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports-bird-land/2007/04/scherzer-the-last-of-his-kind/

by sdesserman on Apr 20, 2007 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i dislike scherzer

after reading that (and googling a bit). He's 22, has an opportunity that most of us could never dream of having, that most of us would have paid a mlb team to have, and he has basically pissed away a year of development in order to squeeze the diamondbacks (over a measly $2M?). It would serve him right if he got lit up in the independant league and never pitched a game in the MLB... or maybe pitched his way to an almost-hall-of-fame career, and missed out because he needed one more year's worth of counting stats.

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 20, 2007 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't that exact thing happen to some

Uber prospect a few years ago? I seem to recall Gammons writing about him and how sad the whole thing was.

by OCCardsFan on Apr 20, 2007 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Harrington

He declined 4.3 because he wanted 4.8. Lost his velo into mid-80's. Turned down a million the 2nd time around and then never got a real offer after that. He was a Cubbie for a short time on a 0 bonus contract but got cut.

And I'd be really surprised if Scherzer got bombed in indy leagues. He is absolutely filthy.

Pujols you alive??

by joker24 on Apr 20, 2007 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Matt Harrington

Drafted high in 2000, wouldn't sign. Drafted not as high in 2001, wouldn't sign. Basically was drafted three or four times, but never signed with a major league team and wasted any opportunities he might have had. Greed is an amazing thing.

(Might be wrong on the years--didn't doublecheck.)

by Cardinal70 on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looper

As bad as the team is playing, I just have a feeling that Looper is going to shut down the baby bears today. Even though it's early, he has looked great thus far.

I can't even imagine how terrible we would look now if we were having these same offensive woes, and Looper and Wells were the busts some thought they would be (myself included, at least with respect to Looper).

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 12:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I can only hope you're correct

but something makes methinks that lilly will be the one you have just described. I'm not sure why I'm attending this game today given the cards' ineptness when lhp take the hill, perhaps to pull out what few hairs I have left. But at least I can get a sun tan/ burn on that noggin, it is a beautiful day for baseball

by 300milesNWisabadteam on Apr 20, 2007 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jimmy Ballgame

Just seeing the way Jimmy Ballgame is struggling to get back to being even average makes me believe that this season is his last. I know he has a tendency to appear to not be going 100% sometimes, but it also seems to me that the fire to be an elite player is gone. He now has his WS Championship, he is in the twilight of his career, and is coming off significant injuries. I know he is an extreme competitor, but where does the motivation come from now?

To be honest, there really wasn't much available as a replacement in center during the off season so bringing him back wasn't a total stretch. Now, he did get a late start and will at some point (I hope) get better, but I just don't see him being here again next season.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 1:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm reminded

of Larry's post way back when, when he questioned the wisdom of giving Edmonds a second year, rather than just picking up his option.

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Edmonds

There's not much doubt that Edmonds is the best option we have in center.... But we're paying him like $9M (??) more this year (not including the option money) than we're paying JRod, and there's almost no way he can contribute $9M extra worth of offense/defense.

I would have prefered to save the money, and do some kind of Juan for Dunn trade. I'd just love for our line-up to be
Eckstein
Duncan
Pujols
Dunn
Rolen

I mean, gosh, ...

by redbird2006in on Apr 20, 2007 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um...

I'm an unabashed JRod apologist, but I don't think you want him playing CF every day.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear ya but...

As beautiful as a Juan for Dunn trade sounds, it would never ever happen. 1st of all, Krivsky would never deal Dunn within the division (especially the to the Cards) and second, you might be lucky to get a hot dog and a beer in a trade for Juan. I would love to get rid of Juan but we would have to eat a big chunk of his salary to find any takers. Not likely to happen.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2nd year is junk

I was pretty surprised they gave Jimmy that second year on the deal as well, but I have to believe that it was a part of the deal Jimmy wanted just in case he came back and had a good year this year and wanted one more go next season. Also, doesn't the second year of the contract have a buyout? If so, that has got to be a retirement present for Mr. Ballgame. With the way this season has at least started, I would be very suprised if he will play another year.

What do the birds do about a CF for next year since Rasmus isn't going to be even near ready and I don't see Ankiel being our everyday CF?

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hard to tell

He really looks injured right now. Watching him chase those two gappers that turned into triples in the giants series was painful- he either would have caught those or cut them off in years past imho, and I don't think he's gotten "slow"- I think it just hurts to run now. Maybe he needs some time on the DL.

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 20, 2007 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

andruw jones

hahahahaha

I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Apr 20, 2007 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2nd year

It's not an option, it's guaranteed.

by john vb on Apr 20, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rolen

back in the lineup today, so says Bernie.

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If this season is nothing like last season

shouldn't we sweep 9 games in Chicago and Pujols have a monster series?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On a positive note...

I was home this past weekend and got to hear the KTRS station identification for the first time. "KTRS Your home for the World Champion St. Louis Cardinal." That still gives me chills.

by Brock20 on Apr 20, 2007 1:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Us too.

Seriously, how far east can you pick up KTRS? Belleville? I think my dad's Cardinals rooting capacity went down 90% when he could no longer get the games on KMOX on the tractor radio (in southeast Indiana). Now he's stuck listening to Reds games on WLW.

by lordsummer on Apr 20, 2007 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Driving...

On 55-South, I can pick up KTRS right before the Madison County line. This is unusual because reception is bad in some places of Madison County, like in parts of Collinsville and Granite City.

by Brock20 on Apr 20, 2007 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man...

This place sure has turned into quite a downer. I realize things look bleak, but step back a moment and take things into perspective.

1.) Pujols isn't the only star slumping. Several of the games top sluggers right now are hitting right around the mendoza line to start off the season.

2.) Our team is no worse than the Astros, and they are on fire right now after starting 1-6, and their is no reason to believe our boys can't get hot and go on their own tear, they just need to start clicking.

3.) The main problem with this team is that bench players are getting starting spots because of TLR's infatuation with L/R matchups. So Taguchi, Aaron Miles, Skip Schumaker and Scott Spezio should never ever start more than one game a week IF that.

Just relax everyone. I can be a pessimist to (and i've already vented many times already this year), but we are only 14 games into a 162 game season. Once the team starts clicking, and it will happen, things will look better. I still believe this team can win 90 games.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 20, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Very Good Points...

I agree with you, and don't want to be so pessimistic. I guess the reason I get fired up is the manner in which we are losing ballgames is very hard to stomach. If we were losing to top tier teams in hard fought fundamentally sound ballgames, I would be more than willing to accept that. But we aren't and that is what I have a hard time accepting.

Now, if we go out and light up Marquis tomorrow, I will be very very happy camper and will wipe the slate clean.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand...

and agree, nothing is more annoying than the team making stupid errors/baserunning blunders. Makes me feel like a Cubs fan.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 20, 2007 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lineups

I can't complain, not a Gooch, Skip, Miles, or Bennett to be seen:

St. Louis

D. Eckstein ss
C. Duncan lf
A. Pujols 1b
S. Rolen 3b
J. Edmonds
P. Wilson rf
Y. Molina c
A. Kennedy 2b
B. Looper p

Chi Cubs

R. Theriot 2b
C. Floyd lf
D. Lee 1b
A. Ramirez
M. DeRosa
J. Jones cf
H. Blanco c
C. Izturis ss
T. Lilly p

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 1:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If any of those players come close

to what we expected of them in the preseason, that is a big league lineup.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's what i like to see

I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Apr 20, 2007 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trotting out our best lineup

against our biggest rival. Could this be the first step to turning it around?

I kind of fear that we are in the middle of one of those 2006-patented 8-game losing streaks, though :(

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow! THREE lefties in the

lineup against a lefty! I guess Dierdre Pujols gave Tony some advice too.

by MdRedbirdFreak on Apr 20, 2007 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice to see Dunc...

play and produce against the lefty.

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 20, 2007 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yay

Duncan's hit was kind of a bloop, but Pujols put a nice swing on his single.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pujols >

Medoza

Acquire any Established Major League Outfielder!

by guayzimi on Apr 20, 2007 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What is the record for team GIDP?

...We're trying awfully hard to break it!

Why wasn't Pujols running???

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 2:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Because if he had run -

Scotty would have struck out into a DP.

One way or another - it's gonna be a twin-killing.

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You've heard the 'Butterfly Effect'

it's the 'Cardinals Effect'.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hold on Braden

this is going to be a bumpy day.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another GIDP

Maybe we should be called the St. Louis GIDPs. Because even when we get two hits in a row, someone will come and wipe it out.

A little leniency for Scotty Ro, though, because I've dealt with food poisoning and he's not 100% right now, even if he is playing. He is still weak.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 2:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Agreed...

I've had food posioning twice in my life and you aren't 'right' for a few days, unless you 'release' (so to speak) the food quickly from your body.

Otherwise, it's a few days.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, the Cards are a rehab spa -

for food-poisoned players, currently. Lots of hugs and pats on the back.

I'd rather have some winning baseball, frankly.

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

maybe you should learn how to .300 and help the squad out.

The guy is sick, he gets sick days. My job is the same way.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 20, 2007 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't want sick players in the lineup -

is it too late to sign Ken Oberkfell to a 5-day contract?

Signed,
Frustrated and Impatient Cardinal Fan

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta love Cliff Floyd throwing his bat

down like he went big fly.

Nice job, Willie Mays Hayes. That one isn't going to have the distance.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

lol thx for the picture

27 minutes until lunch break...

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 20, 2007 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Runners 1st and 3rd now

Time for an inning ending DP.

Anyone know why we were shading a player who a season ago was one of the best hitters in baseball to only pull the ball?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I would LOVE

to see a trade for Pat Burrell. The Phillies have been talking about dealing him forever now. Not sure how we can fit him in though.

But I think what the Cardinals need is an above average OBP guy who won't cost much. Think Juan Encarnacion only better. There are lots of players to fit this kind of mold. I'm talking about the Milton Bradley, Mike Cameron types.

by VORP is too nerdy on Apr 20, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No

We don't want Milton Bradley. He has an absolutely horrible attitude and gets injured a lot.

We might as well take a run at a D-Ray, or like you said, Burrel. Honestly, though, I'm starting to care less and less. It's like when we got Weaver last year. I'm not going to be that picky, as long as we get SOMEONE to get this offense moving. Right Field is a black hole right now.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Apr 20, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damage control, Loop...

Don't let them put a crooked number up...

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looks like the

Braden Looper we all know and love.

by VORP is too nerdy on Apr 20, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

one run on

a few bad breaks?

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 20, 2007 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What was that?

3 Ground ball singles?

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What an absurd play

Why did DeRosa turn towards second and why did Pujols not get the tag on him going by?

DeRosa grounds sharply to Rolen, who throws to Kennedy at 2nd for the lead out and Kennedy throws it wide to Pujols at 1st. It looked like Pujols tagged DeRosa in the 1st base line, umpire signals safe, Pujols protests as he runs towards DeRosa who apparently went through 1st base but had rounded it a bit towards second. Thus, Pujols tagged him out AFTER he touched 1st base.

Did the run score?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Negative

on that one.

by VORP is too nerdy on Apr 20, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

DeRosa missed 1st base

HA. Way to go genius!

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We finally catch a break

I think the color guy is right, though, the ump shouldn't have signalled safe at first since DeRosa missed the bag.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why did the ump call him safe anyways?

Only at Wrigley.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ump butchered that play...

...first by calling him safe when he missed the bag and then second by calling the runner out for a non-existent move to second. In the end the runner was out as he should be.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

DeRosa never touched first. Pujols was tagging him out. Hernandez just made a horrible umpiring call by signaling 'safe'.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

It was a proper call to signal him "safe" meaning that the tag had been applied? I assume the correct call would have been to make no call at all?

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

"wasn't" a proper call is what I meant in the first sentence.

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

and "hadn't been applied"

I'm just going to stop posting for a while, although I would love to hear a response to my question.

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

A safe signal means just that...he's safe. If he never reaches the base/plate, no call should be signaled because nothing has happened to make a call on.

Usually you see it on plays at the plate, where a guy tries to avoid the catcher and misses the plate.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Similar Play

I feel like I've seen umps make a similar "safe" call at home when the runner does not touch the plate and the tag misses, only to later make an "out" call as the catcher applies the tag.

I agree that it probably isn't the correct call, but I'm pretty sure I've seen it before.

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You might be thinking of

when a catcher makes the tag and drops the ball. The ump calls the guy out and then upon noticing the ball on the ground calls him safe.

Either way, if there is no tag and the runner has not reached the base, there should be no signal.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nonsense

angel hernandez does not make bad calls!

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 20, 2007 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well that was interesting

Couldn't tell if DeRosa missed the bag or the ump said that he was heading for 2nd when Pujols tagged him.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

TODAY -

Last place will be all ours!! Hurray!

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

scram

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd Love Nothing More Than For The Cards -

to prove me wrong.

But ya gotta admit, there's nothing but Blind Faith indicating this team is going to win today.

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nothing but blind faith indicating we'll win?

After three innings, when we're only down by a run, we're getting hits, and we're playing the Cubs? Unless you're talking about the band Blind Faith, that comment's pretty silly.

If you are talking about the band, then I guess I don't really know how to interpret it - are there specific lyrics you're referring to?

by BTown Birds fan on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Had To Cry Today

3rd Verse / 4th line

(just kidding - you're right, the Cards DO have a chance today, sometimes it just doesn't seem like they do)

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I'd feel better about our chances too

if we hadn't stopped getting hits in the third inning. Gotta like Loop though.

by BTown Birds fan on Apr 20, 2007 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm impressed with Molina's progress

hitting, but would like to see some pop.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who needs pop ...

... when you've got Molina's speed.

I swear, he could turn a ground rule double into a single.

by dontEATnachos on Apr 20, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

It's actually encouraging to see him K more this year- I'd rather see him strike out than ground out weakly.

"God is back in the National League. Matter of fact, he is staying at my house." -Joaquin Andujar

by SleepyCA on Apr 20, 2007 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just...awful...

I mean I can't really comment on how bad we look because I'm on Gameday, but two backwards K's in one inning, one in 3 pitches? P-dub having the best AB of the bunch? WTF?

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Love the Gameday on Edmonds at bat

Called Strike
Foul
Called Strike

Yep, seems about right at this point for Jimmy.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This ump must have a hot date at 4:00...

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 2:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Duncan

you have got to stop that stuff...

I really like the guy, but sometimes he doesnt make it easy (to stand up for him, when so many knock him)

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That was a pretty tough play

and is a questionable "error" ruling.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

eh

It wasnt easy.

But you just look dumb when the ball bounces off your glove

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever

the ball was scorched almost directly over his head and (keeping in mind he's still learning outfield) made a jumping attempt and almost caught it.

Yeah. Dumb.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

someone

woke up on the cranky side of the bed this morning

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it was a tough play

and it shouldn't have been an error. But he should have had it. He lost it with the bad jump.

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

He makes that catch we're all talking about what a great play and how he's come a long way. Half the LF's in the NL don't make that play.

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Apr 20, 2007 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

E-7....

...do we have the worst fielding outfield in the league?

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think we have the

worst outfield in everything in the league.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Card are a pathetic team right now

close quotes

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 2:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

and you're an annoying fan.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 20, 2007 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's this? The Rah RAh RAh Section?

Am I not allowed to express some frustration?

by Urban Pawnee on Apr 20, 2007 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At least our pitchers can hit

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Geez we get better production out of

our pitchers than our RFs............

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Loop

Our pitchers continue to dominate at the plate.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hal Mcrae should spend less time

with the pitchers and talk to the other 12 guys.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or maybe

it's just the opposite -- he doesn't spend time with the pitchers and therefore they hit ...

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Touche

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

with his first hit of the year,

braden looper's batting average is within 23 points of jim edmonds's.

I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Apr 20, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Geez, our pitchers are our best hitters

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How is Lilly's windup not a balk?

He freaking leans towards 1st base everytime he goes to the plate.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm just listening on the radio...

but b/c you cant balk on a windup?

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, not windup

it is from the stretch, but he has a high leg kick that I swear is leaning towards 1st base everytime.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lefties from the stretch,

re: balks, are one of the things that makes baseball beautiful / ridiculous. Most every kick is two inches variation from the other, and its all up to the umps discreation.

Hands throwing up frustrating.

Cheers

by Alxfritz on Apr 20, 2007 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it is awful

when i am happy for an eckstein fly out because it is not a double play.

I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Apr 20, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It'd be nice to see Lilly

walk Duncan and Pujols hit a 3 run blast.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Or not.

Buckle down, Braden didn't fool them the 1st time through the lineup...this could get ugly.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn

Duncan for gold glove!

by madding on Apr 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What happened?

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dive towards the chalk

in LF.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Duncan for Gold Glove

Holy Crap!

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

there you go

lil Dunc!

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

jealousblues

TAKE THAT!!!!!

;)

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hey ;-)

I like Dunc, I cant imagine what a Duncan hater would take here ;-)

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

HA!

Maybe Dunc reads VEB on his blackberry between innings and you fired him up!!

Say something bad about Pujols.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

boo

Pujols you are sinking my fantasy team.

When you pop up it makes you look silly.

Rolen you too ;-)

(p.s. How did I have two 3b's out sick the other day?)

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope

I guess it didnt work

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

kill all humans

...yet

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OMG, that was a great play Dunc

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Crazy Idea

I think it might fire this team up if Loop just pegged D-Lee or someone soon. At least it would make things interesting for the squad, maybe getting into a little scrum could ignite some flames within.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Tony and Sweet Lou are apparently

good friends. That would never happen under that circumstance. Tony would let the other team cheat before he ever showed up 'a friend'.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

Is there a manager that TLR isn't "good friends" with?

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lloyd McClendon

Of course, he's not a manager anymore....but still.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

beat me too it

Lloyd, maybe Baker

(i cant imagine them being friends)

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

TLR and Baker

almost fought a couple of years ago (Baker's first in Chicago).

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and besides that TLR has to agonize for days..

..before giving the OK to hit someone in the rear or lower

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

that is a crazy idea.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hell it's the Cubs

I say go for it.

by madding on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitchers hitting better than our position players

Pitchers, so far this year 6 for 25 for a .240 average.

Everyone else:
112 for 486, for a .230 average

Our pitchers also have a better AB/HR ratio:
(25 to 1) vs (60 to 1)

Updated through the 3rd inning of today's game.

by redbird2006in on Apr 20, 2007 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

stat of the day

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Duncan's dive for those at work

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

nice

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Edmonds should guess fastball

close his eyes and swing as hard as he can.

Every pitch.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he just did that

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope not

cause he was STILL really late.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we need to platoon anyone against LHP

It's Edmonds, not Duncan.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Was the ball in the glove before he even started

...to swing?

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It hurts

to watch Jimmy this year. He is just so far off it makes it hard to see him fighting back from it. We really, really need to add an outfielder.

by TICY on Apr 20, 2007 3:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We should trade for DeRosa

he'd fit right in.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looper averaging 11 pitches/inning

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lbros

maybe team fredbird can platoon left? can't be much worse, then you can put to rest the whole Cheerleading is a sport thing...see how good they are...Meanwhile So is trembling yet intrigued

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Apr 20, 2007 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i mean

against lefties or play OF

Kenny is a "dirt" bag?

by punchinjudy on Apr 20, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

P-dub longball

Calling it.

I wonder what kind of Vegas odds I could get on that?

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No, but that was a great at bat

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, anything where

PW doesn't K or GIDP is an improvement, I guess...

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

i eat babies

walk for preston

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How difficult is it to walk P-Dub?

I think you really have to try.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

P-Dub Walks!

What a concept!

So says, The Dude

by Titus Pullo on Apr 20, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No DP!!! We're improving!

by Ignatius J Reilly on Apr 20, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Come on Loop

Sweet. Runner in scoring position and our best hitter at the plate... A pitcher.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Kennedy

doesn't like to see a lot of pitches, does he?

by TICY on Apr 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

First time

I think that is the first time Kennedy hasn't grounded to the right side of the infield this season. Hey, he is making progress.

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps you've fogotten the triple.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Preston should have been tagging up

no matter if caught or not. No way in hell does Cliff Floyd throw Preston out even if he tags should the ball fall in.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

qwerty

i wonder if someone somewhere is saying "Looper can help his own cause.."

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

How close was Kennedy's to being out?

Gameday has it on the left-center warning track.

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Just short of the warning track

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I cant spell

Barley on the track

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is where it was

Floyd caught it belt high from his side, bobbled it a bit and threw it into the infield.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

';lkpoiqwcws

So is this going to be one of those games where the one run is enough?

Remember when we owned the Cubs, and the huge streak we had at kicking their butts in Busch?

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Busch is dead, baby...

...Busch is dead.

by Jonathan23 on Apr 20, 2007 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh...

Those were the days...

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Next inning

lineup turnsover. Best chance to score until probably the 9th. Yikes.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really think

if we keep pitching well, we're going to win some games. We'll have to be .500, won't we?

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You assume we can score

3 runs a game.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

right now

we can't and against lefties we can't but eventually...? It can't remain THIS bad, can it?

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

also while we are remembering...

things,

Remimber when we hit like crazy but had no pitching?

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh...

Those were also the days...

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope the

guys at BleedCubbieBlue read this whining, negative thread and laugh at us like we laugh at them.

Seriously, the way message boards go in downturns make me swear 90% of the posters have been watching baseball for less than 3 years. Gotta be fair weather fans to bitch this much, this early.

by RedbirdRay on Apr 20, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You confuse snarkiness for bitching

I believe.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

please enter a subject for your comment.

a lot of it is sarcasm

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Easy guy

Been watching baseball for 25+ years and am not a fair weather fan. I just don't like the way the Birds are stinking up the joint right now. Is that so wrong?

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone having trouble with mlb.tv game feed?

Mine has been awfully choppy the last few innings.

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 3:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Gameday

For those at work. This works pretty well to keep an eye on the game. The new gameday just doesn't work here. I like it more than anything else I've found and you can easily keep an eye on the other games going on.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb;_ylt=Avk.CFHgk0eZqr_ZQYnNYNg5nYcB#

by Carps on Apr 20, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

wow

Why would you chase that pitch?

seriously, can someone who knows more tell me

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

because he's struggling...

that's why. that's what happens when your going bad.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Apr 20, 2007 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Swing inning

Top 3 went in helpless order and now their 2,3,4 (power bats) are coming up for the 3rd time against Looper.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WTF was that!?!

When did Pujols become Preston Wilson?

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

man, Id love to have a rocket car, that'd be sweet

To me it looked like a pitch that Edmonds would swing at

I just cant see how that would be a hittable pitch

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

That's one of the few times I can remember seeing Pujols look silly on a high fastball. It was way out of the zone.

The outfield is deep and playing him straight-away and the infield is the same except first, second, third and short are playing him to pull. -- Mike Shannon

by MUTiger on Apr 20, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ahhhhhhhh

i want to stay positive, but boy are they making it hard

by truemun12 on Apr 20, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

punchless

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Looper

This guy could be making himself a lot of money.

by mcurryatl on Apr 20, 2007 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

keep in mind

Looper's already signed for '08 at $5.5mil.

by john vb on Apr 20, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lee

looked almost as bad as Pujols on that swing.

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

72 pitches through 6

gotta love those Cubbies -- they're absolutely hacktastic! Can we not just get a couple freaking runs? Or how about a hit from someone other than the pitcher?

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 3:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

apparently David Eckstein

has flied out 3 times -- WTF? talk about bad hitting!

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

it seems like

eck is always hitting the ball in the air anymore

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

maybe

he got tired of being stranded at first

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

P-DUB!!!!!

by Big Red on Apr 20, 2007 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

don't forget about

Jimmy's at bat. just get on base somehow

by lastplacecubs on Apr 20, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Preston!

Holy crap.

by DanUpBaby on Apr 20, 2007 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

He squared that one up. Knowing our luck this year I'm surprised it didn't hit that damn bird :)

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

one handed swing by Wilson

I hate to complain but that was funny

HRHRHHRHRHRHRH!!!!!!!!

someone called it...

a couple innings early

he made like Willie McGee looking bad, then boom!

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

someone...

was one AB off from calling that one.

by longhornscardinals on Apr 20, 2007 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I just thought to myself

Lilly's at 91 pitches, he just walked Jimmy, who had struck out twice already, maybe he's wearing down! wow!

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

that

looked nasty

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

HA!!

P-dub longball
Calling it.

I wonder what kind of Vegas odds I could get on that?

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Fri Apr 20, 2007 at 02:23:36 PM CDT

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Except I was one AB too early...

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice

by nota bene on Apr 20, 2007 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

c'mon Loop

not a very big margin for error! God knows how long it'll take us to get 2 more!

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

care to...

make any other predictions?

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hahaha, not with the pressure on...

In Albert we trust.

by Mr Redbird on Apr 20, 2007 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

downside

of course that means p-dub has bought himself another month in the lineup.

but...cant be upset with a cardinal homerun.

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Apr 20, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Poop

Lead off walk = bad inning

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh good, leadoff walks

they never come back to bite you.

Or wait, how does that go?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If Blanco bunts

we can double him up 3rd to 1st.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Or how about a butcher boy

triple play?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Holy Shit!

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

huh?

what just happened?

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hahaha

triple play

by Birds on the Matt on Apr 20, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

poop

pulling it back, interference on blanco, i think he's out.

by Birds on the Matt on Apr 20, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

do i see a...

meltdown a brewin'?

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

That was awesome.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well crap

Although probably the right call.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what?

triple play? really?

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

WTF????

Robbed of a Triple Play!!!

by Mrthe2th on Apr 20, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

little help

for those following on gameday?

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

blanco bunts in the air

gets in yadi's way trying to catch it. yadi gets it off the ground, fired to 2nd, then to 3rd, back to first. looked to be a triple play, but they pulled it back because of the interference call on blanco.

by Birds on the Matt on Apr 20, 2007 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blanco popped up a bunt

Yadi reached over Blanco to try to catch it in the air but couldn't get it. The ball hit the ground, Yadi threw to 2nd for the force, then it went to 3rd for a tag out and back to first for an apparent triple play since Blanco never got his lazy but out of the box. Then the home plate ump decided to call Blanco out on interference and sent the runners back to 1st and 2nd.

by mikedallas23 on Apr 20, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

booo

im booing for no real reason...

just like most people at the game

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wait

The ball is in fair territory, that should be triple play....am I wrong?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

ok...

blanko poped up a bunt.

Molina tried to catch it...by diving over him?

but he droped it. tagged out blanco then threw to second then third...

but ?

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

but they said that it wasn't a triple play

after Sweet Lou argued because they said Blanco was out on 'interference'.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so blanco

was called out when he interfered and the play was dead? Damnit!

by chuckb on Apr 20, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

After the fact...yes.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on Apr 20, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

im not sure whats going on

but certain people need to continue to make predictions.

by longhornscardinals on Apr 20, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

interferrence

batter called out for interference. end of play.

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Apr 20, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

can

someone give a better description.

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

blanco

didn't move after the bunt. molina had to bear hug him to try to catch the ball. blanco still stood there like a statue while molina tried to continue the play

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on Apr 20, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Batter interference

Batter out

Play dead

No triple play

by rw on Apr 20, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

I liked the replay.

Molina had Blanco's face entirely in his glove...

then he adjusted his cup and watched

by jealousblues on Apr 20, 2007 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

blanco

popped up a bunt and got in Molina's way so that the ball hit the ground. Molina picked it up, tagged Blanco, then threw to second. They then threw to third and to first for what seemed like five outs. Umps correctly called Blanco out for interference and sent the runners back.

by DCGreg on Apr 20, 2007 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs