Game 29 Open Thread: May 6, 2007

by erik on May 6, 2007 12:28 AM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News


sampson	looper
3-1, 3.55	3-2, 2.84

For what it's worth, at the time of this writing Scout.com is reporting that Ryan Ludwick has received the call up from AAA. It's about frickin' time. With the current RF scenario of Spiezio, P-Dub and Schu hitting a collective .594 OPS in 169 plate appearances, something had to be done. In all likelihood Skip will the one sent down, barring some unforeseen but not completely undeserved release of P Dub. The 28 year old Ludwick is currently hitting .340/.380/.642 for Memphis, hopefully he can provide a much needed hot bat in a lineup of laggards. So who is Ryan Ludwick? Here's a brief synopsis of his baseball career-

His brother is Eric Ludwick, former Cardinal farmhand that was part of the trade that brought Mark McGwire to St. Louis. Once considered a top prospect, he was a 2nd round pick by the Oakland Athletics, Barry Zito was their pick before him. He spent three years in the Oakland system, posting around an .850 OPS between A and AAA before being shipped to the Rangers in part of a package that brought the A's Carlos Pena and Mike Venafro. He posted a .918 OPS for Texas's AAA affiliate and was promoted to the Show mid season, where he struggled in limited duty. He was flipped to the Indians for Shane Spencer and Ricardo Rodriguez. He battled slumps and injuries in 2004 and in 2005 he broke camp with the big league club, beating out (gasp) Grady Sizemore for the starting job out of spring training. He soon landed on the 60 day DL, and then ended up playing 2006 for the Tiger AAA affiliate, where he slugged 28 HR's, and put up a .266/.342/.506 line.

In 334 major league at bats, Ludwick has put up an OPS of .715. He has an .844 OPS in 2674 minor league at bats. His batting eye and plate discipline rate as average. His contact ability would rate below average. His power would rate as above average. His CHONE projected OPS is .723, his Marcel is .787 and his ZiPS .775. Sorry again to get all geekery on you all, I can't help myself. One thing he's doing less of is striking out this year, which has led to an increase in his batting average. Last year, Ludwick struck out 167 times in 508 at bats, that's about 32% of his AB's. This season so far, he's nearly cut his K rate in half. So from all this we can deduce that he probably ain't the savior, but thank God he's here anyhow. Any step in the direction of getting some fresh blood in here and addressing the issues is encouraging right now. Hopefully this rumor turns out to be true.

Just a quick self plug in case anyone's interested. I have a frame by frame shots (kinda) of minor league pitcher Eddie Degerman's delivery posted at Future Redbirds. I happened to be at the game, and was fortunate to see him pitch. Dude has a very nice curve ball, and the delivery as you will see is as funky as reported. He was having control issues and was in extended spring training, but now has those issues under control and he received a promotion. He's another arm that bears some watching as he moves up the ranks.

Update [2007-5-6 9:23:10 by erik]: As seen in the comments below by neth2016, Preston Wilson will be placed on the DL by a phantom knee condition, and Dove or Jimenez (most likely Dove after yesterday's debacle) will be sent down. Replacing them on the roster will be Brian Falkenborg and Ryan Ludwick. This is per The Commish at the PD.

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Comments

Ludwick

I just hope they are as patient with him as they has been with the rest of this team. If he starts slow I hope he doesn't get sent right back down. Here is some more history on him:
http://whiteyball.wordpress.com/2007/01/28/spring-training-surprises/

http://whiteyball.wordpress.com

by whiteyball on May 6, 2007 12:31 AM EDT reply actions

erik

just wanted to say i really like your site, keep up the good work

by truemun12 on May 6, 2007 1:19 AM EDT reply actions

part of me

really hopes we did DFA Wilson instead of sending down Skip.

And continuing that hope is that we pull off a Wilson for Weaver trade . . .

Anything can happen, right?

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 6, 2007 2:16 AM EDT reply actions

Jered Weaver, right?

you can't mean Jeff.

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

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 6, 2007 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

hmmmmm....

I guess we could reasonably trade Preston Wilson to the Mariners for Jeff Weaver and 9 million dollars.

by Fitz on May 6, 2007 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Jeff Weaver

He pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up 6 runs yesterday... That actually lowered his ERA to 15.35 from 18.26.

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

and

that's why it should be so easy to get him . . .

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 6, 2007 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Wilson to DL

P-D says Wilson being put on the DL for "persistent knee condition"...whatever.

Falkenborg and Ludwick coming up. Dove or Jiminez going back down. And P-Dub to the DL.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/72FBDDA30899E6E1862572D3001AACB5 ?OpenDocument

dum loquimur fugerit invida aetas

by Neth on May 6, 2007 2:20 AM EDT reply actions

I hope the Ludwick rumor is true and that TLR

doesn't try to ease him into the lineup. What kind of speed does he have? Can't be slower than Spiezio. Throw him in the leadoff spot for tomorrow's game. Let's have the boy hit a leadoff HR and wake this team the hell up.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 2:20 AM EDT reply actions

.715 ops

Even his career .715 OPS would put him third among our sad sacks. Only Dunc' and Pu' are better.

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 2:59 AM EDT reply actions

Please, please, please

don't send shuby down. I really hope it is PW going on the dl to make room for Ludwick. The way this season is going, I say give the kids a chance. I don't know if this season can depress me any more than it already has but I am all for sticking with what we have and focusing on the future.

by sweet number 5 on May 6, 2007 10:23 AM EDT reply actions

Skippy

For the Cardinals, Skip doesn't have a long future other than bench player. Duncan is going to be patrolling LF for the next 5 years (GOB willing) and Ankiel/Ludwick will be in RF. The only place for Skip is blocking Rasmus, that is unless TLR/Walt go 'totally awesome' and bring Ankiel and Ludwick up together, having them both start in the outfield.

That's not going to happen for now because Tony will still want CF to play his matchups and hope to get Jimmy back on track.

Skip is just a bench player. No matter how well he plays while he is up, he is going to simply be the new version of So Taguchi.

I'd love for today's lineup to look like:

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

Doubt it will happen, though.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

You're right on Skip

Yesterday's P-D alluded to Tony thinking about putting Kennedy in the leadoff spot before Woody took Sampson's spot. I'd like to see Kennedy get a shot. He's swinging at every half-ass curve ball thrown in his direction right now and I'd like to see if putting him at the top of the order gets him a few fastballs to hit.

Plus, I'm not crazy about putting Ludwick at the top of the order in his 1st game. Let's put him in there between Rolen and Edmonds.

by chuckb on May 6, 2007 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I'll take it

just want him in the game today. Went back and watched his 4 homeruns with the Indians in 2005. He's lets go of the bat while swinging but he's got a lot of pop off of that bat.

May this be the beginning of one of the most improbably successful call-ups of all time! :D

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

I'd love it if he turned out like his brother

and we could trade him and a couple other fungo bats for a major star for the next 5 years! :)

by chuckb on May 6, 2007 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Leave the Bluths out of this

Everybody off the bandwagon!

by Alxfritz on May 6, 2007 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Taguchi

Skip may be as good- if not better than a young Guch in the feild, but he doesn't replace So's bat.

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Comment of the year...

from Spiezio, on leading off:

"It was neat, I wish I would have gotten more hits."

Let's talk baseball!! (and let's hope the Cards start playing it...)

by guayzimi on May 6, 2007 10:44 AM EDT reply actions

I wish

he'd had more decent AB's and played a halfway decent RF. There were a lot of train wrecks yesterday but Spiezio was a big one!

by chuckb on May 6, 2007 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Wow...

I honestly don't remember the last time the Cardinals started like this...I am but 20 and the last time they were off to such a poor start was 1990, so I was a mere 4 years old. It has been really depressing thus far and i'm still optimistic about them turning it around but with news that Carp is out for 3 months and the lackluster hitting aside from Dunc and Pu...well, it's hard to be an optimist forever.

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 11:14 AM EDT reply actions

For those old enough

This looks a lot like either 1986 or 1988. What's sad is either would work. At least we don't have Horner at 1B. Man that didn't work.

by Harknights on May 6, 2007 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Horner

I remember Horner. I was only 10, but I remember he wasn't very good. Why didn't they bring back Jack Clark, anyway? Wanted too much money?

by sgfcards on May 6, 2007 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah

the brewery didn't want to pay Jack the $2M a year he demanded. When negociations broke down he quickly (unexpectedly) signed with the New York Yankees.

We signed Horner for $1M and then traded John Tudor for Pedro (Pete) Guerrero on August 16th. We paid Pete $1.8M for a .311/.391/.477 (145 ops+ in 162 games) line in 1989. He dropped off rapidly after that tho and we paid him at least $2M per year through 1992.

Clark had a subpar 1988 for the Bronx Bombers: .242/.381/.433 (130ops+ in 150 games). Then he was traded to San Diego where he hit .242/.410/.459 (149 ops+ in 142 games). Like Pedro he dropped off quick after 1989, tho he had a decent 1990 season: 167 ops+ in 115 games. He made $2M in both those years.

Overall the Cardinals' refusal to give Clark the money he wanted and likely deserved was seen as stingy ans shortsighted. Clark would point out later that the team would up paying as much, if not more, for replacements taht were not as good as Clark.

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

$2 million

Wow, $2 million a year. That's obscene! Ha! What could you get for $2 mil now?

Does anyone remember the story about Pedro Guerrero when he played for the Dodgers, and ended up on the DL because he hurt his hand trying to save his big screen TV during an earthquake?

by sgfcards on May 6, 2007 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

You can get...

Aaron Miles for a little under 2 mil. Maybe a bag of balls?

And who wouldn't try to save their big screen? I know i'm letting my family fend for themselves while i save my video games!

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I better check on that

I thought Clark was offered more money by the Cards, but went to the Yanks anyway. The DH thing didn't work out for him. Either way I will always remember the Tommy desiding to pitch to him.

by nybirdfan on May 6, 2007 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't care what you say,

This guy can be on my team any time

Everybody off the bandwagon!

by Alxfritz on May 6, 2007 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Too bad

he was about 70 pounds heavier than that when he "played" for us!

by RedbirdRay on May 6, 2007 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

haha awesome

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

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 6, 2007 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

In '86

we were two games under .500 at this point.
And in '88 Horner wasnt half bad at the start of the seaosn.

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

What's the Whitey quote?

Does anybody remember the Whitey quote about him? I remember it went something like "Can't run, can't hit, can't field - he should help us out nicely."

by enoscountry on May 6, 2007 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Ludwick

Ludwick hitting sixth today?

Ludwick was put in action right away, getting the start in right field and batting sixth for the Cardinals in their Sunday afternoon game against Houston.

from stlcardinals.com.

by gdowdy3 on May 6, 2007 12:46 PM EDT reply actions

and Kennedy leading off

Hell, it's worth a shot. I can't believe he's been this bad!

by chuckb on May 6, 2007 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Carpenter Stuff

When the swelling first occurred, I remember discussions on this board wondering about the MRI that was taken in February. Also, there were discussions about him having to have the surgery at some point anyway.

I found the following interesting in the Post article this morning, although it's also disturbing. Dr. "Crap-shoot" Paletta is on the job....

----

An MRI exam of Carpenter's elbow in February confirmed the spurs, but the club was still able to obtain full insurance coverage of its restructured five-year contract with Carpenter, a team source said Saturday.

Paletta said that after Carpenter's first bout with stiffness he believed there was a 50-50 possibility, "a crap shoot," that the pitcher would require arthroscopic surgery sometime this season.

Even if Carpenter had pitched through the schedule, he probably would have needed the procedure after the season.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/0FE99FA7680C2E5E862572D300109C1F ?OpenDocument

by sgfcards on May 6, 2007 1:07 PM EDT reply actions

WE ALL KNEW IT!!!!!!!!

I have a serious distaste in my mouth for Paletta! Carp didn't look "super" sharp at season's end... If they had handled business in Feb. he'd be back already!!!!!

Either way, Carp or not, if we don't score runs it doesn't matter!

We all knew he'd need surgery, we were just holding on to our slim hope!

LET'S GO CARDINALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by onebigdummy on May 6, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

THANK GOODNESS!!!

Ludwick has been mashing the whole month and it's really frustrating to know that you have a hot bat in AAA just waiting for a callup and then see Aaron Miles PH off the bench. I'm not convinced that Ludwick is any kind of a long term answer but he should be an improvement in the short term.

I think Dove needs more seasoning in AAA. He's throws heat but he hasn't really displayed the command needed to get past major league hitters except for the brief time in ST. Historically, he's had stretches where he's been very good but also times (typically when he moves up a level) when he struggles. He's definitely got a future in the pen though, just needs time to adjust to better hitters.

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on May 6, 2007 1:13 PM EDT reply actions

I think you're right about Dove

I was surprised Falkenborg wasn't called up initially anyway.

by chuckb on May 6, 2007 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Azru - McRae moron cont.

Rolen going 5 of 6 was kinda a big deal. It's his job to watch the hitters. Maybe he should begin, like Duncan, to chart each hitter and see how productive they are on certain pitches and certain counts.

From the other quotes based on that game (I wish I could find the link), Rolen figured out his swing that day because he went with APu into the cages early and got a lot of work in, the two of them together.

Right now, I'd bet Pujols is a better hitting coach than McRae. I'm not one to scream 'fire the coach' whenever something goes bad. The players decide what is going on in the games. However, when there is such a absurd amount of underachieving like this, someone's head has to roll.

Maybe he isn't making them worse, I'll give you that, but GOB help us if this is him 'making them better'.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

If Rolen said that he found his stroke that day

what's to stop him from watching the video himself. I'm sure McRae isn't just twiddling his thumbs about the hitters. It's kinda crappy that McRae couldn't remember Rolen's 5-for-6 outing but it just doesn't strike me as that big a deal.

He doesn't seem to be helping the batters but the "heads should roll" attitude is what will allow management to stick their head in the sand come trade deadline and point fingers at coaches for what appears to be just a mediocre collection of hitters. I guess I'm just not sold on a hitting coach being able to snap people out of slumps.

Now, if McRae isn't utilizing video and such to try and find hitting mechanical issues then by all means, fire him. I just highly doubt that's the case.

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on May 6, 2007 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

welcome new players

welcome to 10-run Sunday.

by madding on May 6, 2007 2:09 PM EDT reply actions

1 pitch, 1 out

nice start B'Loop!

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 2:17 PM EDT reply actions

Ah...

'Tis hittin day!

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 2:21 PM EDT reply actions

a run in the first

how bad will it get today???

by stlcardinalsfang on May 6, 2007 2:24 PM EDT reply actions

How bad?

Not that bad. It's going to be as exciting as the Sunday game in Wrigley two weeks ago! It's 10-run Sunday!

by ColinMacLeod on May 6, 2007 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions

That shift against Berkman in the 1st

has cost us a run in the 1st on Friday and now on Sunday. You think Tony will stop using it? Is Kennedy's range THAT bad that he can't get to a ball if Eck stands just on the other side of 2nd base?

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

Encarnacion

what's his deal? he's been at Springfield for awhile, yes? seems like it's been a bit since they've talked about him and it's interesting that Ludwick gets the call now. (not saying it's a bad thing, of course.)

by madding on May 6, 2007 2:29 PM EDT reply actions

he's hitting around 200

not ready to come back.

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

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 6, 2007 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions

I just wonder

how long are you allowed to "rehab" for...

by madding on May 6, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

20 games...

...and Encar hasn't even done 10 yet, I believe.

Also, he's hitting closer to a buck fifty than 200.

by Phyrkrakr on May 6, 2007 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Hunter Pence

Doesn't look like a good baseball player. He'll probably go on to have an amazing career or something, but he is awkward at the plate and in the field. He looks like he weighs 115 lbs soaking wet.

That was one of the worst paths to the ball I've seen in awhile and then the DAC was kinda silly.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions

HP

I agree, he doesn't look too good, but he will probably lead the 'Stros in scoring or something like that.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

well...

plenty of people have said the same thing about Dunc and i think he is turning out nicely.

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's Go Ryan!

Give the fans a reason to cheer!

by ColinMacLeod on May 6, 2007 2:47 PM EDT reply actions

first pitch ground out

we didnt call up Roy Hobbs

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

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 6, 2007 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions

DP

Thank God for double plays, the pitcher's best friend. That's two today so far and both came at opportune times. But, hey, this is 10-run Sunday, right? I wish they would get started on that assignment.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

I guess they heard that

Three runs and a lead!

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions

did a baserunner just stop at third?

by johnstonburg on May 6, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

Albert

trying to do too much.

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 3:24 PM EDT reply actions

Albert Popup comes through again...

by Ignatius J Reilly on May 6, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

Goofy Stats

Ok, we are 29 games deep in the season and our #4 hitter (Edmonds) is hitting .198 w/ no power. Our #5 hitter (Rolen), sans his 5 for 6 off day, is hitting .166 w/ 1 HR. Both potential leadoff men (Ek & Kennedy) are looking hard at the Mendoza line; the outfield is a mess (where's Tito Landrum when you need him?); four of our five starters have ERAs over 5... I'm sorry, this is a very, very bad situation, and appears unfixable in the short term. I think you have to go back to the early seventies to see a Cardinal team this bad. Winning last year seems so bizzare. - Deweydell

by deweydell on May 6, 2007 3:25 PM EDT reply actions

when?

did edmonds start goin with a non black bat?

"Seeing a great catch is like watching girls walk by, the last one you see is always the prettiest." Bob Gibson

by SchwabbaMoose on May 6, 2007 3:27 PM EDT reply actions

Excellent

baserunning this inning. Kennedy on the Duncan flyball, Duncan scoring on that single, and Rolen taking 2nd. Those are the little things that have kept us from winning lately that we really need to correct!

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions

ROLEN

Finally Scotty, after a 1/29 stretch I was getting extremely worried.

by DuncanDipper on May 6, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Nice job Ludwick!

But DAMN that's the 3rd hit the stros have taken away today.

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Team strikeouts

I couldn't tell if it was just my imagination or not, but it seemed like the Cards batters aren't striking out very much. So I looked it up and sure enough, despite being tied for the worst OPS in baseball, have also struck out the second least amount of times.

So know I wonder if it's my imagination that it seems like they've been popping out an inordinate amount of times, especially with RISP (as I type this Albert has just popped out to second with men on second and third with no out).

by svengali on May 6, 2007 3:31 PM EDT reply actions

Eckstein

had only struck out once at one point. might still be the case unless he did yesterday (didn't see the game and would like to just pretend it didn't happen.)

lots of pop-ups though... you're right. not sure what to make of that. you'd think if they were just guessing wrong and flailing about up at the plate that they'd have a lot more Ks.

by madding on May 6, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Pop-ups

lboros just wrote on the subject on Friday (topic - little pop of horrors). And yes, you were right, lots of pop-ups.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah yes.

by svengali on May 6, 2007 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Roger Clemens signs with Yankees

During 7th inning stretch, from the owner's box, Roger Clemens went on the PA system and announced the Yankee Stadium crowd that he was returning to the New York Yankees to pitch this season.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 3:34 PM EDT reply actions

At least...

We won't have to endure another Roger Clemens retirement game.

by redbird2006in on May 6, 2007 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Roger

Thank God for that! (I mean not enduring ANOTHER RC retirement game.) I'm surprised though, because I don't see the Yanks giving him the sweet no-travel-when-I-don't-pitch deal. Only the 'Stros would give him that. But the Yanks need pitching so badly.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions

That's it...

for the Stros. Big loss for them...

Let's talk baseball!! (and let's hope the Cards start playing it...)

by guayzimi on May 6, 2007 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

What a tool

I've never had a problem with Clemens. He one of the all-time best. But announcing over a PA system during a game? That's like a wrestling move. Did he also say he will give Matuszaka a pile driver next time he sees him?

by stl3bagger on May 6, 2007 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions

now that's funny.

he yelled at the crowd:

"CAN YOU SMELL WHAT THE ROCKET'S COOKING?!?!"

and then he contorted his eyebrows in a funny way.

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

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 6, 2007 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Roger

I admired him until he came back from retirement repeatedly. Plus, he acted like a such a princess with the Astros, that I am glad he won't be back in our division.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Roger = Yanks

Roger said he only wants to play for a contender, yet he signs w/ the Yanks when they are struggling. So I guess he really wants to be with his little friend, Andy.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 5:28 PM EDT up reply actions

i'm actually getting excited...

the prospect of trading our veterans is quite appealing to me. it would be very interesting -- just for the sake of thinking -- to identify possible suitors for some of our players. apparently, most of our appealing veterans have conditions that need to be satisfied in the event of a proposed trade, so in my estimation, the players -- izzy, edmonds, rolen -- would have to want to leave and that doesn't seem likely at all.

some of the people mentioned as potential call-ups were fairly intriguing, particularly the ones with power. it would be a brilliant move for the organization to create a stir by utilizing some our young, raw talent. all things considered, the potential changes we could see have to create some sort of excitement.

it's been quite depressing seeing the team slowly become weaker offensively. it was a more precipitous decline from 05 to 06, and i think it's safe to say that 2004 was the most exciting offensive club we've seen in awhile. these days, when i see the cardinals in a game with their token 2 or 3 run deficit early in the game, i effectively write the team off and accept the fact that the likelihood of us actually staying competitive is actually quite weak. the output of our offense can most accurately be described as paltry. three years ago -- and i know i'm kind of living in the past -- i would have watched with a sort of conviction that forced me to think it terms of an emphatic offensive comeback.

overall, i would be pleasantly surprised if the team tried to do something difference. given the difficult emotional time for the team, it's safe to say that any sort of change is worth a shot.

by ambajwa on May 6, 2007 3:35 PM EDT reply actions

uh

with rolen and edmonds contracts, and how they are playing right now, would you give up a high end prospect for either of em? i bet ludwick has more trade value than two guys with reconstructed shoulders at the present time. i agree with another poster that izzy could be a trade chip.

not to mention who is willing to make moves so early in the season. a big trade right now is very very unlikely.

by Rentboy on May 6, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Seems to me...

it's a good bet he'll get back to the 280/370/500 range. That's where he was last year, and he's farther from surgery now. The doctors said last year he'd be constrained by the shoulder and it would be stronger this year.

If he does return to his usual level I would think he'd be worth a blue chip prospect to a contender with a weak offense like the Angels. From Rolen's perspective, though he may love his farm and all, this might be a welcome trade because he could use it to negotiate an extension in return for waiving his no trade clause. If he gets another 2 years and, say $25 million tacked on to his deal that takes him to age 37. If he plays out the string with the Cardinals and negotiates a new deal when he's 35 he might not get anything b/c he could be washed up by then, and the Cardinals are certainly not going to negotiate an extension with him any time soon.

Let's talk baseball!! (and let's hope the Cards start playing it...)

by guayzimi on May 6, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

The only

Player that MIGHT be dealt is Izzy. He has a lower price tag (8 mil) and is pitching very well. He might have 5-10 or no trade clause though

Come on You Redbirds--Mike Shannon

by BluesDrummer85 on May 6, 2007 3:38 PM EDT reply actions

Have we found our new leadoff hitter?

: )

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions

I really like Kennedy hitting leadoff..

Hopefully if Eck comes around the lineup could shape up like this:

Kennedy
Eck
Pujols
Duncan
Rolen
Edmonds
Encarnacion/Ludwick/Spiezio
Molina

by El Hombre on May 6, 2007 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Well

we all know how much Tony likes power in the 2nd spot. Plus, I think one of the big reasons why Dunc is hitting so well is because he's in front of Pujols. But him behind in the 4 or 5 hole and his success may diminish.

Even if Eck does heat up I think 8 is a good spot for him.. after all, that's often referred to as the "2nd leadoff"

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Make that

4 hits taken away today.. Stros have had some excellent D today

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 4:03 PM EDT reply actions

Make it 5.

Why is it everytime I hear the Cards announcers get excited about a deep fly ball I just KNOW it's going to be caught?

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

But

But that was a good at-bat by Edmonds, at least. He hit the ball w/ "authority", as the announcers said.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Izzy warming up already?

Could it be that Izzy will be our set up man with Falkenborg the closer???

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

I noticed

I noticed that and thought, "It's a little early for Izzy-time."

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions

Ouch...

That is probably the worst thing about being a catcher...or right up there with the whole giving your knees hell for 20 years.

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

Ronnie Belliard sighting on WGN.

by saladdin69 on May 6, 2007 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

Hair...

Corn Rows or Afro?

I hated that we gave up Luna for that guy, but Luna sorta washed out of the league in a hurry so i guess it worked out okay.

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Springer

He scared me a little there, but nice job by Springer to strike out two of his old mates.

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

the announcer

"Encarnacion had a good game last night in Springfield and we could see him soon."

he was 0-3. make that 2 nights ago he had an okay day. and how does 1 good game in AA qualify for getting the call?

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions

Help me out, please...

What does the phrase "give in to" actually mean. Ricky Horton just said, "You can't give in to Mike Lamb. You don't want him to beat you....You've got to just keep throwing him strikes" in reference to his full-count, man on first situation.

I thought that "giving in to" meant to throw a hittable pitch, rather than attempt to get him out on a pitcher's pitch and risk a ball. So by "just throwing strikes", you were, in fact, "giving in to" him. Am I wrong? Is that the MOST over- and mis-used phrase by ball announcers? Have you EVER heard anyone described as "giving in" to a batter?

by tinstl on May 6, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

well....

there are strikes and there there are fat-put-on-a-tee-down-the-middle pitches which justify as giving in...just my take on it. i think they use that phrase more because every announcer uses it. i was just complaining about them too..

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

if ludwick gets a hit off lidge...

i'm buying his jersey :)

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions

umm...

cloooooose?

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

hahaha....

i was of course kidding but did you notice that when he came up earlier w/ runners in scoring position, he put the ball on the ground where we were guaranteed to get a run instead of popping up in the infield? i'm a fan already

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

right now...

all's he has to do is stay above the mendoza line and i'll be a fan.

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions

He has a good approach

I like what I see so far..

Damn another hard hit ball. Only 6 hits but we are hitting the ball hard today.

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Houston signed...

a bunch of Ozzie Smith clones to play the field today for them. sneaky sneaky.

by lopey986 on May 6, 2007 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Ludwick?

I thought he was really impatient -- swinging at junk away and off the plate. I think he twice swung at the first pitch. I'm hoping it's just nerves.

by chuckb on May 6, 2007 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

go cards

It should be noted that Friday was my college graduation and I think Waino got the win for me. haha

Redbirds Fun
2006 WS for JB and DK57 RIP: Josh Hancock

by cardsfan84 on May 6, 2007 4:31 PM EDT reply actions

Well, congratulations!

What's your alma mater? Friday wasn't MY graduation (that won't be for another three years) but Wainer got the win for me too, hah.

Sparks of Dementia Still Demented.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on May 6, 2007 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

hooray

to three more years.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on May 6, 2007 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Do you go to U-Dub?

We should catch some games this summer.

by ColinMacLeod on May 6, 2007 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Northern Kentucky

Right in the heart of Reds country

Redbirds Fun
2006 WS for JB and DK57 RIP: Josh Hancock

by cardsfan84 on May 6, 2007 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I think I should have known that

...seeing as we're Facebook friends. Duh. Congrats anyway!

Sparks of Dementia Still Demented.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on May 6, 2007 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Bennett

Way to hang tough, Gary!

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply actions

how many plays...

does it seem like we'd make w/ 4 more inches at SS? not even me complaining about the WS MVP...he always just SO CLOSE.

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 4:41 PM EDT reply actions

seems early to complain

but i was thinking when this inning started...
"franklin has been too good to know hit a couple snags."
and
"doesn't a closer at AAA being promoted seem like a good candidate for a set up man?"

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 4:44 PM EDT reply actions

when i'm watching gameday

and it says "in play, no out" while the other team is batting, i always hope it's an E-6. is that bad?

by johnstonburg on May 6, 2007 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

oops replied to the wrong one

by johnstonburg on May 6, 2007 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Time for Ludwick

To be the new Hero.

by Harknights on May 6, 2007 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

Did I say Hero?

I meant Zero.

by Harknights on May 6, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions

curious

ok so we heard how well carp looked
and how poorly jimmy was and he was heading to Dl

then the reverse happens carp gets surgery and according to Rooney and shannon jimmy has hitthe ball hard today and has looked "improved"

Ok i can't keep up i havent watched just going by what i heard on XM..

so who really knows what this season holds??the shadow?

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

by punchinjudy on May 6, 2007 5:00 PM EDT reply actions

i was working until this AB

by jimmy but he turned on a pitch in his last at bat that almost got through the gap between burkman and biggio but biggio made a good sliding stop. the bat speed it what surprised me.

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Can I be honest?

I think Jim Edmonds is lazy.I really think he could be a double what he is now if he'd just TRY!!!

by onebigdummy on May 6, 2007 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Jimmy has been

the guy who they say is on his death bed and may never play again...then he's in the lineup and goes 4 for 5 with a HR.

The Cards have always been a weird organization when it comes the the medical stuff.

by Harknights on May 6, 2007 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Zero medical training but...

I think a bunch of drunken circus freaks could have handled Carp's situation better.

And if Wilson has any "knee" injury at all I'll kiss Bob Brenly on his bald head.

by saladdin69 on May 6, 2007 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

he's reportedly had his knee drained

a few times this season.

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on May 6, 2007 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope not.

My girlfriend wouldn't understand me kissing a man's bald head.

by saladdin69 on May 6, 2007 5:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Wilson was told he had a knee injury,

they threw an ace bandage on him and told him to limp around a little bit. he's DFA'd in a week.

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

by Glenn Brummer stole home on May 6, 2007 5:43 PM EDT up reply actions

raffy's back!

Here's Rafael Palmeiro, excuse me, Orlando Palmeiro.

Classic Shannonism

Redbirds Fun
2006 WS for JB and DK57 RIP: Josh Hancock

by cardsfan84 on May 6, 2007 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

Izzy nails it down

Despite yesterday's debacle, we take 2 of 3 from the Stros.

Sparks of Dementia Still Demented.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on May 6, 2007 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

Marquis pinch running scores tying run bottom 9th

by saladdin69 on May 6, 2007 5:15 PM EDT reply actions

isringhausen

is filthy when healthy. I feel bad about all the flak he took last year when he couldn't locate his pitches. I feel good about taking a chance on him in fantasy baseball. I chalk it up as another question mark for the medical staff why he wasn't shut down earlier...

by lastplacecubs on May 6, 2007 5:16 PM EDT reply actions

Outscored 16-6 this weekend

and we win 2 out of 3. I'll take it.

Skip Schumaker Supporter!

by stltrav09 on May 6, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

According to Pythagorus...

We should be 8 and 21 right now. That's what you get for losing 13-0 and winning 3-2 and 3-1. We're already 4 games over our projected winning percentage. The way this team plays, I wouldn't be surprised to see that maintained, and we'll finish 8 or more games ahead of pace. (and in 5th place)

by tinstl on May 6, 2007 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Nationals...

are terrible. I've watched every game of this series and they've just begged the Cubs to beat them...

by raisin @ Viva El Birdos on May 6, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

Wow

Talk about something that doesn't feel like a series win.

I'll take it though. I'll take it every time. Hope springs eternal? Nahh, but always satisfying to beat a rival. Sweep the Rockies and I may step off of the ledge.

by bretsyboo on May 6, 2007 5:17 PM EDT reply actions

Izzy

is the man again.

by DanUpBaby on May 6, 2007 5:18 PM EDT reply actions

After all the boos from last year

it's nice to see him come back strong.

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on May 6, 2007 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Give it time

the way things are going, it's bound to happen eventually.

by cardsrul on May 6, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Beautiful day

Is there any place better than Busch on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon with a Cardinal victory? I had the Sunday 4-pack (all afternoon games) last year and I loved it. To me, it's the happiest place on earth!

by cardsgirl95 on May 6, 2007 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

Braden Looper. . .Cardinals Ace?

I jest, to some extent, but in a season full of disappointments Loop has been anything but. I'm still amazed that a career reliever with no starts above A-ball can do this in the majors.

Too bad Ludwick couldn't get off to a hot start. Hopefully, he picks up so he doesn't get bumped when Encarneasada comes back.

Dear Walt,
If I may be so humble as to suggest a trade target, it would be Austin Kearns. The Nationals suck fiercely and Jim Bowden is about as inept a manager as you'll find (outside of Bill Bavasi). Please look into this.
Thanks,
azruavatar

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on May 6, 2007 5:29 PM EDT reply actions

Edmonds almost HR

That was a weird hit. Edmonds looked at the ball after he hit it like it was going to be a foul pop up and the thing nearly hits the top of the wall.

Not sure it would have gotten over, maybe it would have, but Carlos Lee owns the LF wall at Busch Stadium.

Walk your dog, not Pujols.

by Hardcore Legend on May 6, 2007 5:45 PM EDT reply actions

Kearns

Why would the Nats trade him? There is a reason that they traded their bullpen last year. Maybe Willie Mo Pena would be a more feasible option.

Come on You Redbirds--Mike Shannon

by BluesDrummer85 on May 6, 2007 5:56 PM EDT reply actions

The Nats would trade him because

they aren't going to contend for years. They would probably want Garcia for him (which isn't unreasonable) but I'd be hesitant to do that. He's 27 and while that isn't old, they need to maximize what few trading chips they have.

John Rodriguez for Right Field

by azruavatar on May 6, 2007 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Kearns

No way I would make that deal if I were the Cardinals. Trading away young, potential top line prospects is a big part of what got them in the tough situation they're in now. I've always been a little underwhelmed by Kearns, to tell you the truth. Plus, I'm sure his contract is coming due soon, and he'll end up with a huge raise he doesn't really deserve.

If Garcia turns out to be even half as good as he's currently looking, the six years of control over him would be worth a whole lot more than whatever you could get out of Kearns.

More than anything right now, I'm hoping the Cardinals hold on to what youth they have. I'm willing to put up with a bad team this year to ensure we can look forward to the next wave of dynamic players coming along.

Acquire Rocco Baldelli!

by the red baron on May 7, 2007 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Looper = Legit

Well, after yet another "solid" outing by Looper, I would like to go on record as officially stating that Elder Dunc is a freakin' genius.

His "Grand Experiment" is a remarkable success. Looper is no Cy Young, or even close to an ace (even though he currently leads our staff), but he is a completely legit starter, and far more effective than he was as a reliever for us. Dunc clearly knew what he was talking about when he said he "saw something that made him think this guy could be a good starter".

He was right, I was wrong, and I'm not going to doubt the man again.

Cheers to Dave Duncan (and Braden Looper)! Think where we'd be right now if we didn't have Loop and his 4-2 record and 2.66 ERA? Yikes. I'm very happy to have been wrong on this.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on May 6, 2007 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

Then again

the Wells experiment is backfiring pretty dramatically. Looks like Elder Dunc scored on one and missed with the other. But I'll grant that Looper has looked good, and even I, who have doubted him intensely, am impressed.

Sparks of Dementia Still Demented.

by Scarlet the Cardinal on May 6, 2007 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Give both time to regress to the mean

I was a believe in Looper from the start. However, as much as I'd love him to win a Cy Young, even I think he may be a bit over his head. On the otherhand I think Kip and many other Cardinals pitchers are just getting knocked around by trying to be too tentative.

by Zubin on May 6, 2007 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions

oy vey

i had loop and izzy on the bench today. oops

Redbirds Fun
2006 WS for JB and DK57 RIP: Josh Hancock

by cardsfan84 on May 6, 2007 7:52 PM EDT reply actions

not me

I wrestled with Looper but eventually decided to leave him in... I only recently acquired him in one of my leagues... but I've had Izzy active all season.

by madding on May 7, 2007 5:15 AM EDT up reply actions