Game 95 Open Thread: July 22, 2007

Wow

I'm so depressed I can't even blink.

by mynameistyler on Jul 21, 2007 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

Well

After the beating we took from the Braves, and on a day where we could have actually picked up a game on both the Cubs & Brewers, I think the Cardinals brass should consider this year a wash now.

Yeah I know we have the Cubs & Brewers lined up next week to "gain ground" but does anyone really think our starters other than Adam can even come close to keeping us in the games? I'm afraid both the Cubs & Brewers are going to win some ugly lopsided games next week, in fact I'm pretty much expecting it now.

I think Walt should be on the phones ASAP and see if he can get ANY starting pitchers for guys like Juan & Izzy. At this point we just need to stack up on starters and that's ANY starters (good or average) we can get through trades and hope 1 or 2 can be decent to give us some innings next year.

by KYCards on Jul 21, 2007 11:36 PM EDT reply actions

During the game tonite

(though calling another rout like that a "game" is being kind), Dan & Al mentioned some big "brass meeting" to be held next week. I don't know if it'll be during or after the Cubs & Brewers hammer the final nails in our 07 season, but I'm sure the point will be to decide those questions (sellers or buyers/who goes and who stays, etc). Won't be long now and we'll have some answers.

by rockin redbird on Jul 21, 2007 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

You know, I'd like Jocketty, Duncan and LaRussa

to say at the meeting if they are staying or going. Because I do not want to see a wholesale sell off of the minor league prosepects....especially if they are not going to be here. Their MO has been to trade prospects for veterans. Unless you can spend like the mets, cubs, yankees, dodgers, and red sox you have to grow your own. Period. The dodgers and red sox manage to do both. The brewers have 7 of 8 starting players from their farm system, and they are probably going to win the division..our AAA team didn't even have a back up catcher to send us--we had to go outside of the organization for that. To me, that's inexcusable.

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 1:40 AM EDT up reply actions

Anyone who

is expecting Walt to go out and trade for a front-line pitcher, or even a 2 or 3, is going to be sorely disappointed. In case you haven't been paying attention, the Cards are not the only team that needs pitching, plus there's not a hell of a lot out there to trsde for.

"It's always about money; anyone who says it's not is lying."- Gene Simmons

by cardsrul on Jul 21, 2007 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Any pitchers

I don't expect us to get any top of the line pitcher for trades we do in the near future.
But at this point we can't get a whole lot worse than what we have now, and I think Walt should try and get ANY and I repete ANY starters (major or minor league guys), to try and stock up for next year and pray that one or two can give us some good innings next year.

Offense I am not worried about as much, although we do need some big help there as well, but we can probably sign a free agent hitter in the winter, but pitching will be extremely tough to get, so if Walt can get a few no-name guys through trade now, maybe we can get lucky and get somone who can help next year. At this point that's about all we can do.

by KYCards on Jul 22, 2007 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions

But we already have plenty of no-name guys

There's only so much you can do with 5 #5 starters, so merely adding more numbers isn't going to help too much. There are only five spots in the rotation and 7 people (8 if you count Mulder) "vying" for those at the moment.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Would it be so bad to just go ahead and send

Rasmus back to A? He's gone through the system quickly, maybe they just need to pull back a bit for awhile. I do not want anything to happen to his progress, and it sounds like he's at the point where he has his first taste of failure. I don't know enough about development, but maybe they need to slow things for at least awhile.

by jillsinmo on Jul 21, 2007 11:42 PM EDT reply actions

I don't think so

he's shown that he can destroy double-A pitching, as one of the youngest players in the league. He's right there skill-wise and there are mechanisms for the down months. He started a little slow, which can be expected and then played a month of baseball with the flu. Now he's gotten hit in the head with a pitch.

I would just give him some time to get things together physically, or whatever kind of breather he needs, and get him back out there. He'd be wasting his time in A-ball. He's too good already.

by plh903 on Jul 21, 2007 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks.....I just wasn't clear on what was

actually happening with him. Maybe a day off, or some defensive replacement duty will help him get back on track.

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

rasmus

I was at the Springfield games the last two nights. On Saturday Colby was coaching at first base. On Sunday he batted 3rd and got one single and was caught stealing at second base. He doesn't look like the same player right now.

I don't think I would agree that he has shown he can hit AA pitching consistently. He had one super fantastic month.

by springfieldfan on Jul 23, 2007 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions

I had a choice to go drinking or...

..watch the Cards Saturday night. Looks like I made the correct choice by going drinking. Gosh, we're bad!

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jul 21, 2007 11:48 PM EDT reply actions

Your lack

of typos leads me to think that you didn't drink nearly enough.

by plh903 on Jul 21, 2007 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions

howvever...

my excesive typsos are a cliear indicatro that i did indead eawtch the cardnals games on the tv

by mynameistyler on Jul 22, 2007 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh, and not to brighten your evening or anything,

but Chris Narvason had his first start in Memphis returning from injury--and he was rocked--only lasted 2 2/3 innings 9 hits and 6 runs or something like that. It wasn't clear. I had to look away.......

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 12:07 AM EDT reply actions

Mulder threw breaking pitches!

It appears that Dave Duncan isn't buying his 'feet dragging' either.

Mulder still isn't scheduled to throw to hitters yet, but that day appears to be coming soon.

"I would recommend doing that pretty soon," said pitching coach Dave Duncan. "But he's got to feel comfortable. We'll be back home the next time he throws. I'm going to talk to him between now and then, and see just how close he thinks he is to being ready to face hitters. If he is, then we'll do it."

Couple this with DeWitt's radio comments that Mark Mulder's rehab is going 'a bit slow' and I think the front office is trying to figure out why we are almost in August and the guy hasn't thrown to a single batter yet.

$6 million for longtoss every 3 days is nice but wasteful.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 2:03 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah, you're

right. But at least in the context of the stupid contract, the less starts he makes this year, the better.

by plh903 on Jul 22, 2007 2:20 AM EDT up reply actions

HC

You never really thought Mulder would pitch this year, did you? His contract was nothing more than what the cards gave Carp back in '03. Rehab the first year, pitch the second. Only this time they -- and camp mulder -- lied about it from the beginning.

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 22, 2007 2:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Note sure if I agree

I think Mulder thought he would be back which is why he went for the incentivies. I doubt the team really expected the same. They cannot come out and say, Ha, we knew you were never going to make those incentives. No one comes back quick from the type of operation he had.

by DriverZn on Jul 22, 2007 3:00 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm not one

for conspiracy theories within the org or anything; I just never thought Mulder would actually pitch this year. It was spun that he would pitch (kind of) in 2007, I just assummed while it was possible, it was never probable.

I also don't think he should pitch(and never did think so) as a Mark Mulder at or near 100% in 08 has always seemed to me better than a 75% Mulder for a month or two in 07 w/ more unnecessary miles on the new arm in 08.

Man, this season has jaded me good.

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 22, 2007 3:55 AM EDT up reply actions

I respectfully

disagree. Even if Mulder's only at 75%, as long as he's healthy enough to pitch, they should throw him out there. This season's done, so let him get the "nervousness from pitching after injury" out of the way now, when the games, frankly, don't matter, so he can be ready to rock in '08.

by Jhusk on Jul 22, 2007 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

wait, did you just say

the Cardinals lied to their fans?

i don't believe it. i simply don't believe they would ever, EVER do that.

the Cardinal orginization is nothing but completly upfront and honest with their fans about everything from payroll, to player health & injuries, contracts, trades, Ballpark Village.

you best be careful with what you say and have some facts to back up your claims of dishonesty Alex.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 4:00 AM EDT up reply actions

From the PD article



Mulder is believed to be at least three weeks away from activation. He would probably make a number of rehab appearances with a minor-league affiliate.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Braves Starter

Is Jo-jo Reyes, not Kyle Davies—ain't it?

by liam on Jul 22, 2007 4:33 AM EDT reply actions

I think

I think you're right, but why do the braves not start davides?/

Go look at howw awesome our bats have been against shitty starters. This is a perfect opportunity for davies to get some confidence and turn the corner

by MattKno8 on Jul 22, 2007 6:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Yep.....Kyle Davies was sent back to

AAA to work out some pitching problems. He's had trouble making through the first inninig.

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

So you're saying...

He's a perfect candidate for the Cardinals rotation.

by whopperman on Jul 22, 2007 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions

From the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

"Kyle Davies was optioned to Class AAA Richmond on Thursday, the latest setback for a pitcher the Braves had expected so much more from in his third season.

Davies, 23, was pulled from his Monday start against Cincinnati after facing five batters and getting no outs, which left him 4-8 with a 5.76 ERA."

Not to beat a dead horse ... but 4-8 with a 5.76 is still better than our own prized prospect...

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Yup

And as we all know, Win/Loss records and ERA are the two most accurate measurements of a pitcher's ability. rolls eyes

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

by Mr Clean on Jul 22, 2007 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

not ability

performance. they're the stats that matter the most to the team. rolling my eyes right back at you and your geeky sabermetric stats.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

that's correct

it was listed as davies on thurs at the p-d. fixed. thanks, liam

Future Redbirds

by erik on Jul 22, 2007 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Dave Duncan

I guess we have all way overestimated Duncan's ability to turn water into wine.

Two things really stand out about this season so far:

The hitters ability to get shutout by some pitcher with a 10ish ERA.

And the numbers of times the starting pitchers give up a 7+ runs in the first 2-3 innings.

And the thing that just kills me...we give Edmonds a 2-year contract extension for relatively big dollars when few if any thought he would be any good.... and then we don't do a thing to get decent pitching on board for the year. I understand we owed him money anyway, but what we gave him was ridiculous for his health/decline/age.

But really... did anyone really think that DD could turn not 1.. or 2, but 4!!! unproven/suspect pitchers into a rotation that can go to the playoffs?

by redbird2006in on Jul 22, 2007 4:37 AM EDT reply actions

I don't think anyone could have anticipated...

...this all-around meltdown. Carpenter gone, Mulder's recovery slower than hoped for, Reyes a bust, Wells a disappointment, Narveson injured and ineffective at AAA, and even Maroth a disappointment so far. Only Wainwright, Thompson, and, even after last night's pounding, Looper have been close to what one might have hoped for ... but then again, no one hoped or expected that all three of them would be in the rotation at this point, much less that they would constitute the top three. Sometimes a lot of things just go wrong. I don't think there's any need for conspiracy theories.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think 1 season overshadows a career

Dave Duncan has more "success stories" than most pitching coaches could even dream of. To EXPECT him to simply take any old pitcher to the brink of Cy Young (or even league average) is ridiculous.

Dunc has earned the praises he's gotten, just because Kip Wells sucks or Reyes hasn't had the successes he was "supposed" to have, doesn't deem him a failure.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

hey all of you who are saying the game was bad

at least you weren't at it. being at a game in atlanta when their up by 11 runs is NOT fun. espcially on rally flag night and they couldn't get enough of the goddamn tomahawk chop.

VEB Fantasy Football League! leave me a comment, and i'll send you an invite!

by stlcardinalsfang on Jul 22, 2007 9:48 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

that was annoying the hell out of me on the telecast. I can only imagine what it was like in the stadium.

by Valatan on Jul 22, 2007 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey look, a rookie making his 3rd career start

I smell a complete game shutout.

I'm being proactive this time and put Reyes on my fantasy team for tonight instead of just gnashing my teeth over how that birds can't get a hit off a rookie with a 8+ ERA.

I also picked up Willie Harris last night. 6 for 6 my ass.

It's on ESPN tonight.. Wheeee!

by cloistermaximus on Jul 22, 2007 12:42 PM EDT reply actions

Is it wrong that I'm more interested

in seeing the Braves prospect pitch than actually watching the game?

I love the Cardinals but they are almost too painful to watch this year,

Future Redbirds

by azruavatar on Jul 22, 2007 12:49 PM EDT reply actions

In case we haven't noticed

Espn is reminding us that we have given up 10+ runs in 4 of the last 9 games.

I love this team.

by Harknights on Jul 22, 2007 1:08 PM EDT reply actions

Just remember...

It's a great thing Dave Duncan is the pitching coach here.

Just imagine how many times they'd give up 10+ without such a legendary pitching coach.

by whopperman on Jul 22, 2007 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions

But ESPN neglects to mention

that it's 10-run Sunday!

Join me in Tacoma in early August to cheer on our Memphis Redbirds

by ColinMacLeod on Jul 22, 2007 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions

That investor web site is cool

Take a look at our 20 moving average.

We clearly turned a corner during the Royal series in KC.

Only the corner lead to a dead end into a snake pit.

by Harknights on Jul 22, 2007 1:18 PM EDT reply actions

Run differential isn't always a perfect predictor

This team has a lot of lopsided losses and a lot of close wins because the "good" half of the bullpen (the one we go to when we have a lead) has been very good. When we lose big, it's because the starters get run early and we have to go with overworked second-choice options out of the bullpen (like Jimenez). Last night was strange in that Cate and Percival have been good. It almost seems like when the starters are getting bombed, opposing hitters just get "in the zone," and it takes really good pitching to get them out of it, which doesn't happen when the pen has to be summoned in the 3rd or 4th inning.

So ... the run differential is horrible, but with this specific team, there seems to be a pretty clear reason why the W-L record isn't quite as bad as you'd expect.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 1:48 PM EDT reply actions

I just want to know where so many ballplayers

named "Reyes" are coming from....isn't it odd? That is not a common surname.....

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 2:41 PM EDT reply actions

According to one website,

it's the 141st most common surname in the U.S.

The meaning of the surname REYES is - one who played the part of the king in a play or pageant; one connected in some way with the king's household; one who behaved in a regal fashion.

by player2bnamedl8r on Jul 22, 2007 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

That surprises me....I've worked in a

local school district for years, and have never come across a student or teacher with that surname. Thank you for your computer wonderfulness.....I never even thought to look it up.....

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, when you live

in a place with a lot of Spanish surnames, like I do, it's more common than it is in a lot of other places.

I figured it was relatively common, but I actually didn't think it'd be that high in a ranking of surnames.

by player2bnamedl8r on Jul 22, 2007 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions

that's true. most of the spanish kids go to

the local catholic school, but I still haven't known anyone with that name. I guess I have to get out more.......or further out....

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I've got relatives named that...

My Aunt and her family. Very common in California/Arizona/New Mexico.

by DiscoJer on Jul 22, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, that explains it!

I have never lived in California or Arizona or New Mexico. DOH!

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Has anyone else been having issues

with mlb.tv?

Recently (the past week), I've been having problems holding the connection. Starts up fine and then after about 20 or so minutes it stops.

I know they had some problems one night a little while back and ever since then, I've been having these problems.

Anyone else?

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

During the

Marlins telethon mine went out, but since then it has been fine.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 22, 2007 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Cardinals Win/loss

Some of the losses are big, while most of the wins seem pretty tight. Both count for the same thing though which is lucky. It shows that if they can put themselves in a position to win they probably will. Sometimes the games are blown and they can't comeback. But if this team is together next year they will be good. They know how to win the close ones and that's a trait of great teams.
www.beegcellent.com

by beegcellent on Jul 22, 2007 5:01 PM EDT reply actions

one duncan boy

had a good day today.

2HR's for the Yankees.

by Harknights on Jul 22, 2007 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

True

Yesterday Shelley hit a two-run homer in the afternoon and Chris went out and matched it with a two-run homer of his own in the evening (one of the few bright spots of the game). Here's hoping he matches big bro tonight.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 22, 2007 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Bragging rights for the 00s

This is a sign that it is a slow Sunday afternoon: I looked up the records of all NL teams in the 00s to see who had the best record this decade. The Braves and Cardinals are tied for the lead with 702 wins. Tonight's game is the rubber match for "best NL team" of the decade...so far.

by ncgostl on Jul 22, 2007 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

that's awesome.

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

reasons for optimism

the Cards are 10-5 on Sundays, having 6 times scored 10+ runs.

also, at 9-8, they have a shot at their first winning month since July 2006. they went .500 last month.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 22, 2007 5:41 PM EDT reply actions

Just once I'd like Tony to just fill out the

lineup card with the best players.

Tonight's lineup:
D. Eckstein ss
S. Taguchi cf
A. Pujols 1b
J. Encarnacion rf
R. Ludwick lf
S. Rolen 3b
Y. Molina c
B. Ryan 2b
B. Thompson p

the way I'd fill out the lineup card:
D. Eckstein ss
J. Edmonds cf
A. Pujols 1b
C. Duncan lf
J. Encarnacion rf
S. Rolen 3b
Y. Molina c
B. Ryan 2b
B. Thompson p

Has that lineup (Ryan excluded) ever been on the field together this year? I doubt it. Yet there are our best 8 players.

I understand the matchups, I understand the desire to play to certain players strength but how is this team ever going to get 'hot' if only 3 players get to play every day.

We have a platoon at EVERY outfield position, one at SS and 2B. When Rolen is healthy, Pujols and Rolen are the only two that play, Molina does 80% of the time.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 6:41 PM EDT reply actions

And another thing

this guys name is Jo-Jo. If we don't hang a 5 spot on him int he 1st inning, I'm going to lose it.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Jo Jo Starbuck and Jo Jo White

concur.

by player2bnamedl8r on Jul 22, 2007 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

there is no excuse

for not having Duncan in the lineup. this isn't Johan Santana on the mound tonight that they're facing. it's not Tom Glavine. hell, it's not even Jamie Moyer.

I'm so tired of these braindead decisions.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 22, 2007 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

He's got it written on a note card somewhere......

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he's just lazy now

forget the notecards... if you hit left-handed, you are not going to start against a lefty period, unless forced to by injury.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 22, 2007 7:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Does anyone besides me ever wonder if

we have such a hard time against lefthanders because we never have our best players in the line up? I hate to be too critical, but Tony is almost anal about it. There really are some lefties that can hit lefties, and there are some who learn with exposure-Chase Utley comes to mind. The information is not secret. I don't get it.....

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

horse crap

DUNK should start EVERY GAME. no questions asked. Tony's playing the "odds" and having our second best hitting on the bench has gone on far enough. DeWitt or someone above Tony should put an end to this crap.

you play the best players. or you dont give yourself a snowballs chance in hell of winning.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 8:06 PM EDT up reply actions

8.5 back after tonight

would sure be nice with those 7 against the Central coming up (actually 10 with Pittsburgh).

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 8:06 PM EDT reply actions

Ludwick vs. LH

Does Tony even realize that Ludwick has a severe reverse-platoon split vs. LH?

Ludwick OPS vs. LHP: .197 avg, .554 ops (69 plate appearances)

Duncan vs. LHP: .246 avg, .704 ops (70 plate appearances)

by salvomania on Jul 22, 2007 8:13 PM EDT reply actions

Surely he must...

While I don't think someone has hired a plane to fly a banner stating it over the stadium, it's so obvious that surely he must. He's just stubborn as heck. If a square peg doesn't fit, keep pounding.

by DiscoJer on Jul 22, 2007 8:19 PM EDT up reply actions

He doesn't care

it make no sense for Ludwick to not hit LHP, so thus, to Tony, it doesn't exist.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions

i hate to be Mr. Negative

but Juan took a swing at ball four.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 8:20 PM EDT reply actions

what's more frustrating is

Duncan's benching comes a day after he was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle. he was the only real bright spot in a dismal game.

(nice play Yadi.)

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 22, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

they never, never learn

THOU SHALT NOT RUN ON YADDA

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

great throw, bad tag

by CurtFlood on Jul 22, 2007 8:24 PM EDT reply actions

it's all about

the "illusion" of a tag.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 22, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Boy,

When Andruw Jones looks bad, he really looks baaaaaaad...

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 8:29 PM EDT reply actions

it's Sunday

aren't we supposed to be hitting the ball all over the place? Looks bleak so far.

by CurtFlood on Jul 22, 2007 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

thank you, Joe Morgan

for proving once again you are an idiot:

"...Ryan has taken over as the regular second baseman"

by CurtFlood on Jul 22, 2007 8:36 PM EDT reply actions

He doesn't do any homework...

on the team he's covering. He made a comment about the Cardinals just getting Encarnacion back just before the ASB (??) and how Looper was stepping things up as a starter (???).

by DiscoJer on Jul 22, 2007 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions

This awesome RH lineup

got 1 hit against this dominant LHP.

I love that we let him groove the outside corner by sending up 9 consecutive RH batters.

Brilliant Tony, brilliant!

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions

Don't be too hard on TLR....

...he's just going through the motions, drawing his paycheck. Good government work if you can get it.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jul 22, 2007 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

come on Juan

add to your legend of clutchness

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 8:53 PM EDT reply actions

two K's in a row for Juan

that's clutch.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

You beat me to it

Clutch is his middle name.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Well...

He's saving his clutchness for when the Cardinals are behind...

by DiscoJer on Jul 22, 2007 9:07 PM EDT up reply actions

I wish I had THAT Juan AB on tape

and the next time someone wants to defend him, I would force them to watch it.

by CurtFlood on Jul 22, 2007 8:54 PM EDT reply actions

Brad

Missed the target on CJones by three feet...

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

I wonder

if Juan and Andruw are comparing notes.

Acquire some runs!

by madding on Jul 22, 2007 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

thanks Andruw

that could have been an ugly inning if not for you.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:02 PM EDT reply actions

come on LUD

dont be a DUD.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:04 PM EDT reply actions

i guess for tonight,

yor are a DUD.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

the new dictionaries are out

under "Rolen (proper noun)" it says:
'one who pops out to right field'

by CurtFlood on Jul 22, 2007 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

did Scotty tell the WWL

that it hurts when he swings? because he didnt tell Joe Strauss that in today's PD.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

Lud got his hit vs. lefties last night...

He hits around what, .180 against them? 1 for 3 last night means an 0 for 3 this night.

by DiscoJer on Jul 22, 2007 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Aaaagh.

It's nice that they make other teams look so happy. Spreading joy as it were...

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:13 PM EDT reply actions

TLR,

please get someone up. Quickly. This could go downhill really, really fast.

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:14 PM EDT reply actions

Self-destruct in 5..4..3..2..1

by faninexile on Jul 22, 2007 9:14 PM EDT reply actions

Big DP.

Man, Albert's got great hands.

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

Thank GOD Albert

can dig balls out of the dirt. he saved ECK again.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:15 PM EDT reply actions

nice catch SO

seriously, good running catch.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:29 PM EDT reply actions

Apparently Harris

has memory problems.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

FROM HIS KNEES!!!!

THOU SHALT NOT RUN ON YADDA

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:30 PM EDT reply actions

Yadi

Can give good basestealers a real complex, eh?

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:31 PM EDT reply actions

Nice

Change-up by BT.

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:32 PM EDT reply actions

This is not a day I would want to play 3B.

I think I would have been killed by now.

by DriverZn on Jul 22, 2007 9:36 PM EDT reply actions

time once again for Juan

to come through with a big hit. because you know, he' clutch.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:37 PM EDT reply actions

He comes through...

Clutch ground out! Better than a double play, anyway.

by DiscoJer on Jul 22, 2007 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions

that's something you want your

second baseman to do. not your #5 hitter Joe.

but he's right. at least Juan drove SO in. at least he did that.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:40 PM EDT reply actions

He cherrypicked Albert's RBI

Jose respects Edgar Renteria's relay throw a tad too much.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Why the HELL did we recall Jimenez?

How about Reyes instead?

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 9:43 PM EDT reply actions

Jimenez did not pitch well for us last time

as I recall. And he wasn't exactly burning it down in AAA....I don't know (scratch my head) there must be a little card somewhere that says he's a good pitcher. Probably throws a sinker, no?

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Any "sinkers" that Jiminez threw when he

was up only sank when they cleared the OF fence...

by kwhiteside on Jul 22, 2007 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions

that is so old....

that sinker business is really old. just plain tired. please try to move on.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 11:36 PM EDT up reply actions

willievinceterry.....I just cant.......

it just makes the pie smaller....believe it or not, it's a difficult pitch to learn and throw and there's a boatload of really good pitchers that don't/can't throw it. I just think it's stupid to eliminate those guys from consideration. Sorry if that bugs you....but it bugs me more.......

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Also old...

Getting nasty and annoying whenever someone attacks the team's philosophy. If you have a real point, make it. Just taking shots at people who don't agree with you adds nothing to the commentary.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Mr. Red Baron,

I am not trying to be nasty or annoying, but I do post about this a lot because I just find it one of the dumbest thing this organization does. Or maybe you weren't directing that at me......so if you were, I'll try to hold my tongue (or fingers).....

by jillsinmo on Jul 23, 2007 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Replying to

willievinceterry, actually.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 23, 2007 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Gawd,

I feel horrible for Rolen.

Also--does anyone think his upper body is leaning forward more that it used to? I seem to recall that he was always a lot more upright in the past...compensating?

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 9:46 PM EDT reply actions

good greif LUD

dont just fall down and let them tag you. you are a big dude, run him over. cripes.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:47 PM EDT reply actions

good grief where's the spell check button??????

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

and the bad night continues for Andruw

he's having a fantastic contract year. i really hope this season brings down his asking price by about $20-$50 million.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:52 PM EDT reply actions

I'm sure Boras will find some fool...

...to pay him 5/100. Myself, I'd pay maybe 4/60.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jul 22, 2007 9:55 PM EDT up reply actions

are there any good players

Boras doesn't rep? unfreakin believable.

i dont agree with Curt Schilling often, but when he said a few years ago that it's men like Boras who are ruining baseball. he couldn't have been right.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

MORE right

man i really need an edit & spell check button.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

WonderBrad

he ain't pretty, but he is clearly our second most reliable starter. That's not saying much but he has earned getting the ball every 5 days.

Now let's get some damn runs!

I expect Tony to autosub Jimmy and Chris into the game now.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 9:54 PM EDT reply actions

he's given us a quality start

big props for that.

dont expect Tony to do anything. because he'll just do the exact opposite.

i concur, get some freaking runs.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Brad as a starter

12 GS
72.1 IP
38 ER
4.74 ERA

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions

That would make him our #2

Only starter other than Wainwright with an ERA under 5.

by DriverZn on Jul 22, 2007 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Henry Aaron and the name that shall not be...

...mentioned should never be spoken together except as examples of contrasting good and evil.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jul 22, 2007 9:59 PM EDT reply actions

A month ago

Scotty gets to that ball down the line. Man, we are the walking wounded.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:06 PM EDT reply actions

man Scotty should have had that

he just refuses to dive to his left anymore. he must really think he's about to blow that shoulder out again.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:07 PM EDT reply actions

i give up

i'm an idiot.

what i ment to say was scotty will not dive and extend that left shoulder. obviously if he would have dived, it would have been to his right.

again, i'm an idiot who can't spell correctly or type out coherent sentences. carry on.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't be so hard on yourself.....

...watching our guys night after night will take your sanity away.

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jul 22, 2007 10:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, considering how wonderful the medical

staff has been of late, do you blame him? They probably put him together with duct tape...

by jillsinmo on Jul 22, 2007 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions

He dove for one last week to his right

It appeared they were shifted WAY over but yeah, he still could have dove.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions

heh

now that's SO Taguchi.

trippin over the other outfielders. rolling all over the outfield. thank goodness he caught that.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:18 PM EDT reply actions

That Taguchi play made me chuckle

web gem for sure

RF with 8 Ks in last 8 appearances..

by Petkovsek on Jul 22, 2007 10:21 PM EDT reply actions

Boom.

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 10:23 PM EDT reply actions

POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

HOLES!

by Petkovsek on Jul 22, 2007 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

boom goes the dynamite!

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

ALBERT!!

tie ballgame boys.

now that's clutch.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

Juan, I just need 2 more feet

then we could have double-switched the Braves to death.

Come on bullpen, hold on. Chris will get the winning hit later.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:26 PM EDT reply actions

Albert tweaks his oblique

which only is fitting for THIS season.

Karma blows.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:29 PM EDT reply actions

Nerer thought I'd agree with Joe Morgan

But he was right about where the pitcher did not want to throw the ball to AP!

So that is 22 HR & 60 RBI in 95 games. Ap should easily keep his streak of 30 HR seasons intact, but will he keep his streak of 100 RBI? At the rate of .63 RBI per game and with 67 games left that would be 42 more or 102. Could be tight. Any predictions?

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

great, Albert popped his oblique

tying the game.

it was only a matter of time before he got hurt. that's all this season of misery was missing.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

any one else think

massive amounts of alcohol were required for Andruw to get that spider web tattoo on his elbow?

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:35 PM EDT reply actions

I Am Weirded Out

...by the Spider Web Tattoo. Always associated it with White Supremacists.

Lots of different theories here: http://www.faqs.org/qa/qa-766.html

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions

never knew that tattoo ment that

so does Andruw hate his own people? weird.

there was deffinatly massive amounts of alcohol involved.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I say he lost the bet.....

by jillsinmo on Jul 23, 2007 1:19 AM EDT up reply actions

great play ECK!

dude almost got the douple play. if only his momma had given him a stronger arm.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

Nice play by Eckstein

Lets hope Franklin gets the third out and seals the deal

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

izzy time

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 10:39 PM EDT reply actions

OK why isn't it izzy time

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 10:41 PM EDT reply actions

Whew!

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 10:42 PM EDT reply actions

way to pitch out of trouble Frank

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

I dunno....

I say fire the entire scouting department after looking back at what Atlanta has done over the years.

Salty
Francouer
Johnson
Countless pitchers.

We have who? Albert and Duncan? And put all this effort into Reyes?

Those guys in Atlanta got it down pat. And yes, there is a hefty amount of sarcasm in my post.

I am impressed with how the Braves have seemed to stay good for so long though.

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

what good pitchers?

chuck james? that's it.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 11:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Well,

tonight's starting pitcher for the Braves was a product of their system. He seemed to pitch pretty well.

Over the years, the Braves have produced John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Steve Avery, Denny Naegle, Mike Hampton, the right handed pitcher for the Rangers currently, good curve, name escapes me right now. The number of players, especially of the pitching variety, that the Braves' system has produced since the beginning of their division title run is absolutely unreal. The last few years, they've had better luck developing position players than pitchers. The track record of the organisation, of being able to consistently put a winning team on the field using their scouting and development wings, is the envy of pretty much every other org in baseball. To scoff at that track record is to just not pay attention.

On a related note, are there any baseball players you actually do respect? You seem to be very dismissive of nearly every single one of them whose names I ever see mentioned.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 23, 2007 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Thatt would be Kevin Millwood.......

and lets not forget Adam Wainwright--we didn't get him until AAA year-from Atlanta. And our old friend Jason Marquis was developed by the Braves, no matter what you think of him, he did come from their system. Chipper and Andrus Jones too. No, it's been a long term commitment to development. You don't come up with those kind of players if you don't have top notch scouts finding, drafting, signing and developing those players. Atlanta and the Dodgers have been doing this well for several years.

by jillsinmo on Jul 23, 2007 1:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks

for Millwood, Jill. Could not come up with his name for the life of me, and going to look it up just seems like an awful lot of work.

Btw, I attempted to clarify my position up above. I wasn't attacking you.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 23, 2007 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions

jason schmidt is also a product

of the atlanta farm system and debuted with them.

atlanta developed jason marquis, who has been a better-than-league-avg starter 3 of the last 4 years.

however, a couple of the guys you named above were not atlanta products. neagle was drafted by the twins and traded to the pirates, who broke him in and got him established; mike hampton broke in with seattle and got good with houston.

i still agree with your overall point --- the atlanta farm system has produced a lot of good big-league pitchers, and an even larger number of good position players. it's a model franchise in terms of player-development.

by lboros on Jul 23, 2007 7:12 AM EDT up reply actions

That Wainwright kid

seems to be doing alright, too. I like to dream that in a few years, the drew-marrero for marquis, king, and wainer trade will make the mulder for haren-barton-calero trade look somewhat decent. I mean, at least we still have Mulder.

Goes to show, even guys like jock and schuerholz make mistakes. And they normally involve young pitchers.

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 23, 2007 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Um

I hope you're not talking to me when you pose that question...

Based off my priot posts I will assume you have read them and not directing that question towards me?

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 23, 2007 1:15 AM EDT up reply actions

Nope.

not you, P4MVP.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 23, 2007 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions

I was asking

willievinceterry if there were any players he actually likes. I have, to date, been unable to identify a single player that he thinks is worth much of anything. Hates Reyes, the Braves don't develop talent, nobody should complain about sinkers, etc. Guy just doesn't seem to like anybody.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 23, 2007 1:23 AM EDT up reply actions

OMG

that Salty line drive gave me a heart attack...

by Petkovsek on Jul 22, 2007 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

Get a run here

puh-lease.

Do you let Ludwick hit or do you go to Duncan? Is Duncan saved only for Ryan's spot?

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:44 PM EDT reply actions

here comes DUNK

let's hope the Duncan magical weekend continues.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions

wow

didn't realize he was en fuego this month

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

F R I C K

he just missed crushing that one he fouled off.

come on Scotty. just swing with your right arm and get a double here dude.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:48 PM EDT reply actions

out

why would you slide like that?

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

whew

looked out to me.

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

gawd does Joe ever think before he speaks?

not even close? looked like he was out to me Joe.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions

wha?

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

i don't get it

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 10:56 PM EDT up reply actions

I always make it a point to pinch hit

with a guy whose hitting 100 points less than the guy due up.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions

AK's pinch hitting?

WOW.

this proves Tony IS throwing in the towel.

i dont care if he did have a few good games. he's sucked hard all season long. bad move Tony. bad move.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

Still the Judies

Wonder if we trot Franklin out again? Maybe it's a tryout for a starting role?

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

"4 for 9"

Horton just complemented LaRussa for going with Kennedy b/c he's 4-for-9 against Wickman. No such thing as a small sample size in LaRussa's mind. Or Horton's I guess.

by lightbulb on Jul 22, 2007 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

4-9 is better than 0-0

which is a smaller sample size.

by willievinceterry on Jul 22, 2007 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions

My Kingdom...

for a two-out hit.

Gotta get 'em 1-2-3 here. Cards get Albert third in the 10th.

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

My Bad

Albert 4th.

by glennrwordman on Jul 22, 2007 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions

wasted at bat by AK

Ryan's a more of a line drive hitter than AK, and that's what they needed right there. all AK could have done there was, pop out like he did. or hit it out.

and the odds of him hitting one out were about a zillion to one.

thanks a lot Tony.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

TLR pulls a slap hitter with speed

to put in Adam Kennedy. Why? Because a long time ago Adam Kennedy got 4 hits off of Wickman?

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

rotoworld bar

i love that rotoworld bar on the side is getting sarcastic (read kelvin jimenez)

by truemun12 on Jul 22, 2007 10:59 PM EDT reply actions

Cate was sent down

because of his pitch count? Ha!

Why did I think Troy was LH.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

He is.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Miles in to play 2B?

Tony just used 3 middle infielders for the bottom of the 8th and all of the 9th.

Not saying I believe Izzy can get us through this inning but the bench is bare now, right?

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:02 PM EDT reply actions

Not entirely true

There's always Kip Wells

by stl tyler on Jul 22, 2007 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

And of course

Wainer.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions

that sums up the 2007 St. Louis Cardinals

perfectly.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Franco is...

gonna be 49 like I have a 12 inch di...oh nevermind. I swear I have seen Franco hit about 50 times this year on TV, and I've never seen the guy get a hit all year.

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:03 PM EDT reply actions

Come on Izzy

Get this guy out!

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

nice K IZZY

kept Willie hitless after he ran all over us the night before. and dont forget YADDA throwing him out twice.

get some runs boys. get some runs.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Stayed in

last night and watched that shellacking with the girlfriend, (actually wasn't that bad; got tired of the game and had to find something else entertaining to do) went out to dinner with a couple of friends tonight and missed a dramatic, well played, exciting game.

This team makes me angry.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

Dane Cook

...does anyone find that guy funny?

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

He has his moments

His special titled Vicious Circle is pretty good.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions

i would guess the red sox fans

who run MLB's PR department.

and of course, Peter Gammons.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

My son

thinks he's funny. But he is a fourteen year old boy. So, I guess middle-schoolers think Cook is hilarious.

by cardsgirl95 on Jul 22, 2007 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice.

That's more of a vintage 2002 Izzy than I've seen in a long time.

"You won't swing at the junk? Alright, F&#k it. Eat this, bitch."

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

True

Pretty amazing to look back at last year and how he was obviously hurting. He seems to be in great health now.

Sure he will still give ya a heart attack now and then. But a helluva lot less frequently.

WOnder if he will be traded?

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

so you read his lips to uh?

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Let's see if Albert's oblique is ok

how about we groove him a fastball this inning.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

Sounds good to me..

I am down 2 rbi's in fantasy with Albert my only guy going in this game. A 3 run dinger would make my day!

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Karma is coming back on Willie Harris

to get him tonight. 0-for-4, 2 CS.

Really nice catch on Brad's ball, though.

by kwhiteside on Jul 22, 2007 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

Eck was over eager on that at bat.

Looked like he swung at 2 balls

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

Joe Morgan

sucks. It doesn't even matter what he says. It's all just the most inane crap you can imagine.

He's talking about LaRussa using the bunt so much. Obviously, he hasn't paid any attention to this year's incarnation. Station to station baseball only for this team.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

YAYYY

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

oh man

that was a nasty pitch, too

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Whoo Hooo

Schuuuuuu

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

What's skip gonna do now?

he missed the first pitch.

Oh!

Maybe he should wait for the second pitch more often!!!!

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

Holy Shit!!!!!!

Schumaker! Oh My God!

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

SKIP!!!!

VEB Fantasy Football League! leave me a comment, and i'll send you an invite!

by stlcardinalsfang on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

Wow

Saaaahweeeeeeeeet

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

SKIPPY!!!!!!!!

WOW.

who knew?

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:14 PM EDT reply actions

i just said to myself

"i bet he's gonna hit a homer here"...wow. skip!

Future Redbirds

by erik on Jul 22, 2007 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

Had to be to yourself

because you'd never say that outloud.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

WTF erik

Say that more often eh?

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting

because I was using my Tarot Cards to forecast the future of the game, and that's what I came up with too.

Also, one of our relievers is going to commit ritual suicide on the mound soon. These things don't seem to be reliable. Hmm, oh well, I still don't like those Fan Graph things.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Swung at CRAP. . .

and SMACKED it!!!!!

by faninexile on Jul 22, 2007 11:15 PM EDT reply actions

Schu-money!

by lightbulb on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

Speechless!!

by Ignatius J Reilly on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

If he doesnt swing we wont know about the

oblique

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

Well, He flicked the bat away after the walk

with authority. Didn't look hurt getting rid of the bat.

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:17 PM EDT reply actions

I think injuries just make him mad

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Bobby Cox

isn't nearly as good a manager as everybody makes him out to be. If he were, he would know better than to bring a hard throwing, right handed, late inning reliever in against this team.

Just dumb.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Willie, Albert just made you look

baaaaaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddddddddddd.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:19 PM EDT reply actions

Watching that made me laugh out loud.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Attention

I am starting a campaigning here at Viva!

I propose that when we are talking Juan Enc we refer to him as...

"Mantis"

Because if you guys say he doesn't look like a praying mantis you're all blind. It's not a bad name, hell they call Tavarez "Hatchet face" in Boston.

Carry on... ;-)

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:20 PM EDT reply actions

sorry

i just don't see it

by _pistol_ on Jul 22, 2007 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

Perhaps

it's more of a side view. I hear ya though. For every friend of mine who looks at it, half of them see it, half of them don't.

It's the lighting, yea that's it the lighting. I think it's Juan's super high cheek bones to be honest.

Anyay I was just trying to be funny. My buddies and I refer to him as Mantis.

Regardless, great game from the boys tonight!

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

albert

you crafty bastard.

by _pistol_ on Jul 22, 2007 11:20 PM EDT reply actions

Well, at least there is no RH hitter for TLR

to bring in to PH for Duncan!....less he uses a RH hitting pitcher. He wouldn't dare...would he?

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:20 PM EDT reply actions

Ten Run Sunday

Six to go.

by bobeans on Jul 22, 2007 11:20 PM EDT reply actions

W can get 3 of the 6 this AB!

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:21 PM EDT reply actions

Drat...maybe he should have used Kip Wells as

a pinch hitter

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

DUNK didn't swing at one

freakin strike there. dude you're better than that.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

Duncan,

seriously. You looked like a Special Olympian there. (No offense to anyone, he's just supposed to be a professional baseball player.)

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

Whatever

that pitch is this guy keeps throwing, it's nasty.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:25 PM EDT reply actions

thanks for the info Pete

every one who reads VEB could have told you that 2 months ago.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:25 PM EDT reply actions

YAYYYY

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

OMG he hit a homer

more cortisone!!!!!!!!!!

The St. Louis Judies (they have no Punch)

by Podlol on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

3 More!

by bobeans on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

holy crap

10 run Sunday here we come!!!

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

The guys got the wrong memo

It said Ten Inning Sunday tonight.

Only Seven Run Sunday.

I'll take it.

by kwhiteside on Jul 22, 2007 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Sweet Lord of Baseball. . .

SCOTTY!!!!

by faninexile on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

Cortisone!

How do I love thee, let me count the ways...

I got to five.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

Give that man a cortisone shot!

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

guess scotty's shoulder

feels better-
booyaa!

Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off

by RosevilleRedbird on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

oh hurray

thank you scott for reminding us of who you are

Future Redbirds

by erik on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

NO FREAKIN WAY

Scotty Ro goes yard!

WOW.

i'm speachless.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

In an inning that

saw Pujols, Encarnacion and Duncan bat...

...who here would have thought Skip Shumaker and Scott Rolen would hit 2 dingers?

Rolen jumped ALL OVER that change-up, too.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:28 PM EDT reply actions

Those Holliday Inn...

commercials make me laugh. Rolen goes yard. We MUST take 4 of 6 vs Chi and Mil.

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

But....but....

we play 7 games against them. Is the last one a tie?

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions

"It's a SCREWball!!!"

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions

It's like ...

velvet mixed with peanut butter.

by Pujols for MVP on Jul 22, 2007 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

You know,

I still miss Renteria.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

Cortisone Shots For Every One!

they're like Wild Turkey Shooters, only more powerful.

and they are literally shots. course that goes without saying i guess.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:30 PM EDT reply actions

quite a few

cardinal fans in attendance. on the rolen shot - heard alot of cheers

by _pistol_ on Jul 22, 2007 11:31 PM EDT reply actions

so if this holds up it looks like i went 2-2 over

the weekend....http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/comments/2007/7/20/18953/2213/108#108

lets hope they break the trend

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 22, 2007 11:31 PM EDT reply actions

The key is to throw Skip Shumaker strikes

cause, he can't hit those. If you throw it between his legs...he is dangerous.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:32 PM EDT reply actions

The lewd remark possibilities

the second half of your comment opens has literally paralysed me.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 22, 2007 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

glad i'm not the only one

my mind is literally spinning with possibilities.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions

This is funny

we're all giddy.

by Big Red on Jul 22, 2007 11:33 PM EDT reply actions

still team o' the decade!

by tomsteele on Jul 22, 2007 11:35 PM EDT reply actions

For the shellackings we've taken this week

I'm surprised to see we went 5-5 on the road trip.

If we can really stick it to the Cubs and Brewers.. Well, we probably still won't make the playoffs, but it would be a moral victory.

by stl tyler on Jul 22, 2007 11:36 PM EDT reply actions

Did you know that the Cardinals

have like 5 guys in the Top 10 as far as BA after the 7th inning? This team is clutch, as long as the rotation keeps them in games.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 22, 2007 11:36 PM EDT reply actions

hahah

reminds me of little big league...this guy has a such ann such average on second saturdays this month after the third inning...something to that effect

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap

by punchinjudy on Jul 22, 2007 11:40 PM EDT up reply actions

And That's A Winner!!!!

simply amazing that the Cards got the split in this series.

great win gents. SKIPPY & Scotty Ro get the game balls. with honerable mention going to Frank & Puppy Kicker.

of course, all this could have done was give us fans false hope going into a week were we face the flubs&brew crew.

either way, great win. a very much needed win.

I'm going to go try to find a puppy and kick it. - Brad Thompson And That's A Winner!

by gdm426 on Jul 22, 2007 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

Izzy

and gang just caused my fantasy team a loss this week.

Nice ending for the birds on the bat.

I'm kind of bitter, though, as I was about to take down an undefeated team.

by silent_bob on Jul 22, 2007 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

5-5 road trip

Two of the teams we played are in the race in the NL East, the other we took 2/3 from. I see this as a positive sign. Unfortunately, I think we need to take 6/7 or sweep this week from Chicago and Milwaukee to still be in it. I'm not sure I see it happening, but boy, wouldn't it be fun???!!

"Tyler's gonna bust a nut on some babies tonight!" - Tyler Johnson (as told by Alex Fritz)

by Mr Redbird on Jul 22, 2007 11:55 PM EDT reply actions

The Cubs games are always fun....

a little tense at times, but fun......

by jillsinmo on Jul 23, 2007 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions

thanks AP

i give props to skipy and rolen but it was El hombre who gave us a chance to win it.

by samael88 on Jul 23, 2007 12:44 AM EDT reply actions

Good win tonight

Scott Rolen, as of July 22nd, has as many steals as homers. Any other season and that would mean he was on his way to a 30-30 year type performance, instead of a freaking 7-7 year.

One thing I've noticed over the weekend -- I still miss Edgar. It's really weird, but I just can't cheer against him when he's batting. I don't know when the last time this has happened was. Willie McGee on the Giants, maybe?

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 23, 2007 12:45 AM EDT reply actions

Renteria

I posted almost the exact same thing up above regarding Edgar, Alex. Not sure what it is, he's just one of those guys I thought was going to stick around, and he still somehow remains one of my favorites.

I don't have to look back nearly that far to see another guy I feel that way about, though. I go back about a month, to the opening game of the series against the A's.

I don't need no instructions to know how to rock.

by the red baron on Jul 23, 2007 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Personally

I still have trouble cheering against Woody Williams. The guy was just so old and so grizzly, not to mention clutch for us in the playoffs.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 23, 2007 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Upcoming series

I've got to admit -- I'm really excited about these upcoming series for two reasons.

If we win the majority, it puts us in good shape.
If we lose the majority, we're officially out, I can stop fooling myself, and we'll (most likely) officially become sellers.

After this week, there will no longer be middle ground. We'll be in it, or we won't. That prospect pleases me.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Jul 23, 2007 1:59 AM EDT reply actions

They will probably

just go .500 and keep sucking us along.

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Jul 23, 2007 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm pumped up, too

But will be ready to concede defeat if the next week doesn't go well.

The team should be pretty fired up after that great win tonight.

The Zambrano vs. Wells game on Tuesday would be a huge, huge win. Zambrano's been pretty much light's out for the past coupla months.

by liam on Jul 23, 2007 2:05 AM EDT up reply actions

wtf

mike coolbaugh(cup o coffee with the cards) died after being hit by a liner while coaching first in little rock, he was only 35. a damn shame

baseball is like church. many attend but few understand....wes westrum, catcher

by El Capitan on Jul 23, 2007 2:34 AM EDT reply actions

I feel sick

I was at that AA game in North Little Rock earlier tonight and left the ballpark fearing Coolbaugh might not make it.

It was absolutely the most gruesome play I have ever seen.

A sharp line drive from a lefty, breaking a bit left to right, Coolbaugh had no time to react, turned his head slightly to his left, which was with the break of the batted ball.

He fell straight to the turf and never moved. CPR was performed and IED's were used numerous times.
Supposedly he had a light pulse as they loaded him in the ambulance, but stopped breathing as he arrived at the hospital.

Mike had just started coaching. After hanging it up as a player, he was given an opportunity as a hitting coach with Colorado's AA affiliate in Tulsa after the sudden resignation of Orlando Merced last month. Coolbaugh joined the team on July 3.

He is survived by a preganant wife and two sons.

Keep his family in your prayers.

by MattKno8 on Jul 23, 2007 2:54 AM EDT up reply actions

I've been wondering

How long it'd be before something like that happens, though I was figuring it'd be a fan not paying attention before it would be a base coach.

by whopperman on Jul 23, 2007 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions

OMG

That's awful.

Maybe batting helmets for base coaches?

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

by Mr Clean on Jul 23, 2007 3:13 AM EDT up reply actions

That's very sad and very scary

imagine the guilt the hitter must be going through.

In high school, we had a pitcher take a linedrive off his head that was hit so hard that the shortstop caught it and still had time to throw the runner out.

The kid doesn't really remember it happening but he just walked around dazed before falling down. As the thirdbasemen, the whole thing was 20 feet away from me. We laugh about it now but it was terrifying when it happened. Thought for sure he was going to die just from the sound.

Prayers to Coolbaugh's family.

Interested in pre-1990 Cardinals games on tape

by Hardcore Legend on Jul 23, 2007 3:31 AM EDT up reply actions

That's just awful.......

my son took a ball to the face during batting practice in high school. Broken nose, severe bruising on his face and seven chipped teeth, followed by surgery, 20 pound weight loss......he recovered enough to pitch 10 innings in Legion ball, and he's still on the mound. My kid is fearless, but I still to this day kind of fidget and walk around when he's pitching, sort of glance over when he's on the mound, because I still have visions of that monster face he had right after it happened.......It's really awful that this happened. Prayers to his family...

by jillsinmo on Jul 23, 2007 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions