Scoreboard Watching 2011

[Homer Bailey]

I'm with Reds44. I don't think it's too early. Let's not act like we're not paying attention to the rest of the action in the NL, and the MLB for that matter. These threads were a lot of fun last year, and I'd imagine this won't be the last one.

Phillies just pulled a win out against the Astros after being down 4-0 and down 4-2 in the 9th. I still like the under on 97.5 wins for that team.

Cubs trail the Buccos 4-2 in the 6th on the North side.


Dunn just went yard in Cleveland. The guy just loves opening day.

[RBA]

Astros just pulled a win out against the Astros after being down 4-0 and down 4-2 in the 9th. I still like the under on 97.5 wins for that team.

.

Phillies

[Homer Bailey]

Phillies

Fixed. Off to an awesome start, haha.

[CTA513]

Not a good start for Carmona and the Indians.

Its the 4th inning and they are down 8-0
Carmona: 3 IP, 11 Hits (2 HR), 8 Runs, 1 BB, 5 K (88 pitches)

[reds44]

lol good stat for Mike Quade today. Left Dempster in about four batters too long.
And he gave Pena a 3-0 green light.

Dunn has a homer and four RBIs for the ChiSox today.

[Tornon]

Dunn has a homer and four RBIs for the ChiSox today.

I think he's going to have a huge year there & I think it's going to be fun to watch

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think he's going to have a huge year there & I think it's going to be fun to watch

I agree. Dunn in a DH role is a match made in heaven. It was only a matter of time.

[Homer Bailey]

Pirates beat the Cubs 6-3. Maybe this isn't the year for the Cubs?

[The Voice of IH]

Great game going on in Colorado! in the 10th and the Rockies just gunned a runner at home.

[Homer Bailey]

Cardinals down 7-3 in the 5th to the almighty Padres.

[Matt700wlw]

Couldn't happen to a better team.

[kbrake]

Berkman and Theriot have made the Cards game well worth my time. Hilarious watching the Cards try to catch the baseball.

[cincrazy]

Berkman and Theriot have made the Cards game well worth my time. Hilarious watching the Cards try to catch the baseball.

I think this team is worse than it was last year. And if it wasn't for a hot start last year, I don't know if they would have finished over .500.

[_Sir_Charles_]

11-3 Pads over the Cards in the 9th. Westbrook started and got shelled. Such a shame. :D

[Chip R]

#Losing

[Homer Bailey]

Brew Crew up 1-0 in the 6th against the Braves. Cubs up 2-1 in the 6th against the D-Backs.

[cincrazy]

Braves tie it up on a Martin Prado homer leading off the top of the 8th on a 3-2 count. Drills it off of Saito. Helloooooo bullpen problems.

[Scrap Irony]

Check that. The Braves just went ahead on Dan Uggla's dinger in the 8th off Saito.

Bullpen continues to leak like a sieve in Milwaukee.

[Homer Bailey]

Uggla. YARD. 2-1 Braves in the 8th.

[The Operator]

I love watching The Brewers lose. :) It brings me so much joy it should almost be illegal.

But that can be said for most division rivals, sans Pirates. Love beating them, but they're the Pirates so it's not more special than any other win.

[The Operator]

The Milwaukee Brewers are 0-4 to start this season. Oh yea!

[Marc D]

The Milwaukee Brewers are 0-4 to start this season. Oh yea!

With Derek Lowe pitching for the Braves tomorrow.

[Homer Bailey]

With Derek Lowe pitching for the Braves tomorrow.

The current Brewers own Lowe over 142 AB's though with this line:

.380/.441/.507/.948

I'll be betting the Brewers tomorrow.

[Homer Bailey]

Don't let Cubs fans tell you they sell out Wrigley every day. 26K attended today's game (per ESPN), and if you watch the highlights, I have a hard time believing there were that many there.

[Marc D]

The current Brewers own Lowe over 142 AB's though with this line:

.380/.441/.507/.948

I'll be betting the Brewers tomorrow.


Thanks. Didn't realize that.

If I'm betting on that game I'd still only take MIL for the first 5 innings.

Don't want any of my hard won money riding on that bullpen. ;)

[Homer Bailey]

Thanks. Didn't realize that.

If I'm betting on that game I'd still only take MIL for the first 5 innings.

Don't want any of my hard won money riding on that bullpen. ;)

Excellent point. I will factor that in for sure.

[SirFelixCat]

Since it's an off day, I'm thoroughly enjoying watching Charlie Morton and the Pirates lead St. Louis 4-1 in the 6th. :)

[The Operator]

Ah yes. Bad Kyle shows up in the 6th and The Cards are down 4-1. Lovin' it.

[Captain Hook]

Since it's an off day, I'm thoroughly enjoying watching Charlie Morton and the Pirates lead St. Louis 4-1 in the 6th. :)

I was looking forward to watching that game but forgot that mlb.tv blacks out the Pirates:thumbdown

[The Operator]

Boo. Cards are rallying on Evan Meek right now. 4-2 and threatening.

[Chip R]

Pirates win

[Screwball]

Pirates win 4-3.

[HeatherC1212]

The Orioles are 4-0 after their Camden Yards opening day win earlier this afternoon and they've played the Rays and Tigers so far (no gimme wins). Not too shabby for those guys and I'm stoked Brian Roberts is hitting so well! My fantasy team is enjoying that too, LOL :laugh:

[The Operator]

Cards fall to 1-3!

If you told me we'd start 3-0 while our two chief division rivals start 0-4 and 1-3 respectively, I'd gladly take it.

That being said, it's way early. But they all count just the same.

[PuffyPig]

Pirates win 4-3.

Cards sent up Schumaker, Descalso and Theriot in the 9th, and wonder why they can't rally.

[Patrick Bateman]

Descalso

Okay, now you're just making up names.

[reds44]

2.5 up on the Cardinals and 3.5 up on the Brewers.

Can't hurt.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Evan Meek has been getting lit up for the Pirates. He was nails last year, wonder what's changed.

On the flip side...Hanrahan has been flat out FILTHY. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...the Pirates are going to surprise some people. Not top half of division surprise, but better than some teams people thought would be top half.

[Scrap Irony]

Their starters are worse than the flotsam Cincinnati trotted out five years ago. And their offense isn't as good.

However, they're young, have some offensive talent, and some very young, talented prospects. It'll be interesting to see how they screw it up.

[PuffyPig]

Okay, now you're just making up names.


I should have just referred to them by their nicknames:

Skippy, Dirty Dan and The Riot.

You should have seen Dirty Dan's AB. He'd swing after the ball was in the cather's mitt. No kidding, go and watch it.

[PuffyPig]

Evan Meek has been getting lit up for the Pirates. He was nails last year, wonder what's changed.



Probably just a small sample size.

I remember some years back when Smoltz was a closer him getting lit up for 6 runs or more in his first game.

It took him until about the all star break to get his ERA down, but he was nails after that game.

Now Meek isn't Smoltz but a few games for a releiver can be pretty meaningless.

It'll take about 30 games to get any kind of read on the season.

[OesterPoster]

Andrew Cashner just left the Cubs game today with what they're calling "shoulder tightness". Being reported by Morosi, Olney, Heyman, etc.

[Captain Hook]

BTW the Cubs lead that game in the 6th 4-1.Castro and Colvin both have a pair of RBI.

[Captain Hook]

A win today by the Cubs would mark the first time in 547 days that the team would have a winning record.

[Sea Ray]

The Orioles are 4-0 after their Camden Yards opening day win earlier this afternoon and they've played the Rays and Tigers so far (no gimme wins). Not too shabby for those guys and I'm stoked Brian Roberts is hitting so well! My fantasy team is enjoying that too, LOL :laugh:

The Orioles have responded to Buck Showalter but I can remember going to their ballpark the first week of 2009 and they were flying high starting at 4-1

[Captain Hook]

The Orioles have responded to Buck Showalter but I can remember going to their ballpark the first week of 2009 and they were flying high starting at 4-1

If there's any team in baseball I feel bad for it's those guys.

As good as I feel the Reds are this year they could easily end up fighting in out with the Blue Jays for last in that division if they swapped places with the O's

[CTA513]

The Cubs bullpen just blew a 4-1 lead in the 7th inning.

[Captain Hook]

The Cubs bullpen just blew a 4-1 lead in the 7th inning.

Two run single for Bloomquist.Get em Willy!

4-4 after 6.5

[The Operator]

Priss Carpenter is currently being outdueled by Kevin Correia in St. Louis.

2-0 Pirates bottom 6.

[Chip R]

Priss Carpenter is currently being outdueled by Kevin Correia in St. Louis.

2-0 Pirates bottom 6.

The Bucs will be OK if they can bypass their middle relief and get it to Hanrahan.

[VR]

Priss Carpenter is currently being outdueled by Kevin Correia in St. Louis.

2-0 Pirates bottom 6.

It's amazing to look at the Cards lineup, and roster top to bottom. The Reds have a clearly dominant team on paper....it's nice to see.

[reds44]

Yadier Molina sporting some new awesome neck tattoos. As if he couldn't get anymore unlikeable.

[Edd Roush]

Nice job by Correia to get out of the seventh unscathed. 2-0 Pirates heading into the 7th inning stretch.

[reds44]

Ehehehehe Cardinals announcers talking about the Redlegs. "They're doing it in dramatic fashion.....They stole a victory from the Brewers."

So bitter.

[Chip R]

A little nugget about Pujols and the Cards from Jayson Stark.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings110405


As long as we're playing word association, a word another scout used to describe Albert Pujols so far is this one: "Anxious." Consider these numbers, courtesy of FanGraphs: In 2004, a year the Cardinals won 105 games, Pujols swung at just 15.7 percent of pitches he saw outside the strike zone. In 2006, the year St. Louis won the World Series, he was up to 19.6 percent. The last two years: 27.5 percent and 26.7 percent, respectively. And you wonder where that number might be heading if Matt Holliday is out longer, following his appendectomy, than he seems to think he'll be.

[traderumor]

Cards since 15-8 2010 April:

73-71

As I see it all the concern that "the Cards will be there" is just so much boogeyman factor. I'm putting a fork in them now, they're looking up at .500 this year and will be trying to regroup in the post-Albert era. :)

[medford]

TLR treating this one like the 7th game of the world series (surprise I know) 5 relievers after Carpenter got lifted after 6 innings. Some craptastic reliever, Evan Meek is up for the Pirates facing the top of the Card's lineup. If they get thru this inning, they look good for a win.

[medford]

Also, I just noticed the cards have 4 of their regulars sitting on the interstate at the moment (Theriot, Pujols, Molina & Freese) Their bats are really struggling, though of those 4, it may well be that only 1 hits closer to .300 than the menoza line by season's end.

Also, Cubs down 5-3 after 7.

Who'd have thought "scoreboard watching" the first week of April would have ever been this fun. I know its early, but non the less, it beats the crap out of the last decade.

[Edd Roush]

Nice 1-2-3 inning from Meek. He has really struggled this year. Glad he finally got it together against the Cards.

[Edd Roush]

Miguel Montero just homered off of John Grabow to push the DBacks lead to 6-3 with no outs in the top of the 8th.

[Quatitos]

Odd, Andy Pettite is in attendance at the Cards game. Wonder what brings him there, and if he will stay in retirement much longer.

[Edd Roush]

Odd, Andy Pettite is in attendance at the Cards game. Wonder what brings him there, and if he will stay in retirement much longer.

If Pettite were to sign with the Cardinals, he would certainly bolster their rotation and put them right up with the Reds and Brewers as favorites for the division. Hell, it might push them ahead of us. That being said, I thought he didn't sign with the Yankees because of all the bad PR that was going to come out from the Clemens case this summer.

[medford]

Odd, Andy Pettite is in attendance at the Cards game. Wonder what brings him there, and if he will stay in retirement much longer.

My only question would be, why there and not NY? Seemed like NY wanted him back this season. Perhaps he's changed his mind and NY is no longer as interested.

It makes a ton of sense from the Cards end though

[Edd Roush]

My only question would be, why there and not NY? Seemed like NY wanted him back this season. Perhaps he's changed his mind and NY is no longer as interested.

It makes a ton of sense from the Cards end though

I can't see how the Yankees would not be interested seeing how they certainly don't have the budget constraint and have Freddy Garcia in their rotation. This may be one of the few times I cheer for the Yankees.

[Edd Roush]

Juan Gutierrez gives up one in the bottom of the eight, but escapes a second and third two out jam by striking out Soriano. 6-4 DBacks heading to the ninth.

[Edd Roush]

The Cubs' third error of the day allows Parra to get on. Nady moves him over to third with a single. Two on no one out in the top of the ninth for the D Backs.

[Eric_the_Red]

Odd, Andy Pettite is in attendance at the Cards game. Wonder what brings him there, and if he will stay in retirement much longer.

Maybe he needs a refill in his syringe and heard the Cards' clubhouse is where to get it. ;)

[Edd Roush]

Molina doubles in a run. 3-1 Pirates with two outs in the ninth. Pitcher's spot is on deck. Any way LaRussa pinch hits Holliday?

[Edd Roush]

Molina doubles in a run. 3-1 Pirates with two outs in the ninth. Pitcher's spot is on deck. Any way LaRussa pinch hits Holliday?

Moot point as Daniel Descalso makes the last out. Pirates win 3-1.

[Homer Bailey]

At what point do we start rooting against the Pirates? :cool:

[The Operator]

Cardinals lose! Fall to 2-4 for the season.

[Chip R]

Maybe he needs a refill in his syringe and heard the Cards' clubhouse is where to get it. ;)


Bwahahahahahaha! :lol:

[Quatitos]

At what point do we start rooting against the Pirates? :cool:

When they are not playing against the Cubs, Cardinals, or Brewers ;)

[Edd Roush]

The DBacks do their "being a bad baseball team" thing and fail to bring home a single run with runners on the corners and no outs. Headed to the bottom of the ninth in Chicago, the score is 6-4. Soto, Dewitt and pitcher's spot due up.

[Edd Roush]

J.J. Putz puts the Cubs down in order and the DBacks win 6-4.

[PuffyPig]

At what point do we start rooting against the Pirates? :cool:


Not this year, even if they are 5 games in front of us, if they are playing another Central division team.

Their pitching staff cannot hold up.

Thankful they are beating the Cards instead of us like the start of last year.

[MattyHo4Life]

My only question would be, why there and not NY? Seemed like NY wanted him back this season. Perhaps he's changed his mind and NY is no longer as interested.

It makes a ton of sense from the Cards end though

Pettite was at the Cards game to visit his friend Lance Berkman. If there was any other reason, it wasn't reported.

[CTA513]

Cardinals took a 4-3 lead in the 9th inning, then Franklin blew the lead and the Cardinals ended up losing 5-4 in the 12th inning.

[Marc D]

Cardinals took a 4-3 lead in the 9th inning, then Franklin blew the lead and the Cardinals ended up losing 5-4 in the 12th inning.


Worth noting were the E3 from Pujols and having to use Lohse as a PH because they are a man short.

[Screwball]

Cardinals took a 4-3 lead in the 9th inning, then Franklin blew the lead and the Cardinals ended up losing 5-4 in the 12th inning.

Cards scored 2 in the top of the 9th to take the lead. Then in the bottom half, the Giants had 2 outs and nobody on base, then rallied to plate the tying run and eventually win it in extras.

Perhaps the only thing better than a Cardinals loss is a gut-wreching, bullpen-taxing, demoralizing Cardinals loss.

[MattyHo4Life]

Cardinals took a 4-3 lead in the 9th inning, then Franklin blew the lead and the Cardinals ended up losing 5-4 in the 12th inning.

I said it before, and i'll say it again. Franklin is done.

[MattyHo4Life]

Perhaps the only thing better than a Cardinals loss is a gut-wreching, bullpen-taxing, demoralizing Cardinals loss.

Funny thing is, this is the best that I've seen the Cards play. For the first time all season, they showed a lot of fight, and some younger players really stepped up. It may have been a loss, but things are starting to look promising. Except for Franklin of course.

[PuffyPig]

Funny thing is, this is the best that I've seen the Cards play. For the first time all season, they showed a lot of fight, and some younger players really stepped up. It may have been a loss, but things are starting to look promising. Except for Franklin of course.

If that is their best, the Cards are in serious trouble:

(1) Westbrook is putrid again; 2 K's, 4 W's, 2 HR's allowed, along with 3 2B's;

(2) Pujols 1-6, another GDP (though he will be fine);

(3) the only liofe they exhibited consisted of a 2 out rally fueled by a walk, a softly hit ground ball that the Giants some how played into a single, a HBP and a potential game winning hit in a huge battle by Theriot (which at the end of the day, was really the only play by any of the Cards that was worthy of much praise in the game);

(4) Franklin tied his last season's blown save total;

(5) The winning rally was fueled by an Pujols error which will happen, though Pujols will be fine. It was the game wining hit which should concern a Cards fan. A deep fly ball in the cavernvous SF outfield which hung up forever is usually routinely caught by good CF's. Stubbs would have had it easy, IMO. Neither Rasmus nor Craig looked particulary adept in tracking it down.

(6) Who are the "young" players who stepped up? Craig was 0-6. Augie pitched in and out of trouble for 2 innings, but he's a pitch to contact middle reliever type who likely will never be a difference maker. Jay failed to get a bunt down which might have won the game.

In summary I didn't see alot of fight from a team. I saw a potential game winning two out rally with one decent AB involved, but other than that the game was puncuated with a subpar starting pitching performance, not much hitting, a blown save and one great AB by Theriot. And that's the best you have seen them play?

[Sea Ray]

I said it before, and i'll say it again. Franklin is done.

They've gotten an awful lot out of Franklin. He was bound to turn back into a pumpkin at some point.

[kaldaniels]

Red Sox and Rays both 1-7 out of the gate.

[HeatherC1212]

Red Sox and Rays both 1-7 out of the gate.

And the Orioles are currently 6-2. Clearly we're living in a surreal world (although I like it), LOL :laugh:

[RBA]

2 outs, 2 on, Franklin going to blow it? bot 9, Cards 2, Giants 1

[reds44]

LOL CARDINALS. Wow!

[RBA]

Giants win!

[RBA]

That wasn't on Franklin. I'll take it.

[Quatitos]

Oh wow, Colby Rasmus drops the ball at the warning track, and Tejada gets a walkoff error.

[Captain Hook]

Cards go down 3-2.Blown SV for Franklin. Rasmus dropped the 3rd out in the 9th that allowed two runs to score.Fail.

[RBA]

They are calling it a double?

[reds44]

They are calling it a double?
That play was far from routine. Long run, Jay was closing in on him too, but that's gotta be an error.

But that's also a homer in about 25 stadiums too.

[Captain Hook]

Doesn't surprise me.It was a long run but should've been caught at the wall.

[Sea Ray]

Cards go down 3-2.Blown SV for Franklin. Rasmus dropped the 3rd out in the 9th that allowed two runs to score.Fail.

How many of us have said that the Cardinals' D will cost 'em this year? That was huge. Another demoralizing loss for the Cards. Make no mistake about it, our Reds have won some games already this year merely by catching the ball better than their opponents.

That ball dropped by Rasmus has to be caught.

However Franklin is very hittable this year. He's throwing straight 90-91MPH FBs and sliders out of the strike zone. Those hitters were taking big rips against him tonight

It's no accident the Cards record is what it is. They've earned it

[CTA513]

They are calling it a double?

They should call it double so my fantasy team gets a hit and 2 RBIs.

:D

[Blitz Dorsey]

HAHA! Gotta love seeing the Cardinals lose in such fashion. Franklin is suddenly on thin ice as the closer. Is this already three blown saves this year?

[Quatitos]

If I remember correctly from the St Louis broadcast, he is now 1 for 4 in save opportunities this year.

[Sea Ray]

They should call it double so my fantasy team gets a hit and 2 RBIs.

:D

You get your wish. I would have called it an error. Rasmus is lefthanded and he was there to grab it on his glove side; no backhand. I wonder if they'll change it

[reds44]

You get your wish. I would have called it an error. Rasmus is lefthanded and he was there to grab it on his glove side; no backhand. I wonder if they'll change it
It wasn't like he was under it though. It was a basket catch. He had a lot to deal with between Jay closing in on him and the wall. You could almost see it coming when it was in the air.

[Screwball]

But that's also a homer in about 25 stadiums too.

Yeah, Molina thought it was gone as soon as Tejada hit it. Franklin served up a meatball right down the middle.

On a side note, I'm coming to the conclusion Jaime Garcia is legit. His line tonight: 6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 9 K, 1 BB. I was looking forward to him getting knocked around this year. Guess that ain't gonna happen.

[Captain Hook]

Speaking of scoring changes I thought I'd point out that the ball hit by Janish tonight was changed to a hit.Officially he was 2-4 binging his average up to staggering .462.He's now 10-22 on the season.

[reds44]

Edwin just made his 4th error in 4 games for Toronto. Whoops.

[Captain Hook]

Edwin just made his 4th error in 4 games for Toronto. Whoops.

What's the big deal?Rolen is sure to more then that this year.;)

[The Operator]

http://www.gifsoup.com/view2/2292126/tony-larussa-o.gif

[reds44]

Is anybody watching this Blue Jays game? That was the worst call in the history of baseball.

[blumj]

Is anybody watching this Blue Jays game? That was the worst call in the history of baseball.
What happened?

[Redsfan320]

What happened?

This. (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=13640527)


That was the worst call in the history of baseball.

Pretty close. The ump was Bob Davidson (who else?). He's blown more calls and made more stupid decisions in the past year than any other ump I can think of. Hunter Wendelstedt is on that crew too. Ouch.

320

[PuffyPig]

That's the second game ni a row that Rasmus' failire to come up wrth the catch cost the Cards. He seems very tentatrive out there.

FWIW, it does seem that he is communicating with the other OF's very well.

I distinctly heard a "no #@%& way" being mumbled by Rasmus to Jay out there.

[Sea Ray]

It wasn't like he was under it though. It was a basket catch. He had a lot to deal with between Jay closing in on him and the wall. You could almost see it coming when it was in the air.

He chose to make it into a basket catch. A major leaguer should not have an issue with a teammate. As for the wall, so what? He's running side to side; not back, back, back

[MattyHo4Life]

If that is their best, the Cards are in serious trouble

The Cardinals actually showed some fight in last couple of games that the Cards played against the Giants. As a Reds fan, you are used to seeing that. I'm not used to seeing the Cardinals come back when they are behind. Last year the pitching could usually limit the other team to less runs than we scored. Once the other team took the lead...the game was pretty much over. Yeah, those two losses hurt, no question about that, but at least they looked alive towards the end of the game. That was missing a lot last year.I'm not saying there is a huge difference, because let's face it...they lost both games. It does show some promise though. Getting Holliday back will be a huge plus. Hopefully Albert gecomes Albert again soon.

[mth123]

That's the second game ni a row that Rasmus' failire to come up wrth the catch cost the Cards. He seems very tentatrive out there.

FWIW, it does seem that he is communicating with the other OF's very well.

I distinctly heard a "no #@%& way" being mumbled by Rasmus to Jay out there.

Rasmus is the Cards best young player and as a group this board was pretty critical of Larussa for his run in with him last season. Maybe his Manager knows a lot more about Rasmus than we do.

[MattyHo4Life]

However Franklin is very hittable this year. He's throwing straight 90-91MPH FBs and sliders out of the strike zone. Those hitters were taking big rips against him tonight

Like I said before, I really do think Franklin is done. I wish it wasn't true, but that doesn't make it not true. This is where losing Wainwright really hurts, because McClellan could replace Franklin as the Closer if he wasn't needed in the rotation. Motte and Boggs are both hard throwers, and may be able to replace Franklin, but they have had their own issues.

[Will M]

i watched the Cards/Giants 9th inning from last night. Tejada had a really nice at bat. He fouled off a lot of pitches before drilling one to deep left center. The ball was catchable. Not an easy catch but definitely catchable. Rasmus seemed he hesitate at the end of his run. Either Jay (coming from LF) or the wall spooked him.

Is Rasmus really a centerfielder? Or is he passable in center but really belongs in right?

[PuffyPig]

Is Rasmus really a centerfielder? Or is he passable in center but really belongs in right?



He doesn't have the arm for right. I agree he's an OK CF, but well below a Stubbs like standard.

His best position would be a great fielding LF.

[Eric_the_Red]

He doesn't have the arm for right. I agree he's an OK CF, but well below a Stubbs like standard.

His best position would be a great fielding LF.

Man, I wish there was a way for the Reds to get him. He would be a perfect fit here, IMO.

[The Operator]

Man, I wish there was a way for the Reds to get him. He would be a perfect fit here, IMO.
I'd even forgive him for the "doo doo and slop" comment about Arroyo. :D

[Captain Hook]

The Cardinals actually showed some fight in last couple of games that the Cards played against the Giants. As a Reds fan, you are used to seeing that. I'm not used to seeing the Cardinals come back when they are behind. Last year the pitching could usually limit the other team to less runs than we scored. Once the other team took the lead...the game was pretty much over. Yeah, those two losses hurt, no question about that, but at least they looked alive towards the end of the game. That was missing a lot last year.I'm not saying there is a huge difference, because let's face it...they lost both games. It does show some promise though. Getting Holliday back will be a huge plus. Hopefully Albert gecomes Albert again soon.

I can't imagine most other Cardinal fans feeling the same as you do.Not that the entire fan base is writing off your team just yet but you seem overly optimistic.I'm sure Holliday coming back will help and Albert will catch fire soon but right now it's a struggle for your boys.

[kaldaniels]

I'd even forgive him for the "doo doo and slop" comment about Arroyo. :D

Not you, but I'm amazed at the legs that statement by Rasmus has had around here. Arroyo does throw doo doo and slop...he just knows what to do with it. I'd wager when Arroyo heard that remark he laughed.

[redsfandan]

Harang is pitching a good game vs the Dodgers.

[The Operator]

Harang is pitching a good game vs the Dodgers.
The NL West is just what Harang's doctor ordered.

[MattyHo4Life]

I can't imagine most other Cardinal fans feeling the same as you do.

Oh trust me they don't. Forums like birdsonabat are some of the most pessimistic views that i've ever seen. A lot of Cardinals fans have been upset with LaRussa ever since he was hired. Bringing a World Championship to St. Louis didn't even change their minds. So it's true, I have a much different view than a lot of grumpy old men Cards fans that I know do....so we just agree to disagree. lol

I'm optomistic about some things, pessimistic over others. I'm very optimistic about the Starting Rotation, and I always have been. Pitching has to be strong for the Cardinals to win. I'm getting more pessimistic about the bullpen everyday, especially the closer. As for the line-up, it is much stronger than last year. Berkman is better than Jay. Freese is better than Lopez. Theriot is better than Ryan. Skip...well he has to have a better offensive season than last year, but his defense will be the same. I don't believe the Cardinals have a powerhouse offense. If too many players go in a slump, they are in trouble. For example, put Pujols in a slump and take Holliday out of the line-up, and you will have a bad start to the season.

So you are right, a lot of Cardinals fans probably won't agree with me. Just like a lot of Redszoners disagree about a lot of things. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing though... we all have our opinions. The Cardinals have a really good rotation even without Wainwright. As long as their starters stay strong, the Cardinals will be a contender.

[Captain Hook]

Orlando Cabrera continues to be the all time leading good luck charm.The Indians won their 7th in a row today with Cabrera(2-4) leading the way.

[MikeThierry]

Oh trust me they don't. Forums like birdsonabat are some of the most pessimistic views that i've ever seen. A lot of Cardinals fans have been upset with LaRussa ever since he was hired. Bringing a World Championship to St. Louis didn't even change their minds. So it's true, I have a much different view than a lot of grumpy old men Cards fans that I know do....so we just agree to disagree. lol

I'm optomistic about some things, pessimistic over others. I'm very optimistic about the Starting Rotation, and I always have been. Pitching has to be strong for the Cardinals to win. I'm getting more pessimistic about the bullpen everyday, especially the closer. As for the line-up, it is much stronger than last year. Berkman is better than Jay. Freese is better than Lopez. Theriot is better than Ryan. Skip...well he has to have a better offensive season than last year, but his defense will be the same. I don't believe the Cardinals have a powerhouse offense. If too many players go in a slump, they are in trouble. For example, put Pujols in a slump and take Holliday out of the line-up, and you will have a bad start to the season.

So you are right, a lot of Cardinals fans probably won't agree with me. Just like a lot of Redszoners disagree about a lot of things. There is nothing wrong with disagreeing though... we all have our opinions. The Cardinals have a really good rotation even without Wainwright. As long as their starters stay strong, the Cardinals will be a contender.


I think rational Cards fans, like me, agree with you. It always seems like the minority, when it comes to fans, is the loudest. There are a lot of good things about the team thus far, as you pointed out. I do love the fact that we are getting guys on base, which wasn't happening last year.

The starting pitching, as you said, looks very good. Garcia may actually be more dominant than last season and Lohse really looks good.

Bullpen is scary and I have a feeling I'm going to have to take a lot of antacid this season.

[RBA]

The NL West is just what Harang's doctor ordered.

Didn't the Reds just give up 10 runs today to a NL West team?

[The Operator]

Didn't the Reds just give up 10 runs today to a NL West team?Well, the big ballparks are more what I meant.

Isn't Arizona more of a hitters park? But yea, they got whallopped today. Mostly due to Leake having to fill in for Cueto and Bailey and Masset having yet another slow start though.

[757690]

Well, the big ballparks are more what I meant.

Isn't Arizona more of a hitters park? But yea, they got whallopped today. Mostly due to Leake having to fill in for Cueto and Bailey and Masset having yet another slow start though.

Leake pitched fine today. He had one rough inning, in which the D-Backs hit into a lot of good luck and he made one bad pitch. He was pretty dominant the other 4 innings. 4 K's and 2-1 GB/FB ratio.

If Leake pitches likes he did today the rest of the season, he'll probably win 15 games.

[traderumor]

Leake pitched fine today. He had one rough inning, in which the D-Backs hit into a lot of good luck and he made one bad pitch. He was pretty dominant the other 4 innings. 4 K's and 2-1 GB/FB ratio.

If Leake pitches likes he did today the rest of the season, he'll probably win 15 games.Leake is never "dominant," that's going to be his problem at the major league level. He is always going to rely on ground balls being hit at somebody. The problem is, major leaguers are seemingly able to find the holes, then he hangs one, and its a big inning.

If he won 15 games pitching the way he did today, then he would have to lead the league in run support.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leake pitched fine today. He had one rough inning, in which the D-Backs hit into a lot of good luck and he made one bad pitch. He was pretty dominant the other 4 innings. 4 K's and 2-1 GB/FB ratio.

If Leake pitches likes he did today the rest of the season, he'll probably win 15 games.

I agree. People look at the stats at the end of the start and don't get the full picture. He threw one bad pitch.


Leake is never "dominant," that's going to be his problem at the major league level. He is always going to rely on ground balls being hit at somebody. The problem is, major leaguers are seemingly able to find the holes, then he hangs one, and its a big inning.

If he won 15 games pitching the way he did today, then he would have to lead the league in run support.

What exactly are you considering "dominant"?
High strikeout numbers?.... He'll usually get 5 or 6 k's, but he'll never get the 12-15 kind of numbers. For me, a 2-1 ration in K/BB is what I'm looking for, not necessarily double digit K's.
Low runs allowed?.... He's most definitely capable of this as we all saw last year and all through his college career.
Top-notch, power arm velocity?.... We all know he doesn't have this. But he DOES have top-notch stuff. It's just based on movement, change of speeds and pin-point location. Like every other pitcher, if he's off...he gets hurt.

Ground ball pitchers can most definitely be dominant. And in our ballpark, the odds are even better.

[MattyHo4Life]

He threw one bad pitch.

How can 6 runs score on one bad pitch?

[traderumor]

I agree. People look at the stats at the end of the start and don't get the full picture. He threw one bad pitch.



What exactly are you considering "dominant"?
High strikeout numbers?.... He'll usually get 5 or 6 k's, but he'll never get the 12-15 kind of numbers. For me, a 2-1 ration in K/BB is what I'm looking for, not necessarily double digit K's.
Low runs allowed?.... He's most definitely capable of this as we all saw last year and all through his college career.
Top-notch, power arm velocity?.... We all know he doesn't have this. But he DOES have top-notch stuff. It's just based on movement, change of speeds and pin-point location. Like every other pitcher, if he's off...he gets hurt.

Ground ball pitchers can most definitely be dominant. And in our ballpark, the odds are even better.

One bad pitch? Upton nearly left the park with a drive to right that was up and out over the plate. Drew received and whalloped two fat pitches. Leake is an ongoing accident waiting to happen at this level with all the baserunners he puts on. It has nothing to do with his style that does not make him dominant, it is the results. He is a highly defense dependent pitcher, which to me makes him little more than a plug and play back of the rotation starter, at best.

As for the "one bad pitch," a stat line at the end of the game is what wins and loses ball games. His stat line was 6 runs allowed in 4-2/3 innings. He left the game behind 6-5. He didn't do his job, which is to do his part to prevent runs, which would include not making that "one bad pitch."

[Ron Madden]

Leake gave up 9H 2BB 6ER in 4.2 IP. That's not dominant.

[757690]

Leake gave up 9H 2BB 6ER in 4.2 IP. That's not dominant.

His line for the first 4 innings, when I said he looked pretty dominant, was:

4IP 4H 1BB 4K

Maybe not a dominant line, but he looked dominant. The D'backs hitters were not getting good AB's most of the game.

[_Sir_Charles_]

How can 6 runs score on one bad pitch?

Well, I'm mainly talking about the 5th inning. First batter reached when the ball deflected off Leake's glove and reached on an infield hit. Next 3 were soft ground balls that found holes. Pretty crappy luck there. He threw quite good pitches on all of them. All of that ended up plating one run. After a sac fly & a ground out...he left a hanging sinker right in the middle of the zone for the Roberts dinger.

My point was that he threw good, quality pitches on all those ground balls that squeeked through. Overall, for the entire game...I'd say he threw 2 maybe 3 bad pitches. The ground rule double back in the was left right in the heart of the zone too. I'm only saying that he didn't pitch nearly as bad as his line shows.

And let me say that I didn't think he was dominant. Only that he CAN be dominant.

[MattyHo4Life]

My point was that he threw good, quality pitches on all those ground balls that squeeked through. Overall, for the entire game...I'd say he threw 2 maybe 3 bad pitches. The ground rule double back in the was left right in the heart of the zone too. I'm only saying that he didn't pitch nearly as bad as his line shows.

Ok, I gotcha! I didn't watch the game, butI understand what you mean about him having a good game except for the 1 inning. It was only your comment about 1 pitch that I was wondering about.

Lohse had a similar situation in his 1st start this season. He pitched 7 innings and gave up 4 runs, which isn't good, but he was dominant most of the game, except for during one inning.

[MikeThierry]

Speaking of being dominant, how good has Garcia been thus far? Struck out 18 in two games and could even be better than his stellar rookie season. He has simply been a cold blooded assassin on the mound so far this year.

[PuffyPig]

Speaking of being dominant, how good has Garcia been thus far? Struck out 18 in two games and could even be better than his stellar rookie season. He has simply been a cold blooded assassin on the mound so far this year.

He's been great, especially considering how bad he was in spring training.

Just another example of how meaningless it is.

[mth123]

Here is the thing. Lots of pitchers can seem to dominate for 3 or 4 innings. Good starters need to make it through the line-up at least three times.

As for style, Leake is characterized as a ground ball pitcher as if that in and of itself is the end. Its really just a means to an end which is to limit HRs allowed and as a result limit runs allowed. GB guys will usually give up more hits than other types of pitchers. The good ones make up for it by stranding lots of runners, inducing double plays and most of all by limiting the damage by giving up very few home runs. OTOH, if a ground ball pitcher gives up lots of homers too, its detrimental because there are usually guys on base. Many on here have an image of a ground ball pitcher weaving his way through a line-up, getting deep in the game with low pitch counts and limiting runs by keeping the ball in the park. Its a nice image, but when a ground ball guy gives up a lot of home runs, he's just Kirk Saarloos. In his short career, Mike Leake has given up lots of HR. Its the same problem people have with speed guys. For every 5 tool speed burner who goes 40-40 or every uber base stealer who brings back images of Brock or Wills, there are an awful lot of Willy Taverases.

The fact that Leake is a ground ball guy in and of itself means nothing IMO. He still manages to give up a lot of HR and runs at this point.

[MikeThierry]

I gotta say, its been kind of fun watching Berkman this year. Yeah he doesn't look good in right but he still gives tough at bats and has that "old man toughness" about him. Nice to see him get 2 jacks tonight.

[Sea Ray]

Did you catch what happened in Seattle last night? The Blue Jays blew a 7 run lead late in the game but the way they did it was incredible. They ended up walking three guys in during the 8th inning and the 9th, ahead by a run and a runner on third with two outs, the Blue Jays intentionally walk Ichiro who of course steals his way into scoring position. After a ten pitch AB, the next hitter lines a gapper to win it for the M's.

All in all the 'Jays walked 11. They scored 7 off of King Felix only to blow it in this manner. Why in the world do you put the winning run on base when you only need one out? This wasn't Barry Bonds. This was singles hitter Ichiro with excellent speed. You had to figure you were intentionally putting the winning run in scoring position. Let's hope John Farrell isn't on the Reds staff anytime soon.

[Patrick Bateman]

Did you catch what happened in Seattle last night? The Blue Jays blew a 7 run lead late in the game but the way they did it was incredible. They ended up walking three guys in during the 8th inning and the 9th, ahead by a run and a runner on third with two outs, the Blue Jays intentionally walk Ichiro who of course steals his way into scoring position. After a ten pitch AB, the next hitter lines a gapper to win it for the M's.

All in all the 'Jays walked 11. They scored 7 off of King Felix only to blow it in this manner. Why in the world do you put the winning run on base when you only need one out? This wasn't Barry Bonds. This was singles hitter Ichiro with excellent speed. You had to figure you were intentionally putting the winning run in scoring position. Let's hope John Farrell isn't on the Reds staff anytime soon.

One defense, and I'm not saying I agree, but the Jays went through almost their entire pen that game, only one guy left after Camp.

Farrell might have felt pressure to get the win in the 9th rather than exhausting his last option, and even worse potentially get into his rotation.

Walking Suzuki decreased their overall chances of winning the game, but because a single would tie the game, increased their chances of winning in the 9th inning. I'm sure those factors played a large role in things, and it appears Farrell was willing to decrease his overall chances in that one game to keep his team reasonable fresh for the future. As a former pitching coach, he probably had legit reasons to do what he did.

I agree though, on the surface it looks crazy.

[westofyou]

That last AB in Seattle last night was epic, 11 pitches, foul tips stay alive.

Just an Awesome AB.

[Sea Ray]

One defense, and I'm not saying I agree, but the Jays went through almost their entire pen that game, only one guy left after Camp.

Farrell might have felt pressure to get the win in the 9th rather than exhausting his last option, and even worse potentially get into his rotation.

Walking Suzuki decreased their overall chances of winning the game, but because a single would tie the game, increased their chances of winning in the 9th inning. I'm sure those factors played a large role in things, and it appears Farrell was willing to decrease his overall chances in that one game to keep his team reasonable fresh for the future. As a former pitching coach, he probably had legit reasons to do what he did.

I agree though, on the surface it looks crazy.

Those are good points.

I wonder if his bullpen had a bad night or does he really not have much to go to. I'm sure that long game on Saturday didn't help either

[traderumor]

Cardinals and Crissy get bit by the Snakes 13-8. Upton hits one a country mile, Crissy blames slippery balls, tries to explain to his son how he gave up 8 runs to a lineup of nobodys :lol:

About that lineup of nobodys--apparently the wrong time to be playing the Dbacks. Their offense is smoking.

[MattyHo4Life]

Cardinals and Crissy get bit by the Snakes 13-8. Upton hits one a country mile, Crissy blames slippery balls, tries to explain to his son how he gave up 8 runs to a lineup of nobodys :lol:

About that lineup of nobodys--apparently the wrong time to be playing the Dbacks. Their offense is smoking.

Dude....the balls must have been slippery last night. Skip Schumaker almost went deep. He hit one that just went foul. I can't remember the last time Skip hit a ball that far. :laugh:

[Chip R]

Dude....the balls must have been slippery last night. Skip Schumaker almost went deep. He hit one that just went foul. I can't remember the last time Skip hit a ball that far. :laugh:

Probably that one against the Reds. :(

[MattyHo4Life]

Probably that one against the Reds. :(

I think there was a blue moon that night.

[Sea Ray]

Cardinals and Crissy get bit by the Snakes 13-8. Upton hits one a country mile, Crissy blames slippery balls, tries to explain to his son how he gave up 8 runs to a lineup of nobodys :lol:

About that lineup of nobodys--apparently the wrong time to be playing the Dbacks. Their offense is smoking.

Sounds reminscent of a John Smoltz rant while in a Cards uni not long ago. What is it about putting on those Cards' colors?

[Strikes Out Looking]

Sounds reminscent of a John Smoltz rant while in a Cards uni not long ago. What is it about putting on those Cards' colors?

Angry, angry Birds. Watching your perch from the top of the division implode is not pretty.

[Chip R]

Angry, angry Birds. Watching your perch from the top of the division implode is not pretty.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e381/punkyleigh/protectedimage.jpg

[Playadlc]

Cardinals and Crissy get bit by the Snakes 13-8. Upton hits one a country mile, Crissy blames slippery balls, tries to explain to his son how he gave up 8 runs to a lineup of nobodys :lol:

About that lineup of nobodys--apparently the wrong time to be playing the Dbacks. Their offense is smoking.

This is going to the the year for Justin Upton. Big year coming from him.

[MikeThierry]

I'm saying this right now. Lance Berkman might be Cardinals fans favorite player towards the end of the season. Old guy is getting it done again tonight with a Grand Slam. Puma power at work baby!

[VR]

I'm saying this right now. Lance Berkman might be Cardinals fans favorite player towards the end of the season. Old guy is getting it done again tonight with a Grand Slam. Puma power at work baby!

Seeing him come to Cards camp -25 lbs had me very concerned.....his bat still has plenty of life in it.

[MikeThierry]

Yeah, his bat speed looks so much better than last year or what he had during spring training. Love the opposite field power I'm seeing from him. Even when he doesn't get a hit, the guy is taking tough at bats.

With how Rasmus is going (best hitter on the team so far), the Cards offense looks so much better than last year. 2-5 on this team looks dangerous. Heck, even Theriot is getting on base at a .360-.380 clip. I'll take that from a lead off hitter.

Granted, this is a hitters ball park and a bad Diamondbacks pitching staff so I have to temper my excitement. That said, the offensive approach just looks so much better this year than last years horrid lineup.

[VR]

Yeah, his bat speed looks so much better than last year or what he had during spring training. Love the opposite field power I'm seeing from him. Even when he doesn't get a hit, the guy is taking tough at bats.

With how Rasmus is going (best hitter on the team so far), the Cards offense looks so much better than last year. 2-5 on this team looks dangerous. Heck, even Theriot is getting on base at a .360-.380 clip. I'll take that from a lead off hitter.

Granted, this is a hitters ball park and a bad Diamondbacks pitching staff so I have to temper my excitement. That said, the offensive approach just looks so much better this year than last years horrid lineup.

Look good at this point.....but 2-5 are all health concerns.....The Riot and Skippy will both come back to earth quickly. No bench strength either.

[MattyHo4Life]

The Riot and Skippy will both come back to earth quickly. No bench strength either.

Skip is actually playing slightly below his career average.

[MikeThierry]

Look good at this point.....but 2-5 are all health concerns.....The Riot and Skippy will both come back to earth quickly. No bench strength either.

I think once Nick Punto comes back, the bench will look better. He has a sports hernia right now but is an excellent glove.

[VR]

I think once Nick Punto comes back, the bench will look better. He has a sports hernia right now but is an excellent glove.

Good glove....no bat.

MHo4life (nice name change), Skippy is above his career OPS....and way above last year. Punch and judy's the Cards have a lot of them to go along with the big boppers.

[MattyHo4Life]

MHo4life (nice name change), Skippy is above his career OPS....and way above last year. Punch and judy's the Cards have a lot of them to go along with the big boppers.

Well, last year was an unusual season for Skip. His OPS today is .716, and his career OPS is .731. Skip is below his career OPS.

In 2009 his OPS was .757 and in 2008 his OPS was .765.

VR... I can't believe you are making me defend Skip Schumaker of all people. Geeez! lol

[mth123]

Well, last year was an unusual season for Skip. His OPS today is .716, and his career OPS is .731. Skip is below his career OPS.

In 2009 his OPS was .757 and in 2008 his OPS was .765.

VR... I can't believe you are making me defend Skip Schumaker of all people. Geeez! lol

There is no defending Skip Schumaker. He's horrible.

[MikeThierry]

There is no defending Skip Schumaker. He's horrible.

He is a serviceable 8th place hitter (hitter being the key word, not glove). He shouldn't be in the lead off spot like we were using him most of the time in previous seasons.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm saying this right now. Lance Berkman might be Cardinals fans favorite player towards the end of the season. Old guy is getting it done again tonight with a Grand Slam. Puma power at work baby!

He may be on the down side of his career, but from seeing him all these years in Houston...the guy's a class act. Great with the fans, teammates, community, everything. He was basically Houston's version of Aaron Harang IMO. I wish him well....just not his TEAM. :O)

[MattyHo4Life]

He may be on the down side of his career, but from seeing him all these years in Houston...the guy's a class act. Great with the fans, teammates, community, everything. He was basically Houston's version of Aaron Harang IMO. I wish him well....just not his TEAM. :O)

It sounds like he has already become a team leader in the clubhouse.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It sounds like he has already become a team leader in the clubhouse.

Not surprising. I'd expect nothing less from Lance.

[MattyHo4Life]

He may be on the down side of his career, but from seeing him all these years in Houston...the guy's a class act. Great with the fans, teammates, community, everything. He was basically Houston's version of Aaron Harang IMO. I wish him well....just not his TEAM. :O)

I saw this article, and immediately thought of your comments. This is an article about Berkman, and it also mentions the Reds, Masset,and Chapman at the end.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_3441352c-66a9-11e0-afb3-001a4bcf6878.html

[Homer Bailey]

Brewers up 2-0 on the Pirates early. A win tonight and they are 7-2 since the debacle in Cincinnati.

[MikeThierry]

Matty, I'm glad that you mentioned Berkman's influence within the club house. Last year, it seemed that there was almost a poisonous atmosphere within the clubhouse (thanks Felipe Lopez) and the tension was almost palpable at times. I have seen more smiles on the bench this year than I saw all season long last year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I saw this article, and immediately thought of your comments. This is an article about Berkman, and it also mentions the Reds, Masset,and Chapman at the end.

http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_3441352c-66a9-11e0-afb3-001a4bcf6878.html (http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/article_3441352c-66a9-11e0-afb3-001a4bcf6878.html)

Yep. That's the Berkman I know. He may not have the productivity he once had, but he's a fun guy to be around. I've chatted with him a couple of times during BP at Minute Maid. He's very talkative with fans IMO...similar to Phillips in that regard.

I'll be the first to admit that I got immediately worried when the Cards signed him. I know very well his history playing against Cincy. His eyes light up when he sees the Reds as opponents. Hopefully now they'll just light up from fond MEMORIES instead of forthcoming ones.

[OnBaseMachine]

Jaime Garcia gets out of more jams than anybody I've seen. So far tonight against the Dodgers:

1st inning - bases loaded, one out = no runs

2nd inning - second and third, two outs = no runs

3rd inning - runner on third, one out = no runs

[VR]

Jaime Garcia gets out of more jams than anybody I've seen. So far tonight against the Dodgers:

1st inning - bases loaded, one out = no runs

2nd inning - second and third, two outs = no runs

3rd inning - runner on third, one out = no runs

Houdini. He thrived on it last year....you'd think it would catch up to him soonner or later.

[MattyHo4Life]

Jaime Garcia gets out of more jams than anybody I've seen. So far tonight against the Dodgers:

1st inning - bases loaded, one out = no runs

2nd inning - second and third, two outs = no runs

3rd inning - runner on third, one out = no runs

Yeah, he has had a lot of luck tonight. His first two games have been very good! This game he is having problems with his control, but he is pitching out of trouble.

[MikeThierry]

Its partly luck but he is an excellent ground ball pitcher, actually one of the best in the bigs. You are more likely to get out of bad situations when you induce ground balls than fly balls.


Oh... and Pujols got rid of his leg kick (which he incorporated for some reason) and is out of his slump. Dude is on fire right now.

[MikeThierry]

Matty another thing is that I'm liking what the kids are doing off the bench. Jay and Craig seem like they are always getting on base when they come off the bench.

By the way, I thought the hitting was a product of bad pitching and the field in Arizona but this offense is just damn hot right now. Another game where the Cards score over 8 runs. Heck, this lineup doesn't even have Freese in it tonight.

[Ron Madden]

In my opinion it would behoove the Reds to make hay at home against the Pirates and Snakes before heading into ST. Louis.

Don't look now but the Brewers and Birds are playing pretty good baseball.
.

[Homer Bailey]

In my opinion it would behoove the Reds to make hay at home against the Pirates and Snakes before heading into ST. Louis.

Don't look now but the Brewers and Birds are playing pretty good baseball.
.

The Birds are 6-7.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Houdini. He thrived on it last year....you'd think it would catch up to him soonner or later.

This is what I was thinking, but at some point you just have to accept the fact that the kid is pretty damned good.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The Birds are 6-7.

And have won 4 of their last 5. They're also scoring runs now which they weren't earlier. (6, 8, 8, 15, 9 in last 5 respectively).

[membengal]

I think if things go poorly for cincy april 22-24 in st louis the season is over.

[MattyHo4Life]

This is what I was thinking, but at some point you just have to accept the fact that the kid is pretty damned good.

Chris Carpenter has said that Garcia has the best stuff of anybody on the team. It really showed in his first start of the season.

[cumberlandreds]

Chris Carpenter has said that Garcia has the best stuff of anybody on the team. It really showed in his first start of the season.

So that is what he's telling his son?

[Ron Madden]

I think if things go poorly for cincy april 22-24 in st louis the season is over.


:laugh: I doubt that anyone believes that.

[MattyHo4Life]

So that is what he's telling his son?

I doubt that lol He doesn't want his son to think Garcia has better stuff than he does. lol

[MikeThierry]

Watch out folks. Call the zoo... there is a PUMA sighting in the right field stands!

Berkman looks like he is 25 instead of 35.

[MikeThierry]

And have won 4 of their last 5. They're also scoring runs now which they weren't earlier. (6, 8, 8, 15, 9 in last 5 respectively).


Speaking of which, coming into tonight's game, this is the first time since 1979 that the Cards have had 4 straight games of 14 hits or more. The way tonight's game is going, its going to be a 5th straight game. To say that the Cards are scoring runs is an understatement right now. The lineup has simply "clicked" since Holliday has come back.

[VR]

Watch out folks. Call the zoo... there is a PUMA sighting in the right field stands!

Berkman looks like he is 25 instead of 35.

Frightening.....and it bothers me that I like him, and he plays for the Cards now. Worlds colliding.

[MattyHo4Life]

Frightening.....and it bothers me that I like him, and he plays for the Cards now. Worlds colliding.

I think that's a first for you VR. ;)

That's how I feel about Scott Rolen though.

[MikeThierry]

Cards score another 9 runs tonight, 5 of which against Kershaw. That is legit, folks.

[Homer Bailey]

Offensive over-achievement across the board for the Cards aside from that Pujols guy, and their record sits at 8-7? Will be interesting to see things once they regress.

[reds44]

Smh @ this thread becoming the Cardinal fan boy thread.

[Cedric]

Cards score another 9 runs tonight, 5 of which against Kershaw. That is legit, folks.

Like I said in another thread, looks like the whole team might be on the Mcgwire/Larussa plan.

[traderumor]

Cards score another 9 runs tonight, 5 of which against Kershaw. That is legit, folks.legit what? I guess I'd be trying to figure out what is the norm at this point. They are obviously at polar opposites on the offensive spectrum in just 2-1/2 weeks of the season, scoring nothing for a week and a half, now hitting everything for a week. But what's the norm? TBD. Heck, even the Dbacks were slamming the ball around for a week.

[MattyHo4Life]

Offensive over-achievement across the board for the Cards aside from that Pujols guy, and their record sits at 8-7? Will be interesting to see things once they regress.

I agree, a lot of offensive over achievement the second week of the season. The Cardinals aren't going to score 7-15 runs every game all year. However, they underachieved the first week of the season, because they had trouble just scoring 1 or 2 runs. The offense has it's weaknesses, but it isn't nearly as weak as a lot of people think it is. I have always thought this team is better than the 2010 team even without Wainwright for many reasons, and I do think they will have a better record than last year. The Brewers are playing better than I thought they would though. Looks like It will be a tight 3 team race all year.

[TheNext44]

Sorry Cards and Brwers fans, offensive hot streaks are fun, but both teams have fundamental flaws on their roster construction that will over time show up in their wins and loses.

Defense and bullpen. These both really matter.

[OnBaseMachine]

Smh @ this thread becoming the Cardinal fan boy thread.

I was thinking the same thing. There for a minute I thought I stumbled across Cardinals Zone.

[Sea Ray]

Cards score another 9 runs tonight, 5 of which against Kershaw. That is legit, folks.

The Cards are hitting very well and I give them credit. They will be a force to be reckoned with but let's talk about the managing in that game last night. Mattingly looks like he is not ready for prime time. He clearly should have seen that Kershaw was spent having thrown over 100 pitches in less than 5 innings, 90% of which were thrown "under duress". Lucky for him, the Dodgers were only down a run but Mattingly makes the fatal error and Kershaw gives up the three run HR...game over. Horrible managing on Mattingly's part

Actually I thought the Cards should have done more damage to Kershaw who was behind in the count all night and gave the Cards all sorts of baserunners. Count your lucky stars that you caught him on a bad night and that Mattingly is still learning how to manage.

[MattyHo4Life]

Sorry Cards and Brwers fans, offensive hot streaks are fun, but both teams have fundamental flaws on their roster construction that will over time show up in their wins and loses.

Defense and bullpen. These both really matter.

Well, the Brewers have been playing very good defense lately. Possibly even better than the Reds. Granted, it's only two weeks, but you can't count either the Brewers or the Cardinals out yet. It's a long season.

[MikeThierry]

The reason why I said it was a legit win because it was off of Kershaw, who was dominant so far this year. People could point out to the fact that the Cards faced the Diamondbacks and their weak pitching as to the reason why the Cards are doing so well offensively. Last night was, in my opinion, a true legit pitching opponent that the Cards beat up. That was my point.

The other thing is that it isn't a coincidence that once Holliday came back into the lineup, this team started to hit. I'm not saying they are a 9 run a game team. If that was the case, it would break all MLB records. However, when this team is fully healthy, they have a dangerous lineup.


Actually I thought the Cards should have done more damage to Kershaw who was behind in the count all night and gave the Cards all sorts of baserunners. Count your lucky stars that you caught him on a bad night and that Mattingly is still learning how to manage.

You are right about that. The Cards did their best impression of the Yankees and had him at 80 pitches through 3 innings. That is one thing I have noticed the Cards doing well even when they weren't hitting. They have done a good job of working the counts all year long.

Sorry for also making it Cardinal centric in this thread. This is just a scoreboard watch thread so I'm responding to whats going on.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm already dreading the series in St. Louis next weekend. The Reds are playing some awful baseball. Losers of 6 of 10, all against teams that could lose 90+ games this season.

[oneupper]

Dodgers win 2-1 over Cards
Franklin blows his 4th save as Kemp goes deep with Either on base in the bottom of the ninth.

[MikeThierry]

Tired of defending Franklin. If TLR doesn't replace him in the bullpen, there is going to riots in the streets. Out of the 8 games the Cards lost, he blew 4 of those games. Put Boggs in. At least he has swing and miss stuff. He is also legitimately nasty on the mound.

[edabbs44]

Masset and Franklin should be starting a support group pretty soon.

[MikeThierry]

The name of it should be BCRSN: Battered Closers and Relievers Support Network

[Ron Madden]

I'd rather have Masset on my team than Franklin.

[757690]

I'd rather have Masset on my team than Franklin.

I'd rather have Majewski than Franklin ;)

[oneupper]

Brewers down 4-1 in second game with Nats, after losing the first 8-4.

[MattyHo4Life]

Franklin blows

I agree completely!

[oneupper]

Brewers get swept in Washington and head to Philly one game under .500.

[cumberlandreds]

Dodgers win 2-1 over Cards
Franklin blows his 4th save as Kemp goes deep with Either on base in the bottom of the ninth.

I liked what Scully said at the end. Why did they pitch to one person who could beat them in that situation? You can't pitch to Kemp with a base open even if goes against "the book" by putting the winning run on base.

[Ron Madden]

May as well keep this thread updated. I honestly thought the Reds could have a very productive homestand. WRONG! :(

I know the season's young but this is gettin' ugly.

The Reds are now tied for first place with the Brewers, .5 game ahead of the Cards and Cubs.

[cumberlandreds]

May as well keep this thread updated. I honestly thought the Reds could have a very productive homestand. WRONG! :(

I know the season's young but this is gettin' ugly.

The Reds are now tied for first place with the Brewers, .5 game ahead of the Cards and Cubs.

Everyone in this division is flawed in some way or another. I really think it will go down to the wire and no one pulling away. The Reds and anyone else just need to keep from going through some horrible period and falling 6 or 7 games out of the lead. That may be hard to make up.

The Card have replaced Franklin as closer according to the MLB Network. They didn't say who would replace him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Personally, I think the Brewers are well overdue for an adjustment to their defensive numbers. I know it's early, but as of right now, they've had the fewest errors in the NL and have the leagues' best fielding percentage. Simply put, that's NOT going to continue.

[MattyHo4Life]

The Card have replaced Franklin as closer according to the MLB Network. They didn't say who would replace him.

Yep, that has been the talk of the town the last couple of days. There isn't a replacement yet. LaRussa said that he will try different relievers in the 9th inning to see who does well. Boggs, Batista, and Sanchez are the likely candidates for the job. LaRussa said this is just temporary to give Franklin a break.

The Cardinals have a double header today with the red hot Nationals. Since the game was rained out last night, I'm guessing the Starter for the game Sunday against the Reds will no longer be Westbrook.

[Homer Bailey]

Brewers lost today. Cards trailed by as much as 6 but are only down 2 and threatening late.

Sent from my HTC Incredible using tapatalk

[MattyHo4Life]

Cards trailed by as much as 6 but are only down 2 and threatening late.

That's because Westbrook started the game today. He hasn't had a good start yet this year.

[PuffyPig]

That's because Westbrook started the game today. He hasn't had a good start yet this year.


He's pitching against us on Sunday on 3 days rest.

[MattyHo4Life]

He's pitching against us on Sunday on 3 days rest.

I doubt that. If he does pitch Sunday, then it will probably be a high scoring game.

[PuffyPig]

Personally, I think the Brewers are well overdue for an adjustment to their defensive numbers. I know it's early, but as of right now, they've had the fewest errors in the NL and have the leagues' best fielding percentage. Simply put, that's NOT going to continue.

Fielding % is a very poor method of judging defense.

I haven't been able to find their DER, which was one of the majors worse last year and looked likely to decline.

[MattyHo4Life]

He's pitching against us on Sunday on 3 days rest.

The Starting Pitching options for Sunday are mentioned towards the bottom of the page.

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110420&content_id=18025872&notebook_id=18025874&vkey=notebook_stl&c_id=stl

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fielding % is a very poor method of judging defense.

I haven't been able to find their DER, which was one of the majors worse last year and looked likely to decline.

Yeah, I know. I just thought it was interesting to see a team most everyone was expecting to be a bunch of cement-mitts leading the league in some defensive categories.

[MikeThierry]

The Starting Pitching options for Sunday are mentioned towards the bottom of the page.

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110420&content_id=18025872&notebook_id=18025874&vkey=notebook_stl&c_id=stl

At this point, I wouldn't mind seeing a guy from AAA get a start over Westbrook. His sinker isn't sinking and he is being hit very, very hard.

[MattyHo4Life]

At this point, I wouldn't mind seeing a guy from AAA get a start over Westbrook. His sinker isn't sinking and he is being hit very, very hard.

Heck, let's have another bullpen game with Salas pitching the first few innings. The bullpen has been doing alright except for Franklin.

[Ron Madden]

Reds, Cubs, Brewers and Cards all tied up with 9W-9L. It wouldn't hurt for the Reds to win a few games before the end of April.

.

[Homer Bailey]

How did no one comment that the Cards blew another one in the 9th last night? Mitchell Boggs with a blown save and the loss.

[Quatitos]

Boy, the closer role is getting pretty shaky in St Louis. Up 6 to 3 rookie Eduardo Sanchez gets the call and has gotten one out so far and given up a run with a man on third and the top of the Astro's order coming up.

Edit: Bourn with a sac fly to score another run, now just 6 to 5 with one more out to go and Angel Sanchez up to the plate.

[Homer Bailey]

Sanchez has some NASTY stuff.

[Quatitos]

Theres that awesome defense out of Berkman, Sanchez ends up on second with Pence up.

[Homer Bailey]

DAHAHAHAHA Lance Berkman just happened! Botches a fly ball and the tying run is at 2nd!

[Tony Cloninger]

When is MH going to come back down to earth for a while? Appendectomy and he hits like this while Dunn is barely hitting after he had his.

Also saw Bartolo Colon go 8 innings and allow only 1 run against CHWS.
When you hate a team like i hate the Yankees....and you see that.... it's like, are you kidding me?

[Homer Bailey]

Cards hang on 6-5

[Quatitos]

I don't think Sanchez will be getting the next save opportunity in the 9th even though he somehow manages to get out of that one. What a mess at the end of that bullpen.

[redsfaninbsg]

I've said it before and I'll say it again the Reds bullpen will be the difference in the division.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Did anybody see any of the Mariners Tigers game yesterday? There was a play in the first inning when Figgins was trying to score on a long throw from left field. He's called out at the plate. In all my years watching baseball, it had to be the absolute WORST call I've ever witnessed. Not only did the catcher NOT EVEN TAG him.....he missed him by over a foot. Just a horrible, horrible call.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14216025

[OesterPoster]

Who is the announcer on that Figgins play at the plate? He acts like Figgins never touched the plate, but he still hasn't been tagged.

[bucksfan2]

Did anybody see any of the Mariners Tigers game yesterday? There was a play in the first inning when Figgins was trying to score on a long throw from left field. He's called out at the plate. In all my years watching baseball, it had to be the absolute WORST call I've ever witnessed. Not only did the catcher NOT EVEN TAG him.....he missed him by over a foot. Just a horrible, horrible call.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=14216025

CB Bucknor in the playoffs a couple of years ago blew two blatant calls at 1b. They were much worse than that call, both of them.

[traderumor]

The Cards pen is performing circa 2007 Reds bullpen so far this season.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The Cards pen is performing circa 2007 Reds bullpen so far this season.

The Cards are getting quite overdue for some MAJOR corrections.

Loshe 4-0 (1st in NL) 1.64 ERA (2nd in NL)
Garcia 2.08 ERA (4th in NL)
McClellan 2.16 ERA (5th in NL)
Holliday .429 BA (1st in NL)
Berkman .385 BA (3rd in NL)
Freese .342 BA (12th in NL)
Team runs scored (3rd in NL)
Team batting average (1st in NL)
Team OBP (1st in NL)
Team SLG (3rd in NL)

I foresee a LOT of those numbers heading south in a hurry.

I wouldn't be surprised if Garcia's earnie stays low, but as he did last year, he's right up there with the league leaders in Un-earned runs allowed. St. Louis scorekeepers LOVE Garcia's ERA stat.

[Quatitos]

The Cards are getting quite overdue for some MAJOR corrections.

Loshe 4-0 (1st in NL) 1.64 ERA (2nd in NL)
Garcia 2.08 ERA (4th in NL)
McClellan 2.16 ERA (5th in NL)
Holliday .429 BA (1st in NL)
Berkman .385 BA (3rd in NL)
Freese .342 BA (12th in NL)
Team runs scored (3rd in NL)
Team batting average (1st in NL)
Team OBP (1st in NL)
Team SLG (3rd in NL)

I foresee a LOT of those numbers heading south in a hurry.

I wouldn't be surprised if Garcia's earnie stays low, but as he did last year, he's right up there with the league leaders in Un-earned runs allowed. St. Louis scorekeepers LOVE Garcia's ERA stat.

Agreed, none of those numbers are very sustainable. Of the pitching numbers Jaime's is probably the only one that might not regress too much since his ERA is just slightly below his FIP and xFIP along with the fact that he will be saved a lot of earned runs by his error-tastic infield along with his high GB%. I don't see Loshe or McClellan doing that well going forward since both are sporting LOB% more than 10% above their career averages and both are below their career average HR/FB rates.

As for the batters, the only one who is probably close to the numbers they will end with is Freese, who seems to have always had a very high BABIP through the minors and in the majors, but the current .444 is still unsustainable even for him. But with all that regression you will still have Pujols, who since the first 9 games is putting up a .316/.375/.639 line. Obviously once you get out of their 2-5 hitters there isn't much around, so you won't see them in the top 5 offenses in the league, but they won't be in the bottom 5 either.

[Playadlc]

The Cards are getting quite overdue for some MAJOR corrections.

Loshe 4-0 (1st in NL) 1.64 ERA (2nd in NL)
Garcia 2.08 ERA (4th in NL)
McClellan 2.16 ERA (5th in NL)
Holliday .429 BA (1st in NL)
Berkman .385 BA (3rd in NL)
Freese .342 BA (12th in NL)
Team runs scored (3rd in NL)
Team batting average (1st in NL)
Team OBP (1st in NL)
Team SLG (3rd in NL)

I foresee a LOT of those numbers heading south in a hurry.

I wouldn't be surprised if Garcia's earnie stays low, but as he did last year, he's right up there with the league leaders in Un-earned runs allowed. St. Louis scorekeepers LOVE Garcia's ERA stat.

Especially this. Berkman's HR/FB% is 30%, which is way above his career rate, his fly ball rate is actually lower than his career rate, his infield hit percentage is almost four times higher than his career rate, his BABIP is sixty points above his career rate. At some point, the bottom will fall out hard.

[Homer Bailey]

Especially this. Berkman's HR/FB% is 30%, which is way above his career rate, his fly ball rate is actually lower than his career rate, his infield hit percentage is almost four times higher than his career rate, his BABIP is sixty points above his career rate. At some point, the bottom will fall out hard.

And he's 35.... remember how bad Rolen fell off last year after a hot start.

[Quatitos]

Cardinals are currently having another late inning meltdown, bases loaded for Bill Hall with 2 outs in the bottom of the eighth. Bringing in Salas to try and get the last out.

Wild pitch and Hunter Pence runs into an out at home. Can't justify that decision when your down by 3 with the bases juiced.

[CTA513]

Berkman 4 for 5 with 2 HRs a double and 5 RBIs tonight.

[Homer Bailey]

Berkman 4 for 5 with 2 HRs a double and 5 RBIs tonight.

Offffff course.

[MikeThierry]

And he's 35.... remember how bad Rolen fell off last year after a hot start.

I understand where you guys are coming from. However, I think losing 25 pounds in the off season plus a full year of healing after his surgery did wonders for him. The thing with Rolen is that even after his surgery, his shoulder has been nagging him for years. It is unknown, in my opinion, if Berkman's knees will be a nagging injury like Rolen's shoulder. Certainly losing 25 pounds will help keep that nagging to a minimum. He will not hit .410 this whole season, but I wouldn't be surprise if Berkman was a .300 hitter with a .400 OBP. This is esp. true considering that LaRussa won't play him into the ground (using Jon Jay/Allen Craig as late inning replacements, resting him regularly, etc).

I know a lot of people on here aren't on the David Freese bandwaggon but I said before this year started that Freese will have a better year than Rolen this season. I stick with my prediction. I don't think he will hit at the .365 clip but in his rookie year last year, he showed me that he could hit.

[PuffyPig]

He will not hit .410 this whole season, but I wouldn't be surprise if Berkman was a .300 hitter with a .400 OBP.

Berkman is walking 50% less than his career average, and his OBA is only .057above his BA. If he's to keep a .400 OBA, he will either have to increase his walk rate or bat .350.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Berkman is walking 50% less than his career average, and his OBA is only .057above his BA. If he's to keep a .400 OBA, he will either have to increase his walk rate or bat .350.

Yep. Now if they move him up in the order however....with Pujols and/or Holiday as protection...maybe. Personally, I think Berkman in the 2 slot would be viscous for that lineup. I don't think he'll hit for the power he's been showing (or has had in his career), but he knows how to handle that bat. He obviously won't get the walks, but he'll get pitches to hit, and for a guy like Berkman...he'll know what to do with those.

[traderumor]

Cardinals are currently having another late inning meltdown, bases loaded for Bill Hall with 2 outs in the bottom of the eighth. Bringing in Salas to try and get the last out.

Wild pitch and Hunter Pence runs into an out at home. Can't justify that decision when your down by 3 with the bases juiced.
I went to bed after that play. The sad thing is that as dumb as the play was, he was safe, Laird phantom tagged him, arm only, not the glove with the ball in it. The ump missed it.

[PuffyPig]

I went to bed after that play. The sad thing is that as dumb as the play was, he was safe, Laird phantom tagged him, arm only, not the glove with the ball in it. The ump missed it.


If all the runners could move up it would make sense, as it would put the tying run on second base, where a single could tie the game.

But Only Pense went. though that is ahrdly his fault. Considerring the risk/reward, it was a defensible play by Pence.

[traderumor]

If all the runners could move up it would make sense, as it would put the tying run on second base, where a single could tie the game.

But Only Pense went. though that is ahrdly his fault. Considerring the risk/reward, it was a defensible play by Pence.Personally, I didn't think the ball got far enough away from the catcher for even Stubbs like speed to risk it.

[CTA513]

Cardinals tied it up 3-3 in the 9th and just took a 5-3 lead in the 11th.
Brewers are up 5-0 in the 9th