Game 34 Open Thread: May 12, 2007

by lboros on May 12, 2007 9:16 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News

azruavatar summed up kip wells' career during the game thread last night: "Wells seems to have really good stuff and really bad pitch location." next time he starts, pay attention to where the catcher sets up on each pitch; then count the number of times the delivery ends up on the opposite side of the plate. seems to happen 40 or 50 percent of the time. but wells' pitches have such good movement that he can usually get away with mistakes in the strike zone; he'll leave a pitch over the plate but the batter can't square it up . . . . . or such was the case in wells' first 4 starts. now he's missing outside the strike zone more often than before, and his mistakes in the zone are getting creamed:

	inn	bb	hr
starts 1-4	26	9	1
starts 5-8	21	13	6

derrick goold adds some good insight about wells' struggles at Bird Land. i was struck by one statement in particular: "A scout who's watched [Wells] a few times in recent weeks said he's making decisions and struggling through innings just as he did in Pittsburgh." that caught my eye because after wells' last decent start --- the april 19 game against san francisco --- i made this snide observation:

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.

wells was a one-man team that day. he got two hits and scored the cards' only two runs himself, one on a homer; the rest of the "hitters" supported him with only 3 singles. worse yet for wells' psyche, the defense collapsed on him in the bottom of the 5th. wells sailed into the inning with a 2-0 lead and only two baserunners allowed; he got the leadoff man to tap a routine bouncer to second, but pujols inexcusably dropped the throw to put the leadoff man on base. klesko doubled on the next pitch, but preston wilson misplayed it into a triple; the ensuing batter hit it to second, but miles' throw was in the dirt and pujols couldn't dig it out. they scored it a hit, but a competent defense woulda made that play. . . . in the very next inning, wells starting nibbling; he walked two guys, went to 3-ball counts on two other hitters, and gave up 3 runs. he needed 34 pitches to get through the inning.

goold notes that the cardinals think wells has lapsed into bad mental habits; i think he lapsed into them after that sloppy 5th inning in san francisco. ever since, he has pitched with doubt in his mind.

last night's lifeless performance with the bats doesn't bother me; peavy has suffocated nearly every offense he's faced. last night was the 4th time (in 8 starts) that jake pitched at least 7 innings and gave up 3 or fewer hits; he also did it to the marlins, dbacks, and dodgers. it was the 3d time this year peavy didn't give up a run. i don't know if the feeble bats will ever break out, but they surely weren't going to do it last night.

i'm gonna get a look at the triple A team tonight; the memphis redbirds are in my area (colorado springs) for 4 games with the sky sox. unfortunately, tonight's opener is the only game of the set i'll be able to attend; tomorrow i'll be doing mother's day stuff, and then i'm leaving on a work trip monday and will be out of town for the last 2 games. troy cate is pitching tonight, and ankiel should be back in the lineup (he got the night off yesterday against a tough lefty). j-rod hasn't played in a couple of days, which makes me wonder if he reinjured himself. i'll try to find out.


looper	young
4-2, 2.66	4-2, 3.29

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Comments

It's a late game tonight, right?

9:10 PM start for us central time folks, I believe.

by Phyrkrakr on May 12, 2007 9:21 AM EDT reply actions

Yes, that's correct

And if tonight goes like last night, I'll be in bed early again.

Is this Heaven? No, It's Iowa. I could've sworn this was Heaven.

by TedGlover on May 12, 2007 9:35 AM EDT up reply actions

3am in Limerick

wont hear this one.

It happened on a Sunday afternoon, August 22, 1982.

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 12, 2007 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions

At Least

The Cards have their Ace going tonight (head explodes, sun rises in West, cats and dogs, living together...)

I bet he comes through again, 7 strong. And probably will need to!

by glennrwordman on May 12, 2007 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

Hal McRae

When is Hal McRae going to be scrutinized for this offense's struggles? When the pitching struggles everyone loves to call for Dave Duncan's head. Duncan has a much better track record than McRae but yet to this point McRae has been given a free pass.

http://whiteyball.wordpress.com

by whiteyball on May 12, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions

Not in this forum

Hal hasn't gotten a free pass here. I've read plenty of posts questioning his ability or calling for his head outright.

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Hal

Well, Larry Walker is with the team for the road trip, so maybe he will help out.

by busch bird on May 12, 2007 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Wells

I wish he could just harness that "great stuff" and hit his spots. I saw his potential in the televised ST games. Makes me think of two things:

My buddy and I always made fun of Hrabosky when he'd go on and on about Mike Timlin having "good stuff" when he was here - then he'd get lit up for 2 homers per appearance.
A scene from the great Happy Gilmore

:
"Yeah, lot of pressure. You gotta rise above it. You gotta harness in the good energy, block out the bad. Harness energy, block bad. Feel the flow, Happy. Feel it. It's circular. It's like a carousel. You pay the quarter, you get on the horse. It goes up and down and around. Circular. Circle. With the music. The flow... all good things."

by silent_bob on May 12, 2007 10:19 AM EDT reply actions

What is our homerless innings streak up to?

Duncan in Milwaukee was the last time we had one. Are we reaching Franchise record area yet?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:38 AM EDT reply actions

My estimate has us at 74 innings

on our current homerless streak (75 if you count the 3rd inning in Milwaukee [Duncan homers with no outs])

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Let us know what you think of Ankiel...

in your next post lboros. After his slow start he's been absolutely raking.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on May 12, 2007 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

Wells

to me these stats are really telling about Wells' year.

AVG/OBP/SLG/OPS/HR
With no one on base .209/.272/.296/.568/2
w/ runners on .339/.427/.742/1.169/5
w/ RISP .306/.434/.667/1.101/2

He's actually given up fewer hits than IP on the year but they are all bunched up and there, obviously, have been a ton of extra base hits w/ runners on. My guess is that he tries to get too fine w/ his pitches w/ runners on base, wary of giving up a run and ends up getting behind hitters. Then he walks them or has to groove one. I've also noticed (seemingly) a lot of first pitch hits w/ runners on base vs. Wells. He seems to lose his focus after a hit or walk and lay one in there to be pummelled.

On another note, did anyone happen to see who was the winning pitcher for the Mets, beating Suppan last night? Our old friend, Jorge Sosa! Didn't pitch too badly in 6 IP either. Who'd a thunk it?

by chuckb on May 12, 2007 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

Stretch?

Maybe Wells is tipping his pitches out of the stretch, or maybe he just prefers the windup?

by Hastur on May 12, 2007 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I have a

question about pitch-tipping in general: is it a lot harder to spot if you're not the batter? I'm guessing so, because you often hear stories of some perceptive fellow on the bench pointing it out after it's been going on for one or multiple games. I just wonder why it seems not to be thought of -- or solved -- earlier with a lot of guys.

I do remember Larussa telling the national TV audience that Reyes was tipping against the Mets in the NLCS. If that was a Tony head-game, I can't figure out the strategy...

by jfs on May 12, 2007 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

TLR has said that more than once

but in general, when I read about this being done, it's figured out from the bench.

Edmonds picking up Sean Marshall from the bench last year was a good example.

by sdrone on May 12, 2007 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Just to clarify

I meant is it hard for the Cards hitters or pitchers to spot Wells tipping (if he is), since they don't face him? But yeah, I see what you mean -- guys can pick it up from the bench, the plate, some combination after comparing notes, I guess.

by jfs on May 12, 2007 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Sosa..

I remember seeing him in the pen alot last year from my seats in the bleachers. He just did not seem like he was a happy guy while he was in StL. He did not socialize with the other pen guys - he just sat by himself and kinda moped. That plus his performance in the games - no emotion there either. Something was up there mentally with him during his stint in StL.

by silent_bob on May 12, 2007 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Sky Sox?

Hey Larry, I was thinking about going to tonight's game, too. Given my work schedule this week, tonight is also probably the only game I will get to here in COS.

Nick

by ntallyn on May 12, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Wells

Is it just me, or does it seem like when Wells has to dig deep and get mean, there is not much depth? Take a look at Weaver last year, when runners got on against him he bowed his neck reach down and went right after guys (Peavy did the same thing last night). Wells does not do that, Kip panics when there are guys on. I'd panic too with an offense last in the league and defense that has not been itself. Still when we were replacing guys like Sup and Weaver, I would have thought we would sign a guy with some guts.

by Stan and Slaughter on May 12, 2007 11:53 AM EDT reply actions

Kip Wells plus Albert

Larry, I did note your comment after the Kip Wells performance in SF, a game which I attended, having flown up from LA. I thought that you were right on and you could see the guy just sag on the mound that day when he had just great stuff

Now, I'm in SD for the three game set and Wells was terrible except that you look up and he has struck out 8 guys. However,I have the MLB Direct Tv package and often stay tuned for the now hard to watch post-game. Wells is very robotic in his responses to the media and virtually emotionless, which I don't care for, and unfortunately I think that he is a "loser." While that's judgmental, I just don't think that he can be salvaged with the current lack of offense. That said, I know that he's here to stay for this season.

As to Albert, I went to batting practice and he looked great. He's my favorite guy and it's upsetting at his lack of performance. I was earlier convinced that he was expanding, but now I just don't know what is wrong, but he isn't right--at all. Rolen looked awful in BP-but I've seen him a lot and he doesn't try to do much. The real issue that I saw in BP, which you have been commenting on, is that Jimmy could not even pull the ball in batting practice. Additionally, in driving the ball to left he could not hit it out.
However, in the game he pulled two balls that were hit sharply but with no real power or drive.

Will report again if people want me to because I will be behind home plate though up tonight and then here again Sunday but with not as good a location.

by MortLA on May 12, 2007 1:11 PM EDT reply actions

go for it -

I love those seats behind home plate.

by silent_bob on May 12, 2007 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Last nights game

I'd like to see the K-zone on Peavy's pitches. Either he was getting the Eric Gregg strike zone or his pitches were so good I'd rather not think about it, side note I have to watch him pitch on season pass man he's good.

Also about yesterday's topic. Spending money on players. Really it isn't how much they aren't spending that really bothers fans. It's how they spend it. Really who would Card fans rather see in RF Ludwick for $500K or Juan for $5M? Yes we wanted Giles for $10M but would he be a difference? Not with him lack of power.

As for last night. Not to take anything away from Peavy but for the love of god. Every pitch was outside. Might want to go with the pitch guys. which brings me to my point . Hal get s paid to do what again?

by Harknights on May 12, 2007 1:42 PM EDT reply actions

So, swing at pitches that are

balls and risk the ump changing his mind later in the game?

Plus, it's not a good habit to pick up, let alone something you could (I imagine) start and stop easily.

by sdrone on May 12, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I would have preferred hitters to move closer to

the plate since 90% of the pitches were away. Force Peavy to come back inside.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Or

Just don't try to pull the outside pitch.

by Harknights on May 12, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions

The plate was 30 inches wide last night

Peavy was getting inside, outside, up, down, and everything in between. His stuff looks so nasty coming in, that I think the ump just thought to himself "Well, it had to hit the strikezone somewhere in there" and called a lot of strikes.

He throws some wicked twoseamer action that breaks back in to righties quite a bit. That was the one that was getting most of the outside strike calls. The ump would see the ball moving back towards the plate, and, even if it didn't make it all the way, he was calling it a strike.

by Phyrkrakr on May 12, 2007 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

if you ahve mlb tv

They did a k-zone (brought to you by carl's jr) on Albert's first at bat during his at bat in either the 7th or 8th inning. It showed clearly that the balls that he took for strikes were 4-6 inches wide of the zone.

Albert did manage to foul off a couple of pitches out there in later at bats, but that's all anyone will ever do with a 95 mph slider that far outside. Foul it, or ground to the first baseman.

Lutvig walks amongst us!!! (now to free j-rod...)

by SleepyCA on May 12, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

that was my thought

Bard was setting up 4 inches outside. Sure some are going to drift into the zone but every pitch to a hitter other than Duncan was a strike. I swear one pitch Bard's glove was on the ground when it was called a strike. Given how much Peavy's pitches were moving we had no chance.

by Harknights on May 12, 2007 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Apparantly JuanEnc is coming back today.

Read it in the Post. So, who's going down? And have we seen the last of Falkenborg?

I wouldn't assume they'd simply send down Falk to bring up Enc, since there's way too many outfielders on this team and they definately need 12 pitchers.

So, do they send down Falk and Skip and bring up Enc and some other pitcher?

by Big Red on May 12, 2007 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Either him or..

Schumaker. He hasn't played in awhile. Shame too because he's better than Ludwick imo.

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 12, 2007 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I disagree

Skip lacks the punch that ludwick does.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Are you related or what?

It happened on a Sunday afternoon, August 22, 1982.

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 12, 2007 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Brewers over Mets

The Brew Crew just finished off the Mets 12 -3. I know it would be better for all the other teams in the NL Central if the Brewers lost, but I just can't help but smirk a little. Here you go, cocky NY team, here's a little somethin' somethin' from the Midwest - BOOM!

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions

Not exactly

the Brewers lined up their best pitching to face the Mets, the Mets are throwing their 3 worst.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

The Mets

should have thought about that before facing the team with the best record in baseball. If they were disrespecting the Brewers because they are from "that weak division" then they got what they had coming.

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Huh?

I think they'd rather use their better pitchers against the Giants, not a team that has only won now 4 games against teams above .500.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

But

when the Mets are neck and neck with Atlanta, can they afford to lose ground? The Braves are taking on the Pirates this weekend and are finishing off victory #2 against them as we speak/type. I don't think the Mets should have dismissed the Brewers so lightly that's all.

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 9:29 PM EDT up reply actions

If I had to throw my best pitchers

I would throw them against the Giants rather than a team with an inflated record like the Brewers. The Mets will more than likely win again tomorrow with Perez on the mound.

It's a calculated risk.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe

But as we learned last year, those early victories can pad your lead against future losses. I'm not so sure about Perez because when he is good, he's good, but he can be terrible just as easily (like walking in runs against the Phillies last month). I think Capuano vs. Perez might be an interesting lefty/lefty matchup. But I do agree that the Brew Crew's record is inflated from feasting on weaker teams in weak moments, such as sweeping the Cards right after JH's death. But you need those wins as much as the tough ones.

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Crawford

mlb trade rumors speculates hes available...y not,bt not sure what id take to get him

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 12, 2007 6:23 PM EDT reply actions

Whatever it is

I'm sure we ain't got it.

Everything I'm hearing (and it makes perfect sense) is they want Major League Pitching to go along with Kazmir and that offense. Unless you want to give up Wainwright, probably Reyes and possibly more...

by Big Red on May 12, 2007 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I'd offer Reyes

and a decent hitting prospect.

Reyes scares me, to be honest.

by craig3410 on May 12, 2007 9:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Reyes or Wainwright..

plus one or possibly two more everyday players at a minimum I'm going to guess...

by Timbo02 on May 12, 2007 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

no Ankiel, no Rodriguez for Memphis

second straight night of no Ankiel, third straight of no Rodriguez (all against LHP). Would love to hear the explanation if anyone hears it.

by DCGreg on May 12, 2007 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

told ya a few days ago

it's gas..jk

now not only a clever saying, but a team that plays in STL

by punchinjudy on May 12, 2007 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a long bus ride from Memphis

to San Diego.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Johnny Rod came into the game

later.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions

What about Todd Walker for 2b?

...He is refusing to report to the minor leagues and will presumably be released in about a week. A cheap pick up for near the minimum.

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 12, 2007 9:21 PM EDT reply actions

Kennedy leading off

is hitting .333 with a .412 OBP.

I'd give him more of a shot there. He's only had 17 plate appearences. Let's see how he does after 50.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes!

I've always admired Walker. He doesn't fit with the A's. I'd love to have him but... we already have AK (he's not going anywhere soon) and Miles is already a solid backup.

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 12, 2007 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Lineup

Cardinals

Kennedy - 2b
Duncan - LF
Pujols - 1B
Edmonds - CF
Rolen - 3B
Taguchi - RF
Molina - C
Eckstein - SS
Looper - P

Fun factoid:

Yadier Molina is the only Cardinals everyday player hitting over .300 for the month of May.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

Yadi

Since you mentioned this factoid, I checked his stats after the game. For the month of May, Yadi's line is .304 across the board (OBP/SLG/AVG). Is that odd or does it occur regularly?

by cardsgirl95 on May 13, 2007 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions

An auspicious beginning...

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 12, 2007 10:15 PM EDT reply actions

Forget being injured

unless Albert has brain flu, these dumb mistakes he is making this year seem more so than usual.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:15 PM EDT reply actions

Come on Albert

Forget about firing McRae, let's fire whoever is in charge of the baserunning.

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on May 12, 2007 10:16 PM EDT reply actions

Does that make us all even?

Alright, tonight's game will be starting from the 2nd inning.

It's like that free frame of bowling you get when you start the night.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

Pick off!

I love it when Yadi does that. I especially enjoy seeing the "What happened?" look on the other guy's face.

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 10:26 PM EDT reply actions

Edmonds

Jimmy! looks like a totally different hitter now, he's pulling things again.

by DanUpBaby on May 12, 2007 10:27 PM EDT reply actions

comment

token "Edmonds looks better" comment right here.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:27 PM EDT reply actions

ha!

I beat you with the real Edmonds looks better comment.

But seriously, he does.

by DanUpBaby on May 12, 2007 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions

that you did

he was robbed a couple of times last night.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Like your new signature line

May all your wishes come true.

by cardsgirl95 on May 12, 2007 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

He seems to be letting go of the bat

at the moment of impact.

Other than that, his swing looks a TON better.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:33 PM EDT up reply actions

hoping

there's nothing wrong with his hands/wrists, then...

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions

seriously

our pitchers at the plate make me speechless.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 12, 2007 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

Eckstein

I think we will be SS less for 2008. Eck seems to be circling the drain and the only free agent SS is Omar Vizquel, as far as I know.

Future Redbirds

by erik on May 12, 2007 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

That's why

I really hope we make a couple trades this deadline for some decent SS prospects.

I don't have any well thought ideas, but I can't help but remember all of the teams that overpay for set-up and utility men at the deadline. I'm thinking one of our Springer-type guys and one of our outfielders for a decent SS prospect or two. Not blue chip or anything, just decent.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 12, 2007 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Albert

if he DPs or pops up to the infield, I swear I'm going to scream.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:46 PM EDT reply actions

ok, no GIDP

please

Future Redbirds

by erik on May 12, 2007 10:46 PM EDT reply actions

So...

Looper claims he's doing better because as a reliever he limited himself to the fastball-slider combo, whereas with starting he's been mixing in a curve and change, which he apparently throws pretty well.

Why didn't he do this as a reliever? Because he says you don't want to get beat with you're 3rd or 4th best pitch.

Baseball logic... Does anyone have a rational explanation for Looper's success?

by guayzimi on May 12, 2007 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

wow

that was just... weird.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:49 PM EDT reply actions

please explain

gamecast has apparently frozen, due to the weirdness.

by tomsteele on May 12, 2007 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions

weirdness

bases loaded, Pujols hit what looked like might be a grand slam. Terrmel Sledge goes back and has the ball at the wall, but it pops out of his glove. Looper scored, but that's it. just a surprising result.. not the weirdest thing ever, I guess.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

okay

did anyone else hear the Padres announcers call that play? hahaahaha.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 12, 2007 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

sac fly for Edmonds

he could not do that a week or two ago.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

Gooch!!

rough inning for Sledgehammer.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

so!

I forgive you for everything, at least until skippy is sent down and you become the worst outfielder on the bench again.

by DanUpBaby on May 12, 2007 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

So

Super Terrific Happy Fun Time Hour

Future Redbirds

by erik on May 12, 2007 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

Goochy

Ah, I'm glad I stayed up till 4 for this game. Nice one Gooch!

by davethebutcher on May 12, 2007 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

The Gooch, the Gooch

The Gooch is on fire!

by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on May 12, 2007 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions

In this stadium

that should be enough for BLooper.

Not that we are done scoring.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

What makes me happy

We are actually hitting a very good pitcher. Hopefully we can keep this up, who knows maybe a turning point in the season. Yet I wouldn't bet the farm on that statement.

by stl3bagger on May 12, 2007 11:02 PM EDT reply actions

By my recollection...

this is only the fourth starting pitcher in 34 games we've hit hard. The others being an injured Ben Sheets, an injured Wade Miller, and Kyle Lohse.

by guayzimi on May 12, 2007 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Was Wade Miller really injured?

Or did he have suckyitis, like Jeff Weaver has right now?

by cardsgirl95 on May 13, 2007 8:05 AM EDT up reply actions

suckyitis

He's been shelled.

by Big Red on May 13, 2007 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

it's gotta be

the uniforms.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 11:04 PM EDT reply actions

Getting sledge out

was a very big out. We just got the momentum and no reason to send it right back to the padres and allow them to score another run.

by stl3bagger on May 12, 2007 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

sledge looks a lot like

john rodriguez

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_431138.jpg

http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_212356.jpg

Future Redbirds

by erik on May 12, 2007 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

Speaking of Pictures

off topic but Yesterday I was watching the Rockies/Giants game and they showed a picture of Jamey Carroll. Umm easily the ugliest man in baseball. If you are ever feeling bad about yourself just go look at Jamey Carroll and you will realize that things could be worse.

by stl3bagger on May 12, 2007 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Wow

Double digit pitch at-bat...

by Petkovsek on May 12, 2007 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Sledge

I saw Sledge a lot last year as a Portland Beaver and he generally looked really good. but I guess a lot of players can look good at AAA.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

It's mid May and Albert's batting .250

What the hell?

by saladdin69 on May 12, 2007 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

and

Braden Looper and Jason Marquis are going toe to toe for Cy Young considerations.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Larry Walker's medicine?

If it's true, then his help is working quickly...

From Curaçao, the friendly island in the Caribbean

by Johnny64 on May 12, 2007 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

What Medicine?

What are you talking about?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Hitters rub his bald head for luck before ABs.

by saladdin69 on May 12, 2007 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Juan Encarnacion sighting

in dugout, 'removing the whammy' from Eckstein after his groundout to third.

They called the witchdoctor and Juan is what he sent...

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

That looks like a 2004 Jimmy swing

I wonder if he is starting to feel better. Rolen on the other hand...

by DriverZn on May 12, 2007 11:27 PM EDT reply actions

Edmond's

Is the only batter I have seen that looks like he decides before the pitch if he will swing or not. He looked "uninterested" in the 1-0 (think that was the one)pitch completely. I know he is a guess hitter but most batter's, even when they are taking 3-0, "look" like they are concentrating on the pitch.

by saladdin69 on May 12, 2007 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Edmonds often does look

like he will decide ahead of time not to swing at a pitch. I can't say that about swinging, but over the years I've thought the same thing about a lot of pitches he's taken.

by sdrone on May 13, 2007 12:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Holy cow

Looper's movement is Peavy-esque. How the heck did he discover this while also learning to start?

by DanUpBaby on May 12, 2007 11:32 PM EDT reply actions

Vasoline

and Crisco behind the ears.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions

LMFAO

that made me think of this....

Rick Vaughn: What's that shit on your chest?
Eddie Harris: [wiping his finger across his chest] Crisco?
Eddie Harris: [wiping it across his waist line]
Eddie Harris: Bardol?
Eddie Harris: [wiping it along his head]
Eddie Harris: Vagisil. Any one of them will give you another two to three inches drop on your curve ball. Of course if the umps are watching me real close I'll rub a little jalapeño up my nose, get it runnin', and if I need to load the ball up I just...
Eddie Harris: [wipes his nose]
Eddie Harris: ...wipe my nose.
Rick Vaughn: You put snot on the ball?
Eddie Harris: I haven't got an arm like you, kid. I have to put anything on it I can find. Someday you will too.

by nota bene on May 12, 2007 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Either Crisco...

Or he just needed to not throw every pitch 97mph. I'll trade movement at 91 with flat and 97 any time.

by matt reeder on May 12, 2007 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Homerless inning streak reaches

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:32 PM EDT reply actions

Man, the Padres probably have sponsors for their urinal cakes...

by davethebutcher on May 12, 2007 11:40 PM EDT reply actions

FSN Midwest has

chevy - "this is our country..."

country insurance - "this is our country..."

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 12, 2007 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Is Sunday going to come 3 times this week?

I'm very confused.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:44 PM EDT reply actions

If it's Sunday in St. Louis when teh game ends

& we score 10 tognight, would that make this 10-run Sunday again?

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 12, 2007 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

Looper

shakes head

Two questions....what in tarnation has gotten into this guy? and can he keep this up all year? Wow. 5IP, 2H, 5K to 1BB. I mean....holy f*@&!

by nota bene on May 12, 2007 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

Gameday is slow, 1 out or two by Kennedy?

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 12, 2007 11:47 PM EDT reply actions

Gooch

had the 1st out.

by nota bene on May 12, 2007 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Sigh,

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 12, 2007 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

How can Chris Duncan be THIS bad

with the bases loaded?

Take a 'lude or something, Chris.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

That was weak...

n/t

by guayzimi on May 12, 2007 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe Duncan Needs Blinders

Like a horse, so he cant't see any Redbirds on the bases. then he could accidentally get some RBIs

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 12, 2007 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

If Looper continues...

like this into July, can we get a Lastings Milledge for him at the deadline?

by guayzimi on May 12, 2007 11:56 PM EDT reply actions

huh?

If loop continues this through July why the hell would we want to give him up???

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 12, 2007 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

You always...

sell high.

by guayzimi on May 13, 2007 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

If he pitches like this into July

I'd hope we'd have moved closer to the top of the Central standings.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 12, 2007 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes. I know someone with Crohn's.

by saladdin69 on May 12, 2007 11:57 PM EDT reply actions

Whats does Crohn's disease have to do with this?

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 12, 2007 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

Sorry.

I replied below. Hit wrong button.

by saladdin69 on May 13, 2007 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

I think it refers to the ad

running at the top of this blog.

by cardsgirl95 on May 13, 2007 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions

It's amazing that Scotty

didn't swing and fly out on 0&3

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on May 13, 2007 12:03 AM EDT reply actions

Albert limping down the line

AL said he's been getting treatment on his hammy all season. if it's that bad, why not sit down for 15 days and bring up Ankiel and see if he can really hit? it's not like Albert is being Albert this season. might do him some good.

i'm just sayin'

The 2006 St.Louis Cardinals. WORLD CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 13, 2007 12:05 AM EDT reply actions

AP's injury.

I must be the only person who does not see him acting like he is injuried. To me he has always looked weird running. I see no change.

by saladdin69 on May 13, 2007 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions

running

I just don't see how the guy can (try to) steal bases, but then jog down to 1st.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on May 13, 2007 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

The ad that pops up everytime I go to this site.

Asks "Do you know someone with Crohn's?"
I thought it fitting that since the Cards seem to be playing this year with no "guts" then I would answer "Yes" since the whole team is playing like they have Crohn's.

by saladdin69 on May 13, 2007 12:06 AM EDT reply actions

did anyone see the blonde in the stands that

FSN just got a close up of coming back from comercial? damn! why do I live in ohio?

I need to move to San Diego.

The 2006 St.Louis Cardinals. WORLD CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 13, 2007 12:07 AM EDT reply actions

Braden Looper is my homeboy

I can't believe this guy looks as good as Carp has these past 3 years.

And the lefties. LEFTIES. He is just chewing them up!

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 13, 2007 12:11 AM EDT reply actions

His cutter

is darn good.

It might be his best pitch.

by player2bnamedl8r on May 13, 2007 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Wow!

The 7th and Looper is still dealing.

by cardsgirl95 on May 13, 2007 12:12 AM EDT reply actions

Looper strikes out 7 in 7 innings

pigs are flying
hell is freezing over
I'm drinking a non-alcholic beer
cats and dogs are living together

by azruavatar on May 13, 2007 12:14 AM EDT reply actions

Eck nearing Mendoza line

n/t

From Curaçao, the friendly island in the Caribbean

by Johnny64 on May 13, 2007 12:17 AM EDT reply actions

Ludwick sure is a free swinger...

...he's only taken one walk since coming up, vs. 5 K now. Would it kill the kid to look at a few occasionally?

by Phyrkrakr on May 13, 2007 12:17 AM EDT reply actions

Let's get Encarnacion back in there

that will solve the walking prob...

o wait, he doesn't walk either. . .

to bad the cardinals don't have anyone in AAA who walks alot. . .o wait, they do.

JRod

by azruavatar on May 13, 2007 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions

interesting comments by the SD announcers

about "who's to blame?"

Could it really be the multi-million dollar athletes???

By the way, what DOES TLR make a year?
Duncan?
McRae?

"It ain't bragging if you can do it!" -- Dizzy Dean

by faninexile on May 13, 2007 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

Salaries

http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2004/12/st-louis-cardinals_111971260115041890.html

by davethebutcher on May 13, 2007 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

great site

Interesting that about 5 Cards minor leaguers (including Anderson and Ankiel) have Boras for their agent. Reyes is the only guy on the parent club with him....well, until we get Weaver back.

by raisin @ Viva El Birdos on May 13, 2007 8:59 AM EDT up reply actions

The scary thing is

this game could be 1-0 right now if Sledge catches Albert's flyball.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 13, 2007 12:33 AM EDT reply actions

scary yes

surprising -- not so much.

Our bats still haven't come around.

by azruavatar on May 13, 2007 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Filthy

wow wow wow. This kid has future closer potential. SICK slide piece

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 13, 2007 12:39 AM EDT reply actions

His fastball is a mystery

meaning, I don't have a clue where it's going to go.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 13, 2007 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions

If I were a lefty

and Tyler Johnson was brought in, I would ask the manager to flash up the Intentional Strikeout sign.

by DanUpBaby on May 13, 2007 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

Breaks of

12, 14, and 12 inches on those slurves to Giles. I love enhanced Gameday.

by DanUpBaby on May 13, 2007 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions

no kidding

if you are a lefty, you got no chance vs TJ.

The 2006 St.Louis Cardinals. WORLD CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 13, 2007 12:43 AM EDT up reply actions

Does TJ have a cutter?

His trouble with righties could be solved with a really effective cutter that runs in on the righties.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 13, 2007 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions

Righties can't hit him,

he just walks a ton of them. A cutter would help in general, though, if it made him more confident in the zone.

Or they could hire a hypnotist, to convince him those fastballs he's throwing are breaking ten inches so he can get them in the zone.

by DanUpBaby on May 13, 2007 12:53 AM EDT up reply actions

And That's A Winner

good game men.

The 2006 St.Louis Cardinals. WORLD CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD. And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on May 13, 2007 12:46 AM EDT reply actions

Very Nice

Good Game. Well worth the late night. Lets do it again tomorrow!

by davethebutcher on May 13, 2007 12:47 AM EDT reply actions

After being shut-out last night

it is good to hand the Padres their first shut-out of the year.

by cardsgirl95 on May 13, 2007 12:48 AM EDT reply actions

So's hit.

It remind anyone else of Eck's hit in the World Series?

by saladdin69 on May 13, 2007 12:56 AM EDT reply actions

Looper

As promised, back from the game where I sat behind home plate and Looper was magnificent. Talk about location--he just didn't miss very often of where Yadi put the target.

Pitched to both sides of the plate and used different pitches at different times facing the same hitter. His splitter was virtually unhittable. He was very impressive--hard to fathom but right now, the dude is for real.

As for the hitting, it was a lucky 5. Jimmy looked good pulling the ball and maybe the power will come.
Albert on the other hand did not look right other than the last at bat.

by MortLA on May 13, 2007 1:16 AM EDT reply actions

Hate to say it....

but, how much longer can Tony stay with Eck in the lineup. What happened to the "every at bat matters" approach that made Eckstein the player he was? If I see one more first pitch pop up from him, I might break my TV. Hard to believe this is a contract year for him. Gotta believe an extension is "back burner" at best as far as Walt is concerned. At least I hope so.

by deanj on May 13, 2007 1:45 AM EDT reply actions

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Viva El Birdos -

Game 34 Open Thread: May 12, 2007

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