even chance
these last two games are ones the cards have been finding ways to lose all year long. even tuesday night's victory, keyed by hanley ramirez's generous overthrow, required a succession of two-out rbi hits --- the type, you'll recall, that the cardinals haven't been getting very often this year. it comes as no surprise that molina drove in the tying run in both games; as documented this winter, he's been one of the cardinals' most consistent clutch hitters (if you believe in such a thing) since he joined the team. yadi is now hitting .383 / .458 / .600 during august, far and away the best hitting month of his career; in 14 previous months as an everyday catcher, only once has he posted an average above .300. yadi's current outburst has occurred while he's been catching nearly day (he has started all but 3 games this month) in withering temperatures. his isolated power since the all-star break (.128) is more than double the figure he posted in the first half. strong dude.
the cardinals now stand on the threshold of .500; if they get there tonight, it will mark the first time in more than 4 months; they were 6-6 back on april 16. earlier this year mike carminati wrote a long post about teams that took forever to get to .500. since the cardinals did, in fact, briefly attain the .500 mark in april, they technically don't belong on this list, but the lesson still applies: teams that spend must of the year under .500 and finally get to it in a late rush almost never make the playoffs. of course, those earlier teams didn't play in the nl central . . . . . notably, however, the one recent team on carminati's list that did make the playoffs --- the 1974 pirates --- occupied a division that was about as weak as the nl central. that would be the old nl east, which the previous season produced a champion with an 82-79 record. the '74 pirates were not unlike the current cardinals --- a past-prime juggernaut in a subprime league. they had won 3 straight titles from 1970-72, but they stumbled to 80-82 in 1973 and started the 1974 season with 6 consecutive losses. as late as june 12 they were in last place, 9 games out of first place with a 21-34 record. a month later they were still 12 games under but had moved up to 4th place and 6.5 games out as their competitors all came back to earth (does this sound familiar?). by august 4 they had moved up to 5 games under .500 and 4.5 games out of first; and by the time they reached the .500 mark on august 12, they were in 3d place and just 2.5 games back. here were the standings:
| W | L | GB | |
|---|---|---|---|
| cards | 61 | 56 | -- |
| phils | 59 | 57 | 1.5 |
| pirates | 58 | 58 | 2.5 |
the pirates reached .500 in their 116th game (the cardinals have now been under .500 for 111 consecutive games). from that point forward the pirates won 8 of their next 11, went 31-16 down the stretch, and clinched on the last day, knocking out the cardinals. they lost to the dodgers 3 games to 1 in the nlcs.
can the 2007 cardinals pull off something similar? they've now won 11 of their last 15, the team's best 15-game stretch in over a year; they last equaled it in july 2006, when they won 12 of 15 at one point. (they did manage a 10-5 stretch earlier this season, from may 22 to june 5.) they've had 7 blowout wins during this little streak, while the losses were pretty close ones --- a pair by 1 run, one by 2 runs, one by 4. so that 11-4 record isn't a fluke; it accurately reflects the team's level of play. we'll see how long it lasts.
tom tango is running his annual "scouting report by the fans" project, an exercise in collectively assessing defensive ability. go here to rate the cardinal players. a few other items:
- 'nother 30 homers for pujols . . . yawn.
- who's a better young slugger: pujols or milwaukee's ryan braun?
- this awful thing was bound to happen someday . . .
146 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Braun V Pujols
Any one have any suggestions on parking downtown for a game? I was thinking of parking at the Arch but I was wondering if there was a similar price closer to the stadium.
On Parking
Dave
by Sydney dave on Aug 23, 2007 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
metrolink
Exaclty
Macys
Parking
First of all... huge huge huge mistake trying to cross that bridge from St Chuck into St Louis at 5:30 in the evening. Secondly, my car was overheating.
I ended up getting lost when we were in the city and I parked in a free parking garage all the way on the opposite side of Union Station from the park. It was the longest walk. My dad believes we were actually parked in Springfield.
by mynameistyler on Aug 23, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm from the big chuck
Metrolink
However, if you do take Metrolink, here's a tip: AFTER the game, don't even try to use the Stadium station to board the train. The line is a killer. Instead, walk a few blocks north of the stadium to either the 8th & Pine or Convention Center Metrolink station. At either one of those you can just walk right on to the next train, grab your seat, and then smirk at the thousands of sheep still waiting in line when you pull into the Stadium station.
I found this out a few years back
by ArkansasTravs on Aug 24, 2007 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Say what?
That seems completely inappropriate.
Perhaps there had been an "incident" in the station and they were cordoning off the area? Otherwise, that's ridiculous.
parking
we go to big daddy's at 10th & russell, fuel up & eat up & they drop you off 2 blocks from the stadium
by mono on Aug 23, 2007 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Pujols
From Bernie last night....
Posted: 22 Aug 2007 23:15
doesn't sound good...
is it playable? yes... with a high level of pain tolerance...
it's his upper leg... a knot in the back of the leg, for lack of a better term...
not certain if it's hamstring...
but he told the scribes that this is as bad as it's been for a long time...
cardinals more concerned about him than they have been...
just a warning; not trying to freak anyone out....
--B
That doesn't sound good....
by TriplePlay on Aug 23, 2007 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Well he hit a HR
Pujols has been playing injured almost all year long. He's such a warrior - he never talks about it. He probably pulled his hamstring badly. He did talk about his leg going numb, so there is the possibility of a sciatic nerve condition.
It'll be hard to sit this guy - he's seeing the ball as well as he has all year long. Our next off day isn't until Monday, 8/27. Today is probably the best day to sit Albert, as we face a crappy RHP, VandenHurk. Let Duncan play 1B. Ankiel in LF, Edmonds in CF, Juan in RF.
I agree
by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Aug 23, 2007 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I would feel better about sitting Albert today
That said, better to let Albert get his time off now . I like the offensive group proposed above. Probably the best way to roll today.
Sure would hurt through to win the series, but loose ground to the Cubs in the process.
I agree...
by TriplePlay on Aug 23, 2007 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
bob,
are there other things that can cause sciatic nerve problems that i just don't know about (likely)?
hey silentbob
by bigcardsfan5 on Aug 23, 2007 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Great Call on PS Silent Bob
Sciatica can be extremely painful, including causing numbness in the leg. Fortunately it has little to do with the spine, and a lot more to do with the muscles in the haunches.
AP does a fair amount of weight training, and any heavy leg presses can lead to the piriformis becoming very tight, which can impede hip rotation and put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Hopefully AP can get treatment with a day or two off, some good streching and deep tissue work.
i agree
my question is, as i stated above, could the PS cause the knot he had in the right leg, but have the numbness in the left?
by bigcardsfan5 on Aug 23, 2007 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
I had continuing problems in my right leg due to tightness, inflammation and instability in my upper hamstring/pelvic muscles which resulted in significant knee problems (commonly described as patella-femoral issues, or IT band tightness). The strange thing is that it never affected my left leg, despite the fact that the culprit was too much "straight-line" weight training with legs, and not enough rotational work. It only affected one side.
thanks
by bigcardsfan5 on Aug 23, 2007 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
some precautions
If Pujols Sits
Duncan at 1B
Duncan
I'd rather see Ankiel or So in center and Edmonds at first if Pujols has a day off.
Dunc the Humper!
Braun....
Somebody give me the exact intersection, but there is a garage across from the Federal Reserve that is pretty inexpensive and a quick walk. If there are only a couple of you, park at the Casino Queen lot on the East Side and take Metrolink in. The Casino Queen lot is free.
If you are coming from the West, somebody else will be able to give you a good spot to park and ride.
I'm sorry, maybe I'm just old, but the idea of proposing in public like that frickin' reaks of self-centeredness. Guys, I don't care how much you like baseball or that it might seem like a good idea, it should be a private moment. Your woman will appreciate that.
My wife always says that after the lady says I do, the most commom phrase for ball park proposals is, "WHAT THE BEEP DID YOU TO THAT TO ME FOR?"
We did see a very cool private one at a game once that the Diamondbacks help set up. The bride to be was escorted on the field, under the pretense that she won a field visit. She's hanging out and talking to a couple of the players, getting autographs, and the groom to be was snuck on to the field in D-Backs uniform. She's not paying attention to this guy, because she's meeting Brandon Webb, who was apparently her favorite player. The groom hands back her ball, but he's switched it with one that says will you marry me. Brandon Webb, kind of pushes the guy forward, and then she realizes who he is and starts to laugh and then says, "read the ball."
Then again, they did this PRIVATELY, the only reason we saw it is because I'm a dork and got there for BP.
Cool story
Yes I know Braun will probably be moved but some of his errors would probably be made in the outfield as well and 1B is held up in the Brewers franchise for a few more years as well. I just hope for his sake he can work on it and get better.
Also parking wise there will be 3 of us so the Metro would cost more (but be closer in the end run I would think) then the Arch ($4). Last time I parked in the garages around the stadium but that was $15 which to me is way too much but I was running close to game time that day.
$3 parking
by baked mcbride on Aug 23, 2007 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
Yep........
Parking Lot
Whoa, $5 for parking
STL residents should never, ever complain about:
- Parking (hassle or costs)
- Traffic
- The cost of living
by MdRedbirdFreak on Aug 23, 2007 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions
AMEN!
by RosevilleRedbird on Aug 23, 2007 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
$18-$24
That said, there is a public transporation line that drops you off literally in front of the venue....
If you have to drive to the Gahden....
Little known secret.
Well
I lived in Chicago for 9 years - I know what it means to pay for parking, believe me ;)
It's not just big cities...
One great trick for things like that
BTW
by ArkansasTravs on Aug 23, 2007 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Bars under/around 40
by Birds on the Matt on Aug 23, 2007 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
That is the
Me, too
by nybirdgirl on Aug 23, 2007 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Game Day Proposals
by ColinMacLeod on Aug 23, 2007 1:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Garage you are thinking of is the
On the west side, there are many good park and ride locations. The new garage is open at Hanley and 40.
I bet that marriage proposal...
by TriplePlay on Aug 23, 2007 9:09 AM EDT reply actions
Good for her!
On the other hand ,there are a LOT of women
Yadi
"Whether they excelled with their arms or bats or led with a bulldog attitude, the Cardinals have been served by excellent catchers through their history.
The roll call would include Walker Cooper, Tim McCarver, Joe Torre, Ted Simmons, Darrell Porter, Tony Pena, Tom Pagnozzi and Mike Matheny.
Before his career is over, Yadier Molina might prove to be the greatest of them all. "
Good read but I think Bernie needs to talk about more then just steals, that isn't everything to catching.
But what
controlling the running game
Being a catcher for 17+ years it went against my gut reaction but baseball prospectus has never found any circumstance where a catcher has better results with pitchers then another catcher.
Dan Haren said (pre-trade) Jason Kendall gets the credit for his success this year, but since Kendall has been traded to the Cubs Haren is still pitching like god and the .33 incline in his ERA could be attributed to reality catching up a little. Then you have people like Andy Petitte that ignores all mound visits and zones out.
Sure pitchers can claim they pitch better with a certain catcher but BP hasn't found any evidence to support that so it's not even a "perception is reality" kind of thing.
The calling aspect of the game, especially with La-Duncan, has already been planned out by the coaches/manager. Other times both the pitcher and catcher pre-plan it before the game.
Gag....
Not to knock Yadi, he's great, but let us hold off on the all time great Pantheon for a couple years.
Has anyone listened to this Pujols interview...
It's absolutely ridiculous and hilarious. Get ready for shameless "Pujols 5" restaurant promotion.
right click me to download the mp3.
Pujols 5
The interviewers/callers keep asking him
For instance, he would say something like this.
"My hitting is good right now, our team is good, and we're starting to get hot at the right time...and speaking of HOT, have you tried the hot wings at Pujols 5? I'm telling you man, those things will blast you out of your stool, they're so good."
by cardsfaninmass on Aug 23, 2007 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
interview
This interview is hilarious.
by Milfy McMilf on Aug 23, 2007 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Are you saying...
by cardsfaninmass on Aug 23, 2007 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously
Right?
It's like the "ask Tony" segment that the old Grind did.
Ugh
I want the last five minutes of my life back.
The Ask Tony segment
by TriplePlay on Aug 23, 2007 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Boy is my face red
-Kent Brockman, The Simpsons
by cardsfaninmass on Aug 23, 2007 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Hilarious
by cardsgirl95 on Aug 23, 2007 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm very guillible
by cardsfaninmass on Aug 23, 2007 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
But very funny
by cardsgirl95 on Aug 23, 2007 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh that's awesome
by redbird2006in on Aug 23, 2007 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Springer picking up the W
Rule 10.17
c) The official scorer shall not credit as the winning pitcher a relief pitcher who is ineffective in a brief appearance, when at least one succeeding relief pitcher pitches effectively in helping his team maintain its lead. In such a case, the official scorer shall credit as the winning pitcher the succeeding relief pitcher who was most effective, in the judgment of the official scorer.
Rule 10.17(c) Comment: The official scorer generally should, but is not required to, consider the appearance of a relief pitcher to be ineffective and brief if such relief pitcher pitches less than one inning and allows two or more earned runs to score (even if such runs are charged to a previous pitcher). Rule 10.17(b) Comment provides guidance on choosing the winning pitcher from among several succeeding relief pitchers.
As it appears it is the official scorers judgment that Franklin was ineffective and thus not the winning pitcher (He was given a blown save)
On Young Pitchers
The prelude to the links on the .500 clubs talked about the Phillies' young pitchers over time. The Cards "success" with young pitchers has been a topic here from time to time, especially with the number of starts between Wainwright, Reyes, and Thompson this year.
In addition, a frequent topic is LaRussa (and/or Duncan) and young pitchers.
When having these discussions, it's always good to know what "par" is for the other teams. Or in other words, how often have other teams produced successful young pitchers.
In light of that, I will excerpt some of the text and numbers from the link; please accept the formatting:
"The Phils have not had a history of success with young pitchers (Pat Combs, anyone?). In fact, there have been only ten seasons in which a Phillie youngster has won at least 15 since the 1950 Whiz Kids (Note: for brevity I have left out the Win Shares from the site):
Name Yr Age W L ERA
Kevin Gross 1985 24 15 13 3.41
Larry Christenson 1977 23 19 6 4.06
Rick Wise 1971 25 17 14 2.88
Rick Wise 1969 23 15 13 3.23
Art Mahaffey 1962 24 19 14 3.94
Curt Simmons 1953 24 16 13 3.21
Robin Roberts 1952 25 28 7 2.59
Robin Roberts 1951 24 21 15 3.03
Robin Roberts 1950 23 20 11 3.02
Curt Simmons 1950 21 17 8 3.40 "
Over a 56 year period, there are SIX names on that list. Five of the seasons were in the early 1950s, one from a 193 game winner and the other a HOFer.
Art Mahaffey debuted in 1960, threw 274 innings in 1962, 149 innings in 1963, 157 innings in 1964, and was out of baseball after throwing 35 innings with the Cardinals in 1966 at the age of 28.
Most Cards' fans are familar with Wise and his place in Cardinals' history (he did pitch the game that I caught my only foul ball, however).
Christenson won 83 games in his career that was finished by the age of 29.
Gross was an innings eater who won 142 games over 15 years with a 94 ERA+.
So if you exclude the first two guys, that leaves four pitchers over the last 45 years that have won 15 games at 25 or under. Cole Hamels, noted in the article, is 14 and 5 at this writing, but there is news that he is going to miss at least two starts (IIRC).
So when you read or talk about the Cardinals and young pitchers, I think you should recognize that other teams have probably not done much better either.
Dave
by Sydney dave on Aug 23, 2007 10:22 AM EDT reply actions
i'm not sure the comparison is fully on point
those guys would, however, throw 150 to 180 innings a year and win 10 or 12 games --- and do it for the cardinals over a period of years.
Pujols injury
I'd like to see him play tonight, but if a couple days off the bench will better serve the team - TLR needs to do it. We know Albert will try to play through it, but with very few off-days left, it's probably smater to let him rest for a day or two.
Why did I think today was going to be a day
Ugh.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 11:43 AM EDT reply actions
day games
- my afternoon at work is usually ineffective
- i'm have no idea how to spend my evening
I totally
yikes....
I think Crazy Z is going to take out some frustration from the STL game and tear through the little Giants.
i'm hoping
Alot of scouts think he is suffering from either
Today, baring a rainout, will be his first full game since the whispers of 'shoulder tightness' turned into a grumbling.
We shall see.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
He is Preston Wilson lite....
by TriplePlay on Aug 23, 2007 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Which is good news for us
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Braun downward trend
Braun OBP/SLG/AVG
Jun .435/.716/.382
Jul .397/.673/.345
Aug .329/.600/.288
Pujols '01
Apr .431/.739/.370
May .402/.596/.333
Jun .402/.567/.330
Jul .333/.460/.241
Aug .441/.696/.375
Sep .398/.583/.311
How do you do tables?
You tricked me
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions
use a "code" tag for tables
Braun's BABIP is still a bit high at .371 overall; here's his monthly splits:
month BABIP PA BA OBP SLG
June .434 115 .382 .435 .716
July .370 121 .345 .397 .673
Aug .298 85 .288 .329 .600
make of it what you will...
Could you bring up his splits
That, or Adam Wainwright owning his world.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
you nailed it
BA OBP SLG
June .621 .676 1.345 37 PA
July .441 .500 1.000 38 PA
Aug .286 .444 .500 18 PA
LD% at 17.7%
Lbros..
also i heard about this marriage thing earlier this week, my inlwas live in h-town and i was reading and article on the jason jennings bust...had it tied..
i didnt know youd be interested in stuff like thati f we find a story that you might like do we just post it here? Most of the time your way ahead anyway..
Watching the Giants play
They can even get away with having high flyball ratio pitchers as long as they can eat innings.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 4:31 PM EDT reply actions
Giants up 2-0
by mikedallas23 @ Viva El Birdos on Aug 23, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions
Zambrano fatigue?
He hit 44 pitches coming into the 4th inning. He then went on to throw 31 pitches in that 4th inning, 18 of which were balls (21 because one was a terrible call, 2 were bad swings). But 18 nonetheless.
He's running out of gas when his team needs him. Anyone know what his pitch count was against the Cards before the rain?
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 4:52 PM EDT reply actions
Came back out in 5th
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Getting hit harder in the 6th...
by BTown Birds fan on Aug 23, 2007 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions
He's toast.
In fact, he was lucky before the 45 pitch mark. The Riot turned in 3 amazing plays at short that kept the Giants off the board earlier.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
SF used StL's Sunday game plan
"the problem is that
when Z is off his game, he walks a lot of people. Unfortunately, instead of walking, our guys swing at the bad pitches and make cheap outs, making it look like he's brought his 'A game' no matter what 'game' he actually brings..."
Me:
". . . the Cardinals do need to show much more patience at the plate, which will make Z lose his patience on the mound. High pitch counts, several walks, things start happening, and before you know it, Kerry Wood's coming in."
SF first 3 innings at bat today
0 R, 2 H, 1 HBP, 0 BB, and 3 of the last 4 outs were Ks dealt by Zambrano.
SF sorta starting out like StL Sunday (Z perfect through 3, with 3 Ks).
SF 4th
Before they bat, Bruce Bochy reminds his players how the Cardinal game plan was supposed to work out, had the game not been rained out:
Have patience; take those bad pitches--don't swing at them; get Z rattled.
Batter response: BB, FC, BB, pitcher Matt Cain BB--bases loaded on 3 Z walks!
Dave Roberts singles in 2 R.
SF 6th
Next time up, Cain 2R HR, then Roberts BB, and Z is lifted for Eyre.
SF 7th
Wood comes in to pitch, since Eyre was pinch-hit for in the top of the inning. There he is--StL's Sunday game plan is now complete!
by Nelson Brockabrella on Aug 23, 2007 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Lineups
Rick Ankiel, RF
Albert Pujols, 1B
Jim Edmonds, CF
Scott Rolen, 3B
Chris Duncan, LF
Gary Bennett, C
Anthony Reyes, P
Brendan Ryan, 2B
Hanley Ramirez, SS
Dan Uggla, 2B
Miquel Cabrera, 3B
Mike Jacobs, 1B
Josh Willingham, LF
Jeremy Hermida, RF
Matt Treanor, C
Alejandro De Aza, CF
Rick VanderHurk, P
I'd rather Pujols
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
thoughts
- actually, glad to see yadi finally get a day off, even if he's been swinging a great bat lately;
- the humper hitting 6th: how the mighty have fallen.
- eck 1st, ryan 9th: UGH.
Agreed on #1
Bennett and Reyes have worked well together in the past. Hopefully Reyes is able to maintain composure if a few baserunners swipe an extra 90 feet.
Duncan hitting 6th
We wasted his talent for so long in 2007.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Lets Hope
by BluesDrummer85 on Aug 23, 2007 5:11 PM EDT reply actions
i agree that the young guys
4-0 giants
big z out after walk to roberts
Zambrano out of game
5.1 IP 6 h 4 ER
He's struggled of late. Let's hope this trend continues. I can't help but think he only pitched well when motivated.
Lets hope the Giants can hold it.
yadier's career year...
AP 12.2
Rolen 6.7
Yadi 5.9
Duncan 5.8
I love how today's morning thread
I remember last year people were complaining
Then, they got it but it was fugly.
This year, they are getting it in reverse. The Cardinals are hot and are chasing 2 teams in front of them. With a Cubs loss today, the Cards have a chance to get to .500 and by 2 games back in the division. They also, if things break right in the other NL games, have a chance to move to 4 GB in the Wild Card.
I fully expect a meltdown by young Anthony today, just because whenever I expect a good game out of him, he eats it and when it's the opposite, he pitches pretty good.
However, after these last 2 comebacks..I don't doubt this team.
by Hardcore Legend on Aug 23, 2007 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions
his last start
Lots of other team's fans
2006 threw out the notion of hot teams
Pennant races or not, I'll take October baseball for the Redbirds.
What a Great Feeling
Don't Forget to Root
And then they play each other
To continue with the schedule: In the near term, StL should surge well above .500, while Milw and Chi both drop below .500. After this weekend's series (Braves and NL West), here are the following three, up through Sept. 6:
StL playing only the Central's "second-division" clubs:
@ Houston x3
Cincy @ StL 3
Pgh @ StL 4
Chi has a Wrigley stand but the toughest opposition:
Milw @ Chi 3
Hou @ Chi 3
LA @ Chi 4
Milw:
@ Chi 3
Pgh @ Milw 3
Hou @ Milw 3
By the end of all that, Mang's streak will be up to 19.
by Nelson Brockabrella on Aug 23, 2007 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions



















