23 days until pitchers and catchers report. (Yes, that's counting today. Just work with me, please.)
23 reminds me of A-Rey, and A-Rey reminds me of pitching. The 5-man rotation has a pretty solid foundation going into 2010, but questions linger, primarily concerning the fifth spot.
We've got Carp and Wainwright (I still refuse to call him Waino), two of the best pitchers in the NL who should've shared the Cy Young in '09 but ended up with only each other to hold. Then there's Lohse, who wasn't stellar the year after signing a huge and very well-timed contract with the club, but who has the talent and experience to contribute quite a bit this season. Brad Penny rounds out the main four as the latest addition to the team, and it should be very interesting to see not if, but how Duncan is able to build on his strengths and help him pitch his way into our hearts.
The last spot in the rotation is where the question lies. Jaime Garcia? Kyle McClellan? Mitch Boggs? Or maybe someone else will step up during ST and give us another name to chew on. None of these options is ideal, Garcia because of missing all of '09 and with not much major league experience to begin with, Mac because he is so valuable in the 'pen, and Boggs because, well, he tends to go downhill very quickly when he goes. Brad Thompson is gone, but I wouldn't have been too excited about him in the rotation, anyway. There's still an outside chance of bringing Smoltz back, but I'm not holding my breath. Besides which, it's hard to imagine him lasting all year without any issues.
Truth be told, it might make sense for the Cards to sign a fifth man at this point, but I don't look for that to happen. At least not until Tony and Dave get a better feel for what we have to work with.
The bullpen is evidently going to look very similar to last year. Ryan Franklin will hold down the 9th innings, Dennys Reyes and Trever Miller will primarily come in against lefties, and Kinney and Motte will cover the gaps. Some newer additions could include Walters, Jukich, Samuel*, and Ottavino, but again, it's hard to know which of the hopefuls will have their dreams come true until we actually see them take the ball in ST.
*Youngest pitcher on the roster.... He just turned 23.
Once upon a time I heard talk of Russ Springer rejoining the team. That was probably just a fairy tale.
Know who I'd really like to have? Max Scherzer. He's a Missouri native, so I feel kind of possessive of him. I just know someday he and Mark Buehrle will wear the birds on the bat.
Think the Mariners really have a chance now that they've got Cliff Lee? Think the Phils could've made it as far as they did without him?
Showing posts with label bullpen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bullpen. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Sunday, April 19, 2009
is it too early to PANIC?!?!?!
Tell me Troy Glaus has given up baseball to start a religious cult and is asking that everyone call him Ishmael and I'll chuckle and shake my head.
Tell me Chris Carpenter was the victim of a tragic surgical "goof-up" when he had both arms amputated instead of the tattoo removal he had been admitted for and I'll yawn indifferently.
Tell me the bullpen is giving up late-inning leads and losing winnable games and I'll choke you with my bare* hands, then hyperventilate and pass out in my own vomit.
Call it Post-Traumatic Bullpen Disorder, or PTBD.
It happens when people who have lived through painful and stressful late-innings pitching collapses are confronted with the threat of an equally painful year ahead of them.
Victims are forced to re-live the two-out walks and hit batsmen, and are consumed by memories of falling behind in the count and 0-2 mistakes.
These memories can trigger serious emotional reactions such as depression, anger, or drunkenness.
Even early in the season, watching relievers allow inherited runners to score, give up tying or go-ahead runs late in games, put runners on base in front of power hitters, and give up game-ending runs can be just as terrifying for the victim as the original trauma.
The victim may feel trapped in time, unable to escape the frustrating and never-ending cycle of decent starter + competitive offense + unreliable bullpen = losing the game.
Symptoms include (but are not limited to): mood swings related to the outcome of the game, inability to focus on anything but the television, frequent outbursts such as "Jeez, ____! Where'd you learn to pitch?" and "Get this guy outta here!", feelings of hopelessness followed by periods of silence, profuse sweating, and binge drinking.
Unfortunately for those suffering from PTBD, there is no cure. (At least not one that the Cardinals can afford.) The bestwe victims can do is keep our their backs to the corner (so that no one can sneak up on us them) and try to start every ninth inning with a 10-run (or greater) lead.
Tell me Chris Carpenter was the victim of a tragic surgical "goof-up" when he had both arms amputated instead of the tattoo removal he had been admitted for and I'll yawn indifferently.
Tell me the bullpen is giving up late-inning leads and losing winnable games and I'll choke you with my bare* hands, then hyperventilate and pass out in my own vomit.
Call it Post-Traumatic Bullpen Disorder, or PTBD.
It happens when people who have lived through painful and stressful late-innings pitching collapses are confronted with the threat of an equally painful year ahead of them.
Victims are forced to re-live the two-out walks and hit batsmen, and are consumed by memories of falling behind in the count and 0-2 mistakes.
These memories can trigger serious emotional reactions such as depression, anger, or drunkenness.
Even early in the season, watching relievers allow inherited runners to score, give up tying or go-ahead runs late in games, put runners on base in front of power hitters, and give up game-ending runs can be just as terrifying for the victim as the original trauma.
The victim may feel trapped in time, unable to escape the frustrating and never-ending cycle of decent starter + competitive offense + unreliable bullpen = losing the game.
Symptoms include (but are not limited to): mood swings related to the outcome of the game, inability to focus on anything but the television, frequent outbursts such as "Jeez, ____! Where'd you learn to pitch?" and "Get this guy outta here!", feelings of hopelessness followed by periods of silence, profuse sweating, and binge drinking.
Unfortunately for those suffering from PTBD, there is no cure. (At least not one that the Cardinals can afford.) The best
Thursday, April 9, 2009
welcome back, cutter
First, the bad news. Angels rookie starter Nick Adenhart died in a car accident after their game last night.
Before the news broke, I had planned on talking about what a bad start Wellemeyer had, or how our offense was nowhere to be found, or how we lost 2 of 3 to start the season, but hearing about the tragic death of a young, up-and-coming member of the baseball world kind of makes all that stuff seem insignificant.
Cardinals fans can certainly sympathize with that.
Yeah, he was a rookie. Sure, he had a good Spring and got his chance to take the mound in LA. And it's true that his ERA was, well, whatever it was. But he was somebody's son, somebody's friend. I think we should remember that he was a kid who was living his dream, but he was also just a kid.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and teammates, and the Angels' organization and its fans.
Here's something positive. Wish I could give you more. Wish there was more to give.
Last night was a little disappointing. Wellemeyer was disappointing. And where was our offense? I guess Miller looked better. Franklin was right on top of things. Thompson wasn't getting his ground balls, but the 2-run home run wasn't what did us in.
Okay, deep breath. I can't control what happens, all I can do is hope for a better start, good weather, and that everyone gets home safely.
Now, the good news. Carpenter is back. No, I mean really back. As in, Cy Young? Oh, I hear that-back.
How did we ever win a game without him? Okay, maybe that's exaggerating just a tad, but you have to admit, it's a different team with him healthy and effective. He was working the cutter and the breaking ball and looked like the old Chris Carpenter.
Of course, the rest of the team decided not to participate until the bottom of the seventh, but that's okay, because as it turns out, 2 runs was enough and the 'pen kept us alive.
His line: 7IP / 1H / 1R / 0ER / 7K / 2BB / 92Pitches / 1,000,000 (or so) happy fans (knock on wood)
I don't think there's any other realistic choice for my novio today. 25 points for the woodsmith.
Forgot about the lineup yesterday (#003)
1. Rasmus LF
2. Greene SS
3. Pujols 1B
4. Ludwick RF
5. Molina C
6. Ankiel CF
7. Freese 3B
8. Wellemeyer P
9. Ryan 2B
And here's today's (#004)
1. Schumaker 2B
2. Rasmus CF
3. Pujols 1B
4. Duncan LF
5. Ludwick RF
6. Greene SS
7. Molina C
8. Thurston 3B
9. Carpenter P
My favorite Al quote from the broadcast: "Knowing Brendan, he said, 'No, Barry, it's all right. It hit the bat.'"
My least favorite line ever: "And now it's up to the bullpen." Although I have no doubt it'll get easier to hear as the season progresses.
I'll leave you with some of the searches that have lead people to my blog over the last 2 or 3 days. See if you can pick out a recurring theme.
Why did Yadier Molina dye his hair?
yadier molina blond hair
why is Yadier Molina's hair blonde?
did yadier molina dye his hair?
Yadier Molina Blonde Hair
Yadier Molina's blond hair
So, if you find this post while desperately looking for some explanation for the yellow mess on top of Yadi's head, I apologize. I have no idea why he did it, only that it wasn't blonde at the WBC, but was blonde for Opening Day. My best guess is that it was a lesson of some sort from one (or both) of his brothers for being a little braggadocious about the gold golve. It had to have been, right? He can't have done that on purpose.
I promise I'll let it go as soon as it grows out.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
it's pitching tuesday again
And what an appropriate topic after a game like last night's. I'm going to start by looking at the pitching we saw, then finish up with the pitching we're going to see.
I'm trying to be positive about the implications of this game, such as how it's only one game, but I agree that it's tough not to let this loss haunt us. After all, how many times last year did we console ourselves by thinking "it's only one game" only to be devastated again and again by the same outcome?
I'm hoping that we can learn from this loss. All of us, Tony. All of us, Dave. All of us, John and Marty and Hal and Joe and everyone else whose names I've forgotten. Instead of making the same mistakes we made last year (like sending pitchers out to the mound when they obviously didn't need to be there), it's time to make choices based on what's best for the immediate situation (eg runners on and nobody out, or bases empty and two down, or what have you) rather than trying to prove a point or giving certain pitchers a chance to right themselves. Does this sound strange coming from me? I guess I'm just ready to acknowledge that sometimes you have to work towards the greater good, and win the game at hand.
The pitching tonight will start with Kyle Lohse. Where it will end is anybody's guess at this point, but I think it's safe to say (and I think others have already said) that we probably won't see Motte, not because of his performance (really) but because of his high pitch count. Dave will want to rest him, and so if there's a save situation, we could see Franklin come in.
Ian Snell (Davila? I can't remember now) goes for the Pirates, and he'll probably pitch very well, if for no other reason than I recently dropped him from my fantasy team in favor of Matt Lindstrom. So if it's bad again, you can blame me. Of course, if it goes well, I'll expect full credit.
UPDATE: La alineación para esta noche, gracias a 101 ESPN y twitter:
Schumaker 2B
Rasmus RF
Pujols 1B
Duncan LF
Greene SS
Ankiel CF
Molina C
Thurston 3B
Lohse P
Notable observations: (1) The pitcher will hit ninth for the second consecutive game. That has to be the first time that's happened in a while. (2) Rasmus makes his major league debut and will play right instead of center. (3) Again tonight, someone other than Freese will start at third. (4) Duncan will hit cleanup and Greene slides to the five-hole.
- Adam Wainwright 5.1IP / 4H / 2R / 2ER / 5BB / 7K / 0HR
- Adam didn't look comfortable, especially in the first inning when he got himself into a bases-loaded jam. He seemed to find a bit of a groove later on, but it certainly wasn't what we were hoping for on Opening Day against the Pirates. When he left, with 2 runners on and the 'Birds holding on to a 2-run lead, there still looked to be hope for his chances.
- Josh got one out, but then walked the second batter to load the bases, and that was enough of Josh.
- Yuck. Trever struck-out 2 but allowed Wainwright's 2 runners to score and the Pirates to tie the game. It was a big job, and he didn't get it done. Blown save #1 for Miller and the Cards.
- Kyle, the guy who was almost left off the 25-man roster (if you believe everything you read on the internet) because of a sloppy Spring, was the only reliever who didn't make me cover my eyes and hold my breath. He also made me glad I picked him for my fantasy team.
- Jason Motte 1.0IP / 4H / 4R / 4ER / 0BB / 1K / 0HR
- And then there was Jason. If you have a weak stomach, you probably don't want to hear about it, and you probably left the room shortly after the start of his seemingly-never-ending inning of work. It was torture from the first pitch on. Jason got lit up for 4 hits and 4 runs, but the really depressing part is that at one point he was one strike away from getting the save and the win. Unfortunately, Jack Wilson saw that strike coming and drove it deep into center, well beyond the reach of Skip Schumaker (who was playing in the outfield for those of you keeping track). The Buccos took a 2-run lead and the Cardinals couldn't answer. Motte gets the loss and blown save #2 for the 'Birds. (Not that I'm counting.)
I'm trying to be positive about the implications of this game, such as how it's only one game, but I agree that it's tough not to let this loss haunt us. After all, how many times last year did we console ourselves by thinking "it's only one game" only to be devastated again and again by the same outcome?
I'm hoping that we can learn from this loss. All of us, Tony. All of us, Dave. All of us, John and Marty and Hal and Joe and everyone else whose names I've forgotten. Instead of making the same mistakes we made last year (like sending pitchers out to the mound when they obviously didn't need to be there), it's time to make choices based on what's best for the immediate situation (eg runners on and nobody out, or bases empty and two down, or what have you) rather than trying to prove a point or giving certain pitchers a chance to right themselves. Does this sound strange coming from me? I guess I'm just ready to acknowledge that sometimes you have to work towards the greater good, and win the game at hand.
The pitching tonight will start with Kyle Lohse. Where it will end is anybody's guess at this point, but I think it's safe to say (and I think others have already said) that we probably won't see Motte, not because of his performance (really) but because of his high pitch count. Dave will want to rest him, and so if there's a save situation, we could see Franklin come in.
Ian Snell (Davila? I can't remember now) goes for the Pirates, and he'll probably pitch very well, if for no other reason than I recently dropped him from my fantasy team in favor of Matt Lindstrom. So if it's bad again, you can blame me. Of course, if it goes well, I'll expect full credit.
UPDATE: La alineación para esta noche, gracias a 101 ESPN y twitter:
Schumaker 2B
Rasmus RF
Pujols 1B
Duncan LF
Greene SS
Ankiel CF
Molina C
Thurston 3B
Lohse P
Notable observations: (1) The pitcher will hit ninth for the second consecutive game. That has to be the first time that's happened in a while. (2) Rasmus makes his major league debut and will play right instead of center. (3) Again tonight, someone other than Freese will start at third. (4) Duncan will hit cleanup and Greene slides to the five-hole.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
spare parts?
So I'm waiting. Yep. Just sitting idly, twiddling my thumbs, thinking about the word "twiddle" (and smiling), and hoping to hear soon who #25 is going to be. Well, not #25 strictly speaking, but the 25th person to occupy the 25-man roster. You see, by my count, there are 24 able bodies on said roster, and I find it hard to imagine Moze and TLR (or either individually) saying to themselves (or himself), "Ehh. Maybe 24's enough." Right?
12 pitchers. 2 catchers. 5 infielders. 5 outfielders. 2 infielders who could be outfielders. 2 outfielders who could be infielders. One outfielder who used to be a pitcher. One pitcher who used to be a catcher. 2 starters who used to be relievers. 2 relievers who want to be starters. One catcher who shaves his legs. One outfielder who has titanium parts.
Whew. (The word "fielder" has lost all meaning for me.)
ML put up the rotation, and it looks like Wainwright will get the start on opening day. Carp is being saved for the fourth spot in the order, and I heard somewhere (sorry, if it was from you) that it had something to do with the upcoming series against the Cubs.
I can definitely feel the excitement in the air. We're in the final stretch here, sports fans! 6 days until opening day. Seems like it's been forever.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
with a name like Reyes . . .
First of all, every time I see this guy's name, I think of greasy breakfasts and open-all-night diners where drunk people go for coffee when all the bars have closed but nobody wants to go home.
It's probably pronounced like "Dennis", but maybe not.
According to B-R, he pitched 46 1/3 innings in 75 appearances last year for the Mellizos, ending up with a 2.33 ERA (yes, I still like ERA) and a 1.187 WHIP. Not too shabby. More stat-savvy bloggers will probably counter with some outrageous FWAP or TWIRP or SMUT that I've never heard of (and no knock on them, they're much smarter than me), but until I hear differently, I'm a little bit psyched about this. Knowing the front office, he's not making much money, and if we can get a few good LOOGY innings out of him to complement Miller, well then, super.
Update: USA Today has some figures. 2 years/$3 million and some incentives.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
and they're off
Baseball is officially underway, sports fans! (cheers and applause) The first ST game ended in a tie (5-5) with the Marlins yesterday, and the boys make the trip to Fort Lauderdale today to see the Orioles. I'd give anything to be down there. Palm trees and warm breezes. I guess I'll have to settle for my imagination to take me to the ballpark.
Blake Hawksworth did well, as I understand, and so did Royce Ring. The young guys who came in from the 'pen left a little to be desired, but there weren't any serious plans to bring them to the show anyway. No big deal.
The part that did bother me a little was the stranded runners. It was a huge issue last year, and doesn't seem like it's been resolved yet.
I know, I know, it's early. I'll save my rile for April when it still isn't resolved. The funny thing about LOB is that it can feel very frustrating at the time, but if you strand 14 runners, that means you had 14 runners. Somehow or other, you got 14 guys on base to be stranded, and if that's not a silver lining, I don't know what is. Too optimistic?
This week has been a little stressful for me (and not because of baseball), but the clouds have lifted (just in time for some actual clouds to move in) and I'm ready to re-focus on baseball.
I haven't listened to the UCB broadcast from last night yet, but I plan to do so just as soon as I figure out what I did to my speakers and how to fix it....
I could swear there was something else I was going to mention, but it's gone now.
¡Saludos!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
is it pitching tuesday? well, yes
I'll have you know, I wrote most of this last night (on infield Monday, ha ha!) but decided to save it for (and finish it) today. (There isn't really an infield Monday, but maybe there should be....)
First on my list, St. Charles native (and lefty starter) Mark Buehrle is considering "retiring" from the White Sox after his contract expires in 2011.
He said
The truth is, even if he were interested in joining the Cardinals, it wouldn't be for another three years. Lots can happen in three years. Including Mark Buehrle aging three years. I suggest no one get too excited about this deal just yet. In fact, forget I even mentioned it.
The latest reports from Jupiter concern the bullpen and the numerous questions surrounding the various roles to be filled. The projected needs include six or seven relievers, including one (or possibly two) LOOGY(s), an 8th inning set-up guy, and a closer. Dave Duncan basically summed up the entire process when he said
The three (well, four) lefties we have at camp right now (Miller, Ring, Manning, and Ostlund) will compete for the one (or possibly two) opening(s). Miller, according to the article, is the favorite to win the job. He's also the one, if you'll recall, who nearly wasn't signed because of an injury issue that came up during his physical. He then agreed to a rather extreme pay cut (supposedly because of some sentimental interest in signing with the Cardinals) with lots of incentives, and now sits there like some kind of ticking time-bomb as we all hold our breath to see if anything "pops". But don't let me get ahead of myself.
The righties include McClellan and Thompson (each considered to be the "sixth Beatle" in line to pick up starting duties if the need should arise), Perez and Motte (competing for the closer role), Franklin (the likeliest candidate for the set-up job), Kinney (who didn't pitch last year at all as he recovered from TJ surgery), and Todd (a reportedly promising righty looking to prove himself straight out of AA).
My votes for who goes where? Well, aside from waking up in a cold sweat at the thought of Franklin closing out games, I'm pretty content at this point to let the chips fall where they may. After all, that's what ST is about, right? Giving everyone an opportunity to earn playing time for the big club. So I won't start making my case for certain players to get certain jobs, I'll just wait to see who performs when called upon, and we can go from there.
Ohmmmmm....
First on my list, St. Charles native (and lefty starter) Mark Buehrle is considering "retiring" from the White Sox after his contract expires in 2011.
He said
andI miss my family too much when I'm away [from St. Charles].
Know what my first (well, second, right after boy, does this guy plan ahead or what?!) thought was? Great. Another name I can't spell right the first time. Yep, that's where I am in my life right now.Maybe I'll just want a one-year deal [after 2011].
The truth is, even if he were interested in joining the Cardinals, it wouldn't be for another three years. Lots can happen in three years. Including Mark Buehrle aging three years. I suggest no one get too excited about this deal just yet. In fact, forget I even mentioned it.
The latest reports from Jupiter concern the bullpen and the numerous questions surrounding the various roles to be filled. The projected needs include six or seven relievers, including one (or possibly two) LOOGY(s), an 8th inning set-up guy, and a closer. Dave Duncan basically summed up the entire process when he said
Well said, sir. Closer by committee only complicates everyone's lives, and as we saw last season, the game-to-game uncertainty can add further pressure to an already high-stress situation. My one (big) hope for camp this year is that they get that settled once and for all (or at least for the season). I agree with Dave that if you can get those edge pieces, the puzzle is much easier to put together.A lot of things fall into place if we answer the closer question.
The three (well, four) lefties we have at camp right now (Miller, Ring, Manning, and Ostlund) will compete for the one (or possibly two) opening(s). Miller, according to the article, is the favorite to win the job. He's also the one, if you'll recall, who nearly wasn't signed because of an injury issue that came up during his physical. He then agreed to a rather extreme pay cut (supposedly because of some sentimental interest in signing with the Cardinals) with lots of incentives, and now sits there like some kind of ticking time-bomb as we all hold our breath to see if anything "pops". But don't let me get ahead of myself.
The righties include McClellan and Thompson (each considered to be the "sixth Beatle" in line to pick up starting duties if the need should arise), Perez and Motte (competing for the closer role), Franklin (the likeliest candidate for the set-up job), Kinney (who didn't pitch last year at all as he recovered from TJ surgery), and Todd (a reportedly promising righty looking to prove himself straight out of AA).
My votes for who goes where? Well, aside from waking up in a cold sweat at the thought of Franklin closing out games, I'm pretty content at this point to let the chips fall where they may. After all, that's what ST is about, right? Giving everyone an opportunity to earn playing time for the big club. So I won't start making my case for certain players to get certain jobs, I'll just wait to see who performs when called upon, and we can go from there.
Ohmmmmm....
Monday, January 5, 2009
there's gotta be a cute title in here somewhere
This is what I wrote regarding the Braves (specifically el pitcheo) after we faced them at the end of July...
Well, now the lefty reliever is ours. He pitched reasonably well (albeit a small sample) in '06 and '07, but had a terrible year last year, posting an 8+ ERA before being designated for assignment in early August (shortly after the series with the Cards). He hasn't pitched in the majors since then.
More details about the deal are due today. Will he be a AAAer or a big leaguer? Does it matter?
I don't remember Royce Ring in particular, but maybe that's because there was nothing memorable about him.It's funny, but watching the Braves pitchers (sadly) reminds me of our staff. The starters are (for the most part) solid, but the bullpen tends to give up damaging runs late in the game.
Well, now the lefty reliever is ours. He pitched reasonably well (albeit a small sample) in '06 and '07, but had a terrible year last year, posting an 8+ ERA before being designated for assignment in early August (shortly after the series with the Cards). He hasn't pitched in the majors since then.
More details about the deal are due today. Will he be a AAAer or a big leaguer? Does it matter?
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
UCB top five stories of 2008
The 2008 season was a fun one. There were ups. There were downs. The NL Central went from being the underachievers to the enforcers. The Cubs dominated baseball for most of the year, then dropped a big, steaming pile at the division series (which is as much fun as anything for us). The Brewers and Astros made us all seasick with their rollercoaster-like movement through the standings. The Pirates and Reds played their usual role as spoilers, and somehow still put fans in the seats (as usual). The Cardinals played hard (and even found themselves on top for a while) and fought hard, but in the end, couldn't sustain the success. They did finish at 10 games over .500 and with a lot of dignity (winning the last six of the season), and made us all proud in a year that was predicted early to be a nightmare. We spent six months playing the "what-if" game, speculating about the bullpen, the offense, and the injuries. Though, after all is said and done, we are still lucky enough to be fans of the best team in baseball, and lucky enough to have witnessed a lot of history. And the really amazing thing is, we never forget that.
On a personal note, this was my first season blogging about the 'Birds, and I thoroughly enjoyed exchanging ideas and opinions with the other bloggers, and can't wait for the '09 season to get started. Bring on Spring Training, already!
The latest UCB project is a list of the Top 5 Stories (per individual interpretation) of the 2008 Cardinals season. Hereafter lies the list I have compiled. (For everyone else's, head over to C70.) Please enjoy! (And cheers to 2008!)
1. Yadier Molina
I gotta tell ya, as soon as I saw the topic, I knew exactly what my first story would be. 2008 was a break-out year for Yadi offensively. He batted .304 overall, with 7 homeruns, 56 RBI and 56 runs created, and struck-out only 29 times. (In fact, he was one of the toughest Ks in baseball.) He also kept up his defensive specs (although not quite as spectacularly as his '06 season) and finally received that most coveted of defensive awards, the Rawlings Gold Glove (for which he was overlooked in '06 and '07, although I am loathe to mention it). He was able to guide his pitchers through tough innings and tough at-bats. He was run over at the plate, suffered a concussion, and still held on to the ball for the out. He shed his equipment in the batter's box in protest of some questionable umpiring. He hit a double to the wall and then came around to score on a wild throw/error. Okay, I could go on and on about the toughness and talent that Molina showed this past season (and for as long as we've known him), but you all know what I'm talking about. He's our Yadi.
P.S. - After that infamous collision with Bruntlett at the plate, Bernie Miklasz basically summed up the whole season for the Cards in one line, and I feel like this line (as it says) says it all about Yadi and the Cardinals.
Another easy choice. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, in Cardinal Nation was skeptical about how this was going to turn out. Jays fans were elated, Cards fans were leery. I mean sure, Scott was a malcontent who couldn't get along with the manager or stay healthy for two minutes at a time, but he was like greased lightning with a glove at third base. He had range, reach, and athleticism. (And he could hit a little bit, too.) And here was coming Troy Glaus from Toronto, another malcontent with bad knees and a reportedly average glove. He had shown moments of greatness throughout his career, but had been declining of late (offensively and defensively). Our cautiousness was far from optimistic.
And yet, as pessimistic as we were, Cardinals fans (as is our way) didn't hestitate to give Glaus a chance to prove himself, and we were far from disappointed. Troy Glaus was not merely an adequate replacement, he was pretty damn good with the glove (narrowly missing out on the Gold Glove award--at least as far as the voters were concerned), and got plenty done at the plate (allergies and streakiness notwithstanding), racking up 27 HR (an appropriate number, no?), 99 RBI, and a .270 (hmmm....) average. Rolen, on the other hand... well, nevermind. It worked out for STL, at any rate.
3. The disintigration of the bullpen
This wasn't an easy choice so much as a given. No one who watched even a handful of innings from the 2008 season could argue that the bad news bullpen was problem number one and cost us more than a few games. I believe the blown saves totalled 30, and the late-innings meltdowns were innumerable.
To be honest, not much really needs to be said, save this: That "what-if" game I referenced earlier applies no more emphatically to any area of the team than it does the 'pen. The problem with that game, though, is that it traps you in time. It traps you in the past, and the longer you muck around, the more difficult it is to escape. Therefore, I'm done blaming the relievers for the disappointing losses and the missed playoffs. I'm tired of mucking around. Time to move on.
4. The departure of Anthony Reyes
The Cardinals front office did the only thing that could be done for A-Rey. They traded him for a double-A pitcher from a struggling organization. Then they salted the earth so nothing else would grow.
Throughout his career with the Cardinals, Anthony was never viewed as more than a fill-in for a tired arm in the rotation. His pitching, while commanding at Memphis (and even rarely at Busch) did not mesh with Dave Duncan's demands. His high fastballs, intended to get fly-outs, went against the basic mores of the LaDunc regime. (I say this, of course, with all respect due Tony and Dave, because no one respects those two more than I do. However, I never agreed with the way they handled this situation, and I don't feel a bit bad for mentioning it.) Besides that, Anthony always seemed to be the hard-luck pitcher for the Cards. He threw a complete game one-hitter against the White Sox and got the loss. He picked up a loss against the Mets in a game that was called after five innings because of a little rain. He certainly paid his dues.
Luis Perdomo, the pitcher acquired in the trade, was with the club for four and a-half months (and pitched exactly 18 double-A innings) before being swiped by the Giants in the Rule-V draft (even though the roster was not full and he could easily have been protected). The whole business was stinky and ugly, but at least Anthony is now with a club where he'll get a fair shot at starting and maybe even surprise everyone by leading the Indians to a World Championship (you never know).
5. The rocket launcher attached to Rick Ankiel's left shoulder
Rick Ankiel fell apart on the mound. He completely lost his control and was forced to reconsider his career path. He put down the ball and picked up a bat. He worked hard and gave himself over to the transition, never questioning the choice (by his own account) to overhaul his dreams and take up an outfield glove. His inspiring, emotional story leads the league when it comes to inspiring, emotional baseball stories. But to be honest, it's old news. It's been said, it's been written (far more eloquently than I could ever put it), and it's been rehashed to the point of saturation. Therefore, it isn't on my list.
What is on my list is the unbelievable... no, incredible... no, i-n-d-e-s-c-r-i-b-a-b-l-e outfield assists he made from center to third on May 7 of this year against the Colorado Rockies. Yes, indescribable. Too extraordinary for description. I absolutely cannot put into words how amazing those throws were. Far, fast, accurate, and just plain sick. You know what I mean. You were thinking the same thing. I still get goosebumps.
Throw #1: Helton hit a long, deep fly ball to center, and Taveras (one of the faster runners in the game) tagged up at second to try and make it to third. Ankiel camped under the ball, came up throwing, and pitched a strike to Glaus at third. Taveras was out.
Throw #2: Quintanilla got one to hit the ground in left center, and after chasing it all the way to the wall, Ankiel spun around and lasered another missile in to Glaus, and Quintanilla was out. (I think my favorite part of the whole sequence on that one was watching Glaus stand there like a statue, giving absolutely no indication that he was expecting a throw, and then applying the tag like the guy never had a chance.)
After the game, Hurdle remarked that even though it wasn't fun being on the receiving end of those outs, they sure were fun to watch.
Honorable Mention: The surprising Kyle Lohse
A late addition to the team, Lohse was supposed to come in and provide a little protection for the rotation that featured some young guys and hoped to see its two aces come back from injuries (and never really did). What he did went above and beyond what anyone expected. He led the team in wins. He led the team in innings pitched. He posted a 3.78 ERA. He was rewarded with a four-year contract extension on the last day of the regular season. In a word, he rocked.
Honorable Mention: Albert Pujols' 2008 season
Albert hit career home run number 300.
Albert was an All-Star.
Albert competed for the batting title and finished with a .357 average.
Albert finished his eighth consecutive season with 30+ homeruns and 100+ RBI.
Albert won his second NL MVP.
Albert won the Roberto Clemente Award, the Silver Slugger, the Fielding Bible, the TYIB Hitter of the Year, the Sporting News ML Player of the Year, the MLBPA Player of the Year, and the Oscar Charleston Legacy Award.
Why isn't this #1 on my list? Because he does it every year. I'm not saying it's less special or less important, but you have to give the other guys some credit every once in a while. Besides which, the title of the project is "top 5 stories" and Albert ceased being a "story" when he started being Albert. Kudos, big guy, on your unyielding greatness.
So that's it. 2008 officially ends around midnight tonight (depending on where you are), and 2009 takes over. (Of course, it'll take me about 2-1/2 months to start writing '09 on my checks, but that's life, I guess.) In other news, my New Year's Eve plans involve pizza, beer, and going to bed early, although if something interesting happens, I could be persuaded to stay up. I figure I've had a whole year of '08, and '09 will still be there when I get up in the morning. There's really no need to sit in front of the clock and wait for the calendar to roll-over. And the sparkly ball lost all interest for me after I was about eight.
But nonetheless, I hope all you bloggers and fans have a great celebration. Be smart and be careful. Somebody would miss you if you were gone.
Les deseo un próspero año nuevo... Diviértense mucho... ¡Nos vemos en 2009!
On a personal note, this was my first season blogging about the 'Birds, and I thoroughly enjoyed exchanging ideas and opinions with the other bloggers, and can't wait for the '09 season to get started. Bring on Spring Training, already!
The latest UCB project is a list of the Top 5 Stories (per individual interpretation) of the 2008 Cardinals season. Hereafter lies the list I have compiled. (For everyone else's, head over to C70.) Please enjoy! (And cheers to 2008!)
********************************************
1. Yadier Molina
I gotta tell ya, as soon as I saw the topic, I knew exactly what my first story would be. 2008 was a break-out year for Yadi offensively. He batted .304 overall, with 7 homeruns, 56 RBI and 56 runs created, and struck-out only 29 times. (In fact, he was one of the toughest Ks in baseball.) He also kept up his defensive specs (although not quite as spectacularly as his '06 season) and finally received that most coveted of defensive awards, the Rawlings Gold Glove (for which he was overlooked in '06 and '07, although I am loathe to mention it). He was able to guide his pitchers through tough innings and tough at-bats. He was run over at the plate, suffered a concussion, and still held on to the ball for the out. He shed his equipment in the batter's box in protest of some questionable umpiring. He hit a double to the wall and then came around to score on a wild throw/error. Okay, I could go on and on about the toughness and talent that Molina showed this past season (and for as long as we've known him), but you all know what I'm talking about. He's our Yadi.
P.S. - After that infamous collision with Bruntlett at the plate, Bernie Miklasz basically summed up the whole season for the Cards in one line, and I feel like this line (as it says) says it all about Yadi and the Cardinals.
2. The Rolen-Glaus tradeAnd when Molina wouldn't budge, that was the play of the summer, the play that told you all you needed to know about what drives the 2008 Cardinals.
Another easy choice. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, in Cardinal Nation was skeptical about how this was going to turn out. Jays fans were elated, Cards fans were leery. I mean sure, Scott was a malcontent who couldn't get along with the manager or stay healthy for two minutes at a time, but he was like greased lightning with a glove at third base. He had range, reach, and athleticism. (And he could hit a little bit, too.) And here was coming Troy Glaus from Toronto, another malcontent with bad knees and a reportedly average glove. He had shown moments of greatness throughout his career, but had been declining of late (offensively and defensively). Our cautiousness was far from optimistic.
And yet, as pessimistic as we were, Cardinals fans (as is our way) didn't hestitate to give Glaus a chance to prove himself, and we were far from disappointed. Troy Glaus was not merely an adequate replacement, he was pretty damn good with the glove (narrowly missing out on the Gold Glove award--at least as far as the voters were concerned), and got plenty done at the plate (allergies and streakiness notwithstanding), racking up 27 HR (an appropriate number, no?), 99 RBI, and a .270 (hmmm....) average. Rolen, on the other hand... well, nevermind. It worked out for STL, at any rate.
3. The disintigration of the bullpen
This wasn't an easy choice so much as a given. No one who watched even a handful of innings from the 2008 season could argue that the bad news bullpen was problem number one and cost us more than a few games. I believe the blown saves totalled 30, and the late-innings meltdowns were innumerable.
To be honest, not much really needs to be said, save this: That "what-if" game I referenced earlier applies no more emphatically to any area of the team than it does the 'pen. The problem with that game, though, is that it traps you in time. It traps you in the past, and the longer you muck around, the more difficult it is to escape. Therefore, I'm done blaming the relievers for the disappointing losses and the missed playoffs. I'm tired of mucking around. Time to move on.
4. The departure of Anthony Reyes
The Cardinals front office did the only thing that could be done for A-Rey. They traded him for a double-A pitcher from a struggling organization. Then they salted the earth so nothing else would grow.
Throughout his career with the Cardinals, Anthony was never viewed as more than a fill-in for a tired arm in the rotation. His pitching, while commanding at Memphis (and even rarely at Busch) did not mesh with Dave Duncan's demands. His high fastballs, intended to get fly-outs, went against the basic mores of the LaDunc regime. (I say this, of course, with all respect due Tony and Dave, because no one respects those two more than I do. However, I never agreed with the way they handled this situation, and I don't feel a bit bad for mentioning it.) Besides that, Anthony always seemed to be the hard-luck pitcher for the Cards. He threw a complete game one-hitter against the White Sox and got the loss. He picked up a loss against the Mets in a game that was called after five innings because of a little rain. He certainly paid his dues.
Luis Perdomo, the pitcher acquired in the trade, was with the club for four and a-half months (and pitched exactly 18 double-A innings) before being swiped by the Giants in the Rule-V draft (even though the roster was not full and he could easily have been protected). The whole business was stinky and ugly, but at least Anthony is now with a club where he'll get a fair shot at starting and maybe even surprise everyone by leading the Indians to a World Championship (you never know).
5. The rocket launcher attached to Rick Ankiel's left shoulder
Rick Ankiel fell apart on the mound. He completely lost his control and was forced to reconsider his career path. He put down the ball and picked up a bat. He worked hard and gave himself over to the transition, never questioning the choice (by his own account) to overhaul his dreams and take up an outfield glove. His inspiring, emotional story leads the league when it comes to inspiring, emotional baseball stories. But to be honest, it's old news. It's been said, it's been written (far more eloquently than I could ever put it), and it's been rehashed to the point of saturation. Therefore, it isn't on my list.
What is on my list is the unbelievable... no, incredible... no, i-n-d-e-s-c-r-i-b-a-b-l-e outfield assists he made from center to third on May 7 of this year against the Colorado Rockies. Yes, indescribable. Too extraordinary for description. I absolutely cannot put into words how amazing those throws were. Far, fast, accurate, and just plain sick. You know what I mean. You were thinking the same thing. I still get goosebumps.
Throw #1: Helton hit a long, deep fly ball to center, and Taveras (one of the faster runners in the game) tagged up at second to try and make it to third. Ankiel camped under the ball, came up throwing, and pitched a strike to Glaus at third. Taveras was out.
Throw #2: Quintanilla got one to hit the ground in left center, and after chasing it all the way to the wall, Ankiel spun around and lasered another missile in to Glaus, and Quintanilla was out. (I think my favorite part of the whole sequence on that one was watching Glaus stand there like a statue, giving absolutely no indication that he was expecting a throw, and then applying the tag like the guy never had a chance.)
After the game, Hurdle remarked that even though it wasn't fun being on the receiving end of those outs, they sure were fun to watch.
Honorable Mention: The surprising Kyle Lohse
A late addition to the team, Lohse was supposed to come in and provide a little protection for the rotation that featured some young guys and hoped to see its two aces come back from injuries (and never really did). What he did went above and beyond what anyone expected. He led the team in wins. He led the team in innings pitched. He posted a 3.78 ERA. He was rewarded with a four-year contract extension on the last day of the regular season. In a word, he rocked.
Honorable Mention: Albert Pujols' 2008 season
Albert hit career home run number 300.
Albert was an All-Star.
Albert competed for the batting title and finished with a .357 average.
Albert finished his eighth consecutive season with 30+ homeruns and 100+ RBI.
Albert won his second NL MVP.
Albert won the Roberto Clemente Award, the Silver Slugger, the Fielding Bible, the TYIB Hitter of the Year, the Sporting News ML Player of the Year, the MLBPA Player of the Year, and the Oscar Charleston Legacy Award.
Why isn't this #1 on my list? Because he does it every year. I'm not saying it's less special or less important, but you have to give the other guys some credit every once in a while. Besides which, the title of the project is "top 5 stories" and Albert ceased being a "story" when he started being Albert. Kudos, big guy, on your unyielding greatness.
********************************************
So that's it. 2008 officially ends around midnight tonight (depending on where you are), and 2009 takes over. (Of course, it'll take me about 2-1/2 months to start writing '09 on my checks, but that's life, I guess.) In other news, my New Year's Eve plans involve pizza, beer, and going to bed early, although if something interesting happens, I could be persuaded to stay up. I figure I've had a whole year of '08, and '09 will still be there when I get up in the morning. There's really no need to sit in front of the clock and wait for the calendar to roll-over. And the sparkly ball lost all interest for me after I was about eight.
But nonetheless, I hope all you bloggers and fans have a great celebration. Be smart and be careful. Somebody would miss you if you were gone.
Les deseo un próspero año nuevo... Diviértense mucho... ¡Nos vemos en 2009!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
'tis the off-season
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Cardinals' fans!
Between finals, graduation, holiday shopping, family coming in from across the Atlantic, and n-o-t-h-i-n-g happening with the roster, I may have neglected my blogging duties for a while, but I'm back now, so breathe easy. I just wish there was something really exciting and interesting to write about. Even if it was negative. But no such luck.
The one thing that is developing (and has been for some time) is the Brian Fuentes saga. Sounds like we're not getting the lefty/closer after all, but I'm okay with that. In fact, I'm more than okay. I've made peace with the fact that we aren't going to be pulling in any big names this off-season, and to be honest, I'm not sure why I ever thought it was possible. I guess maybe there was eggnog involved. The whole situation was being manipulated from start on by Mr. Disreputable himself, Scott Boras, and it all comes down to where Mark Teixeira signs.
Long story short, with the Angels out of the Tex-mix, that leaves them free to finally truly pursue Fuentes, and in effect, ruin any miserable chance the Cards had to lure him to STL. Like I said, fine with me.
So with all this extra non-Fuentes money we've got, where do we go with it? The other possible closer options have mostly been grabbed up, although Hoffman is still available.
I doubt very sincerely that Tony's New Year's resolutions will include giving the younger guys a chance, so do we paddle around with the same leaky pontoon boat of a bullpen we had last year and hope the patches hold? Or do we focus our efforts on finding someone to come in and cover the gap while we wait for the newbies to come into their own? Tough choice? I'll give you two guesses.
I still have more shopping to do, but things have settled down, so I promise to come up with something exciting and interesting soon! Even if I have to make it up....
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
and in this corner . . .
Last night I was feeling just a tad overwhelmed by the piles of work I have to do and the extremely limited (11 days) amount of time in which I have to get them done. I may have gone off the radar a little as far as reality and sense, but I think I'm back now, so worry not.
So the Dodgers have decided not to renew their original 2-yr/$45 million offer to Manny, even though his agent has humbly requested they do so or he'll eat their children. Color me shocked.
Sabathia may be the proud owner of the biggest pitching contract in MLB history, earning a reportedly historical $161 million over 7 years. It's hard to imagine this not coming back to bite the Yankees in the butt, what with the stunningly unfortunate results from some of the longer pitching contracts handed out in recent years. Oh well, it's not my team, my division, or even my league. As long as C.C.'s not pitching for the Brewers anymore, I don't really care.
The Cardinals (yes, the St Louis Cardinals) may have offered to K-Rod. Actually, considering what he ended up getting (3/$37), I'm almost surprised they didn't get him. Again, it helps us a great deal to know that the top FA closer (if you believe his press) isn't going to bankrupt anybody with his contract. That will make our negotiations for Fuentes or Wood (or whomever) much easier to swallow. It's nice the Mets are keeping the market honest.
Speaking of Wood, he may end up in Cleveland with A-Rey. Sounded like the Indians were interested in Izzy for a while, but if he has his way he'll back in STL next year. (Pause to give the "teacher glare" to anyone who makes a single negative comment.)
Jason Marquis is weighing down the Cubs, and they're looking to lose his contract in order to make room for a certain someone special. Anybody up for a reunion? Just kidding. Kind of. (If I remember correctly, Marquis had a knack for pitching brilliantly for about the first half of the season and then not for the second.) It may end up that Marquis gets shipped to San Diego in the trade, and the Cubbies would cover half his salary. Nothing like paying somebody $5 million to take a player off your hands.
Trever Miller is only guaranteed $500K in 2009? Wow, I guess he really does want to play here. Not to mention that $1.5 million is some serious incentive to play well. Does he know how Tony works his 'pen?
All of a sudden (I guess) Rick "firearm" Ankiel is at the top of a few lists around the league. His story is such a big part of Cardinals history, and it would just completely suck to see him playing somehwere else. However, if the trade is favorable to our starting rotation or bullpen, and he'd be going somewhere where he could play everyday, then I think it's something Moze has got to do. I won't be the first (or the last) to remark that we have an excess of left-handed hitters, as well as an excess of outfielders in general, and it's reasonable to think that Rick would be happier playing full-time than off the bench (as would any self-respecting player).
César Izturis has found a home in Baltimore, and I wish him (and the Orioles) all the best in their new life together. Too bad about that offense, César.
Okay, now I want to mention one more thing, and while it's just a rumor, it's very... interesting. The Cubs (the Chicago Cubs) might also be looking to lose Zambrano's (Carlos Zambrano's) contract if they can pick up Peavy. Can I go ahead and put him on my wish list? I mean, even if it's just a bunch of bologna? Please?
So the Dodgers have decided not to renew their original 2-yr/$45 million offer to Manny, even though his agent has humbly requested they do so or he'll eat their children. Color me shocked.
Sabathia may be the proud owner of the biggest pitching contract in MLB history, earning a reportedly historical $161 million over 7 years. It's hard to imagine this not coming back to bite the Yankees in the butt, what with the stunningly unfortunate results from some of the longer pitching contracts handed out in recent years. Oh well, it's not my team, my division, or even my league. As long as C.C.'s not pitching for the Brewers anymore, I don't really care.
The Cardinals (yes, the St Louis Cardinals) may have offered to K-Rod. Actually, considering what he ended up getting (3/$37), I'm almost surprised they didn't get him. Again, it helps us a great deal to know that the top FA closer (if you believe his press) isn't going to bankrupt anybody with his contract. That will make our negotiations for Fuentes or Wood (or whomever) much easier to swallow. It's nice the Mets are keeping the market honest.
Speaking of Wood, he may end up in Cleveland with A-Rey. Sounded like the Indians were interested in Izzy for a while, but if he has his way he'll back in STL next year. (Pause to give the "teacher glare" to anyone who makes a single negative comment.)
Jason Marquis is weighing down the Cubs, and they're looking to lose his contract in order to make room for a certain someone special. Anybody up for a reunion? Just kidding. Kind of. (If I remember correctly, Marquis had a knack for pitching brilliantly for about the first half of the season and then not for the second.) It may end up that Marquis gets shipped to San Diego in the trade, and the Cubbies would cover half his salary. Nothing like paying somebody $5 million to take a player off your hands.
Trever Miller is only guaranteed $500K in 2009? Wow, I guess he really does want to play here. Not to mention that $1.5 million is some serious incentive to play well. Does he know how Tony works his 'pen?
All of a sudden (I guess) Rick "firearm" Ankiel is at the top of a few lists around the league. His story is such a big part of Cardinals history, and it would just completely suck to see him playing somehwere else. However, if the trade is favorable to our starting rotation or bullpen, and he'd be going somewhere where he could play everyday, then I think it's something Moze has got to do. I won't be the first (or the last) to remark that we have an excess of left-handed hitters, as well as an excess of outfielders in general, and it's reasonable to think that Rick would be happier playing full-time than off the bench (as would any self-respecting player).
César Izturis has found a home in Baltimore, and I wish him (and the Orioles) all the best in their new life together. Too bad about that offense, César.
Okay, now I want to mention one more thing, and while it's just a rumor, it's very... interesting. The Cubs (the Chicago Cubs) might also be looking to lose Zambrano's (Carlos Zambrano's) contract if they can pick up Peavy. Can I go ahead and put him on my wish list? I mean, even if it's just a bunch of bologna? Please?
Friday, December 5, 2008
checklist
I have every honest intention of running this into the ground. In that you can believe.
The Cardinals have needs, and they have only just begun to address them. By extending Lohse's contract, re-signing LaRue, and picking up Miller and Greene, Moze has renewed my faith. But he's got a lot more work to do. The winter meetings start Monday.
Bullpen
.. Left-handed relievers
..... Charlie Manning
..... Trever Miller
..... __________
One more lefty would do it. I'm thinking Oliver Perez. There's also Fuentes (not likely), Ohman, Beimel, Shouse....
Middle infield
.. Shortstop
..... Khalil Greene
.. Second base
..... __________
Adam Kennedy seems to be the elephant in the room lately. I hope Moze isn't reluctant to sign a second baseman because of the fear of paying Kennedy to sit on the bench for most of '09.
The only problem with re-signing Lopez is that he's not an ideal lead-off man or power bat. And considering the next two items on my checklist....
Power hitter
..... __________
Here's who I don't want: Dunn. Wow, that list was even shorter than I'd thought it would be. (Not that there's any real chance of that happening anyway.) Actually, if it were up to me (which it's not), I probably would put this at the very end of the list--kind of as an "if we've got money left over and just really want to spend it" item--and focus on the real deficiencies rather than the perceived ones.
Lead-off hitter
..... __________
It doesn't sound like anyone projects Greene to take over that spot, so who does that leave? We've got Schumaker....
This spot is generally reserved for a guy who's not so much about the long ball, but more about speed. The guy who can get on base and maybe steal. And since we're known for our unique lineup in which the pitcher hits eighth, we really need two lead-off hitters. Kennedy did not thrive in that role, and Izturis certainly did not impress anyone.
Fifth starter
..... __________
My greatest hopes lay on Carp's ability to return and pitch as brilliantly as we're accustomed (the Cardinals will find out today what the odds are), but reality keeps kicking me in the back of the head and reminding me that it never hurts to have a back-up plan. How about Penny? Penny. Penny. Penny.
The Cardinals have needs, and they have only just begun to address them. By extending Lohse's contract, re-signing LaRue, and picking up Miller and Greene, Moze has renewed my faith. But he's got a lot more work to do. The winter meetings start Monday.
Bullpen
.. Left-handed relievers
..... Charlie Manning
..... Trever Miller
..... __________
One more lefty would do it. I'm thinking Oliver Perez. There's also Fuentes (not likely), Ohman, Beimel, Shouse....
Middle infield
.. Shortstop
..... Khalil Greene
.. Second base
..... __________
Adam Kennedy seems to be the elephant in the room lately. I hope Moze isn't reluctant to sign a second baseman because of the fear of paying Kennedy to sit on the bench for most of '09.
The only problem with re-signing Lopez is that he's not an ideal lead-off man or power bat. And considering the next two items on my checklist....
Power hitter
..... __________
Here's who I don't want: Dunn. Wow, that list was even shorter than I'd thought it would be. (Not that there's any real chance of that happening anyway.) Actually, if it were up to me (which it's not), I probably would put this at the very end of the list--kind of as an "if we've got money left over and just really want to spend it" item--and focus on the real deficiencies rather than the perceived ones.
Lead-off hitter
..... __________
It doesn't sound like anyone projects Greene to take over that spot, so who does that leave? We've got Schumaker....
This spot is generally reserved for a guy who's not so much about the long ball, but more about speed. The guy who can get on base and maybe steal. And since we're known for our unique lineup in which the pitcher hits eighth, we really need two lead-off hitters. Kennedy did not thrive in that role, and Izturis certainly did not impress anyone.
Fifth starter
..... __________
My greatest hopes lay on Carp's ability to return and pitch as brilliantly as we're accustomed (the Cardinals will find out today what the odds are), but reality keeps kicking me in the back of the head and reminding me that it never hurts to have a back-up plan. How about Penny? Penny. Penny. Penny.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
in a pitching-tuesday tizzy
According to DG (winner of Best Professional Cardinals Blog in the 2nd annual Cardinals Blogger Awards),
Arthur Rhodes. Honestly, I'm not sure what to say about this, except that in conjunction with the alleged negotiations going on with Trever Miller, it's starting to feel like Moze has moved away from the wait-and-see tactics and is now actively pursuing relievers in a confusing display of pseudo-aggression. It's kind of like after the school-yard bully lays out some poor kid in the dirt, and then while his back is turned, the dirty, picked-on kid makes a face or gives him the finger. It's only safe because the bully can't see him. Get it? It's like telling your friends that "if that jerk were here right now, I'd tell him off." Of course, the jerk is nowhere around, and if he were, you wouldn't say a thing. That's how it feels, anyway.
I choose to believe that mean people are just ignorant, that the rosary hanging from my rearview mirror is good luck, that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings, and that Dave Duncan is just trying to be utterly realistic when he says this.
Oh, ho, ho... I just saw this over at MLB Trade Rumors:
If you're familiar with my loyalties, you already know that I'm doing a little dance right now, and for two reasons. (1) Other teams are hypothetically interested in Izzy, which means he hasn't been written off by all of baseball, hypothetically. And (2) the Cardinals may also be interested, which means he could very well be playing for St Louis next year which would make me very happy which means I dance, hypothetically. Or rather, the happy is hypothetical. The dancing is merely figurative.Isringhausen, the club's all-time saves leader who is seven shy of 300, will meet with the Cardinals' team doctor next week to have his surgically repaired elbow examined and to get clearance to begin upper-body workouts and throwing. Isringhausen has received interest from four teams, including the Cardinals, said his agent, Horwits.
Arthur Rhodes. Honestly, I'm not sure what to say about this, except that in conjunction with the alleged negotiations going on with Trever Miller, it's starting to feel like Moze has moved away from the wait-and-see tactics and is now actively pursuing relievers in a confusing display of pseudo-aggression. It's kind of like after the school-yard bully lays out some poor kid in the dirt, and then while his back is turned, the dirty, picked-on kid makes a face or gives him the finger. It's only safe because the bully can't see him. Get it? It's like telling your friends that "if that jerk were here right now, I'd tell him off." Of course, the jerk is nowhere around, and if he were, you wouldn't say a thing. That's how it feels, anyway.
I choose to believe that mean people are just ignorant, that the rosary hanging from my rearview mirror is good luck, that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings, and that Dave Duncan is just trying to be utterly realistic when he says this.
Oh, ho, ho... I just saw this over at MLB Trade Rumors:
Picture me smiling.The Cubs are hoping a market forms for Jason Marquis, and are willing to eat salary "within reason."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
a Miller for the ages
Trev-er Miller apparently just signed is in the process of negotiating a two-year deal with the Cardinals as STEP ONE of our "shoring up the 'pen" plan. At least that's the hope. You'll find his numbers here, but you won't be knocked over by them.
(note: maybe he will, maybe he won't.)
Also, you may wonder if this is the same man we signed earlier this off-season. I'm almost completely certain that it is not.
One more thing, the UCB blogger award votes will be cast tomorrow on various blogging sites. C70 has the ballot (and list of participants) and will be tabulating the votes and presenting the results next week. I'm almost finished with mine, and should be ready to go with my votes very early tomorrow morning. (I have to be somewhere at 0645, and I don't want to have to wait until after lunch to post.) Good luck to all the candidates!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
think again
Here's what I really think about Brian Fuentes.
If ERA and good looks were inversely proportional, they would have to rename the CY Young award after him.
If ERA and good looks were inversely proportional, they would have to rename the CY Young award after him.
(On second thought, since ERA is better when it's lower, I guess that would make it directly proportional. Too much math? Sorry.)
Okay, cheap shot. He does have a good arm and (despite my best efforts), talent and ability are the most important factors in determining whether or not to pay players the exorbitant amounts of money their agents think they deserve.
Brian's agent thinks he deserves something like 3 years at $10-12 million per.
According to various unrecognized and unreliable sources, Brian Fuentes is a left-handed relief pitcher with a submarine-style delivery that keeps batters guessing. In other words, he is a superhero. He probably actually deserves a big paycheck.
Here's why I don't want Mozeliak to go after Fuentes (looks aside):
- (1) The Mets want him, too. Not that the Mets don't flex their muscles a little every time a new free agent is unveiled, but my "sources" indicate they are extra-serious about this guy, leading me to believe that he's something special. Unfortunately, the more competition there is over a player, the higher the price goes, and the less likely we are to end up with him anyway. Call this my "preemptive sour grapes" defense.
- (2) He's 33. Consider the FA options that are out there (in the category of LHRP): Trevor Hoffman (whom, by the way, I wouldn't mind seeing in Cardinal red) is 40; Brian Shouse is 40; Will Ohman is 31; Joe Biemel is 31; Jeremy Affeldt is 29. (Okay, so I'd be amenable to signing any one (or two) of these pitchers.) He's not the oldest, but he's certainly not the youngest. He does have an underhanded delivery that my "sources" tell me will add roughly 3.67 extra years to his career. I just don't see anything that makes him sound like "the pitcher we've been waiting all our lives for." Call this my "low-hanging fruit" defense. (Maybe the brainwashing is working.)
- (3) He's not just a LOOGY, he's a closer. First, this doesn't bode well for my plans for Izzy. It would take some of the pressure off Perez (who, in my opinion, needs a little more big league experience before he's ready to take on the full-time demands of that particular post), but if he's the closer, he wouldn't be available for 6th, 7th, or 8th inning duty against left-handed batters, right? Right. Tony's not going to want to close-by-committee all season, and even if we did, it would only add to the pressure on the rest of the relievers. We need a LOOGY and a closer, and no, this is not one of those situations where you can go two-for-one. Call this my "have our cake and eat it too" defense. The one thing that would make me reconsider is if we were able to pick up Fuentes and another lefty reliever. All those who think there's any chance of this happening, keep dreaming.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
I want to live on Carpenter Lane
I wanted to cry when I heard about Carp.
Can't we just have one thing go right? We were supposed to have him back this year, and that turned into a disaster, but I stayed calm and reminded myself that I wasn't counting on him until 2009 anyway.
2009 has a lot of hopes pinned on it from my standpoint.
- The All-Star Game will be played in St Louis for the first time in like 4,600,000 years (except Ballpark Village won't be finished).
- Chris Carpenter will finally be healthy enough to rejoin the rotation and whip our pitching staff into shape (except he's undergoing his sixth surgery and may not even actually ever throw a ball again).
- The front office is going to grant Cardinal Nations' dearest wishes and actually spend some money on players (except... well, that one remains to be seen. I'm not overly optimistic.) I want Brian Fuentes. I'm adding him to my list.
Speaking of pitchers that we plan a lot of games around, Bernie Miklasz was on the radio (as he is every day) and he referred to the continual BS-ing from the Cardinals clubhouse about how well a player (specifically a pitcher) is doing in his rehab and recovery over extended periods of time only to find out in the end that he's done as "going down Mulder Road."
I like that.
Actually, it's even more involved than that. He talks about a bus, driven by the Cardinals, on which many people (himself included) are passengers as it drives (us) down Mulder Road. I'm guessing it's a dead end road. Please, oh, please, don't let Carpenter Lane end like that.
So if pitchers were roadways...
Wainwright Highway (only the occasional rest stop)
McClellan Boulevard (because of the big divider between the right and left)
Jason Motte Autobahn (duh, the speed)
Chris Perez County Road (it starts off fine, but gets a little bumpy toward the end)
Mulder Dead End Road (but all the signs said it went through, wtf?)
Randy Flores Parking Lot (it's just him driving around in circles)
Kyle Lohse Toll Road (yes, I'm smiling)
Isringhausen whatever (doesn't matter, it's closed for construction anyway)
Max Scherzer Interstate (starts off in Missouri but ends up across the country, and that was just a bonus because he's pitching against us tonight)
I'm stuck on Looper. Any suggestions?
Another bonus: Jim Hayes the other night on FSN: "... an amalgamation of emotion." I can't even tell you what he was talking about, but just try saying it three times fast.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
free fallin'
Everybody close your eyes and imagine you just jumped out of an airplane. You're plummeting towards earth, the wind stripping the flesh from your exposed face, and suddenly you realize that you aren't wearing a parachute.
The Cardinals will awaken from this terrifying nightmare tomorrow, but in the meantime, there's a lot of drinking going on tonight. At least there is at my house.
In other thoughts...
Boy, Ron Villone can get after it, eh? Rick speculated that the two (Ron and Mintkayvitch--not the correct spelling, but I don't care enough right now to look it up) headed to the tunnel to "discuss" the matter further, and for the sake of argument, let's say he's right. In other words, I don't want to argue, so he's right. Villone and the aforementioned Pirate snuck off where no one could see and "discussed" what took place on the field. Here's how I imagine that "discussion" went...
Miles is a bit feistier than his calm demeanor would imply. He's also very short, and I rarely think of short guys as instigators. But that may just be my own personal stereotype.
Thompson pitched like a Friday-afternoon-softball "thrower" but he hit and stole bases like a champ. Go Brad. Last night I was ranting at the tv about Piñeiro (because you can't really get mad at Wainwright) and I suggested to my voodoo doll of Tony that he try starting Brad in place of Piñeiro and tie Joel up in the locker room and let the guys take turns giving him noogies or wedgies or something (kind of like a girl-less version of what the fictional Indians did in Major League to inspire the team to win). Suddenly today that plan has less merit.
I absolutely cannot get over this swan-dive the Brewers are in. I saw somewhere that Ned Yost may be looking for a job if his team doesn't make it to the playoffs. What a shame that would be. I'll be looking for Milwaukee fans to burn this man in effigy.
The Cardinals will awaken from this terrifying nightmare tomorrow, but in the meantime, there's a lot of drinking going on tonight. At least there is at my house.In other thoughts...
Boy, Ron Villone can get after it, eh? Rick speculated that the two (Ron and Mintkayvitch--not the correct spelling, but I don't care enough right now to look it up) headed to the tunnel to "discuss" the matter further, and for the sake of argument, let's say he's right. In other words, I don't want to argue, so he's right. Villone and the aforementioned Pirate snuck off where no one could see and "discussed" what took place on the field. Here's how I imagine that "discussion" went...
(As you can see, the recent drought in good news has me a little off-center. Please ignore my ramblings if they make no sense.)Minty: You suck!
Villone: You suck!
M: (slapping Ron's shoulder and grabbing at his shirt) Shut up!
V: (pushing Doug and throwing his hands up in front of his face to block another slap) You shut up!
M: (grabbing Ron's hair and trying to elbow him in the ribs) Ouch!
V: (slapping at Doug's hands) Don't hit me! Hey!
Security guard: (stepping in between Ron and Doug) Hey you two, break it up!
V: (reaching toward Doug while simultaneously hiding behind the guard) You heard him, stop it!
M: (tripping and falling backwards onto his rear end, then scooting away and scrambling to his feet) I'll get you next time, you jerk! You better never come back here!
V: (being pushed the other direction by the guard and gesturing emphatically with his hands for Doug to "bring it") Bring it, stupid!
Miles is a bit feistier than his calm demeanor would imply. He's also very short, and I rarely think of short guys as instigators. But that may just be my own personal stereotype.Thompson pitched like a Friday-afternoon-softball "thrower" but he hit and stole bases like a champ. Go Brad. Last night I was ranting at the tv about Piñeiro (because you can't really get mad at Wainwright) and I suggested to my voodoo doll of Tony that he try starting Brad in place of Piñeiro and tie Joel up in the locker room and let the guys take turns giving him noogies or wedgies or something (kind of like a girl-less version of what the fictional Indians did in Major League to inspire the team to win). Suddenly today that plan has less merit.
I absolutely cannot get over this swan-dive the Brewers are in. I saw somewhere that Ned Yost may be looking for a job if his team doesn't make it to the playoffs. What a shame that would be. I'll be looking for Milwaukee fans to burn this man in effigy.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
not a complete waste
(sigh)
(SIGH)
Things are looking rather dim.
But, no matter what happens, I refuse to give in to the pessimism. Here are some positives we can take away from the pile of disappointments that was the game last night:
1. Braden Looper pitched like a superhero.
7-1/3 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 6 strike-outs
He had guys chasing and spinning all night. Go Braden! and I hope we see him a Cards' uniform next season.
2. Springer and Villone got it done. (They each get brownies.) Ron especially impressed me because it seems like his command has been a little off lately, and while he wasn't exactly perfect last night, he was good enough... and that's good enough.
3. Felipe López played a little right field and is well on his way to cementing himself in the utility role for Tony. Maybe next we'll get to see him pitch an out or two. Wonder what will happen with him in the off-season...
4. Kennedy was on fire (at least by Kennedy standards) and made a couple of really tough, really important plays at second base. He also provided the only RBI we had.
5. Albert had a couple of hits, and Chipper had none, and apparently even Atlanta can beat Washington. (And, no, that doesn't have anything to do with anything.) So if you're focusing on individual accomplishments in an effort to block the pain, José Alberto's .360 currently has him in the lead for the batting title.
That's all I can think of right now. If anything else occurs to me, I'll get back to you.
(The Cubs lost.)
Pujols for MVP.
(SIGH)
Things are looking rather dim.
But, no matter what happens, I refuse to give in to the pessimism. Here are some positives we can take away from the pile of disappointments that was the game last night:
1. Braden Looper pitched like a superhero.
7-1/3 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and 6 strike-outs
He had guys chasing and spinning all night. Go Braden! and I hope we see him a Cards' uniform next season.
2. Springer and Villone got it done. (They each get brownies.) Ron especially impressed me because it seems like his command has been a little off lately, and while he wasn't exactly perfect last night, he was good enough... and that's good enough.
3. Felipe López played a little right field and is well on his way to cementing himself in the utility role for Tony. Maybe next we'll get to see him pitch an out or two. Wonder what will happen with him in the off-season...
4. Kennedy was on fire (at least by Kennedy standards) and made a couple of really tough, really important plays at second base. He also provided the only RBI we had.
5. Albert had a couple of hits, and Chipper had none, and apparently even Atlanta can beat Washington. (And, no, that doesn't have anything to do with anything.) So if you're focusing on individual accomplishments in an effort to block the pain, José Alberto's .360 currently has him in the lead for the batting title.
That's all I can think of right now. If anything else occurs to me, I'll get back to you.
(The Cubs lost.)
Pujols for MVP.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
just playing a little baseball
First inning: Big hits. Ankiel hit a three-run home run. Looper gave up six runs before getting a single out. Boy, he could not buy a strike, and the 'Stros took advantage.
Third inning: Was it a catch or wasn't it? Skip Schumaker laid himself out in center and came up with a ball that Hunter Pence was sure wasn't caught, and he got himself doubled-up running. Upon further review (on the replay) it was shown to have been a trap rather than a catch. It was ruled a catch, however, by the umpire.
Al Hrabosky:
After the break, we learned that Cecil Cooper had been ejected from the game. The crowd steadily booed the whole umpiring crew for the rest of the game.
(I tell you what, if roles had been reversed, I would have been standing on my head screaming and probably cursing the umpires 'til next week.)
And here is where instant replay will begin its inevitable morphing process. It will start as a tool to judge fair vs foul balls where home runs are concerned, but people will not remain happy with the limitations on it for long. Eventually Selig will give in and expand the uses to which IR can be put, and then, watch out.
Fifth inning: That f***ing hill should be outlawed. Why it isn't a rule violation, I can't figure. Schu almost made a spectacular play out there, but came up just a foot or so short, and then the next batter took Looper deep for the third time. Springer, who gave up the game-winner last night, got right back on the horse that threw him (got a hair of the dog that bit him, or some other cliché of your liking), and struck-out his two batters, no problem. Goes to show what a difference a day makes. I like that Tony will send a guy right back out there as soon as possible. For one, it shows that he still has confidence in his pitchers (and sometimes that's as important as anything), and for two, it gives the pitcher a chance to show what he can do. To show that he isn't going to let one mistake define him. To shake it off and make good.
Seventh inning: Albert crushed one to left. Okay, maybe he didn't exactly crush it, after all you only have to hit a ball about 150 feet to make it out in left field at MM Park, but he hit it hard enough and fair enough (bounced it off the "fowl" pole) to give the Cards two more runs toward coming back in this one.
Ninth inning: My hopes were dashed, and I wonder how when there's a down-by-two or three situation where we need big hits, it seems like it's always the rookies at the plate.
Blah. I felt going into this post that I would be writing about a loss, but there's still plenty to play for: individual player statistics, spoiling the season for other teams, getting some big league playing time for AAAers, and so on. After all, it's not all about the post-season, right? It's supposed to be fun. That's what I'll be looking for.
Third inning: Was it a catch or wasn't it? Skip Schumaker laid himself out in center and came up with a ball that Hunter Pence was sure wasn't caught, and he got himself doubled-up running. Upon further review (on the replay) it was shown to have been a trap rather than a catch. It was ruled a catch, however, by the umpire.
Al Hrabosky:
Oh, Al.I'm sure he trapped that ball, but let's get in the dugout quickly.
After the break, we learned that Cecil Cooper had been ejected from the game. The crowd steadily booed the whole umpiring crew for the rest of the game.
(I tell you what, if roles had been reversed, I would have been standing on my head screaming and probably cursing the umpires 'til next week.)
And here is where instant replay will begin its inevitable morphing process. It will start as a tool to judge fair vs foul balls where home runs are concerned, but people will not remain happy with the limitations on it for long. Eventually Selig will give in and expand the uses to which IR can be put, and then, watch out.
Fifth inning: That f***ing hill should be outlawed. Why it isn't a rule violation, I can't figure. Schu almost made a spectacular play out there, but came up just a foot or so short, and then the next batter took Looper deep for the third time. Springer, who gave up the game-winner last night, got right back on the horse that threw him (got a hair of the dog that bit him, or some other cliché of your liking), and struck-out his two batters, no problem. Goes to show what a difference a day makes. I like that Tony will send a guy right back out there as soon as possible. For one, it shows that he still has confidence in his pitchers (and sometimes that's as important as anything), and for two, it gives the pitcher a chance to show what he can do. To show that he isn't going to let one mistake define him. To shake it off and make good.
Seventh inning: Albert crushed one to left. Okay, maybe he didn't exactly crush it, after all you only have to hit a ball about 150 feet to make it out in left field at MM Park, but he hit it hard enough and fair enough (bounced it off the "fowl" pole) to give the Cards two more runs toward coming back in this one.
Ninth inning: My hopes were dashed, and I wonder how when there's a down-by-two or three situation where we need big hits, it seems like it's always the rookies at the plate.
Blah. I felt going into this post that I would be writing about a loss, but there's still plenty to play for: individual player statistics, spoiling the season for other teams, getting some big league playing time for AAAers, and so on. After all, it's not all about the post-season, right? It's supposed to be fun. That's what I'll be looking for.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)