Schumaker Sits after Long, “Active” Night
NEW YORK — Manager Tony La Russa explained Wednesday’s day off for second baseman Skip Schumaker stemmed from Tuesday’s “active” night in a 10-inning 12-7 win over the New York Mets. Schumaker described the game as “probably the most emotionally draining of the year” after he contributed a tying ninth-inning RBI single off Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez.
Schumaker endured a 1-for-5 game in which he popped a ball fair but, thinking the ball behind him, hesitated in the box. The lost step cost him a hit when starting pitcher Johan Santana failed to make the play. He also struck out in the 10th inning with bases loaded before Mark DeRosa took a pitch off the elbow to force home the winning run.
“If we’d lost that game I don’t think I could sleep,” said Schumaker.
Wednesday morning La Russa’s thinking was, “He could use a day.”
The day off comes against Mets lefthander Jonathon Niese. Schumaker is hitting .215 versus lefts compared to .313 against rights. Schumaker’s replacement, Joe Thurston, is hitting .209 with four RBI in 43 at-bats against lefts compared to Schumaker’s two RBI in 79 at-bats against them.
Other details:
First baseman Albert Pujols’ left shin is heavily wrapped after being spiked on a force attempt at second base in Tuesday’s ninth inning.
La Russa questioned shortstop Brendan Ryan’s availability for Friday’s series opener in Pittsburgh. Ryan is still dealing with aftereffects of a ball fouled off his left shin July 30.
DeRosa’s game-winning RBI was the Cardinals’ first via HBP since Jerry DaVanon took one for the team in a 4-3, 10-inning win over — that’s right — the Mets in the first game of a July 25, 1974 doubleheader. DeRosa remains in today’s lineup.
Thurston bats in the No. 8 spot for the 16th time today. He has appeared there more than any other Cardinal. Second most? Current reliever Todd Wellemeyer (13) followed by Ryan (12).
(5 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Seems like an ideal game to start Khalil Greene. Is Khalil not available for starts?
Adding to Schumaker’s struggles was the fact that he had a terrible defensive game at 2nd. How could you not mention that?
This could be a long first year at second for Skip. Let’s hope we stick with him and get him an infielder’s glove for next year. We need to end the revolving door at second…
What struggles did Schu have at second in particular last night? I really don’t recall anything too major. I think Thurston should be sent down and have a rookie come up and replace him. Thurston has botched a play in todays game and can’t hit the ball. On another note I honestly believe Schu will be the starting second baseman for a couple years now that he has solidified himself as .300 as a lead off man and play an average second with plenty of room to grow into the position defensively. With Lugo, Ryan, and Schu platooning second and short you could say we will be fine defensively next year up the middle. Plus if they sign DeRosa then it just adds to that. Schu can also drop back into the OF along with DeRosa. Even though the season isn’t over I feel comfortable with my previous remarks anyone that says they aren’t comfortable with Schu needs to pay more attention. Also realize this we are paying Schu, Ryan, and Lugo the league minimums this year and next. I honestly believe Schu deserves a raise now but that might have to wait if we re-sign the guys we need too at the end of the season.
Mr. Livingston,
I was thinking the exact same thing myself until I remembered where they were playing. New York is not the place to trot out someone to listen to the catcalls of 50,000 people on leave from Riker’s.
I’m visiting NY and saw the whole game last night broadcast on Met’s TV. I don’t recall seeing Skip “struggling” too much in the field. In addition Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling (the Met’s color guys) were extremely complementary in applauding Skip’s approach at the plate and his ability to fight off difficult pitches. Sometimes it’s good to listen to the observations of outsiders in regards to those we criticize.
Everyone needs to give it a break..Skip has done a great job this year and is just going to get better.
Did Skip work a double shift? They just had a day off, its not like he dug ditches in 100 degree heat for 10 hrs the day before. Just a handy excuse for Tony to put Thurston in the line up. Nice job Tony.
It appearred during the game last night that Skip was positioned wrong on defense allowing some ground balls to be hits into CF. That is the bench coach setting defenses… right? I recall Ryan being out of position often as well. Maybe someone isn’t doing to well on scouting or reading the odds sheets? I can’t blame Skip for being upset. Striking out with bases loaded? No excuse for a contact hitter to strike out… NONE! Put ball in play… run scores! Nice hit to drive in a run though. It just has to be frustrating playing for TLR. Lots of good ball players have come and gone because of that difficulty. I wonder what it is exactly?
The one thing that drives me nuts about Schumaker is that freakin’ blasted head first slide into first base. How can the coaching staff and Tony allow that kind of crap to continue. Is he just stupid or does he think sprinters dive across the finish line so they can get there faster. Am I nuts or does anyone else agree.