Viva El Birdos: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
Around SBN: Cal RB Jahvid Best Seriously Injured, Carted Off Field

Game 119 Open Thread: August 17, 2007

looper

hill

10-9, 5.08

6-7, 3.85

good stuff from scott rolen in bernie's column today. he nakedly admits that the cards' morale stunk after the 1-5 trip to pittsburgh and washington, and that the people who wrote the team off at that point had every reason to do so. and then he adds:

After the way we won the World Series last year, I bowed out of any conversation about winning or losing and why it happens. We weren't the best team in the playoffs last year; we might have been the worst team. And we became champs. And in 2004, I played on the best team that I will ever play on, and certainly the best team in the playoffs, and we got swept in the World Series by the Red Sox -- badly.

Don't try to figure this game out.

certainly not where the cardinals are concerned.

and where the cubs are concerned? they gave up trying to figure the game out decades ago. their 2007 campaign has been at least as illogical as the cardinals' --- indeed, at a superficial level the two teams' seasons have a lot in common. chicago reached the same low point as st louis --- 9 games under --- and were left for dead by many of their fans. then they made a few lineup changes --- dumped some unproductive veterans (mike barrett and jacque jones), called up the centerfield phenom from triple A (felix pie), and started giving lots of at-bats to no-great-shakes prospects like mike fontenot and ryan theriot and angel pagan. above all, they shoved aside the washed-up veteran relievers who were costing them games --- guys like eyre and ohman --- and assigned their roles to youngsters like carlos marmol. they went with the kids, is the point i'm trying to make --- and, like the cardinals, they started getting better results.

the major difference here --- and it pretty much wrecks the whole analogy --- is that the cubs were never as bad as their record suggested. even when they were 9 games under they had scored more runs than they'd allowed; they simply had lost a lot of close games due to inept bullpenning. all the stat geeks predicted the cubs would bounce back from the slow start and get themselves into the race (something nobody predicted for the cardinals), and they were right. chicago's offense, while never great, has been solidly average all year, and its rotation has been healthy and consistent. after the zambrano-barrett dugout bout on june 1 and piniella's subsequent tantrum, the cubs played outstanding baseball for two months --- a 35-18 record (.660) between june 3 and august 1. the last win of that stretch pulled the cubs into a tie for first place --- whereupon they proceeded to go 4-10 and get outscored 69-87, bringing us right up to the present. their pitching staff, among the top 3 in the league all season, has hit its raggedest patch in the last two weeks, posting a 6.09 era. while the cardinal rotation has been reeling off all those quality starts --- 9 in a row and counting --- the cubs have received just 4 q.s. all month (two from lilly, one from hill, one from marquis). in two starts since leaving his august 3 start vs the mets with heat cramps, zambrano has been pummeled for 21 hits and 13 runs in 12+ innings. sean marshall, the cubs' scheduled starting pitcher tomorrow, has a 10.38 era in 3 august starts.

like rolen says, don't try to figure this game out.

the cubs will throw three left-handed pitchers at st louis this weekend, including two (hill and marshall) the cardinals have not faced this year. here's how the cardinal outfielders perform vs left-handers:

2007

ab avg obp slg ops
taguchi 120 .325 .382 .392 .773
encarnacion 92 .304 .343 .391 .735
ludwick 86 .221 .295 .419 .713
duncan 71 .225 .309 .338 .647
edmonds 92 .196 .286 .268 .554

in the big leagues, ankiel has 2 hits and 3 strikeouts in 7 at-bats vs left-handers. in the minors, his line vs them this year was .278 / .313 / .602.

CAREER

ab avg obp slg ops
edmonds 1670 .256 .337 .439 .776
encarnacion 1118 .275 .326 .430 .756
taguchi 564 .289 .338 .399 .737
ludwick 220 .209 .278 .441 .719
duncan 120 .217 .286 .375 .661

encarnacion says he is good to go; he's ready to play. how does it make sense to keep him on the bench? which three outfielders ought to be starting ahead of him? there's no case at all for edmonds, who simply can't hit lefties anymore --- his cumulative line vs them over the last two seasons is .171 / .231 / .276. nor can you make a good case for duncan, who a) has never established that he can hit left-handers consistently, and b) is having a tough 2d half (.232 / .333 / .439 since the all-star break). if encarnacion sits again, that leaves an outfield of ludwick / taguchi / ankiel . . . . i realize that encarnacion is no hall-of-famer, but he's good enough to crack that outfield. he's one of the best three. la russa has made his point --- if encarnacion does get in there, he's going to play hard. he knows his job is on the line.

be interesting to see how tony plays it.

0 recs  |  Comment 408 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

OFers
Ludwick, Taguchi, and Enc to start it off. Hopefully they can knock that smug smile off of Rich Hill early, get to that "bullpen" of theirs and bring in Ankiel and Edmonds.

Speaking of whom, any word on Jimmy's nerve/back condition today?

Boooo-urns.

by Alxfritz on Aug 17, 2007 8:33 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ludwick, Juan, Slick Rick
LF, CF, RF.  That's what I'd d.

Unfortunately, Guch will be in center and Rick will be in right.  You can put it in the bank.

by silent_bob on Aug 17, 2007 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Leach on O,YNaG
says is Lud, JEd and Juan.

by Just Rope Ball on Aug 17, 2007 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure...
... that Zambrano will put everything he has Vs the Cards, maybe JImmy will be playing that day.

I hope we smash the two youngsters, because Vs the Cubs for sure our starters will have much more trouble than Vs Padres/Dodgers/Brewers.

GO CARDS!!!

by SuperSeve on Aug 17, 2007 8:56 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hill
How are lefties hitting Hill this year? It's not another reverse split is it? Just seems like Tony will look for any reason to keep Juan on the pine.

by paCardsFan on Aug 17, 2007 9:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

There's no doubt in my mind that Encarnacion
will start today.  I just hope he responds well.

by outraged on Aug 17, 2007 9:18 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

How can you be so sure - did you see Tony's
quote this morning:

"I really liked the way he swung (Wednesday) in batting practice, but I know his comment is that he's still limited," he said. "When you've got healthy guys available ... that's what the bus ride's for."

What the hell - "his comment is that he's still limited" - what??! He says he's OK, ready to go!? Jimmy has made comments that he's 'limited' too; claiming he felt dead

Dead, I tell you! Juan's comments have never approximated that level...

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Everyone knows this isn't a matter of health
I'm sure because we would have DL'd him already if we weren't going to use him.  There's no reason to play short for this long to not use him.  Tony can send his message just as clearly by sending him to the fake DL.

by outraged on Aug 17, 2007 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

But you're assuming
that Tony's actions can be logically dissected to reveal clear, rational reasoning behind them. That is not always the case.

I think there is so much going on that we don't know about, that anything can happen.

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Juan is 3-6 vs. Hill lifetime
Kind of a limited sampling, but if he isn't in the lineup today, then one would have to assume that he might never play again for the Cards.  I think TLR has made his point, but if he continues to bench Juan, then to me, it sounds like a done deal.

by Wahoo on Aug 17, 2007 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In addition...
Juan is 3 for 6, with one of those 3 hits a HR.

Juan has simply GOT to start today against the lefty.

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mind games
Hopefully, Juan will respond to Tony's comments/benching positively. I think he comes out with a charge in him this series.

by googs77 on Aug 17, 2007 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

A few thoughts
Juan and his bat will play a key roll in the series. I just hope all of this time off will help, not hurt.

Not so sure what to think about the Cards play over the past two weeks. I have/ had left them for dead and now they are at least making the race close again. With this in mind, they face off against the Cubs in a huge series. Given that I think the Cubs are the better team on paper (better than either the Cards or the Brewers), I think a series split would be a fine outcome. Sure 3 out of 4 would be better ( and a sign that the Cards might sustain their current level of play), but a split would be fine with me too.

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 9:51 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I swear to God if he gives up a triple
when I'm at the game Saturday I'm gonna go out on the field after him.

by sdrone on Aug 17, 2007 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

same here
I'm heading down to the game today, and any triples to right will make me sick. But then again, they won't surprise me at all.
On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Aug 17, 2007 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

telling my cubs friends the same thing.
That is that I think this year that I think that the Cubs have the better team.  And also that I think that after all these years that the Cubs deserve to win one.  I actually think that bugs them more than if I said that the Cubs suck.

by pesoto74 on Aug 17, 2007 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good
especially since the whispers around Chicago are that Carlos is pitching injured.  
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

funny
"and where the cubs are concerned? they gave up trying to figure the game out decades ago."  Just mad em laugh out loud and the people are looking at me weird in the office.  Oh well, back to work.

by gonzostl on Aug 17, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Record vs. LH starters is 21-20
while that vs. RHP is 37-40, so I really don't think LH starters are quite the nemesis this year that they have been the last few.  Of course some of that may be due to the extreme lengths that TLR has gone through to get us better against LH starters.

Its too bad we don't have Mulder healthy and pitching well, since the Cubs are 11-19 vs. LH starters and 50-40 vs. RH starters.

by Wahoo on Aug 17, 2007 10:41 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice Quote
from Rolen.  I think "Don't try to figure this game out" is my new Cardinals mantra for the season. I've been looking for a replacement for "Free Rick Ankiel" for a week.

I'm glad I'm going to the beach on Saturday.  Waiting around for Fox to break into the Yankees-Tigers game with a Cards-Cubs update would drive me crazy.

by nybirdgirl on Aug 17, 2007 10:52 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Gotta agree
with Scotty... I've been watching El Birdos since "Stan The Man" was a 40-year-old who could still rake!, and have never been able to predict what's going to happen (Hence my alleged Yogi-quote!)

Baseball is somewhat predictable over the long haul (season-to-season), but it's played in Extremely Small Sample Sizes... one pitch at a time!

I think Tony will make out his lineup card based on what Edmonds tells TLR about his back, and based on what "vibes" Tony gets from Juancion. I wouldn't be surprised to see Lud, Ankiel, and Encarnacion from LF to RF today.

Go get 'em, (Gashouse) Gang! [big grin]

"In this game, don't nobody know nuthin' about nuthin'." -- attributed to Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra

by The Ol Goaler on Aug 17, 2007 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jacque Jones?
I must have missed when the Cubs "dumped" him.  He has over 1.000 OPS in the last month.  For the Cubs.

by heyzeus on Aug 17, 2007 10:58 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

They dumped him to Florida
were going to pay ALL of his salary but the comish's office nixed the deal.  Worked out well for the Cubs because he got hot right at the same time he did.  He's had some crucial RBIs for them as well.

Without him, they'd probably be 5 games out right now.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

they also stopped playing him
from june 10 to july 5 --- four weeks --- he only started 3 games. after the trade to florida fell through, they stuck him back in the lineup. but for almost a solid month he just sat on the bench.

by lboros on Aug 17, 2007 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I noticed that too.
There was a time when Cubs fans wished they could dump him. Actually, a lot of them probably still do.

by birdjam on Aug 17, 2007 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I always felt good...
about the Cubs having Jacque Jones, but he is the only one in the top-tier left.  The others that put smiles on my face were Neifi Perez, Michael Barrett, Juan Pierre... and oh yes, the Dust-bag.

Now Jones is the only one left of that core, and my smiles have greatly waned.  About the only thing I have left is Aramis' defense.

by CurtFlood on Aug 18, 2007 1:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey gang
New poster here... I thought you all (except lboros) might enjoy this article on Ankiel from today's Washington Post by Op-Ed columnist Charles Krauthammer:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/16/AR2007081601687.html

You may need a free subscription.  I can post the text of the article if people are interested and that's within the rules and regulations here.

On another note: I signed up a few days ago to respond to someone's post talking about being at a game in Pittsburgh and watching the Cardinals on the scoreboard... I was at a Blues playoff game as they swept the Hawks in 2002 (I think), and I watched the tiny Cardinals score in the upper corner of the arena as they played an early season game in New York at least as much as I watched the hockey game in front of me... some of us are just obsessed, I guess.  We lost a lead in the 8th that night... must have brought in Veres :)

ahunter

by ahunter on Aug 17, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That was me
Welcome.

They had the Giants/Atlanta game underneath the Cardinals/Brewers game on the scoreboard and sometimes I'd look at the wrong one.

Atleast 3 times I said "4 to 2 now? Damnit Wells, way to give one back!"

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

my two favorite parts of bernie's column
were:

1) his authentically humble eating of crow for his suggestion to shut rolen down.

and

2) this exhange with rolen in reference to his revival with the bat:

Interestingly enough, when I joked with Rolen, I expected him to tease me back -- give me some good-natured grief. Instead he surprised me with his response.

He told me not to feel bad. Why? "Because I don't understand this," he said.

What do you mean?

"I don't know what's happening. I can't explain it."

in my mind, it just expemplifies the unpredictability of this game.

by sdesserman on Aug 17, 2007 11:22 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

It didn't particularly seem like he was eating
crow, rather backhandedly saying "see, I was kinda right...even Scott agrees."
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We see it differently then
I think he was trying to say something like:

"Hey I was right, he is hurting and would be better if he got cleaned up, but he has helped fuel this resurgence so in that essence I was also very wrong, maybe giving up in this unpredictable game isn't such a good idea after all"

That is what I took from Bernie which seemed very humble to me.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I appreciated Bernie's commentary at first too
but Hardcore Legend has made me rethink that.  The more I think about how manipulative Bernie has been this season in bending all sorts of things (even his own admissions of humility and his past DUI) to a moralizing self glorification, it seems to fit that this is one more opportunity for him to do that.

Also, Scott didn't clear Bernie of all the insults he has flung at the team this season.  Bernie didn't just speak of Scott's injury and concern for his wellbeing.  He called him old (at 32) and lacking passion (a "stale" player); he dangled suspicions about the team having widespread drug and/or alcohol problems; he used "Vince" to spread rumors about a dead teammate who was not yet in the ground.  If anyone disagreed with his opinions or his journalistic timing, they were "mental" or "idiots" or "fools' who were simply blinded by an ujusifiable love for the team.

I think Bernie is reading too much into this whole "forgiveness" thing.  Since Josh Hancock's death he's frequently exaggerated, sensationalized, and rumor-mongered--all with a sanctimonious and, on occasion, vicious tone.  This does seem like a really cagey way to simply say "see I was right Tony to be on my crusade all season; Scott's with me".  

by nycardfan on Aug 17, 2007 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Are you saying Hancock wasn't drunk?
"Vince" said Hancock was drinking at Shannon's bar and appeared to be drunk. As we know, that was no rumor. And spare me this "not yet in the ground" sanctimoniousness. A few days after the funeral, Hancock's family was busy trying to profit from his corpse.
All things are ready if our minds be so.

by Dexter Westbrook on Aug 17, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

At that point it was a rumor
and they should have waited for solid evidence which the police said would be forthcomimng.  

I believe the police reported that they could not find "Vince" to confirm his report--he must have been a really solid lead to disappear so quickly!  And many witnesses later contradicted "Vince's" observations.

Having some basic journalistic standards concerning evidence and confirmation is the point, not being sanctimonious.  Doesn't your profession have rules of conduct your supposed to follow?  
 

by nycardfan on Aug 17, 2007 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Your post is a crock
You had an eyewitness -- actually, two -- saying Hancock had spent quite a bit of time drinking at Shannon's. That is called evidence, not a "rumor."

You don't have any notion of journalistic standards, or any other kind of standards, as far as I can tell. The rest of your post is what is known as making shit up.

All things are ready if our minds be so.

by Dexter Westbrook on Aug 18, 2007 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

There were also a few handful of witnesses
who said he did not appear to be drunk.

And Bernie, everyone can see through the name.  Just kidding :D

Anyways, it's nice to see that 1 game has Bernie back off the bandwagon.  Today's article is nice.  Apparently he believe Lou Pinella willed the Cubs into winning on Friday and that has shut down the Cardinals hot streak.  You know, just like losing 2-1 to Brad Penny did.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 18, 2007 2:01 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

D.W. see this post
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2888691

Maybe you haven't kept up on the news on the incident.  If there were lots of witnesses who said the contrary that should be reported and if "Vince" refused to come forward in the investigation, it makes his statements and motivation seem fishy (the P-D also knew Campbell refuted "Vince" the following day).

Man, you sound a lot like Bernie--lashing out with a "you have no standards at all" comment when we are disagreeing about something many fans have legitimately disagreed about.  

One more thing.  Bernie also spread rumors about Speezio before he had adequate confirmation.  

He later erased the whole thread, (whether that was because of pressure from the paper or Speezio's agent or lawyer is unknown).  It was a bogus thing to do though--put all sorts of unsubstaniated trash out there for an entire day and then delete it after it had been read so that he couldn't be held respsonsible.

by nycardfan on Aug 18, 2007 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you guys
may be talking about two different things.  In addition to the columen, Bernie had a recent blog entry in which he more explicitly dined on crow.

by DCGreg on Aug 17, 2007 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well he seems to have become
awfully sunny--not to mention humble--once it became clear that TLR is probably stciking around.  Suddenly, TLR is a genius with respect to Juan and playing the Brewers, etc.  Blah blah blah....

by nycardfan on Aug 17, 2007 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

True
I was referring more to the blog entry then the article.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It would be good for me to look at that
do you have a link?  Just if it's easy for you to access...

by nycardfan on Aug 17, 2007 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here
http://www.stltoday.com/blogs/sports-bernies-extra-points/2007/08/shut-rolen-down-no-just-shut-berni e-up/

"Shut Rolen Down? No, Just Shut Bernie Up"

"I told Rolen he was making me look bad. A while back, I wrote a blog in which I suggested it was time to shut Rolen down for the season, and let him have surgery on his problematic left shoulder. This would give him the best chance to be at full strength by the start of the 2008 season. It seemed like a wise idea at the time.... well, of course, nothing of the sort happened, and Rolen played very well in the Cardinals' three-game series sweep of the Brewers.

Score another one for my expertise."

Read the rest of the link for more of it, but he does take a lot of crow in it.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was what I was commenting on
but my point stands.  He's only eating crow for talking about Rolen's injury, not all his other insults and rumor mongering.  

And I still agree with Hardcore Legend's main point above.

by nycardfan on Aug 17, 2007 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Can't Explain It
One of the many joys of baseball......so many things are so predictable when the layers of stats are peeled back......as many do so adroitly on this blog.

On the other hand, so many things just cannot be predicted or explained.

Must be why Jack used to say, "Every time I come to the ballpark I see something I haven't seen before."

by Hinkster on Aug 17, 2007 11:26 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

true
No stat in the world could predict Yadi hitting two HRs in one game mid August, no stat would tell you that a long time vet like Griffey would make such a stupid baserunning blunder.  I love baseball because every pitch can be so exciting.  But I also love how numbers and stats play such a huge part of the game, over a career or a season we get a feel for how a player performs on average and thus when put in a situation how likely it is for them to do something.  Before his 3 ABs last night Yadi had only 248 season ABs and had only 1 HR so the odds that he would hit one HR in that game were around 1 in 250, after that the odds changed to 1 in 125 but still a hard thing for him to hit two in one game since he had never done it before, stats can help predict but every once in awhile the least likely outcomes do happen and then magic happens as well.  See 2006 WS for an example.  Cards lose in 3 right?

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

One very minor point
Larry, you write that no one predicted that the Cards would climb back into the race.  I don't know if this counts, but on July 15th, when the Cards were 8 games under .500 and 7.5 out of first, Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus predicted that "the Cardinals will finish above .500, and inspire a host of Labor Day stories about their chance to repeat."

Weirdly, however, he may have looked at that soft spot in their schedule (vs. the Pirates and Nats) as a reason.  No one (at least not I) thought they'd be winning so handily against a string of +.500 teams.

Brian Gunn

by briangunn on Aug 17, 2007 12:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

thanks brian, i missed that
it was bold of sheehan to make that prediction, given the state of the cardinal pitching staff at that time --- maroth was still in the rotation and sucking: reyes and wells had just barely started to come around. i certainly wouldn't have predicted a .500 finish at that point in time.

and i'm still not totally sold that they're gonna finish at .500; might be we're not seeing anything more than a crazy blip in the standings. but i'm definitely open to persuasion.

by lboros on Aug 17, 2007 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

EY on Baseball Tonight
on ESPN said something similar, during a similar time frame.

by CurtFlood on Aug 18, 2007 1:18 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Obvious keys to the Cubs series
Thought I would post the obvious keys to win this series.

1.Keep the Cubs hrs to only solo shots. Don't give up the 3-run bombs.

  1. We need to score many runs early and often. Duh! Pujols & Rolen need to really step it up this series. Pujols especially needs to be more patient at the plate and turn it up a notch, his HR at Milwaukee is a good sign that he is ready to go on one of his HR sprees.
  2. Don't give up walks or put a lot of men on in front of Ramirez, he has been hot coming off his injury.  To me he is the most dangerous hitter on their team right now.
  3. Try to get to the Cubs bullpen quickly, after their series against the Reds, their bullpen has to be worn out.
Prediction: The Cards will win 2 of 4, which will still be a great roadtrip for us.
I also think for the first time in awhile we are going to get blown out in a game like with a 12-2 score.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 12:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Enc Plays
Matthew Leach reporting in his blog that Enc is playing RF today.

by realbrit70 on Aug 17, 2007 12:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

How does Edmonds get a start against LHP
and Ankiel does not?

I'd rather Edmonds take the day off, rest those legs and let Ankiel patrol CF.

Oh well, I guess Tony is just saying 'we are going with our horses'.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Edmonds
I think Jimmy is going to play most of this series because he is swinging a hot bat.  And when Jimmy is hot he can carry the team as much as anyone. Plus Jimmy has hit the ball good at Wrigley in the past.

But...I am also starting to wonder if Tony is maybe starting to protect Ankiel a little. Maybe trying to keep him as our "NEW secret weapon" for a little while longer.  As in not letting the Cubs see his weakness spots in his hitting for a little bit longer.  Though I bet Rick will start at least 2 or 3 games this series, unless Juan has a big game today which could change things a bit.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

lineup
CARDINALS LINEUP

David Eckstein, SS
Ryan Ludwick, LF
Albert Pujols, 1B
Juan Encarnacion, RF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Jim Edmonds, CF
Yadier Molina, C
Braden Looper, P
Brendan Ryan, 2B

by bretsyboo on Aug 17, 2007 1:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't mind that lineup one bit
In fact, I'll see your Ryan and raise you a Ryan.

by Keep your hands off on Aug 17, 2007 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Juan
Interesting that Juan "triplemaker" Encarnacion goes from furthest seat on the bench to the cleanup hitter in one of the biggest games of the year.

Tony's mind games are amusing, if nothing else

by Keep your hands off on Aug 17, 2007 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

LaRussa told KTRS
before the game that when Juan is not in the line-up, we 'really don't have a clean-up hitter' ... or words to that effect.
I understand his point, but I think he is only partly right; in my opinion we don't have 4-hole Albert protection even when Juan IS in there.

by CurtFlood on Aug 18, 2007 1:29 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd rather see Taguchi or Ankiel in for Ludwick
And I'm not sure if Encarnacion in the cleanup spot after sitting for so long is a great idea.  But I guess Tony knows what he's doing.

by outraged on Aug 17, 2007 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ludwick's the right guy
Right-handed that is...Ankiel hasn't looked sharp as of late, and Tony doesn't want him to dig a whole any deeper versus a good lefty.

I'll take Ludwick over Gooch as well. His power threat will loom large in windy Wrigley.

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 1:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Inter-blog questions...
Why no "Five Questions" for and from Bleed Cubbie Blue this time, Larry? After the last couple of series against the Cubs, I was thinking it would be tradition. Personally I really liked getting opinions from "the other side" and particularly enjoyed the comments from posters at Bleed Cubbie Blue.

Not telling you how to do your job, but...well, okay. Maybe I am a little bit.

I once shot a man just to see him die...then I got distracted and missed it.

by TheDuke32 on Aug 17, 2007 1:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

3 out of 4 vs the Cubs
That would be sweet indeed.

We would be tied with the Cubs and have a .500 record heading into the last 6 weeks of the season.

I have WGN on mute, and Shannon and Rooney on the radio. Beer in hand. Afternoon off. Life is good.

by Keep your hands off on Aug 17, 2007 2:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

As long as we don't get pounded
that sounds like a little bit of paradise.

by lordsummer on Aug 17, 2007 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dan and Al
predicting doom for Zambrano on Sunday.
Acquire some runs!

by madding on Aug 17, 2007 2:25 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

couple of good at bats so far...
not much to show for it though.
"This is a ball club with issues." -Nats announcers (talking about the Cardinals)

by SleepyCA on Aug 17, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

we goto the bottom of the first
if anyone here is from Nebraska, especially Fairbury, this post on Royals Review might interest you
www.royalsreview.com

by royalsreview on Aug 17, 2007 2:32 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

sit down Lee
www.royalsreview.com

by royalsreview on Aug 17, 2007 2:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm not watching it live
But on gameday it looks like Looper has great location.

by ZiggyG on Aug 17, 2007 2:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

yes
he threw a number of pitches just off the edge that coulda been called strikes

by FunkeeC on Aug 17, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He does
Other then that high one to Lee he has been low but right on the edge, with Angel behind homeplate he might not get all the calls but he has got a few borderline ones, so we will see how it goes but so far he looks good.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

What did
Jimmy do to Rich Hill?  Those pitches inside to back him off the plate looked like pitches to make a statement.  

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 2:47 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Angel Hernandez
is using a random number generator to determine balls and strikes today.
Acquire some runs!

by madding on Aug 17, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Odd really
I normally expect him to squeeze card's pitchers but today he has just been odd all the way around.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

How he keeps
his job is beyond me. It always seems like he finds a way to get mentioned on T.V.

by boog on Aug 17, 2007 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

listening to the radio
It sounds like he's calling anything close to the plate a strike.  Is that accurate or is more random as you suggest?

by Handsome B Wonderful on Aug 17, 2007 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not really
He is random low in the zone at a minimum he is giving some inside stuff and some outside stuff yet calls in the same spots in different ABs are called balls.  I think he really is changing the zone for every hitter (it should be adjusted for height but not this much) depending on how much they crowd, and after Edmonds got knocked down every inside pitch was a ball to him.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm just glad
Angel is at homeplate this game, just to get it over with and hopefully we won't have to deal with him much the rest of the series. Oh the memories...back in 05 Angel was the most hated ump this side of Dinkenger for Cardinal nation.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 2:56 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ditto
Get it out of the way right off the bat (pun intended).

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

holy cow
Al just said that Kendall is 1/32 in throwing out base stealers this season.  That's a noodle for an arm.

by jdub176 on Aug 17, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Stealing
Too bad the Cardinals don't really have many players that can exploit that.  I watched game 7 of the 1982 World Series before the Milwaukee series and I was really missing the speed that the Cardinals had in those days.

by pesoto74 on Aug 17, 2007 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thank you, WGN guys,
for yet another analysis of batting the pitcher eighth.  Your insight amazes me.  (Sarcasm alert)

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 3:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

All the insight that's really needed should be
"Hey, it's been working pretty well for the Cardinals, who are 8-2 over their last 10."

by stl tyler on Aug 17, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL
Yet they didn't seem to see it that way.  Odd, isn't it?  

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gotta know...
What was their analysis? Repeating Piniella's, "It disrespects the position players" line?

With the air show in Chicago, this game sounds more like Shea than Wrigley.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes
They agreed with Sweet Lou that it is an embarrassment to the guy you ask to hit after the pitcher.  Since the guy TLR asked to do it today (and not for the first time) was Brendan Ryan, I thought, "I'll bet he is just glad to be hitting ANYWHERE in a Big League line-up."  So, I didn't think too much of their assessment.

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

9th is 9th
what about the guy who hits 9th on an AL team?  Isn't that (if not "disrespect") a bit embarrassing?

I agree that B Ryan probably isn't giving it a single thought.

In my opinion, there is not only no 'crying' in baseball, there is no "disrespect" either.  I dislike the fact that that term has gained so much parlance.

by CurtFlood on Aug 18, 2007 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dinosaurs!
"Does chemistry lead to winning or does winning lead to chemistry?"

I buy more into the latter and think the same issue's at play here. If the manager chooses to implement a strategy that'll help your team win (and I buy into the pitcher-bats-8th theory) the ninth-hitting batter ought to end up feeling honored that he was a part of a minor revolution. If the strategy works to score more runs per game, the guy you ask to bat behind the pitcher ought to be proud that he made a contribution to the team's success; if it fails (and I don't expect it would) he might get sick of being the guy out on a limb of sorts.

Like others have said, Ryan's the perfect guy for the job. He's doing EXACTLY what he ought to be doing, taking good at-bats and getting on base and being happy just to be batting ninth for St. Louis instead of eighth for Memphis. And credit due to Kennedy, who didn't bitch about it before going down with the knee injury. It'd be great to see him bounce back next year after all the crap he's taken this one.

by liam on Aug 18, 2007 4:35 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hitters are doing a great job
of working counts, fouling off strikes, and seeing extra pitches.

hill is pitching well, only faced 2 more than the minimum thus far, and he's already up to 57 pitches through 3. that's more than 5 p/pa. keep it going boys.

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

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This is good
The sooner we can get to their tired bullpen the better!

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

looper's season era under 5!
thank you cubs hitters!
I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pagnozzi
Speaking of Pags, do you think that Matt will be called up in Sept as a third catcher or will we just bring up Espisito(sp?)?  I think Esp. will be brought up since he has already used an option year for this season and he gives us emergency backup during the final month but I would like to see Pags on the bench even if he isn't very good.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I had the pleasure
of watching Tom P (daddy) when he was coming up through Louisville {then the Cardinal AAA team}.  He was a "can't miss" player and a fan favorite.

Currently Tommy Herr's son is playing infield (mostly 3rd base) for Louisville.. now the AAA team of Cincinnati.

by CurtFlood on Aug 18, 2007 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Pitcher status through 3
Pitches-strikes: Looper 41-24, Hill, R 57-38.
Ground outs-fly outs: Looper 5-1, Hill, R 2-4.
Batters faced: Looper 9, Hill, R 11.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pags II
I would love to see what he can do. Maybe he can crack the club as a backup next year
Come on You Redbirds--Mike Shannon

by BluesDrummer85 on Aug 17, 2007 3:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Way to swing at the first pitch Enc
Trying really hard to earn you job back, I see.

by stl tyler on Aug 17, 2007 3:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah.. foolish
Hill is looking dominant, but the Card's are doing a great job of taking patient AB's, fouling off pitches, and then Juan comes along and just serves up a free out...
Kind of pisses on the whole team strategy...

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Viva Al bertos!
Looper`s looking really good today I hope he can keep it up.

by Calhoun on Aug 17, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Stupid call
Rolen foul tipped out, Albert was thinking about running so Kendal went to throw to second as Rolen was heading to the dugout, Kendal hit Rolen so Rolen was called for interference and Pujols was called out.  Stupid call.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looked even worse on the replay
Pujols wasn't even in the shot when Kendall threw to second, he must've been strolling to first.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rolen Struck Out
Started walking to the bench, Kendall popped up to throw to second and ran into Rolen.

Angel Hernandez ruled interference and called it a double play.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

batter interference
rolen struck out swinging, and on his follow thru he crossed the plate and got in front of kendall. kendall was trying to throw to either pick off pujols or catch him stealing (not sure which from the replay) and so albert was called out too.
I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

TLR?
He come out and argue it?

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nope
Angel Hernandez behind homeplate, Angel ejected Bobby Cox for nothing this week already and seems to like making calls against us so I think Tony is not arguing anything that could get him thrown out.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it really possible
To interfere with Jason Kendall's defensive play?

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:19 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Angel strikes again
Albert is out even though he was headed back to first.  Good call, yea or nay?  I say no, because Albert was going back.

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

from that last replay
it looks like pujols WASN'T headed back to first - he was trying to steal second, until after kendall threw. so i guess i have to say it was a good call.
I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tony?
Did he come out or do anything?

by dralexp on Aug 17, 2007 3:22 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Of course not
he wouldn't want to besmerch the Cubs honor.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep
he and angel had a friendly chat. no big deal, but he did come out to ask for clarification.

by acham8206 on Aug 17, 2007 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Angel Hernandez's strikezone is getting worse by
the batter.

And nice hustle on that flyball to right, Juan.  Welcome back!

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 3:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

On gameday,
The red dot marking the hit was basically right on top of his name...

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Angel Hernandez
Let's be thankful this guy wasn't an ump during our October run last year.  No doubt Angel would have done anything he could to stick it to us.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

angel
why can't he just umpire normal? I'm really starting to get ticked.

by thewizard3 on Aug 17, 2007 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm more
concerned about Scotty's shoulder than Kendall's wrist.  Glad it wasn't his ouchy shoulder.  

by cardsgirl95 on Aug 17, 2007 3:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Great play by Ryan
He easily has the best range of the middle infield options available to us.

by azruavatar on Aug 17, 2007 3:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

agreed
breath of fresh air to see somebody with size and range. it's been awhile in the middle.

by thewizard3 on Aug 17, 2007 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just wish
He could keep the ball in his glove.

Big fan of his defense, though. Great range, arm, quick release.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Also
Damn you, Angel Hernandez.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fuck you Angel Hernandez
that is the same damn call!
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Tony?
He gonna get tossed here? Gameday just shows an "On-Field Delay"

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

hooray
Tony's arguing this time.  Bravo.  It's the same as what happened last inning.

by jdub176 on Aug 17, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good on Tony
To argue this so vehemently.

He had to get a few words in with Angel and has a legitimate opportunity here.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

this is BULLSHIT
lee did the EXACT SAME THING rolen did. that should be interference too. this inning should be over.

also, despite the interference, yadi would have absolutely NAILED him if eck could have held on to the ball.

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

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ryan
It was Ryan not Eck but I agree, same call but he nailed him anyway.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was Ryan
he tagged him and then the ball came out.  Right call on THAT but this should have been a double play on the interference.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hard to argue interference
when he makes a perfect throw.

It really is just too bad that Ryan couldn't hold onto the ball.

At least we got out of the inning unscathed.

by dontEATnachos on Aug 17, 2007 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It wasn't a perfect throw
it was towards RF.  a perfect throw and Ryan could have put his glove in front of the base.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wish
Tony/Walt/Dewitt somebody would get a hold of MLB and complain about Hernandez, I think they have more than enough evidence to have a case on this ass clown.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

just for fun
my brother and i googled "ass clown" and "angel hernandez" and you are (unsurprisingly) not alone in your assessment!

(fyi...googling "worst umpire" also brings up angel hernandez in less than .0001 seconds)

by acham8206 on Aug 17, 2007 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

so we're penalized
for having a more skilled catcher? one who doesn't oafishly slam into the batter? one who actually gets the ball there for the putout?

by acham8206 on Aug 17, 2007 3:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Good Job by Loop
Not getting flustered by the call... I feel like Kip and maybe even Reyes would've promptly given up a couple HR's...

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 3:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

To the Guy from BCB that is reading us
I know someone just replied that no Tony didn't have a reason, but if Yadi had "hit" Lee during his throw it would have mirrored the call.  The only difference was that Kendall hit Rolen in his back where Yadi threw over Lee's head.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Fortunately...
Looper gets Ward to ground out.  Good call on walking A-Ram.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Supposedly
according to the BBTH game chatter, in order for it to be called interference, there has to be contact, and Molina threw without making contact with the batter, thus, no interference.,.,

by salvomania on Aug 17, 2007 3:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

In the argument
I definitely saw the umpire say 'contact'

by dontEATnachos on Aug 17, 2007 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nonsense
"Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play."

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

6.06(c)
"A batter is out for illegal action when /.. He interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base."

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nice AB by Yadi...
Make 'im work, Loop!
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

These are the rules I found.
6.06
A batter is out for illegal action when --
(c) He interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter's interference.
Rule 6.06(c) Comment: If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call "interference." The batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference.
If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out--not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpire's judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the backswing before the catcher has securely held the ball, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.

7.09
It is interference by a batter or a runner when --
(a) After a third strike he hinders the catcher in his attempt to field the ball;

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hmm
Don't see anything in there that says there has to be contact for it to be interference, Cubs homer announcers.

by mikedallas23 on Aug 17, 2007 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow
In the credit-where-credit-is-due department, gotta admit that Hill has a NASTY curve ball.  This is quite the pitcher's duel.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Rich Hill
He's a great pitcher. Surprising it took him so long to adjust to MLB considering how fantastic his minor league numbers were.

Damn, nice catch by Jones, too. That would've been at least a double.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh man...
Did Brendan almost take him deep?
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice catch Jones
Nice job Jones, I will give him credit too.

BTW I know that what Pujols was doing has no affect on the throw and that Ryan not holding on was the main problem, it is just annoying that Cubs get one way and the Cards get the other on the same call regardless of what else was happening.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

damn the wind
That was a great catch.  I thought that was at least an RBI-double.

by jdub176 on Aug 17, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Dang it
Ryan gave that one a ride, tough luck. He's got a surprising bit of pop given his minor league numbers.

by mikedallas23 on Aug 17, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Molina
Had Ryan's ball hit off the wall what are the odds Molina scores even with two outs?

by paCardsFan on Aug 17, 2007 3:46 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I think the expression goes...
"Slim to none.  And Slim just rode outta town."
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

love Ludwick
Great D from him

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ludwick
Two very good plays in left today.

Hopefully Juan is watching.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:49 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

This Inning
We break out. It'd be nice to see Ludwick carry some mo from his defensive play to the plate.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pitcher status through 5
IBB: Ramirez (by Looper).
Pitches-strikes: Looper 78-42, Hill, R 88-56.
Ground outs-fly outs: Looper 7-4, Hill, R 2-7.
Batters faced: Looper 17, Hill, R 18.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Last three hitters
Hit Loop a little hard (into outs, yes, but pretty hard hit outs).

I don't know how much longer we want to keep him in there (besides trying to keep our quality start streak running).

by dontEATnachos on Aug 17, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pitch count low though
Hmm, his pitch count is pretty low though.  Maybe I just suck at this.

by dontEATnachos on Aug 17, 2007 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

pitching
How long to the whole rotation is below 5 in the era department

by zolak16 on Aug 17, 2007 3:53 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

OK...
3rd time through the order...let's hope our boys can put it together.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:54 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sixth Inning
That's when Hill lost it last time out.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Looks like
He's dealing today, though. Get 'im, Hombre.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not this time.
filthy change to Eck.

by paCardsFan on Aug 17, 2007 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

wow, hill's stuff is really, really good
I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Looper hit hard last inning
but not that surprising. Per espn:

Pitches 76-90:

BAA:.371
OBP: .408
SLG: .629

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 3:58 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

PUJOLS!
Good Job AP!

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Pujols!
He had that look last time up (after that low inside first pitch) and just got a single.  I guess he was just saving it for later.

by dontEATnachos on Aug 17, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

YARD
hopefully that does a lidge on hill for the rest of the game
I believe in the Sports Guy rule. Any "complaining" in this post is actually happy, cheerful "constructive criticism."

by nycbirdo on Aug 17, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

107 Pitches
And he is due up first so I bet he is out.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crazy
They should've batted him 8th.

Guess Piniella wants to get him a "W".

Blech.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

In light of above discussion...
...I wouldn't be adverse to going to Springer here

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

But Loop is almost certain to stay out there....
...I just think he's prone to the gopher right now.

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Attaboy, Bert!
w00t, cubkiller!

by martin on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

is that all for hill?
107 pitches

by jeff abs on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

"rich looking for that put-away pitch...
...that's not it." gotta love the kasper call!

by acham8206 on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I must admit
I like these cubs announcers...certainly preferable to Dan and Al

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great work, Juan
Way to be patient and wait to make an out on that 2nd pitch.  <rolls eyes>
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If he never starts again for us
I'd be thrilled.  I wouldn't wish him on my worst enemy.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would
namely I hope he goes to play in Boston, on New York.

by CurtFlood on Aug 18, 2007 1:59 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

OK Loop
Carve them up this inning and then you can go take a shower.

by ZiggyG on Aug 17, 2007 4:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Lou sure doesn't like his bullpen
Not pinch hitting for Hill after 107 pitches????

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Drag bunt
to top it off.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Short leash!
With The Riot on, if Looper doesn't get a DP here, I get that bullpen up already.

Lee and Ramirez against a tiring looper is scary.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:05 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nope
2-1 Cubs on a HUNG curveball.

Let the implosion begin.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently
Loop went one inning too long.

by Cardinal70 on Aug 17, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Man if Eck were 5 inches taller...
...he would've had them. DAMN SMURF!

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Jacque Jones is a lowball hitter
and we keep throwing him sinkers.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

And he puts it
In the bleachers.

What a waste.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crap
You called it, unfortunately.

by mikedallas23 on Aug 17, 2007 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Except
that pitch was up - and a ball according to gameday.

by enoscountry on Aug 17, 2007 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was a curve
that was hung like a Rembrandt.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Knew that was coming
Damn, knew it was coming.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:08 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ballgame.
Our bats aren't showing up at all today.
- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Aug 17, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Neither
Were the Cubs until a coupla minutes ago. Have a little heart, eh?

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

eh?
cubs have given up 167 runs after the 6th inning, in 120 games, their bullpen is not great...

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

They'll throw Marmol, Ohman and Dempster
our only hope is against Dempster.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Between those three
17 ER in 36 innings post all-star...the numbers are even worse for the whole season...
If you take 19/36 as the probability we don't score a run in a given inning, the chance of us not scoring in three innings is like 14%....
Lots of time boys, lots of time...

by duncansarmy on Aug 17, 2007 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Doh
Tony shoulda listened to JMedwick.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I knew Loop would give up a HR
I just knew it...and I know it's unorthodox to take your starter out after 5 shutout innings, but that, I think, would've given us the best chance to win

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:09 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Looper hasn't be able to find the strikezone
for 2 innings, which tells you just HOW BAD the Cubs hitters are.  He was running out of gas midway through the 4th and now he is absolute toast.

And there is the walk to Lee.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

ok Tony...
Enough of this experiment.

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon, Tony
Pull him already.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Really
Let's keep this close, if at all possible.

by Cardinal70 on Aug 17, 2007 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Still pitching...
and to A-Ram?  I see thing ending badly.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Line Drive
But Juan was there, breathing a bit easier now but still on edge till this inning ends.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Whew.
Glad that liner found a glove.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I can still hear Looper saying...
Never break the chain.

by LilEck on Aug 17, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I take it back
let's get some fresh blood in to keep this one under control.

by LilEck on Aug 17, 2007 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe Tony's been reading veb...
..and wants to keep our streaks alive of quality starts and pitchers going at least 6

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:13 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

and
the streaks continue....the cost? Winning this freakin' game

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

c'mon
let's keep it close, zombies! i like our chances with their bullpen.

by acham8206 on Aug 17, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Jones=Encarnacion?
The way they feel about him and his production and the way we feel about Juan, sound similar?

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If Juan could ever get hot like Jones it
then maybe.  Plus, Jones is a better defender.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Jones n' Enc
When the Cubs signed Jones, I was so relieved and happy. I didn't want the Cards to sign him and thought the Cubs were foolish for picking him up for so many years and so much money.

Then two or three days later, the Cards signed Encarnacion to virtually the same contract and I stopped grinning.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Murton's going to crush one
and make this 4-1.

Ugh.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Wheew
Love the wind blowing in.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

grr...
Well Tony is giving Looper all the rope he needs to hang himself.

Lets see if Looper can get out of this. But we all know that Looper should be out of the game in short order...

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 4:15 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

well
It may not have been a pretty way to end it but it did end.

by dontEATnachos on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Surely
He won't start the seventh.

(Of course he won't.  And don't call me Shirley.)

by Cardinal70 on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let's hear it...
...for Loop getting out the right way - with a QS under his belt.

by LilEck on Aug 17, 2007 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok Tony
Time to let Loop hit the showers. Gave us a good start.

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ladies and Gentlemen...
That's another quality start by Looper.

Go get 'em Redbirds!

Cheering on the Cardinals, one pitch at a time.

by ColinMacLeod on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

<starts breathing again>
Guess Tony got his wish and let Looper keep the Quality Start streak alive.  That coulda been BAD.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Alright
We kept the quality start streak alive, now lets work on that win streak. If they want to keep the blow-out streak alive too, that alright with me.

by ZiggyG on Aug 17, 2007 4:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Bad news is
we can't seem to hit.
Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Aug 17, 2007 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Breaking the bullpen
After such a stellar start by Hill would be especially demoralizing, too.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

wow
that was quick.
"This is a ball club with issues." -Nats announcers (talking about the Cardinals)

by SleepyCA on Aug 17, 2007 4:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

this sucks....
learn how to hit a lefty, ya bastards. this is going to be an ugly series, with 2 more lefties on the way.
- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Aug 17, 2007 4:21 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I know
I think I am going to have to agree. If we don't come back to win this one, it could be an ugly series if we can't start hitting some lefties.

Let's hope we can get something against their bullpen.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is there any chance, Loop is out there for the 7th
w/ the pitcher's spot up next? Pleas say no, please say no, please say no....

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

who cares
game is over.
- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Aug 17, 2007 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wonderful attitude
fans like you give fans a bad name, being down 2-1 is not hard to overcome with their bullpen.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Don't try
to figure this game out.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow
Thanks for the positive energy.

by ZiggyG on Aug 17, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

heh
You said that when the Cards were trailing the Brewers 6-0 a couple weeks ago, as well as the other day when they were down 3-0.

They won both games.

by jdub176 on Aug 17, 2007 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Next inning
Lead off with Ankiel or Miles?

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:22 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Bunting for a leadoff basehit
Two innings in a row? Thanks, Cubs!

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

TLR
Flores should not face righties.

You've been warned.

by azruavatar on Aug 17, 2007 4:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Um guys...
Hill was at 107 pitches after 6 and now at 115 through 7. If we want to get into their bullpen, we have to make hill work...

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 4:23 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Well I thought
in Bristol, Connecticut

but maybe he is still in the Cubs Dugout in Wriggly, cutting Lou's phone line to the pen.

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's out now
Lets just hope we can do something now.

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

a pujols homerun....
is going to tie it or give us the lead.

by lindqja on Aug 17, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Hill out...
We're into their bullpen for the 8th...
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:26 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice work, Randy
See, guys?  Flores does fine when there aren't any inherited runners that can score.  ;-)
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Time
to make their move...
"Don't try to figure this game out"--S. Rolen

by glennrwordman on Aug 17, 2007 4:27 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Nice quote from BCB
"double switching 2B again with Cedeno

you know if he ever starts with Z or Marquis it would be the time for the La Russa lineup"

True enough too, Z and Marquis are good hitters, kinda like Wells and Waino (though he has looked bad lately)

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:28 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon Dunc...
Get on base for us...
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:30 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Holy Crap
Those were a coupla ugly at-bats.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it's time
to fly Mark McGwire up to Chicago, have him wear a disguise and work with Chris on his hitting.  He has not looked good for quite some time now.

by KYCards on Aug 17, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Man
This is not looking good.  Can we do it?
Scott Rolen: "He could cover third base AND shortstop." --Renteria

by Andie203 on Aug 17, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Feh.
Bunt pop up outs blow.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Genius move there Brendan
- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Aug 17, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon Lud!
I mean Ankiel!

Tear the cover off the ball, kid!

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Eck on; here dey come...
"Don't try to figure this game out"--S. Rolen

by glennrwordman on Aug 17, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Yaay, Eck!
C'mon Ludwick!
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i'm thinking
ph'ing ank, then switching lud and juan in the order. keeping ank in the game in right.

by Birds on the Matt on Aug 17, 2007 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Huh?
switching Juan and Lud in the Order? you can't change the batting order

by StLHugo on Aug 17, 2007 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

ah
ah.. guess he would have had to pull ludwick either way.. other way he coulda done it is put dunc and ank in the outfield, then you're left with an all lefty outfield. my bad.

by Birds on the Matt on Aug 17, 2007 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

everything is away to Rick
...if he's going to suceed, he needs to learn how to take a pitch the other way...

OK that pitch was inside...he just missed that one.

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Holy crap
Ankiel took a walk!
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Mr. Ank
might be learning discipline OTJ.
"Don't try to figure this game out"--S. Rolen

by glennrwordman on Aug 17, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

C'mon!
PUJOLS!  DO IT!
Scott Rolen: "He could cover third base AND shortstop." --Renteria

by Andie203 on Aug 17, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

he can walk??!?
I didn't no that was in his genetic makeup?

by cardsfaninmass on Aug 17, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

If I'm the Cubs
I walk Pujols here and pitch to Juan.

by JMedwick on Aug 17, 2007 4:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Can't imagine
AP will get anything to hit.
"Don't try to figure this game out"--S. Rolen

by glennrwordman on Aug 17, 2007 4:39 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Sheisse!
"Don't try to figure this game out"--S. Rolen

by glennrwordman on Aug 17, 2007 4:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

That
Was a let-down.

by liam on Aug 17, 2007 4:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Ouch
A hit would have been real nice there.

by Cardinal70 on Aug 17, 2007 4:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Albert....
if they are going to walk you, just let them. It was obvious they wouldn't give you anything to hit there.
- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on Aug 17, 2007 4:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

You mean
except for that 94 mph heater right down central?  Except for that?  That was his pitch.  He just missed it.
There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Aug 17, 2007 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

He should've waited for a pitch he could hit then.
because he clearly wasn't ready for that one.
- Y. Molina stole third

by TriplePlay on