Joe Strauss: From Mike Smith:
Hang in there, Chatheads. Joe Strauss is having computer difficulties, and is re-routing from Busch to the home office here on the scenic North side of downtown. The chat will begin soon. |
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| Joe Strauss: Regretfully late due to technical difficulties. Without further ado, let's hop atop the Tsunami and dig into an opening week's worth of questions at JSL!!! |
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| kat89447: I know Motte is taking the brunt for the loss on opening day, but he really was in good company. I thought Waino looked off and the guys on the field looked nervous. I do think that Izzy's locker should be banned from use by anyone this season especially a young closer type. How much importance do you really think should be placed on this opening day with such a high amount of rookies? Thanks |
| Joe Strauss: Opening Day was full of glitches before and during the game. It's usually the most scrutinized game of the season and blowing a 2-run ninth-inning lead is only going to feed the sharks skeptical of assigning a rookie the closer's role. It is one game. This ain't football, folks. If the same tendencies repeat, then it's OK to become concerned. Adam Wainwright is still trying to become more efficient. Josh Kinney and Trever Miller each had blemished performances. Motte allowed four consecutive LH hitters to reach with two outs. Bad loss. It's hard to make too much of any one ballgame. The Cardinals looked much better Tuesday and, surprise, the starting pitcher carried the game for seven innings and Pujols, Duncan and Molina homered. Despite what the talking heads may suggest, it's OK to wait a week or two before calling this a lost season. |
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| Dave Laskarzewski: Albert Pujols is a player who comes along once in a generation. I know it's not my money but if it were, I'd have to consider upping the ante and bring in players like a Matt Holiday to support AP. This patchwork quilt-like philosophy -- trying out players at new positions -- feels a little cheesy and not at all like a serious effort to win now. (As opposed to 4 years from now when all the new talent in the pipeline matures.) I know you've heard it all before, Joe. Just not from me. Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. |
| Joe Strauss: Ultimately, the question will be how the organization weighs keeping Pujols versus maintaining a balanced payroll. If the club projects a $90-$100 million payroll three years from now, is it willing to commit 25-30 percent of that figure to one player. The success in developing from within (Rasmus, Jay, Motte, Perez, Todd, Mortensen, Boggs, etc.) may help dictate that answer. It's not an ideal model to put a player on a financial "island" much as happened with Alex Rodriguez in Texas. Of course, Pujols has stated his need to be surrounded by a competitive club. It's an interesting dynamic. |
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jealousblues: Can you explain the thought process behind the team carrying so many IFs this year?
Thats not a knock on TLR or the front office just wondering.
Do we expect at least one to be sent down eventually?
Thurston
Ryan
Barden
Freese
Skip |
| Joe Strauss: Eventually, the club hopes to decide on a predominant third baseman. At that point the need for three extra infielders may decrease, especially if Joe Mather heats up at Memphis. Mather's presence as a fourth or fifth outfielder also adds to depth at 3B. Skip is here for the duration. Barden is strong defensively. Freese offers power potential. Thurston hits LH and can play all over the field. Ryan is the only viable option at SS beyond Khalil Greene. Bottom line: La Russa wants to use this month to get a better feel for how the pieces fit. For now, 3B is a jump ball. |
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| Mark: Joe, who's considered the fastest player on the 25 player roster? Or fastest players if that is more appropriate? In the organization? Thank you. |
| Joe Strauss: Brendan Ryan has legitimate base-stealing speed. Rasmus is not far behind. Schumaker and Ankiel have had their speed compromised to some degree by knee surgeries. Thurston averaged 18 steals his last three seasons in the minors. A former University of Kansas hurler, Sam Freeman, is rated the system's fastest player. |
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Tony: Joe,
Let's get the obvious out of the way. You must agree, it's been a good week for the Chatmeister and his (your) flock. As suggested in this space last week, UNC and Sparty came through with relative ease. The much-anticipated Pujols feature in Sunday's paper was excellent. And we can now hear your pipes blaring across the city in crystal clear quality on the FM dial. The tsunami has entered a new stage: pure bliss. While you wait for your residuals, I got one question: What do you have in store for an encore this week?
Keep the wisdom coming,
T |
| Joe Strauss: I'm holding back the encore until the residuals arrive. Thanks for the kind words, however. |
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| kennneth.brown: Why do you think a lot fans and media question Tony's line-ups? It seems to me that he knows what he is doing, by his winning track record. Before the game last night there were a lot of concerns and questioning of TLR's line-in. After 9 runs in 5th innings there are no more questions. |
| Joe Strauss: I agree with you. It's become a St. Louis parlor game where fans vent because their favorite player or Rotisserie mainstay sits the bench at TLR's apparent whim. Truth be told, the manager agonizes over his lineup almost every day. Agree or disagree, he backs his decision with research and occasionally a "gut" feel. It takes some stones to sit Ryan Ludwick two games into the season after Lud' produces a Silver Slugger 2008. La Russa also likes to give his entire roster exposure as quickly as possible. Tonight he'll start his third third baseman in as many games. Different strokes for different folks. Phillies manager Charlie Manuel likes to run the same eight out there as often as possible. Tony doesn't have that kind of roster. |
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dave cobler: Mr. Strauss;
I respect you and the other PD sportswriters very much and enjoy all the PD baseball reporting. I know you guys have a real good clue on things and do your best to report things the way you see them, which I value and appreciate very much, even on those few occasions when I may not agree with you. Watching TLR on the FSM post game shows leaves me with the feeling that he does not trust you guys. Lets face it. Some of the things you guys have to write takes some courage because it will rub TLR the wrong way. I find myself just about nightly feeling a bit sorry for all of you...lol...because TLR comes accross seemingly cold. There just seems to be an uneasiness atmosphere in the air in that media room when he steps up to the MIK. Why can't he just clear the air by being a bit more easier to talk to? He seems to always be on the defense. Tell me chatmeister...am I reading this wrong, after all, I don't get to see your faces on the tube in those post game shows. Are you guys on edge as much as TLR seems to be? Is it that TLR is just media shy, and therefore is a little backwards because he is always so serious looking?
Thank you for being here with us fans Chatmeister! |
| Joe Strauss: It's not the best forum to ask frank questions after a loss. It's done for TV, not for the working press. You're confronting the manager minutes after a sometimes brutal loss and expecting glibness. It often doesn't work that way. A segment of the fan base hopes for some Jerry Springer moment involving some faceless media guy. It's hard to establish a line of questioning. Don't feel sorry for the media. It's the manager's opportunity to address the fan base. If he is uncomfortable doing so at the time, it's the sponsors and fans who feel ripped off. I would prefer the clubhouse and manager's office being opened in accordance with MLB policy without the TV sideshow. But no one's asking me... except you. |
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mgentry517: Chatmeister,
I know that Ludwick hasn't done well against Snell in his career, and lefties hit .302 against Snell, according to your article. But is Ludwick ever going to achieve everyday player status? |
| Joe Strauss: He took 538 at-bats last season. That's pretty close to everyday status. |
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| B-Ball Fan: Is David Freese not completely healed or is Tony just not set at third base ? |
| Joe Strauss: Definitely the latter. As for the former, Freese was sent out of major-league camp a month ago today to recover. It's probably safe to assume he's not at 100 percent yet. |
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Cory: Meister Strauss,
A small sample, granted, but does Thurston look like a guy that could play every day at second base? I mean, he was stuck behind a pretty good player in Boston, I'm just sayin'... Thanks as always, loving the chats man!! |
Joe Strauss: Thurston turns 30 in September. The Cardinals are his seventh organization. He has been stuck behind Pedroia in Boston and Utley in Philadelphia. But he's also a LH hitter who has never flourished in a limited number of ABs against RH pitching at this level. Skip Schumaker hit .300 in more than 500 ABs last season, including .340 against rights. Thurston's skills appear to make him more valuable in a utility role. He offers some of the same qualities as Aaron Miles. With greater exposure, perhaps the perception of Thurston will change. He has value, but perhaps not yet in the way you suggest.
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Troy in Florissant: Mr. Strauss,
As always, it is a pleasure to be able to pick "The Chatmeister's" brain. I have two questions:
1. Upon first glance, Colby Rasmus reminds me of J.D. Drew in terms of talent and demeanor. What are your early impressions of him?
2. In your ample baseball experience have you ever seen such caterwauling about lineups? It seems worse this year which is hard to fathom. I mean people are getting nose bleeds because David Freese is not starting!
Thanks for all that you do and good luck to you and Bernie on 101.1 |
Joe Strauss: It's difficult and sometimes dangerous to project a player's personality, motivation, drive, etc. based on watching him play in spring training. However, I've seen the superficial similarities between Raz' and J.D. as well. Both have obvious natural talent. They do things fluidly. Some may perceive a lack of urgency, but that can be a flawed early impression. I do know Rasmus feels tremendous pressure to succeed. That pressure may have worked against him last season as he struggled at Triple-A Memphis. The more positive things happen to Raz', the more that will be revealed about his game. For example, Rasmus still has not exhibited the "plus" arm in game action those familiar with him insist he possesses. Rasmus remains uncomfortable as a flank outfielder. That, too, is something that should improve. If Rasmus has Drew's talent, the Cardinals will have something special.
The lineup thing gives a platform to those inclined to dislike La Russa. He is a hands-on manager. He ranks third all-time in managerial wins and his recent Cardinals teams have consistently overachieved. Part of that is due to his use of the 25-man roster. |
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GSW: Chatmeister,
Although the roar of the tsunami almost certainly drowns out the exhaltations of your adoring fans, rest assured, they're there! Welcome back to the regular season - the most glorious season of all (until the postseason, of course).
A couple of quick ones, if you will. First, LaRussa's acerbic comments aside, is David Freese really part of a 3-headed monster at third, or did TLR start Barden Monday to spare Freese the pressure of opening day? Assuming Glaus is out until the All-Star break, how do you see the ABs being split between Freese, Barden and Thurston?
Finally, I believe your read on Colby Rasmus' impact this season was more insightful than most - love him or hate him, TLR is a master at mixing and matching to put players in the best position to succeed. Often overlooked, though, is that the biggest factor allowing TLR to take this approach with Raz is the re-emergence of a healthy Chris Duncan. Your thoughts?
As always, you da man! |
Joe Strauss: I think 3B is a work in progress. TLR was up front at the end of camp, saying he felt more certain about what was going on at second base than third. The next month will likely offer him a better read. Remember, Freese didn't re-enter major-league camp until March 22. Is the manager really supposed to know him as a player based on two weeks? Freese had never taken a major-league at-bat before Opening Day. Thurston and Barden are regarded as complementary players. How to best extract production from them will take a little time. Don't expect Glaus back anytime soon, however.
The ChatMeister has said since camp opened that Little Dunc' offers one of the most positive variables to this season. If Duncan returns to his early 2007 form, this lineup will be a handful. |
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| Nikki: Despite Ludwick's phenomenal success last year, do you envision him being in a platoon situation this year or will he be an everyday outfielder? |
| Joe Strauss: Barring injury, I expect Ludwick to receive at least as many at-bats this year as last. |
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Soonerbird: Luck aside, how can Tony justify benching Ludwick against a rightie, based supposedly on a history of less than 15 at-bats? Ludwick is superior to Duncan at the plate and on the field. A day after hitting a monster home run, Tony sits him. It is all so reminiscent of Tony's pre- and post- all star game treatment of Ludwick, not to mention his "mistake" of taking Ludwick out of the last game prematurely when he would have had a chance at hitting .300 . Tony seems at times to play lesser quality players based on his own likes and dislikes (Paquette, the Ozzie fiasco, Duncan, etc.).
And starting Thurston (lifetime .220) ahead of Freese? I'm not a Duncan hater, but Ludwick earned a starting spot with his average, HRs, RBIs, slugging %, fielding, All-Star selection, and Silver Slugger award. Tony appears to be obstinate and petty in regards to Ludwick. |
| Joe Strauss: Duly noted. Above all, however, I believe TLR wants to win. If that makes me an apologist, so be it. |
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renomike99: Joe, I like your pick of the Angels to win it all this year. IMO, Cardinal management could learn from the Angel's example. The Angels found plenty of ways to economize (substituting Fuentes for K-Rod, letting Teixeria walk while bringing in Abreu). Yet, the Angels kept the pieces together to challenge for a Championship.
On the other hand, the Cardinals simply economized. St. Louis has failed to address their Achilles heel--the bullpen. Indeed, by management failing to resign Springer or bring in a proven closer, I would argue that the Cardinal bullpen is actually weaker than it was last year. It's a shame, because if you look at the Cardinal starting lineup , bench, and starting pitching, it is probably better than what the Angels have. |
Joe Strauss: Some interesting points. To be honest, I base my pre-season predictions mostly on pitching. The Angels are a bit handicapped entering the season but should get healthy as the summer progresses. They also return the core of a club that won 100 games last season. I used similar logic picking the Atlanta Braves to win the NL East, drawing scorn from numerous posters.
As for the Cardinals, depth will have much to say about this season. If they keep the current 25 together with a mid-season tweak or two, it should get interesting. Anything approaching last year's complications could torpedo matters. Memphis may be the youngest AAA team in either the International League or PCL. That may be nice for player development but it does not suggest ready options of leaks occur in St. Louis. |
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mgentry517: Chatmeister,
Khalil hitting cleanup: does the .213-hitting strikout victim scare you, or does the .400-hitting (in spring) with power potential intrigue you? Do you prefer Lil Dunc in the 4 spot? |
| Joe Strauss: I prefer LH pop that can handle LH pitching. Little Dunc' has demonstrated the first. He's a career .196 hitter against lefts. Rick Ankiel is also a work in progress against lefts but has the capacity to make significant strides. Cleanup projects as a mix-and-match unless TLR sees Ludwick as an everyday force. |
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| IlliniAmy: More bang for your buck, entertainment-wise: Watching Yadier Molina get a triple or asking a question of TLR, post-game of a loss? |
| Joe Strauss: Certainly more drama with the Yadi three-bagger. It also lasts longer than the managerial response. |
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cards27: Hey Joe,
From what you've seen, is David Freese a potential MLB starting 3B? How would you project him doing if he becomes the primary 3B while Glaus is gone? I know he strikes out a lot but is his power major league ready?
Thanks! |
| Joe Strauss: Consistency will dictate Freese's role long term. |
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| Jeremy: So, who closes tonight now that Motte and Franklin are both available? Does Tony go with Motte to see how he responds or does he go with Franklin because he's yet to pitch? Your insights are greatly appreciated. |
| Joe Strauss: Based on Tony's Tuesday response, Motte should again be "hot" if a closer is needed tonight. |
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wayupthere: Strauss
What are your projections this year for The Toddalien? The guy has what it takes to steam roll line-ups. You think 15+ wins is crazy to expect if he makes 25 or 30 starts? For what it's worth, Motte will dominate in the 9th this year. DOMINATE. Later Joe |
| Joe Strauss: I'm looking forward to Wellemeyer's start tonight. He appeared bored at times this spring, a perception TLR and Dave Duncan attempted to address in his next-to-last exhibition outing. Wellemeyer has improved a curveball, giving him a swing-and-miss pitch. The only possibile pause is an elbow that has become cranky at times the last two seasons. Even so, Wellemeyer worked 191.2 innings last season, his first as a major-league starter. If Wellemeyer repeats 190 innings, 14-16 wins appear doable. Defense is a variable in projecting pitcher wins. Right now that's a big unknown. |
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thedudeminds: Hey Gordo...just kidding Diablo,
1.Am I crazy or did Dennys Reyes look like a big leauge lefty last night? That was what I considered one of the more positve developments last night, I thought he pumped strikes with faith in his stuff.
2.Am I reading in too much or does it seem like 10 has warmed up to Rasmus in a big way.
3.Is Brad Thompson at a point where he finally sticks on this team or does he have another year of yo-yoing back and forth from here to Memphis? I think I might be in the minority in thinking he's actually a valuable assett on a team that lost a big innings eater in Looper. |
Joe Strauss: 1. Dennys (pronounced like the restaurant) looked better Tuesday. Remember, he's coming off a spring truncated by the WBC and visa issues following his signing with the Cardinals.
2. If he was in TLR's doghouse last winter for failing to play winter ball, Raz' is at least allowed back on the front porch now.
3. Thompson is going to be a big guy these first five weeks. What happens after that (Perez up?) is largely under BT's control.
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CardsRedOctober09: JS,
You just contradicted yourself. You said that you expect Ludwick to get his 538 ABs but you just said "...UNLESS TLR sees Ludwick as an EVERYDAY force." I do not say how in the world Ludwick can get 538 ABs (average of 3.3 ABs per game) if he is not an everday force. |
| Joe Strauss: An everyday force as a cleanup hitter. Ludwick hit cleanup 69 times last year, most on the team. TLR suggested last winter he hoped to find someone to hit consistently behind El Hombre. I was speaking to Ludwick's place in the lineup, not his overall presence. Overruled. Sit down, counselor. |
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| kat89447: I realize that reporters are there to get Tony's responses, but is it possible to mike the reporters when they ask the question? Sometimes it is impossible to hear the question and all you get is an answer that makes no sense. |
| Joe Strauss: That, Kat, would be stealing the show. |
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Brian: Hey Joe,
I live outside of the St. Louis market so I only get to see a handful of Cardinal games ... did Yadier really get a triple last night or was it a generous scoring decision? |
| Joe Strauss: The ball wrapped around the RF wall and eluded the outfielder. For once, the ChatMeister had no issue with the scoring call. |
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| Brian: What's the deal with Glaus. From 'minor' surgery and a spring return, to missing the first couple months, to coming back after the all-star break, to now possibly missing the season ... what happened??? |
| Joe Strauss: His rehab stalled. Look, the guy had a moderate muscle tear. It wasn't ripped apart, but it was stretched. There was no surgery to mend it, just shave the sides. From the outset, the P-D reported the club's estimate of a 12-week rehab as wildly optimistic. The only ones surprised are those who don't believe what they read. Glaus is out until at least June, likely through the All-Star break and possibly the season. I don't know if that's being reported on State Radio. It's the reality. |
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kenny14: Tsar of the Tsunami, got a couple of questions for you;
What do you think Carp’s pitch count will look like on Thursday?
TLR stated that Motte was getting too much of the plate Monday night. Did he do a good job of pitching to the edges during spring training? If so, I am pretty confident that Monday was a combination of Opening Day nerves and slick baseballs. Waino wasn’t as sharp as he could have been, and stated that the balls were pretty slick due to the cold weather. I'm ready to see the kid out there again, and soon. |
| Joe Strauss: I think more important than overall count is Carp's pitch efficiency. Anything under 15 per inning should be considered outstanding. Motte was obviously nervous. Everything was up. Motte is not a finesse pitcher. He brings heat. But at this level you better bring it down and occasionally vary speed or Monday will repeat itself. It's a little early to send out of town on a rail. It may be useful for Motte to let Molina help him through these early games. |
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| Steve: Great to have the Tsunami back on a regular basis, and finally be into the regular season. Quick question, I've heard several writers call Wellemeyer "The Colonial." How did he get that nickname? |
| Joe Strauss: It's the "Colonel." Wellemeyer was recognized by the Kentucky Guv'nah as an official Kentucky Colonel before 2008. (Somebody apparently gets greased in the deal.) Wellemeyer sponsored Dave Duncan as a Colonel this winter. Read past editions of BirdLand for greater detail. |
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redbirdswin: Joe,
In your expert opinion, which of the following has the best chance of happening in 2009:
Carpenter wins 15 games
Greene finishes with 90 RBI
Glaus returns before the All-Star break |
| Joe Strauss: I would list them in the same order or probability as you presented them. |
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Wing: Oh Great Chatmeister,
Being that you are a gambling man — what are your odds, percents if you will, that:
1) Pujols wins the NL MVP
2) Wainwright is top three in Cy Young voting
3) Rasmus gets at least 350 at bats this year
I am calling Vegas and doubling down on questions one and two with whatever your responses are, by the way. |
Joe Strauss: 1. 5-2.
2. 6-1.
3. 3-2. |
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| Will: Is there any chance that the Cards will make a serious run at accuring Matt Holliday at the trade deadline. I know it is early to ask this with all of the other concerns that other fans have been listing, but the other concerns don't really worry me as much. I think this team can stay in the race with what they have, but I believe that they will need a big right handed bat to protect Pujols to actually make the post season. I love Ludwick, and I don't think that last season was a complete fluke, but he is not the answer. I don't think that Glaus is the answer either. If he even makes it back this year. I keep hearing ownership talk about how they would spend money on the right player. If Holliday is not the right type of player who is. |
| Joe Strauss: The Holliday train has left the station. If the Cardinals are contending, it's likely due in part to the current outfield being extremely productive. |
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CardsRedOctober09: Chatmeister,
I am concerned about the recent move with Jess Todd. I realize that some scouts have projected him long-term as a reliever but there was no Cardinals minor league starter better than him last year. He moved from A to AAA last year and lest we forget that he excelled well know that he started the AA Texas League All Star game. It seems to go against every ounce of good judgment to change your top starting prospect to a middle reliever. Don't you agree? |
| Joe Strauss: If you project a major-league need for a RH reliever and don't believe Todd's mechanics project for 30-plus starts at this level, then it makes a lot of sense. Todd has a quirky, high-stress delivery. However, he commands his pitches, leaving the club reluctant to tinker with it. There are those who would suggest PJ Walters, Mitch Boggs and Adam Ottavino have higher ceilings as a major-league starter than Todd. Just sayin'. Todd fits a Brad Thompson profile for many. |
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| Joe Strauss: That's going to do it for this session. Sorry for the postponement. We'll be back up next Wednesday with 9 games in the books to obsess over. Thanks for stopping by. |
