Cards Preview at Bucs Dugout

by Charlie Wilmoth on Feb 29, 2008 11:41 PM EST

Hello St. Louis fans,

I'm Charlie and I run Bucs Dugout, VEB's sister site for the Pittsburgh Pirates. I lurk here fairly often to find out about what's going on with the Cardinals. You might be interested in the preview of the 2008 Cardinals I recently posted over at my site.

Please tell me if there are any errors or misconceptions. I wouldn't pretend to know a tenth of what most of you know about the Cardinals. Still, it's often interesting to get an outsider's perspective.

Cheers, and good luck this year.

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This is really good from an outsider's perspective

There are several knitpicky details that I thought of though:

Duncan didn't turn in a good 1st full season, much to my dismay. He spent some time on the DL due to a sports hernia, thus not being able to play for a full season.
Pujols wasn't his normal self. He had a down year. (Honestly, how many other players can you think of that consider hitting .327 w/ 32 hrs and 103 rbis?!)
They don't have an outfield depth anymore, they now have a surplus in: Duncan, Ankiel, Rasmus, Igor, Barton, Ludwick, Schumaker, and several other darkhorse candidates. Maybe you mean that they lack "legitimate/allstar players" rather than having a lack of outfielders
It seems like you aren't very high on the bullpen. IMO, I feel that Springer and Franklin especially probably won't have as great numbers as they put up last year, but they will still be better than some think. Yes, Izzy isn't what he once was, but I feel that he can still be one of the top relievers in the game. If it were not for the mediocre club he was on last year, he would have had a good shot at being the best closer in the league

All in all, it is always very interesting to see another teams fans insight on your own club. Good job.

sign someone GOOD this time!

by dunc4life on Mar 1, 2008 12:54 AM EST reply actions

I also think he slightly over-valued

the oft injured and perpetually sucky fielder in Lil Davey Eckstein. While I think Izturis is awful, Brendan Ryan and Brian Barden provide solid secondary options.

The SS position, shockingly enough, will probably be an upgrade this year.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Mar 1, 2008 1:21 AM EST up reply actions

Uh, no

Izturis would be a downgrade from the mythological replacement player. He's just really terrible. Even though he somehow played in the same division the last couple years, Cardinals fans don't seem to understand just how bad he is.

by DiscoJer on Mar 1, 2008 4:59 AM EST up reply actions

That assumes that Izturis

will get more playing time at SS than Ryan will.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Mar 1, 2008 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks for your comments.

They don't have an outfield depth anymore, they now have a surplus in: Duncan, Ankiel, Rasmus, Igor, Barton, Ludwick, Schumaker, and several other darkhorse candidates. Maybe you mean that they lack "legitimate/allstar players" rather than having a lack of outfielders.

Yeah, that would've been a clearer way of saying what I meant. If they're starting Ryan Ludwick, it's because they don't have a lot of legitimately good options. They do, however, have a lot of options, and Rasmus is exciting.

I changed the post a little bit to reflect this comment and your comments about Duncan.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Mar 1, 2008 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

you'll be surprised

by Ryan Ludwick's performance, imho. He's not all-star material, but he'll be a solid supporting member of the team, with .850+ OPS potential and excellent defense in the corners.

by SleepyCA on Mar 1, 2008 8:10 PM EST up reply actions

Outfield and Bullpen

...our two depths.

You must not lurk very often.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 1, 2008 8:31 AM EST reply actions

Very sorry

Sounded much snarkier than I meant to. Snapped at my wife a little today also and she has boobies and everything.

Wouldn't mind making a bet, though. I bet our platoonish outfield out-OPSs yours at every position.

by RedbirdRay on Mar 1, 2008 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

No problem

Wouldn't mind making a bet, though. I bet our platoonish outfield out-OPSs yours at every position.

You could win that bet and still not have a very good outfield. :)

FWIW I think Duncan and Ankiel are totally fine. What I'd be concerned about, if I were a Cardinals fan, is Ludwick not playing well and then having to juggle a bunch of guys in right who aren't really well-suited to everyday roles. But you're right, my post probably overstated the problem.

I would be the first to admit the Pirates are terrible, and to describe the many ways in which they are terrible. Believe me, I won't do any bragging on their behalf.

by Charlie Wilmoth on Mar 1, 2008 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

Fair and balanced

without unnecessary snark. Kinder than what I've read on most national outlets. It is interesting to see how others view us, especially within our own division. Good job.

by cardsgirl95 on Mar 1, 2008 10:14 AM EST reply actions

Looks good to me, aside from the bullpen

OF is deep but rich with above average-ness. Best of luck to your Pirates this year, as well.

Rasmus or bust.

by Zoop on Mar 1, 2008 4:16 PM EST reply actions

Not bad at all

Troy Percival should be added to the OUT list, but this is a good look at where the Cardinals stand going into next season, certainly better than what you see from some professionals.

by Valatan on Mar 1, 2008 11:02 PM EST reply actions

Some of the

posters on your site want us to trade Rasmus to the Pirates for pitching help, not happening. That is unless you've gotten ahold of the pictures Aaron Miles uses to blackmail Mo. If you have were in trouble.

"Do what you want to the women and children but leave me alone"-George Carlin

by That's a Winner on Mar 2, 2008 12:56 PM EST reply actions