BIG MAC.
*Pete Rose gambled on baseball, but there are many people who want him in the Hall of Fame. Why? Because, technically, he gambled but he never gambled against his team. He was never hurting his team. In this case, Big Mac never hurt his team either. By ejecting steroids into his butt he was only helping his team by becoming a more powerful, and better baseball player.
*Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa and their respective home run chases saved baseball. Coming out of the hole of a crucial and game crushing strike in which many fans supposedly lost their faith and interest in America's past time, Big Mac and Slammin' Sammy were there to pick the game up and place it back on his pedestal.
*Oh, you wanna talk stats? You think he wasn't a good enough baseball player to be in the hall of fame, he's only getting credibility because he's a good person and because he saved the game of baseball? Well, he did hit 583 career homeruns, he did have seven 100-rbi seasons, and from 1996 through 1999 he averaged more than 61 homeruns. As you know, 61 homeruns stood as the single season record before Big Mac hit number 62 on that exciting, bone-chilling day in St. Louis. Not only did he break the record, but he AVERAGED more than the record for four seasons. Pretty impressive. Oh yea, he also won a world championship.
So it seems as though Big Mac never disadvantaged his team, he SAVED baseball, and he was a well above par offensive player. Sounds like he should be in, doesn't it? At least it sounds good to me.
BUT, in my opinion, he didn't save baseball. He ruined it. He took the game from a game of manufactured runs, stolen bases, sacrifice bunts, and gold glove defense in the direction of "homerun or nothing." He helped take the camera off defense, and he put it on his big, artificial muscles. He helped move the MVP award away from well-qualified, all-around baseball players and put it on the trophy shelves off fake homerun hitters like Barry Bonds. He took ALL the emphasis off defense and 95% of offensive category's, and placed every ounce of it on homeruns and RBI. Ladies and gentlemen, you can't be mad at the voters for taking Ryan Howard over Albert Pujols and not give the blame partly to McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds. They are the reason guys like Willie McGee can't win the MVP award anymore.
The good news is, baseball is slowly, but finally, starting to recover from the steroid era and we are beginning to see more old-fashioned baseball being played. And that's what I like. Maybe it's because I'm only five foot nine, and a buck sixty five. I was never able to hit homeruns. Or maybe it's because I grew up in a household that talked baseball, I learned from guys who played the game one base at a time, one out at a time. That's the way I learned to love it, and that's how I'll always love it.
If I had a vote, I'd do my best to vote Big Mac right off the ballot.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
BIG D's BIG ole' bag of mail
It's nice to have questions. I like writing what you want to hear about. I like making you mad. I like making you happy. But I like it the most when everybody plays along and is interactive. So, needless to say, I'm happy, and thankful (in the spirit of the past week), to present to you, for the very first time: BIG D's BIG ole' bag of mail.
So, with a black cat, something to drink, and Built to Spill in the speakers, I give you: your questions and my answers.
"Mark Mulder DOES suck and Jason Marquis CAN'T pitch. You can fault people from St.Louis for being bad fans, but you can't fault them for speaking the truth." from, Anonymous.
-Ok, so the first one isn't even really a question. But who cares. You're right, anonymous, in ways. Jason Marquis seems to be a crack head headed for detox. He won't listen, he can't pitch, and he shouldn't be back in a Cardinal's uniform. No doubts about it. Mark Mulder, however, is a different story. He was obviously hurt this season, but that doesn't mean he "sucks." Chris Carpenter was in the same boat, so I won't listen to the "Mark Mulder sucks" chants. He had a bad year, but he still has more wins than most left-handers over the last decade. As far as the fans go, true. They know they're baseball, and in that sense I say they are the most knowledgeable fans in all of baseball. Just not the best.
"The reason why Wisconsin doesn't get any consideration is because they've only played one team in the top 25 all year (Michigan) and got beat. Their non-conference schedule is ridiculously weak. Wisconsin couldn't beat USC or Notre Dame." from, anonymous.
-Huh, this isn't really a question either. The Wisconsin comment was pretty much a "not-funny" joke, more than it was a realistic comment. Anybody who knows anything about college football pretty much knows that the Badgers don't belong in the BCS Championship. My point was that Notre Dame doesn't deserve all the love it gets from the media. Either way, I wouldn't mind seeing a Badger-Irish match-up in a bowl game. And we can go from there.
"Hey Dave just curious if you the believe the Cardinals don't need to pick up a new outfielder? Because to me although they pulled through during the playoffs there are some HUGE questions out there. And what should they do with Wainwright? Closer or starter?" from, ballin'
-Love the question, ballin'. Best question I've answered yet. Yes, you're right. There are some huge questions in the outfield. I've never been a fan of keeping Chris Duncan. I understand that this statement could come back and bite me where it hurts, but I'll still make it. Defensively, he has a long way to go. And offensively, he's got pop but the question will be: can he continually beat pitchers, or is he one of those guys that fools pitchers in the beginning and gets burnt in the end? Duncan aside, I like the Edmonds signing. ALOT. But I'm a defense guy, so I can understand the concern from an offensive standpoint. And what else do we have? Juan Encarnacion. Yes, Juan. I like Juan and I think more people will like him after this upcoming season. I think he'll get better and better in a Cardinals uniform. So yes, I do like our outfield. And no, I don't think we need any other big name players. I think we could use Preston Wilson (or another player of his caliber) to come in and start 80 games next season, platooning the positions to help give Edmonds some rest, Duncan a break from lefties, and Juan a time to just relax (since he seems to enjoy that so much). Remember, I'm pretty sure Skip Schumaker is in the plans for next season. He should be a solid defensive player off the bench. I'm happy. We should focus on pitching.
As far as Wainwright goes, all signs point to him starting the season in the bullpen as a closer. These are the rumors. I don't believe them, for two reasons. Number one: the front office is, and always has been, banking on him as a starter. Until Izzy proves, consistently, that he's washed up, he will be our closer. The front office of the Cardinals won't spend money to fill another starter position so Wainwright can close and Izzy can sit on the bench. It just isn't going to happen, whether you like it or not. Secondly, you don't just transform from a closer to a starter over night, which is, essentially, what those rumors are saying. Closers are conditioned to throw one inning of baseballs. Starters are conditioned to throw at least five innings worth of baseballs. When you take a player from a "one inning role" to a "five inning role" you risk major injury, and the Cardinals won't risk that with Wainwright. If he doesn't begin the season in the bullpen, then it will take him at least a month from the time he leaves the 'pen until he's ready to be a "complete starter." I have a hard time thinking the Cardinals will go for this. I expect Wainwright in the rotation, and someone else closing games until Izzy comes back. Maybe Tyler Johnson. Who knows? (However, this could all change depending on how long Izzy is on the DL.)
"Why do you think the Red Wings are about to fold? If there is one team in the NHL that hasn't folded in the regular season in the last 10 years, its the Red Wings. Plus, they are only 2 points out of first place in the Central, and have been keeping pace with a hot Nashville Predator team. I hate the Wings, but they are a model of consistency when it comes to the regular season." from, Anonymous
- Oh, man. I dug myself a hole here. Let's see if I can explain myself. I'm an avid Blues fan. I love hockey. I love to play it and I love to watch it and I love, even more, to be at a game. And I hate the Red Wings. And I'm jealous of the Red Wings. And I want them to suffer in the hockey world. I'm sick of them being this "model of consistency." I'm sick of them winning. I'm sick of them taking players and coaches and division titles and Stanley Cup hopes from the Blues. I'm sick of "hockey town". The truth is, however, Nashville is VERY HOT right now, and the Red Wings are just playing their normal hockey.... and they're STILL keeping up. The truth is, the Red Wings are going to win this division...again. The truth is, they may even win a Stanley Cup this year. The truth is, I'm jealous....again. BUT the truth also is, they aren't in first place AS OF RIGHT NOW. And I think that means there is hope...and that, that alone, my friends, excites me. But in the end, I'll be disappointed. You're right, Anonymous, I had no business making that comment. I was out of my element.
I love the hockey comments and questions, however. Not enough people enjoy hockey.
Thanks for the responses. I really do appreciate them. Keep it up. And GO ST. LOUIS!!!!
So, with a black cat, something to drink, and Built to Spill in the speakers, I give you: your questions and my answers.
"Mark Mulder DOES suck and Jason Marquis CAN'T pitch. You can fault people from St.Louis for being bad fans, but you can't fault them for speaking the truth." from, Anonymous.
-Ok, so the first one isn't even really a question. But who cares. You're right, anonymous, in ways. Jason Marquis seems to be a crack head headed for detox. He won't listen, he can't pitch, and he shouldn't be back in a Cardinal's uniform. No doubts about it. Mark Mulder, however, is a different story. He was obviously hurt this season, but that doesn't mean he "sucks." Chris Carpenter was in the same boat, so I won't listen to the "Mark Mulder sucks" chants. He had a bad year, but he still has more wins than most left-handers over the last decade. As far as the fans go, true. They know they're baseball, and in that sense I say they are the most knowledgeable fans in all of baseball. Just not the best.
"The reason why Wisconsin doesn't get any consideration is because they've only played one team in the top 25 all year (Michigan) and got beat. Their non-conference schedule is ridiculously weak. Wisconsin couldn't beat USC or Notre Dame." from, anonymous.
-Huh, this isn't really a question either. The Wisconsin comment was pretty much a "not-funny" joke, more than it was a realistic comment. Anybody who knows anything about college football pretty much knows that the Badgers don't belong in the BCS Championship. My point was that Notre Dame doesn't deserve all the love it gets from the media. Either way, I wouldn't mind seeing a Badger-Irish match-up in a bowl game. And we can go from there.
"Hey Dave just curious if you the believe the Cardinals don't need to pick up a new outfielder? Because to me although they pulled through during the playoffs there are some HUGE questions out there. And what should they do with Wainwright? Closer or starter?" from, ballin'
-Love the question, ballin'. Best question I've answered yet. Yes, you're right. There are some huge questions in the outfield. I've never been a fan of keeping Chris Duncan. I understand that this statement could come back and bite me where it hurts, but I'll still make it. Defensively, he has a long way to go. And offensively, he's got pop but the question will be: can he continually beat pitchers, or is he one of those guys that fools pitchers in the beginning and gets burnt in the end? Duncan aside, I like the Edmonds signing. ALOT. But I'm a defense guy, so I can understand the concern from an offensive standpoint. And what else do we have? Juan Encarnacion. Yes, Juan. I like Juan and I think more people will like him after this upcoming season. I think he'll get better and better in a Cardinals uniform. So yes, I do like our outfield. And no, I don't think we need any other big name players. I think we could use Preston Wilson (or another player of his caliber) to come in and start 80 games next season, platooning the positions to help give Edmonds some rest, Duncan a break from lefties, and Juan a time to just relax (since he seems to enjoy that so much). Remember, I'm pretty sure Skip Schumaker is in the plans for next season. He should be a solid defensive player off the bench. I'm happy. We should focus on pitching.
As far as Wainwright goes, all signs point to him starting the season in the bullpen as a closer. These are the rumors. I don't believe them, for two reasons. Number one: the front office is, and always has been, banking on him as a starter. Until Izzy proves, consistently, that he's washed up, he will be our closer. The front office of the Cardinals won't spend money to fill another starter position so Wainwright can close and Izzy can sit on the bench. It just isn't going to happen, whether you like it or not. Secondly, you don't just transform from a closer to a starter over night, which is, essentially, what those rumors are saying. Closers are conditioned to throw one inning of baseballs. Starters are conditioned to throw at least five innings worth of baseballs. When you take a player from a "one inning role" to a "five inning role" you risk major injury, and the Cardinals won't risk that with Wainwright. If he doesn't begin the season in the bullpen, then it will take him at least a month from the time he leaves the 'pen until he's ready to be a "complete starter." I have a hard time thinking the Cardinals will go for this. I expect Wainwright in the rotation, and someone else closing games until Izzy comes back. Maybe Tyler Johnson. Who knows? (However, this could all change depending on how long Izzy is on the DL.)
"Why do you think the Red Wings are about to fold? If there is one team in the NHL that hasn't folded in the regular season in the last 10 years, its the Red Wings. Plus, they are only 2 points out of first place in the Central, and have been keeping pace with a hot Nashville Predator team. I hate the Wings, but they are a model of consistency when it comes to the regular season." from, Anonymous
- Oh, man. I dug myself a hole here. Let's see if I can explain myself. I'm an avid Blues fan. I love hockey. I love to play it and I love to watch it and I love, even more, to be at a game. And I hate the Red Wings. And I'm jealous of the Red Wings. And I want them to suffer in the hockey world. I'm sick of them being this "model of consistency." I'm sick of them winning. I'm sick of them taking players and coaches and division titles and Stanley Cup hopes from the Blues. I'm sick of "hockey town". The truth is, however, Nashville is VERY HOT right now, and the Red Wings are just playing their normal hockey.... and they're STILL keeping up. The truth is, the Red Wings are going to win this division...again. The truth is, they may even win a Stanley Cup this year. The truth is, I'm jealous....again. BUT the truth also is, they aren't in first place AS OF RIGHT NOW. And I think that means there is hope...and that, that alone, my friends, excites me. But in the end, I'll be disappointed. You're right, Anonymous, I had no business making that comment. I was out of my element.
I love the hockey comments and questions, however. Not enough people enjoy hockey.
Thanks for the responses. I really do appreciate them. Keep it up. And GO ST. LOUIS!!!!
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Haslett gets pissed, Cards add old friends, I get called out...
Jim Haslett, defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, went nuts in the media today and told us to start writing positive things about his defense. Ok, Will Witherspoon is a bad***. What else? UM....not much. Your defense shut down the Denver Broncos in Week 1, which seemed like an accomplishment at the time, but turns out that the Denver Broncos aren't half what the media thought they'd be. So, no big deal there. So, Jim, I'm not giving up on you. In fact, I like you much more now that you ripped the media. It seems that fire is back in your eyes a little bit, I was wondering where it went for awhile? Good to have you back. Now do something positive with your depleted defense (which we can thank Mike Martz for, considering he never once WANTED to use a significant draft pick on his defense.) Folks, we will paying for Mike Martz for at least three years. Give the coaches some time. They need a few drafts.
The Cardinals added starting pitcher Kip Wells, second baseman Adam Kennedy, and utilityman Eli Marrero on Tuesday. Kennedy and Marrero are relatives from way back, and Kip Wells fits right with Dave Duncan's two favorite words: renovation project.
*Adam Kennedy is Dave Eckstein's old Anaheim Angel running mate. Over his eight seasons in the BIGS, he has hit .280 with 186 doubles and 52 homeruns. He's a solid defensive second basemen and should fit well, once again, with Superman David Eckstein.
*Apparently Dave Duncan has been pushing for Kip Wells, a 29 year old right-hander, for quite a while and is happy to have him on board. We shall see how it works out, sometimes Dunc can work his magic and sometimes it looks like he's getting old. Lets hope Kip Wells is a Chris Carpenter and not a Sidney Ponson.
*Eli Marerro is back, but he'll start the year in the minor leagues. Don't expect much out of Eli, but he is one of those players that can dish at many positions, so that moves him up on LaRussa's charts.
*The Cardinals also resigned Gary Bennett to a one year deal, with a mutual option for 2008.
Jocketty has said that he's ok with this offense going into spring training, so I wouldn't expect much more done on that side of the ball. That means Chris Duncan is most likely starting in right field next year, folks. Take it or leave it? What do you think?
I'm happy. I've always enjoyed having hustling, true, go-get-em ballplayers on our club and I feel like today was an improvement. Kennedy fits the bill, and Kip Wells will be looking to prove himself. And you know Eli has always wanted to retire in a Cardinals uniform.
My new Predictions:
Carpenter
Willis
Suppan
Wells
Wainwright
Reyes in traded.
Also. I've been recently called out on my apparent "lackadasically slow" blogs when it comes to breaking news. I was told that "when stuff happens with the Cardinals, I expect to see it on your blog first." Folks, I appreciate the love, but I'm not a sports reporter. I don't get paid to break the news. I'm an opinioned blogger. So here's what I suggest: get your breaking news from http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com, and then come to me for your witness. I'll be there, but I probably won't be first. But make sure you go to the Cardinals website. DON'T support espn.com, they probably don't cover the cardinals anyway. I'll give you my love, my witness, and my hate, but just not the news.
Like I said, I love all of you.
The Cardinals added starting pitcher Kip Wells, second baseman Adam Kennedy, and utilityman Eli Marrero on Tuesday. Kennedy and Marrero are relatives from way back, and Kip Wells fits right with Dave Duncan's two favorite words: renovation project.
*Adam Kennedy is Dave Eckstein's old Anaheim Angel running mate. Over his eight seasons in the BIGS, he has hit .280 with 186 doubles and 52 homeruns. He's a solid defensive second basemen and should fit well, once again, with Superman David Eckstein.
*Apparently Dave Duncan has been pushing for Kip Wells, a 29 year old right-hander, for quite a while and is happy to have him on board. We shall see how it works out, sometimes Dunc can work his magic and sometimes it looks like he's getting old. Lets hope Kip Wells is a Chris Carpenter and not a Sidney Ponson.
*Eli Marerro is back, but he'll start the year in the minor leagues. Don't expect much out of Eli, but he is one of those players that can dish at many positions, so that moves him up on LaRussa's charts.
*The Cardinals also resigned Gary Bennett to a one year deal, with a mutual option for 2008.
Jocketty has said that he's ok with this offense going into spring training, so I wouldn't expect much more done on that side of the ball. That means Chris Duncan is most likely starting in right field next year, folks. Take it or leave it? What do you think?
I'm happy. I've always enjoyed having hustling, true, go-get-em ballplayers on our club and I feel like today was an improvement. Kennedy fits the bill, and Kip Wells will be looking to prove himself. And you know Eli has always wanted to retire in a Cardinals uniform.
My new Predictions:
Carpenter
Willis
Suppan
Wells
Wainwright
Reyes in traded.
Also. I've been recently called out on my apparent "lackadasically slow" blogs when it comes to breaking news. I was told that "when stuff happens with the Cardinals, I expect to see it on your blog first." Folks, I appreciate the love, but I'm not a sports reporter. I don't get paid to break the news. I'm an opinioned blogger. So here's what I suggest: get your breaking news from http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com, and then come to me for your witness. I'll be there, but I probably won't be first. But make sure you go to the Cardinals website. DON'T support espn.com, they probably don't cover the cardinals anyway. I'll give you my love, my witness, and my hate, but just not the news.
Like I said, I love all of you.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Don't be Fooled...
Cookies aren't always good. There is such thing as bad ice cream. Despite what you see on TV, there are good people in this world. Not everybody likes chocolate. And Christmas isn't everybody's favorite holiday.
*Alfonso Soriano doesn't necessarily mean that the Cubs are going to the World Series next year. In fact, it's my personal opinion, that the Cubs made one of the worst signings in the past few years. I think this signing will improve them next year, and maybe for the next two years. But after that, I doubt it. The Cubs now have all their money tied up in two players: Soriano and Aramis Ramirez. Will they be able to resign Carlos Zambrano? Will they ever be able to sign a big name free agent pitcher? The history of big contracts for big players says that this isn't a good deal for the Cubs. Especially considering: Soriano is 31 years old, which means that they've signed him until he's 39. Also, Soriano only puts up career numbers in contract years, which means that you shouldn't expect him to hit 40-40 again until 2013. And then he'll be 38 years old, so I wouldn't expect it then either. Basically, the Cubs think they can buy a World Series (which the Yankees prove isn't true) and Soriano signed up to be a lifetime loser. That's fine with me. I don't like him anyway. But he's really on my bad side now.
*Carlos Lee doesn't necessarily mean that the Houston Astros are going to the World Series next year either. It's frustrating, I know, to have the two biggest free agent players on the market land in the NL Central for opposing teams, but the same applies for Lee and the Astros as did Soriano and the Cubs. What about pitching? The Cardinals proved this year that pitching in the postseason is what matters, not batting. So the Astros have to ask themselves: Does Roy Oswalt and Woodrow Williams cut it? Ummmmm...no.
*Just because the media treats them like they are God's gift to college football, this doesn't make Notre Dame the fifth best team in the nation. Here's to hoping they beat USC, but they aren't that good and I think it'll be proved tonight. I don't like either team...at all, by any means. Wisconsin would blast them, but they aren't getting consideration for the BCS Championship, are they? The media, once again, has convinced most people that Notre Dame is worthy of a national title. They aren't. But the Irish can drink, and then they fight. So you have to trust that. But further than that...I say "Cheers to anybody that isn't afraid to throw a witness against them."
*What else: Oh yea, just because Missouri killed Kansas today doesn't mean that Missouri is a better state than Kansas.
Wait....
Yes it does.
*Just because Missouri Hoops is 6-0, doesn't mean that they are going to the NCAA tournament. Have you learned your lesson about MU sports yet, or are starting to think Final Four? Go Tigers!
*Just because the St. Louis Blues have won two in a row, both in shootouts, and one against the famous Detroit Red Wings, doesn't mean that my pre-season prediction of the Blues popping the cork on the champagne bottle that is the central division will come true. But you're starting to think I'm smarter than my picture makes me look, aren't you? If you have Dominik Hasek on your fantasy hockey team, trade him now, because the Red Wings are getting ready to go under.
*Just because the Rams couldn't score a touchdown last week. Just because Marc Bulger couldn't throw the football last week. Just because Torry Holt and Ike Bruce couldn't catch last week. Just because Scott Linehan only called eight run plays last week. All of that doesn't mean you should think the same will happen this week. But I wouldn't doubt it. San Fran has got our number, and we don't have theirs. I've heard people say they are done with the Rams, they don't want to watch them again this week. This figures, and it's why I completely disagree with everyone who says St. Louis has the best sports fans. The minute things go wrong in St. Louis sports, we don't want to watch. We turn off our TVs. We say Mark Mulder sucks, and Jason Marquis can't pitch. We say Torry "BIG Game" Holt who? We say remember the days of Brett Hull and Curtis Joseph. Most NFL fans stick with their team no matter what, St. Louis fans give up the minute they get a chance. WATCH THE RAMS.
*Hey, just because I say it, doesn't necessarily make it true.
*Alfonso Soriano doesn't necessarily mean that the Cubs are going to the World Series next year. In fact, it's my personal opinion, that the Cubs made one of the worst signings in the past few years. I think this signing will improve them next year, and maybe for the next two years. But after that, I doubt it. The Cubs now have all their money tied up in two players: Soriano and Aramis Ramirez. Will they be able to resign Carlos Zambrano? Will they ever be able to sign a big name free agent pitcher? The history of big contracts for big players says that this isn't a good deal for the Cubs. Especially considering: Soriano is 31 years old, which means that they've signed him until he's 39. Also, Soriano only puts up career numbers in contract years, which means that you shouldn't expect him to hit 40-40 again until 2013. And then he'll be 38 years old, so I wouldn't expect it then either. Basically, the Cubs think they can buy a World Series (which the Yankees prove isn't true) and Soriano signed up to be a lifetime loser. That's fine with me. I don't like him anyway. But he's really on my bad side now.
*Carlos Lee doesn't necessarily mean that the Houston Astros are going to the World Series next year either. It's frustrating, I know, to have the two biggest free agent players on the market land in the NL Central for opposing teams, but the same applies for Lee and the Astros as did Soriano and the Cubs. What about pitching? The Cardinals proved this year that pitching in the postseason is what matters, not batting. So the Astros have to ask themselves: Does Roy Oswalt and Woodrow Williams cut it? Ummmmm...no.
*Just because the media treats them like they are God's gift to college football, this doesn't make Notre Dame the fifth best team in the nation. Here's to hoping they beat USC, but they aren't that good and I think it'll be proved tonight. I don't like either team...at all, by any means. Wisconsin would blast them, but they aren't getting consideration for the BCS Championship, are they? The media, once again, has convinced most people that Notre Dame is worthy of a national title. They aren't. But the Irish can drink, and then they fight. So you have to trust that. But further than that...I say "Cheers to anybody that isn't afraid to throw a witness against them."
*What else: Oh yea, just because Missouri killed Kansas today doesn't mean that Missouri is a better state than Kansas.
Wait....
Yes it does.
*Just because Missouri Hoops is 6-0, doesn't mean that they are going to the NCAA tournament. Have you learned your lesson about MU sports yet, or are starting to think Final Four? Go Tigers!
*Just because the St. Louis Blues have won two in a row, both in shootouts, and one against the famous Detroit Red Wings, doesn't mean that my pre-season prediction of the Blues popping the cork on the champagne bottle that is the central division will come true. But you're starting to think I'm smarter than my picture makes me look, aren't you? If you have Dominik Hasek on your fantasy hockey team, trade him now, because the Red Wings are getting ready to go under.
*Just because the Rams couldn't score a touchdown last week. Just because Marc Bulger couldn't throw the football last week. Just because Torry Holt and Ike Bruce couldn't catch last week. Just because Scott Linehan only called eight run plays last week. All of that doesn't mean you should think the same will happen this week. But I wouldn't doubt it. San Fran has got our number, and we don't have theirs. I've heard people say they are done with the Rams, they don't want to watch them again this week. This figures, and it's why I completely disagree with everyone who says St. Louis has the best sports fans. The minute things go wrong in St. Louis sports, we don't want to watch. We turn off our TVs. We say Mark Mulder sucks, and Jason Marquis can't pitch. We say Torry "BIG Game" Holt who? We say remember the days of Brett Hull and Curtis Joseph. Most NFL fans stick with their team no matter what, St. Louis fans give up the minute they get a chance. WATCH THE RAMS.
*Hey, just because I say it, doesn't necessarily make it true.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
FIRE GARY PINKEL DOT COM!!!!
Is anybody else sick and tired of being sick and tired of Gary Pinkel's Tigers? In the words of a man much wiser than me: "Can I get a witness?"
Anybody that knows me personally, outside of a man named Jeremy Burford, knows that I tend to "playa hate" on Missouri sports. Yes, I'm a Tiger - by which, I mean, I attend the University of Missouri. And yes, in my heart, I truly root hard for the Tigers (sometimes). And yes, when I graduate (which I can't wait to do), I will proudly claim to be a Tiger Alumni (most of the time). But anybody who knows me doesn't know that I hold this soft spot for the Tigers in my heart, anybody that knows me thinks I hate the Tigers.
And the truth is....
THEY'RE SO DAMN EASY TO HATE!!!
All that said. And on the day after the Tigers extended his contract for another three years, supposedly keeping him on board for another FIVE years, here I am, a humble sports writer with a two cent opinion, saying: FIRE GARY PINKEL.
I've heard that he's a good recruiter. I've heard. Ok, I'll trust it. I'll give him that. But I don't need to hear that he's a bad football coach, that much I know. Two years ago he put the ball in Brad Smith's arm instead of on his legs, and ruined both the Tiger season and Heisman hopes for Brad Smith. For the past three years he hasn't run the ball up the middle with the tailback ONCE (I swear). He hasn't made a descent, or even semi-descent play call on third down in over two years. He continuously comes up with big starts, or big wins, but the minute his team gets ANY national attention he can't keep them together. Going to school here, I've noticed there's one thing consistent with Missouri sports over my four year tenure: they get national attention, they get cocky, they suck. SEE ALSO: Missouri Basketball 2003.
To be honest, I'm not a football guy. And I don't know much about play calling, or clock management, or special team formations. But I think Pinkel sucks. And I agreed with my friend, Andy, this afternoon when we were all sitting around the small radio on the kitchen counter, drinking Busch beer, Ohio State-Michigan on pause, listening to the final ticks of the clock as Iowa State (the worse team in the BIG 12) beat Missouri: "Gary STINKel."
Fire him. I don't care how good of a recruiter he is. A five year extension to a head coach because of recruiting abilities is ludicrous. Get someone in here who knows how to win games, because with Chase Daniel and Will Franklin - there is too much talent to waste.
Then again, the prelude to the head coaching position for the Tigers was Larry Smith who, after his final season in 2000 - a 3-8 affair - he was quoted in the press conference following the final game of the season (a 24-28 loss to Kansas State): "this is exactly where this program needs to be."
At least we're not 3-8. And this program still isn't exactly where it needs to be. I want a national championship. FIRE PINKEL AND HIRE SOMEONE WHO CAN GET ME ONE.
Anybody that knows me personally, outside of a man named Jeremy Burford, knows that I tend to "playa hate" on Missouri sports. Yes, I'm a Tiger - by which, I mean, I attend the University of Missouri. And yes, in my heart, I truly root hard for the Tigers (sometimes). And yes, when I graduate (which I can't wait to do), I will proudly claim to be a Tiger Alumni (most of the time). But anybody who knows me doesn't know that I hold this soft spot for the Tigers in my heart, anybody that knows me thinks I hate the Tigers.
And the truth is....
THEY'RE SO DAMN EASY TO HATE!!!
All that said. And on the day after the Tigers extended his contract for another three years, supposedly keeping him on board for another FIVE years, here I am, a humble sports writer with a two cent opinion, saying: FIRE GARY PINKEL.
I've heard that he's a good recruiter. I've heard. Ok, I'll trust it. I'll give him that. But I don't need to hear that he's a bad football coach, that much I know. Two years ago he put the ball in Brad Smith's arm instead of on his legs, and ruined both the Tiger season and Heisman hopes for Brad Smith. For the past three years he hasn't run the ball up the middle with the tailback ONCE (I swear). He hasn't made a descent, or even semi-descent play call on third down in over two years. He continuously comes up with big starts, or big wins, but the minute his team gets ANY national attention he can't keep them together. Going to school here, I've noticed there's one thing consistent with Missouri sports over my four year tenure: they get national attention, they get cocky, they suck. SEE ALSO: Missouri Basketball 2003.
To be honest, I'm not a football guy. And I don't know much about play calling, or clock management, or special team formations. But I think Pinkel sucks. And I agreed with my friend, Andy, this afternoon when we were all sitting around the small radio on the kitchen counter, drinking Busch beer, Ohio State-Michigan on pause, listening to the final ticks of the clock as Iowa State (the worse team in the BIG 12) beat Missouri: "Gary STINKel."
Fire him. I don't care how good of a recruiter he is. A five year extension to a head coach because of recruiting abilities is ludicrous. Get someone in here who knows how to win games, because with Chase Daniel and Will Franklin - there is too much talent to waste.
Then again, the prelude to the head coaching position for the Tigers was Larry Smith who, after his final season in 2000 - a 3-8 affair - he was quoted in the press conference following the final game of the season (a 24-28 loss to Kansas State): "this is exactly where this program needs to be."
At least we're not 3-8. And this program still isn't exactly where it needs to be. I want a national championship. FIRE PINKEL AND HIRE SOMEONE WHO CAN GET ME ONE.
Monday, November 13, 2006
TWO MINUTES OF FUN!!!!!
Your weekly (or almost weekly) quick witted two minutes to have some fun. Basically, I say stuff. And you respond.
*The Rams. The Rams. The Rams. Can't beat Kansas City at the ED. Can't beat Matt Hasselbeck-less and Sean Alexander-less Seahawks. Lost to San Fransico. Lost Orlando Pace. Have Carolina (who is good with Steve Smith), San Fransico (who we can't seem to beat), and the Bears (who are also good, in case you haven't noticed) left on the schedule. The way the Rams roll, you must expect them to beat Carolina and Chicago, and lose to San Fransico. Or maybe we shouldn't even think they'll win any of those games, and we can just hope they can beat the three worse teams in the league (Arizona, Oakland, Washington) as the season winds down.
*I'm not quitting on the Rams. But it feels like they're quitting on us.
*The Blues lost two games this past week, both to teams who are below them in the division (Chicago and Columbus). They continue to shake up their lines but they haven't found the potion yet. Bill Guerin is playing better than most expected (13 points), Keith Tkachuk is doing what he usually does (15 points), and second year forward Lee Stempniak is playing well also (13 points).
*I said before the season that I think the Blues will earn a playoff spot, things aren't looking as good on ice as they did on paper. I'm getting worried. Things should get better however, Barrett Jackman is back from injury and Jay McKee should be coming along soon as well. The addition of these two defensemen should shore things up in front of the net, where the duo of goalies (why has the NHL all of a sudden become a two goalie per team league?), Manny Legace and Curtis Sanford continue to split time.
*The goalie watch:
-Legace: 9 games, 3-5 record, 3.33 GAA, .884 sv%.
- Sanford: 8 games, 2-3 record, 2.95 GAA, .901 sv%
*Missouri basketball has started, does anybody care yet? Missouri football is losing again, and we should end up where we end up every year (Independence Bowl). I know there were a few of you out there who were thinking BCS when the Tigers started 7-0. Don't lie about it. All they had to do was beat Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas in the BIG 12 Title game. Most of us knew better. However, the Tigers can still finish up impressive if they win out. Cross your fingers.
*Winter meetings started today. A few names to keep your eye on, who I think could become Cardinals this offseason: Woody Williams (would like to come back), Craig Counsell (plays like Eckstein, would look scrappy turning double plays with the WS MVP), Tomo Ohka, Adam Kennedy (another defensive option at 2B), Luis Gonzalez, Frank Catalanotto (I, personally, would love to have him at 2B), Ray Durham (26 hr, 93 rbi, .898 obs plus slugging last year - not bad), Gil Meche (young pitcher whom Duncan could mold), Jason Schmidt (hope not, but who knows).
*There's been rumors about the Cardinals signing Barry Bonds to bat behind Pujols (forget about it) and Alfonso Soriano signing some monstrous contract and playing either LF or 2B (forget about it).
fun havin' ya.
*The Rams. The Rams. The Rams. Can't beat Kansas City at the ED. Can't beat Matt Hasselbeck-less and Sean Alexander-less Seahawks. Lost to San Fransico. Lost Orlando Pace. Have Carolina (who is good with Steve Smith), San Fransico (who we can't seem to beat), and the Bears (who are also good, in case you haven't noticed) left on the schedule. The way the Rams roll, you must expect them to beat Carolina and Chicago, and lose to San Fransico. Or maybe we shouldn't even think they'll win any of those games, and we can just hope they can beat the three worse teams in the league (Arizona, Oakland, Washington) as the season winds down.
*I'm not quitting on the Rams. But it feels like they're quitting on us.
*The Blues lost two games this past week, both to teams who are below them in the division (Chicago and Columbus). They continue to shake up their lines but they haven't found the potion yet. Bill Guerin is playing better than most expected (13 points), Keith Tkachuk is doing what he usually does (15 points), and second year forward Lee Stempniak is playing well also (13 points).
*I said before the season that I think the Blues will earn a playoff spot, things aren't looking as good on ice as they did on paper. I'm getting worried. Things should get better however, Barrett Jackman is back from injury and Jay McKee should be coming along soon as well. The addition of these two defensemen should shore things up in front of the net, where the duo of goalies (why has the NHL all of a sudden become a two goalie per team league?), Manny Legace and Curtis Sanford continue to split time.
*The goalie watch:
-Legace: 9 games, 3-5 record, 3.33 GAA, .884 sv%.
- Sanford: 8 games, 2-3 record, 2.95 GAA, .901 sv%
*Missouri basketball has started, does anybody care yet? Missouri football is losing again, and we should end up where we end up every year (Independence Bowl). I know there were a few of you out there who were thinking BCS when the Tigers started 7-0. Don't lie about it. All they had to do was beat Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas in the BIG 12 Title game. Most of us knew better. However, the Tigers can still finish up impressive if they win out. Cross your fingers.
*Winter meetings started today. A few names to keep your eye on, who I think could become Cardinals this offseason: Woody Williams (would like to come back), Craig Counsell (plays like Eckstein, would look scrappy turning double plays with the WS MVP), Tomo Ohka, Adam Kennedy (another defensive option at 2B), Luis Gonzalez, Frank Catalanotto (I, personally, would love to have him at 2B), Ray Durham (26 hr, 93 rbi, .898 obs plus slugging last year - not bad), Gil Meche (young pitcher whom Duncan could mold), Jason Schmidt (hope not, but who knows).
*There's been rumors about the Cardinals signing Barry Bonds to bat behind Pujols (forget about it) and Alfonso Soriano signing some monstrous contract and playing either LF or 2B (forget about it).
fun havin' ya.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
TO ALL BLOGGERS EVERYWHERE.....
Pull your heads out of your butt, or get out of bed, or put down the remote control. This is getting out of control. What is wrong? Are your girlfriends not letting you check the site anymore? Are they not letting you "play" on the computer because they want you to spend more time with them? Even worse, are your boyfriends doing the same thing to all of you female bloggers in the crowd? AND ARE YOU LETTING THEM GET AWAY WITH IT?????
Here's my case:
I just posted a blog about the hottest topic in St. Louis right now - St. Louis starting pitching. And I've heard TWO responses.
I just said that we were going to have Dontrelle Willis in our rotation next year. And I've had TWO posts.
Oh, you wanted more...is that it? Well, how about my bold statement that not only will we have Willis in our rotation, but he will be accompanied by Chris Carpenter, Jeff Suppan, Mark Mulder, and Adam Wainwright. TWO POSTS. NO EMAILS.
I said that, with this rotation, the Cardinals would have the best staff in the National League - and possibly in the entire BIGS. This coming in an offseason where we have one for sure starter signed. TWO POSTS. NO EMAILS.
I said that we would keep Jim Edmonds? Pay him $10 million to be hurt and hit .250? I said we would trade Anthony Reyes? I said we would trade Chris Duncan? I also said that Chris Duncan wasn't worth a crap? TWO POSTS. NO RESPONSES.
O wait, I know what it is. Everybody is caught up watching Blues hockey on TV, right? Ok, well then how come every time I post something about the Blues I hardly get ONE response. I'd be willing to bet you guys would prefer that I didn't even write a damn thing about the Blues, wouldn't you? You'd rather them just go away. Right?
Go back to bed with your significant others. I'm moving to Kansas City, where they have REAL sports fans.
Here's my case:
I just posted a blog about the hottest topic in St. Louis right now - St. Louis starting pitching. And I've heard TWO responses.
I just said that we were going to have Dontrelle Willis in our rotation next year. And I've had TWO posts.
Oh, you wanted more...is that it? Well, how about my bold statement that not only will we have Willis in our rotation, but he will be accompanied by Chris Carpenter, Jeff Suppan, Mark Mulder, and Adam Wainwright. TWO POSTS. NO EMAILS.
I said that, with this rotation, the Cardinals would have the best staff in the National League - and possibly in the entire BIGS. This coming in an offseason where we have one for sure starter signed. TWO POSTS. NO EMAILS.
I said that we would keep Jim Edmonds? Pay him $10 million to be hurt and hit .250? I said we would trade Anthony Reyes? I said we would trade Chris Duncan? I also said that Chris Duncan wasn't worth a crap? TWO POSTS. NO RESPONSES.
O wait, I know what it is. Everybody is caught up watching Blues hockey on TV, right? Ok, well then how come every time I post something about the Blues I hardly get ONE response. I'd be willing to bet you guys would prefer that I didn't even write a damn thing about the Blues, wouldn't you? You'd rather them just go away. Right?
Go back to bed with your significant others. I'm moving to Kansas City, where they have REAL sports fans.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Trot Your Best Five Out There (But Who Are They?)
1) Chris Carpenter
2) Dontrelle Willis
3) Jeff Suppan
4) Mark Mulder
5) Adam Wainwright
There they are. You're starting five for next season's Redbirds. If you would have told anybody two years ago that after winning the 2006 World Series, Mark Mulder would start the following season as the Cards' number four starter, they would have thought you're crazy. But that's the truth, he's the number four...at best.
And Adam Wainwright - sure he made a case for the closer role over the last month of the season but I don't think you just decide to replace a guy like Jason Isringhausen because a young stud got hot. So Wainwright goes into the fifth starter role...for now, until we see how Izzy responds to surgery.
Carp is obviously your number one, no questions asked. And Jeff Suppan is resigned and slid into your number three role. And he's dominant once again.
Willis in the two hole. And there you have it.
Questions and comments, let me know?
OH WAIT.... It just occurred to me that perhaps Willis may be a bit of a surprise to some of you. And perhaps you're wondering why Anthony Reyes isn't in the rotation like most people expected. Well, we will trade Chris Duncan and Anthony Reyes to the Florida Marlins to get D-Train, so there's that.
I'm talking about a perfect world, aren't I? If you really want to know what I believe, then listen up. Not much changes next season guys, especially in the case of the front office handing more money to Walt Jocketty. The Dewitt Bros. have now seen that you can win a World Championship on $90 million dollars, so they'll do their best to try it again. They're not going to sign any big namer in the free agent market, trust me.
BUT WHAT THEY MIGHT DO: Leave it in the hands of General Manager genius Walt Jocketty. He can pull off this Willis trade folks, believe it. Here's how it works: Florida is still in the market for young players, Duncan and Reyes are both young. Florida is still looking to trade Willis, like they have been the last two years, but no team has been able or willing to offer them young players with boatloads of potential - the Cardinals can do this. Florida would get a young pitcher in Reyes, and a young first basemen in Duncan. The Cardinals get a legit number one starter who will throw behind Carpenter in the rotation.
Still not convinced? Why, because you're hesitant about getting rid of Reyes? Yea, so was I. But we aren't sure what Reyes is really made of, he's shined at times and he's looked terrible at other times, Willis pretty much always brings the same thing. Reyes CANNOT pitch on short rest, Willis can. Reyes CANNOT provide the Cardinals with that extremely important number two starter in the postseason, Willis can. Carpenter and any other Cardinal pitcher can't give the Cardinals the most potent 1-2 starters in the National League, Carpenter and Willis can.
BUT...would the Cardinals really be able to get Willis and keep Jeff Suppan? I'm not sure, it doesn't seem likely. But when you think about where the Cardinals are going to be spending money in the offseason, it pretty much all lies in pitching. They're going to sign Edmonds for $10 million, Ronnie Belliard wouldn't be a Cardinal if we get Willis and Suppan (Aaron Miles would have to start at second), but other than that not much changes. Preston Wilson would become important to resign if we trade Duncan, and he has said that he would stay in St. Louis if he knows he'll be getting plenty of playing time.
So. We take on D-Train's contract and sign Suppan and it ends there. No more money spent.
(Also of note: Florida is interested in Jim Edmonds)
I know it's a little much to swallow, and maybe tough for the Cardinals club to pull it all off. But wouldn't it be sweet?
IF WE DON'T GET WILLIS: Then I would say it goes Carpenter, Suppan, Mulder, Wainwright, Reyes.
*We sign Mulder for one year, a incentive-laden deal, and simply hope that he regains form. If we trade for Willis, this would give the Cardinals two big name lefty starters (very interesting). But as far as Mulder goes, I don't think it will be so easy for the Cardinals to simply resign him for one year like everybody thinks. He's won more games than other LEFT-HANDED starter in the last six years, and we all know how much teams are paying for lefties these days. I think the best chance the Cardinals have at getting Mulder for cheap is if Mark decides that he'd rather sign a one year deal and prove he's still got his stuff and then cash big in 2008.
*Wainwright starts in the rotation. Izzy in the 'pen (when he gets healthy, until then.....we'll cover that in "bullpen" session.) If things go nuts in the closer role and Izzy can't back to form, then you consider bringing Wainwright back to bullpen and you find a fifth starter on the waiver wire.
*We hope Reyes brings his good stuff on a consistent basis, and thats all we can do....hope.
*Weaver goes bye-bye, but I wish it was different. I'm assuming he'd like to cash in while he can, and the chance may not be there many more years for Weaver. Although I think he'd be best under Dave Duncan. Weaver could be damned good again, now that he's got some confidence back. Or it could just be a case of a pitcher getting hot, and he'll go back to the Jeff Weaver who was cut during the regular season. Best wishes to Jeff, it was a pleasure having him aboard.
*Late in the season, long after we've forgotten about Jason Marquis, ESPN comes out with breaking news during a late night Sportscenter. Despite the Yankees investing millions of dollars on him, Jason Marquis washes up at the bottom of the burger flipping industry.
Do you think I'm crazy? Let me know...
2) Dontrelle Willis
3) Jeff Suppan
4) Mark Mulder
5) Adam Wainwright
There they are. You're starting five for next season's Redbirds. If you would have told anybody two years ago that after winning the 2006 World Series, Mark Mulder would start the following season as the Cards' number four starter, they would have thought you're crazy. But that's the truth, he's the number four...at best.
And Adam Wainwright - sure he made a case for the closer role over the last month of the season but I don't think you just decide to replace a guy like Jason Isringhausen because a young stud got hot. So Wainwright goes into the fifth starter role...for now, until we see how Izzy responds to surgery.
Carp is obviously your number one, no questions asked. And Jeff Suppan is resigned and slid into your number three role. And he's dominant once again.
Willis in the two hole. And there you have it.
Questions and comments, let me know?
OH WAIT.... It just occurred to me that perhaps Willis may be a bit of a surprise to some of you. And perhaps you're wondering why Anthony Reyes isn't in the rotation like most people expected. Well, we will trade Chris Duncan and Anthony Reyes to the Florida Marlins to get D-Train, so there's that.
I'm talking about a perfect world, aren't I? If you really want to know what I believe, then listen up. Not much changes next season guys, especially in the case of the front office handing more money to Walt Jocketty. The Dewitt Bros. have now seen that you can win a World Championship on $90 million dollars, so they'll do their best to try it again. They're not going to sign any big namer in the free agent market, trust me.
BUT WHAT THEY MIGHT DO: Leave it in the hands of General Manager genius Walt Jocketty. He can pull off this Willis trade folks, believe it. Here's how it works: Florida is still in the market for young players, Duncan and Reyes are both young. Florida is still looking to trade Willis, like they have been the last two years, but no team has been able or willing to offer them young players with boatloads of potential - the Cardinals can do this. Florida would get a young pitcher in Reyes, and a young first basemen in Duncan. The Cardinals get a legit number one starter who will throw behind Carpenter in the rotation.
Still not convinced? Why, because you're hesitant about getting rid of Reyes? Yea, so was I. But we aren't sure what Reyes is really made of, he's shined at times and he's looked terrible at other times, Willis pretty much always brings the same thing. Reyes CANNOT pitch on short rest, Willis can. Reyes CANNOT provide the Cardinals with that extremely important number two starter in the postseason, Willis can. Carpenter and any other Cardinal pitcher can't give the Cardinals the most potent 1-2 starters in the National League, Carpenter and Willis can.
BUT...would the Cardinals really be able to get Willis and keep Jeff Suppan? I'm not sure, it doesn't seem likely. But when you think about where the Cardinals are going to be spending money in the offseason, it pretty much all lies in pitching. They're going to sign Edmonds for $10 million, Ronnie Belliard wouldn't be a Cardinal if we get Willis and Suppan (Aaron Miles would have to start at second), but other than that not much changes. Preston Wilson would become important to resign if we trade Duncan, and he has said that he would stay in St. Louis if he knows he'll be getting plenty of playing time.
So. We take on D-Train's contract and sign Suppan and it ends there. No more money spent.
(Also of note: Florida is interested in Jim Edmonds)
I know it's a little much to swallow, and maybe tough for the Cardinals club to pull it all off. But wouldn't it be sweet?
IF WE DON'T GET WILLIS: Then I would say it goes Carpenter, Suppan, Mulder, Wainwright, Reyes.
*We sign Mulder for one year, a incentive-laden deal, and simply hope that he regains form. If we trade for Willis, this would give the Cardinals two big name lefty starters (very interesting). But as far as Mulder goes, I don't think it will be so easy for the Cardinals to simply resign him for one year like everybody thinks. He's won more games than other LEFT-HANDED starter in the last six years, and we all know how much teams are paying for lefties these days. I think the best chance the Cardinals have at getting Mulder for cheap is if Mark decides that he'd rather sign a one year deal and prove he's still got his stuff and then cash big in 2008.
*Wainwright starts in the rotation. Izzy in the 'pen (when he gets healthy, until then.....we'll cover that in "bullpen" session.) If things go nuts in the closer role and Izzy can't back to form, then you consider bringing Wainwright back to bullpen and you find a fifth starter on the waiver wire.
*We hope Reyes brings his good stuff on a consistent basis, and thats all we can do....hope.
*Weaver goes bye-bye, but I wish it was different. I'm assuming he'd like to cash in while he can, and the chance may not be there many more years for Weaver. Although I think he'd be best under Dave Duncan. Weaver could be damned good again, now that he's got some confidence back. Or it could just be a case of a pitcher getting hot, and he'll go back to the Jeff Weaver who was cut during the regular season. Best wishes to Jeff, it was a pleasure having him aboard.
*Late in the season, long after we've forgotten about Jason Marquis, ESPN comes out with breaking news during a late night Sportscenter. Despite the Yankees investing millions of dollars on him, Jason Marquis washes up at the bottom of the burger flipping industry.
Do you think I'm crazy? Let me know...
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Cardinal Offseason - Part 1: Outfield
We start this five part segment (outfield, infield, starting rotation, bullpen, and minor league system) regarding the Cardinals offseason with the outfield. We start here simply because the first comment I received was from "bird watcher" asking about Chris Duncan:
"Dave, I've always had this idea in the back of my mind about trading Chris Duncan while he's young and fresh. We've all seen how horrible he is in the field, and he'll never play first base because of Pujols. In the National League, his value is dwindling every time he takes the field because he can't catch a fly ball. However, he is obviously valuable at the plate. What are your thoughts on trading him off while he's young for somebody who could be more useful for the Cardinals in the long run?"
Thanks for the comment Oh Holy Bird Watcher. Although I agree with much of your assessment about Chris Duncan, I do think, however, that he is capable of catching a fly ball. Just not when it's hit directly to him.
So what to do with Chris Duncan? I think this is probably the biggest question in the outfield when it comes to the Cardinals. Should we trade him now while he has some value? Should we keep him and try to stash him in right field and hope his bat makes up for his defense? Should we force him to play winter ball all offseason and hit fly balls at him in the dark until he has instincts like Jim Edmonds? What to do?
Well, Bird Watcher, here's the truth. Chris Duncan doesn't have any trade value. Or at least he doesn't have enough value to trade him, lets put it that way. What can we get for a guy who's terrible in the field, and got hot with the bat the first time Major League pitchers pitched him? Maybe a sub-par middle reliever? Maybe? Do you remember Bo Hart? Although the comparison between Hart and Duncan doesn't make much sense when it comes to the type of player they both represent, it does hold some merit. Often times hitters come out of the minor leagues and get red hot for a month or so until major league scouts can get tapes on them, once they are scouted and pitchers understand how to get them out, these hitters cool off drastically. This was the case with Bo Hart, and could be the case with Chris Duncan. Obviously Dunc has power, but power means nothing when you can't make contact. I don't mean to completely play "playa-hata" on Dunc here, I think he can become a solid major league player - both in the box and on the field, but he needs practice. And I think he'll get that practice in the Cardinals organization. With the a potential talent like his, I don't see the point in trading him right now. His value isn't worth the risk.
All that said, I wouldn't expect the Cardinals to hand him a starting outfield spot next year. They will need a back-up plan, and that's where this offseason could get interesting (although, not really).
Truth be told, I don't see the Cardinals doing anything with their outfield this off season outside of taking Jim Edmonds' option for another year, and resigning Preston Wilson. Now, don't throw your hands up here about the Edmonds deal and start screaming "SHENANIGANS!!!" For those of you who don't think he's worth the $10 million he's do next year, consider the following: his playoff worth is tremendous (continually), his defense saves three runs every five games (I promise), and when he's hot he provides a scary clean-up option for Pujols. Yes, yes, yes, I know he strikes out a lot and I know he gets hurt a lot and as my dad always says "he's the only player ever to play Major League Baseball that demands hate from you one inning and absolute love from you the next." He's that kind of player, and we've dealt with him this long. So deal with him one more year. He's a leader, the heart of the club. And in all honesty, with a $3 million buyout, can the Cardinals do better than Edmonds for $7 million? Hardly.
The only reason we wouldn't sign Edmonds back is if his money gets in the way of Suppan's, and it won't because both players are unselfish. Edmonds has renegotiated his contract three times now so that the Cardinals could sign a pitcher, expect him to do it again. Plus, outside of Suppan the Cardinals aren't going to spend any money anyway, so what's $10 million on Edmonds?
Now that I've given a strong case for keeping Edmonds, let me present this: sign Edmonds and then trade him and Chris Duncan for a starting pitcher, probably a third starter??? Not many people have considered this option, and I don't expect it to happen considering the class of the Cardinals organization and their commitment to their players. But if this were the Yankees......
Sign Preston Wilson because he's a descent outfielder with an ok bat and he won't cost much. He's a fine bench player, and spot starter against lefties when Duncan rides pine.
Encarnacion stays put. Unless you send him and Dunc in a deal for a pitcher, which is more likely than Edmonds/Duncan for a pitcher. But I see Encarnacion being here until at least the All-Star break.
As far as I can see it, here's how the Cardinals outfield stacks up for next year:
Encarnacion - LF (even though his natural position is right)
Duncan/Wilson -RF
Edmonds - CF
Taguchi- B
Spiezo -B
Schumaker - B
Bigbie - B
Two surprises? Larry Bigbie and Skip Schumaker? Well, Bigbie has been here and proved he can put wood on the ball (in Colorado, however). Although it sounds laughable, in all honesty Bigbie could compete for that third outfield job. Or he could vanish from the face of the earth. Schumaker has spent the last couple of years in the Memphis, and I think he's probably ready for a bench spot at the big league level. He was with the team all post-season getting to see what its like at pressure levels, and I think he's a fine option at centerfield to back-up Edmonds.
J-Rod? Where did he go, Dave? Well, I'm not even really sure why he is in our organization much less on your big league roster and, even more disgusting, pinch-hitting in a World Series game at a crucial time.Hopefully he's gone. The Cardinals have no need for a par-level defensive outfielder who strikes out 75% percent of the time at the dish.
So there's that. Let me hear your thoughts. I can't wait. POST. POST. POST.
Oh wait....did you guys want me to include Ronnie Belliard in the outfield scheme, or just deal with him when we get to the infielders?
As of October 31, at midnight, these outfielders have declared free agency, and a quick thought on their possibility as a Cardinal: Darin Erstad (maybe, in price range), Gabe Kapler (not worth it), Trot Nixon (too old), Matt Stairs (probably too expensive), Shannon Stewart (no), Bernie Williams (too old,plus he's a former Yankee), Jay Payton (maybe because of price, but doubtful), Mark De LaRosa (no), Carlos Lee (that would be nice, wouldn't it? Probably depends on how much we want to spend on pitching), Gary Matthews Jr.(kid can D, I'd like him in left), Frank Catalanotto (to big of a name, won't fit on jersey), Brian Jordan (farewell tour? He always was my favorite player growing up), Juan Pierre (who? We have our leadoff hitter, Juan. Stay in Chicago), Todd Hollandsworth (too old, does anybody else think Oral Herschiser when they see Hollandsworth name?), Cliff Floyd (we don't like losers), Michael Tucker (we don't like old losers), Ricky Ledee (no), Dave Roberts (too old), Moises Alou (he urinates on his hands to make them tough), Barry Bonds (Ha!), Jose Guillen (way overpriced), Alfonso Soriano (not a contract year, he'll complain the entire season. I hope he and Bonds go to the Yanks).
"Dave, I've always had this idea in the back of my mind about trading Chris Duncan while he's young and fresh. We've all seen how horrible he is in the field, and he'll never play first base because of Pujols. In the National League, his value is dwindling every time he takes the field because he can't catch a fly ball. However, he is obviously valuable at the plate. What are your thoughts on trading him off while he's young for somebody who could be more useful for the Cardinals in the long run?"
Thanks for the comment Oh Holy Bird Watcher. Although I agree with much of your assessment about Chris Duncan, I do think, however, that he is capable of catching a fly ball. Just not when it's hit directly to him.
So what to do with Chris Duncan? I think this is probably the biggest question in the outfield when it comes to the Cardinals. Should we trade him now while he has some value? Should we keep him and try to stash him in right field and hope his bat makes up for his defense? Should we force him to play winter ball all offseason and hit fly balls at him in the dark until he has instincts like Jim Edmonds? What to do?
Well, Bird Watcher, here's the truth. Chris Duncan doesn't have any trade value. Or at least he doesn't have enough value to trade him, lets put it that way. What can we get for a guy who's terrible in the field, and got hot with the bat the first time Major League pitchers pitched him? Maybe a sub-par middle reliever? Maybe? Do you remember Bo Hart? Although the comparison between Hart and Duncan doesn't make much sense when it comes to the type of player they both represent, it does hold some merit. Often times hitters come out of the minor leagues and get red hot for a month or so until major league scouts can get tapes on them, once they are scouted and pitchers understand how to get them out, these hitters cool off drastically. This was the case with Bo Hart, and could be the case with Chris Duncan. Obviously Dunc has power, but power means nothing when you can't make contact. I don't mean to completely play "playa-hata" on Dunc here, I think he can become a solid major league player - both in the box and on the field, but he needs practice. And I think he'll get that practice in the Cardinals organization. With the a potential talent like his, I don't see the point in trading him right now. His value isn't worth the risk.
All that said, I wouldn't expect the Cardinals to hand him a starting outfield spot next year. They will need a back-up plan, and that's where this offseason could get interesting (although, not really).
Truth be told, I don't see the Cardinals doing anything with their outfield this off season outside of taking Jim Edmonds' option for another year, and resigning Preston Wilson. Now, don't throw your hands up here about the Edmonds deal and start screaming "SHENANIGANS!!!" For those of you who don't think he's worth the $10 million he's do next year, consider the following: his playoff worth is tremendous (continually), his defense saves three runs every five games (I promise), and when he's hot he provides a scary clean-up option for Pujols. Yes, yes, yes, I know he strikes out a lot and I know he gets hurt a lot and as my dad always says "he's the only player ever to play Major League Baseball that demands hate from you one inning and absolute love from you the next." He's that kind of player, and we've dealt with him this long. So deal with him one more year. He's a leader, the heart of the club. And in all honesty, with a $3 million buyout, can the Cardinals do better than Edmonds for $7 million? Hardly.
The only reason we wouldn't sign Edmonds back is if his money gets in the way of Suppan's, and it won't because both players are unselfish. Edmonds has renegotiated his contract three times now so that the Cardinals could sign a pitcher, expect him to do it again. Plus, outside of Suppan the Cardinals aren't going to spend any money anyway, so what's $10 million on Edmonds?
Now that I've given a strong case for keeping Edmonds, let me present this: sign Edmonds and then trade him and Chris Duncan for a starting pitcher, probably a third starter??? Not many people have considered this option, and I don't expect it to happen considering the class of the Cardinals organization and their commitment to their players. But if this were the Yankees......
Sign Preston Wilson because he's a descent outfielder with an ok bat and he won't cost much. He's a fine bench player, and spot starter against lefties when Duncan rides pine.
Encarnacion stays put. Unless you send him and Dunc in a deal for a pitcher, which is more likely than Edmonds/Duncan for a pitcher. But I see Encarnacion being here until at least the All-Star break.
As far as I can see it, here's how the Cardinals outfield stacks up for next year:
Encarnacion - LF (even though his natural position is right)
Duncan/Wilson -RF
Edmonds - CF
Taguchi- B
Spiezo -B
Schumaker - B
Bigbie - B
Two surprises? Larry Bigbie and Skip Schumaker? Well, Bigbie has been here and proved he can put wood on the ball (in Colorado, however). Although it sounds laughable, in all honesty Bigbie could compete for that third outfield job. Or he could vanish from the face of the earth. Schumaker has spent the last couple of years in the Memphis, and I think he's probably ready for a bench spot at the big league level. He was with the team all post-season getting to see what its like at pressure levels, and I think he's a fine option at centerfield to back-up Edmonds.
J-Rod? Where did he go, Dave? Well, I'm not even really sure why he is in our organization much less on your big league roster and, even more disgusting, pinch-hitting in a World Series game at a crucial time.Hopefully he's gone. The Cardinals have no need for a par-level defensive outfielder who strikes out 75% percent of the time at the dish.
So there's that. Let me hear your thoughts. I can't wait. POST. POST. POST.
Oh wait....did you guys want me to include Ronnie Belliard in the outfield scheme, or just deal with him when we get to the infielders?
As of October 31, at midnight, these outfielders have declared free agency, and a quick thought on their possibility as a Cardinal: Darin Erstad (maybe, in price range), Gabe Kapler (not worth it), Trot Nixon (too old), Matt Stairs (probably too expensive), Shannon Stewart (no), Bernie Williams (too old,plus he's a former Yankee), Jay Payton (maybe because of price, but doubtful), Mark De LaRosa (no), Carlos Lee (that would be nice, wouldn't it? Probably depends on how much we want to spend on pitching), Gary Matthews Jr.(kid can D, I'd like him in left), Frank Catalanotto (to big of a name, won't fit on jersey), Brian Jordan (farewell tour? He always was my favorite player growing up), Juan Pierre (who? We have our leadoff hitter, Juan. Stay in Chicago), Todd Hollandsworth (too old, does anybody else think Oral Herschiser when they see Hollandsworth name?), Cliff Floyd (we don't like losers), Michael Tucker (we don't like old losers), Ricky Ledee (no), Dave Roberts (too old), Moises Alou (he urinates on his hands to make them tough), Barry Bonds (Ha!), Jose Guillen (way overpriced), Alfonso Soriano (not a contract year, he'll complain the entire season. I hope he and Bonds go to the Yanks).
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