Some of the stats the Cardinals are compiling are cause for concern. Rather than panic, let's set some new prop bets.
Albert Pujols HR vs. D: Currently 7 HR vs. 10 double plays.
Team GIDP vs Errors: Currently, grounded into 42 double plays (now 43 as game is progressing) vs. 28 errors committed.
Wins vs Errors: Currently, the team has won 17 games and committed 28 errors.
Blown Saves vs. Pujols Home Runs: 8 blown saves compared to 7 home runs.
I go with more Albert home runs compared to how many double plays he hits into.
I take more GIDP than errors committed.
I take more wins than errors.
I easily side with more home runs than blown saves.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Quick Thoughts on the Future
Last night was good, bad, and ugly. You could also use 50 other adjectives to describe the game.
The team continues to fight until the end. I don't think they did last year. I think a lot of it has to do with Berkman, Theriot, and the rest of the young guys.
The bad is another bullpen loss. It's nice to see Tony using the young guys so much. Even though it's not good for now, these battles should help the team in the future.
The defense was just ugly. 2 errors from Yadier Molina and Chris Carpenter. Yadi hasn't seemed right for most of the year defensively.
This year he has already committed 3 errors and allowed 2 past balls. The 2 previous years he had 5 errors each year. Pitches that likely would have been blocked in years past, seem to be getting away for wild pitches this year.
It got me thinking. Payroll seems to be tight for next year, especially if Albert Pujols gets his extension. I mentioned it last night on Twitter and didn't get much of a response. I saw 1 other person mention it as well.
What if Yadi's option was declined? I don't know the exact number, but it's likely near 6 million. Declining his option and Carpenter's option and that's at least 20 million freed for the payroll. Laird is signed for this year at 1 million. Bump his salary up a bit for next year or just go baby birds. Is Yadi's current defense that much better than what a baby bird could do?
I know lots of fans love Yadi, but if this defense keeps up all year, I think that similar production can be had next year for much cheaper saving money for an upgrade at 2B or SS, or a 1st baseman if must.
The team continues to fight until the end. I don't think they did last year. I think a lot of it has to do with Berkman, Theriot, and the rest of the young guys.
The bad is another bullpen loss. It's nice to see Tony using the young guys so much. Even though it's not good for now, these battles should help the team in the future.
The defense was just ugly. 2 errors from Yadier Molina and Chris Carpenter. Yadi hasn't seemed right for most of the year defensively.
This year he has already committed 3 errors and allowed 2 past balls. The 2 previous years he had 5 errors each year. Pitches that likely would have been blocked in years past, seem to be getting away for wild pitches this year.
It got me thinking. Payroll seems to be tight for next year, especially if Albert Pujols gets his extension. I mentioned it last night on Twitter and didn't get much of a response. I saw 1 other person mention it as well.
What if Yadi's option was declined? I don't know the exact number, but it's likely near 6 million. Declining his option and Carpenter's option and that's at least 20 million freed for the payroll. Laird is signed for this year at 1 million. Bump his salary up a bit for next year or just go baby birds. Is Yadi's current defense that much better than what a baby bird could do?
I know lots of fans love Yadi, but if this defense keeps up all year, I think that similar production can be had next year for much cheaper saving money for an upgrade at 2B or SS, or a 1st baseman if must.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Brandon Phillips
It seems like there are a lot of fans that are upset with what Brandon Phillips has been saying in his twitter feed as I was catching up on everything this evening.
Below is the latest tweets that he's made. I just don't see too much to be upset about.
He has a sad face about landing in St. Louis? Maybe he doesn't like playing in the city. Maybe he's afraid of getting shanked. It seems lots of the work by @MattSebek has made it to Cincinnati. Maybe he's heard about the dangers of the town from him as well.
He doesn't want to stay at the Hilton? Maybe he gets reward points in Marriott hotels or maybe even Holiday Inn. Maybe he caught bed bugs or stuck in an elevator for hours at the Hilton.
He doesn't know any good restaurants in St. Louis and wants Lunchables? I've had some great meals in St. Louis. I've had some less than great. Maybe he's afraid that the waiter or chefs will recognize him and try to spit in his food at worst.
Yes he mentioned Rasmus girl, but that's the worst I've seen. Nothing to get up in arms about.
Maybe, just maybe, Cardinals fans should get mad at Nelly for hanging out with the enemy that Brandon Phillips seems to be.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Kyle Lohse
Wow. What a difference being healthy makes.
Kyle Lohse has looked good all year, starting in spring training. I don't know if I was the first to be in his fan club, but I started kazooing?? keyboarding?? for Kyle Lohse.
He's gone at least 7 innings in each start. He's given up 4 walks in 4 starts. His 1st start of the year was his worst and he gave up 4 runs in a loss. He should be in line to win or at least get a no decision if that's what he gives up in a game with the offense that appears the team has this year.
I don't remember, but I'm sure he heard lots of boos over the past couple years. He's battled through his difficulties and injuries and look at him now. I hope Cardinal fans will help his fellow pitcher Ryan Franklin through encouragement rather than continuous hatred and boos.
Kyle Lohse has looked good all year, starting in spring training. I don't know if I was the first to be in his fan club, but I started kazooing?? keyboarding?? for Kyle Lohse.
He's gone at least 7 innings in each start. He's given up 4 walks in 4 starts. His 1st start of the year was his worst and he gave up 4 runs in a loss. He should be in line to win or at least get a no decision if that's what he gives up in a game with the offense that appears the team has this year.
I don't remember, but I'm sure he heard lots of boos over the past couple years. He's battled through his difficulties and injuries and look at him now. I hope Cardinal fans will help his fellow pitcher Ryan Franklin through encouragement rather than continuous hatred and boos.
Ryan Franklin, Fans, and Other Ramblings
It seems there are 2 thoughts about booing your team.
- I paid my money and I'll behave and boo as I want.
- Booing your team isn't the right thing to do no matter how the team or individual is performing.
If you choose to boo, then boo. I'm not going to tell you that you shouldn't. Don't shout obscenities, be belligerent, or downright hurtful in things you are shouting. I get that fans think it helps to relieve their frustrations and anger and that you need an outlet. Some of the things I've seen and heard are uncalled for.
It's not something I'm going to do. I don't see the point. Do you think the players want to perform poorly? Is your booing going to magically turn their performances around? Do you think it makes it any better? Do you think that most, if not all players are disappointed if they stink?
Franklin comes out with a statement saying he's upset with the booing and that he doesn't think the fans are the "best fans in baseball". People mention that he's making millions of dollars so he should be able to handle it. Should he have handled it better? Yes. Should he have chosen his words better? Yes. Should he be called scum and worse like some people are saying? No.
How do you handle it when you get a scolding by your boss or a customer for a poor performance? Do you not get frustrated or sulk? Do you pretend it doesn't affect you? I know it affects me. I guess I'm not man enough to handle it as I'm getting paid to perform a duty. Oh well.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Overreactions by Passionate Fans
I'm writing this in the top of the 4th inning of a 7-1 game.
St. Louis offense isn't as bad as it showed on the 1st homestand and it isn't as good as the slugging team on the 10 game road trip. They aren't as awful as some people are making out this game to be either.
This game isn't to blame on the offense unless you want to call them not clutch, sort of like Pujols and Holliday not hitting a home run on the 1st pitch of every at bat.
I get that St. Louis fans are a passionate bunch. It just seems it's either perfection (and demand it) or the sky is falling when anything goes wrong, or isn't up to expectations.
So far today, Washington is up 7-1 after 3 innings. They have 7 hits, 2 of them infield singles, and scored 1 run on a double steal. They also have drawn 2 walks and the Cardinals have committed 1 error. They've scored 7 runs. The Cardinal offense hasn't been that bad. They've also drawn 2 walks and had 5 hits, but have only 1 run to show for it.
Why are fans blaming this on the offense?
St. Louis offense isn't as bad as it showed on the 1st homestand and it isn't as good as the slugging team on the 10 game road trip. They aren't as awful as some people are making out this game to be either.
This game isn't to blame on the offense unless you want to call them not clutch, sort of like Pujols and Holliday not hitting a home run on the 1st pitch of every at bat.
I get that St. Louis fans are a passionate bunch. It just seems it's either perfection (and demand it) or the sky is falling when anything goes wrong, or isn't up to expectations.
So far today, Washington is up 7-1 after 3 innings. They have 7 hits, 2 of them infield singles, and scored 1 run on a double steal. They also have drawn 2 walks and the Cardinals have committed 1 error. They've scored 7 runs. The Cardinal offense hasn't been that bad. They've also drawn 2 walks and had 5 hits, but have only 1 run to show for it.
Why are fans blaming this on the offense?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Now What?
I'm on the bandwagon with everyone else that Franklin has to go, at least out of the closer role. I'm not for cutting him from the roster and not totally against giving him another shot down the line, but right now something has to change.
Who should it be?
The two most mentioned names on twitter are Boggs and Sanchez. Neither has any experience in the role.
Last week on KMOX, Tony La Russa mentioned that Batista might be the next option. He's got the most experience as a closer. That was many years ago. I think that Tony might chose to give him the next shot, if he doesn't keep running Franklin out there.
My opinion is that bullpen by committee might be the best option for now. Down the road, I hope it is Sanchez.
Sanchez might be best in the role and with 8 strikeouts, he's the hot name. However, he's yet to throw one high leverage situation yet in the major leagues. I think that Sanchez should be headed toward the role, but shouldn't be thrown directly into the role. I want to see him in a pressure situation before being anointed the new closer.
Who should it be?
The two most mentioned names on twitter are Boggs and Sanchez. Neither has any experience in the role.
Last week on KMOX, Tony La Russa mentioned that Batista might be the next option. He's got the most experience as a closer. That was many years ago. I think that Tony might chose to give him the next shot, if he doesn't keep running Franklin out there.
My opinion is that bullpen by committee might be the best option for now. Down the road, I hope it is Sanchez.
Sanchez might be best in the role and with 8 strikeouts, he's the hot name. However, he's yet to throw one high leverage situation yet in the major leagues. I think that Sanchez should be headed toward the role, but shouldn't be thrown directly into the role. I want to see him in a pressure situation before being anointed the new closer.
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