| Joe Strauss: Per usual, news events provide a perfect lead-in for the Big Swell. We're still awaiting definitive word on Mark De Rosa, who left last night's game after hurting his left wrist on a swing. De Rosa was not optimistic, so it's hard to say this is only a boo-boo that requires some balm and a day or two off. We'll see. The Cardinals may be in the midst of the most critical part of their season -- four games against the wild card leading Gigantes before heading out on a 10-game road trip within the division to reach the All-Star break. The ChatMeister was on board with the De Rosa trade. It seemed the perfect opening gambit for a team that had another move to make. Tuesday's development, however, is sobering. The Cardinals are coming off a 12-17 June in which Albert Pujols enjoyed the most productive month of his soon-to-be Hall of Fame career. JSL!!! will take its act on the road Thursday to see what Kyle Lohse has to say in Springfield. In the meantime, it's to The Tsunami. Look out for the undertow!!! |
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GSW: ChatMeister,
In these uncertain times, it's comforting to know we can rely on your steady and insightful journalistic excellence, Joe. Only with you can we get the inside story delivered straight to our desktops!
OK, enough sucking up - on to the questions. Assuming the DeRosa deal is simply the first shoe to drop, what's the most likely size and shape for the next? Starter makes the most sense to me - if so, what's likely to be available before the (non-waiver) trade deadline, and what trade chips (OF?) would we be looking to move?
Thanks, Joe - as always, you da man! |
Joe Strauss: Correction, GSW. There is never enough sucking up on this board. Your plaudits are welcome and, of course, most appropriate.
ChatMeister Emeritus Mo' said last week that the club would examine its needs the next 2-3 weeks before committing to another deal. It made sense given De Rosa's versatility, uncertainty surrounding Troy Glaus and Khalil Greene, and the growing questions regarding the pitching staff (starter or set-up guy?). As the trade deadline approaches, sending a veteran outfielder elsewhere becomes more of an option. Rick Ankiel or Chris Duncan could have an impact within a stretch drive for a contender. Of course, teams out of it may covet some minor-league pitching, though it's uncertain how aggressively the Cardinals may deal now that Perez is gone and several young arms are under consideration by the Indians as Player to Be Named. Losing De Rosa for an extended time would be a killer. There's little other way to look at it. I question whether the Cardinals have sufficient bullets left to make a truly "impact" deal. Glaus suddenly becomes a much more significant variable. |
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Tackleberry: JSL,
As we approach the 4th of July there has been a major lack of fireworks at Busch this year. Assuming that Ludwick & Ankiel aren't going anywhere via trade, what can LaRussa do to get these guys going? Playing them everyday and hitting them in the middle of the line-up isn't working. Now that DeRosa is here and Rasmus has show the chops to rake on occasion, why not slot those two at 4 & 5 and move Ankiel and Ludwick down maybe even below Molina at 7 & 8? Take the pressure off and see if they can get it right. Convetional wisdom may say that Ludwick is due, but the daily box score doesn't suggest that it is happening any time soon. |
| Joe Strauss: A lot of what you suggest is up in the air due to De Rosa's uncertain situation. You may prove prescient on Ludwick. He has had three solid games in a row and Tuesday night contributed multiple long hits in a game for the first time since mid-April. Even if he seeks the mean (say, a .265 average and 22 jacks) there will be some payback in the second half. Ludwick appears to be staying back on pitches better lately. That gives him a chance over the weak right-side stuff he was producing previously. To your original point, a lot will hinge on De Rosa's prognosis. |
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NY Card Fan: Joe,
The Cards have been forced to take a few of their "Faberge Egg" pitchers out of the egg carton this season in the form of Boggs, Walters, Todd, Hawksworth, and Mortensen. With the possible exception of Boggs, none of these guys blow me away (nor, unfortunately, do they blow away too many major league hitters). Is it possible that Luhnow & Co have been overvaluing some of these eggs...or do they just need more time to develop? I hope I'm wrong, but it looks to me like the Cards'organization is doing a great job of developing a host of potential #5 starters. |
| Joe Strauss: The criticism of the system is that it is heavy on RH relievers, No. 5 starters and hard-to-project "bat guys" with limited athleticism. We've asked repeatedly here whether the Cardinals may have overvalued their "Faberge Eggs." Well, they apparently dealt two of the eggs to the Indians. The arrival of Jess Todd (for one game), PJ Walters and Clayton Mortensen have moved some to question whether the Faberge Eggs are Rotten Eggs. That's a bit unfair, to be sure. But there are concerns about whether these guys are able to flesh out the core of a big league pitching staff now reliant on Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Ryan Franklin. Put-up time is fast approaching for the cited trio along with Mitchell Boggs. |
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uglyjohn: O ChatMeister,
What's the prevailing internal explanation for Ludwick's plummeting production? Before his injury he was raking. Ever since then, it's been wet-noodle time.
Do the baseball people think he's still suffering the effects of the hammy pull and/or the time off? Or he's just slumping? Or he's truly and finally regressing? Or Jobu has abandoned him? Or a combination of these? Or none of them?
Your correspondent perceives Ludwick (or someone in that spot - though not Holliday, please) as the most important element in reviving the Redbirds' offense. |
| Joe Strauss: Ludwick went on the DL with a hamstring strain. Since returning, he's had a difficult time overcoming a premature shift that has made it difficult for him to pull. The last week suggests he may be getting a handle on it. Your point is well taken. With all the fixation on Duncan and Ankiel, Ludwick is perhaps the biggest variable in getting this offense rolling. The guy was a Silver Slugger last season. You don't subtract that, along with Glaus, and have anything resembling a dangerous lineup. It appears that any deal for Holliday is a long shot, at best. The ChatMeister seriously questions whether the Cardinals retain enough bullets to pull off such a move after the De Rosa deal. |
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NY Card Fan: Mighty Joe,
For the life of me I simply cannot understand why so many Cardinal fans are so anti-LaRussa and take every opportunity to shoot him down. There were posts criticizing the way TLR would use DeRosa...before DeRosa even suited up for his first game as a Cardinal! The guy has only won 2500 games and is on his way to the HOF. His teams are always prepared and he gets more out of less than any manager I know; trust me, as a New Yorker I watch those managers consistently get less out of more. Sure he's a bit of a control freak and might have gone to the Bobby Knight School of Charm, but some of those rubes out there simply don't know what they have in Tony LaRussa. When TLR moves on someday and the next Vern Rapp moves in, they'll be pining for the days of Tony LaRussa. |
| Joe Strauss: You're on record NY. Your point is well taken but I'm not sure some of the so-called "rubes" appreciate your tact. |
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Kent: Hey Joe! Thanks for doing these live chats... love riding the wave.
You mentioned on 101 tuesday that the "player to be named later" in the
DeRosa deal is another prospect, aka "Luhnow's faberge eggs". Could you
give us a little more insight as to who that may be, and why is he to be
named later, instead of going now with Perez? Did the Cards give the Indians a list to pick from? Is it contingent on DeRosa signing on for more than this year? |
| Joe Strauss: Relievers Jess Todd, Francisco Samuel and Eduardo Sanchez have been mentioned as the potential PTBN. The Indians are given a list and may use a prescribed length of time to evaluate each before selecting. De Rosa's decision to stay or go after this year has nothing to do with the PTBN. |
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| dub the beachcomber: Wavemaster, the surf here on Monterey Bay, like the Cards, is mired in it's summer slump. Is this why TLR is trying to entertain us with insane lineups? Thurston in left field? That makes no sense at all. If we're going with a right handed lineup and have to put Thurston in left, why not send him to Memphis to learn to run bases and call up Nick the stick? I think this team's biggest handicap is the manager. And I'm sick of hearing about all tony's wins when he has almost as many losses. My question: do you think we'd have won more games with a set lineup? Does it make playing harder if you never know what position you will play? Thanks Joe |
| Joe Strauss: Dub obviously hasn't been texting NY Cards Fan. Thurston was a surprise in LF last night with Rasmus and Duncan sitting against Randy Johnson. (Little Dunc' did take RJ deep in a Grapefruit League tilt against the Yankees a couple years ago. But we digress.) The revolving door aspect of the lineup does present a challenge to some. What it says most loudly is that TLR sees only a couple core names within this team. Everyone except Albert and Molina are subject to match-up considerations. Unfortunately, a bottom of the lineup with Thurston and Tyler Greene surrounding the pitcher has offered very little. The ChatMeister believes this team overachieved early this season. The manager had something to do with it. Now elements are being exposed. A team needing 14 rookies in a half season is probably operating on borrowed time. TLR's lineups reflect that lack of stability. |
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THEblindhomer: Mr. Strauss,
I will never, ever again question the power of JSL!
As you know, I was in quite the predicament after doing your recommended research of all prior JSL! productions in the comfort of the neighbor's living room.
I was extremely concerned that my priors for excessive cow-tipping might factor into the judge's sentencing recommendation and land me in a room without a view and a roommate named Bubba.
However, when given a chance to speak on record for myself, once I mentioned the research of JSL! I was doing, the judge gave me a suspended sentence and time served and a complete expungement of my record if I faithfully followed JSL! Turns out the judge is a big fan of Mr. Strauss.
Anywho, I was wondering if you could share with the class which former Cub spirit has inhabited the body of Ryan Ludwick and turned .299/.375/.591/.966 into .227/.299/.419/.718?
Is there any exorcism scheduled before the All-Star Break? |
| Joe Strauss: Thanks to a converted wave-rider. As stated, if Ludwick makes an adjustment and his numbers begin to approach the mean, he should be a productive second-half hitter. If not, the Cardinals have a heck of a decision this winter about an arbitration-eligible guy who could command serious jack in 2010. |
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mmac_32: Dear wise guru,
I'm watching tonight's game in almost pure disgust. I have never been so fed up with the lineup situation in my entire life. My first question is, why did La Russa pull DeRosa in the 6th inning?? It made absolutely NO SENSE. Not only that, why in the world did Joe Thurston start at left to begin with? Him against Randy Johnson was just comical. I just dont understand anything La Russa is doing lately. Honestly there is no reason Rasmus should not play everyday, and rotate the other three slumping outfielders around him. My next question is how much longer are we going to not hit before Hal McCrae gets the can? This is weeks over due as well. And lastly I'm to predict that Ludwick will not be in tomorrows lineup...I mean he did he the ball finally today, so I'm sure he wont get to play tomorrow. Please Joe, give me some good news.... |
| Joe Strauss: By now you know why De Rosa was lifted. Raz' was held out against a tough lefty while dealing with a hiatal hernia. I'm fairly confident the Lud' will be in there tonight. The team has played poor fundamental ball this homestand, no question. They are also going through regular afternoon drill sessions. This isn't about lack of work ethic. Their flaws are showing. Carpenter and Pujols enjoyed a monster June yet the team was 12-17. That suggests something beyond one night's 6-3 loss. |
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BGCARDFAN: Joe,
What are you hearing about Wallace's play at third?
And ... what do the folks in uniform think about Ryan and T Greene ... are either considered more than a place holder until a better option can be realized at SS?
Thanks
Have a great 4th ... and may the waves of good fortune Tsunami your life.
And one bonus question ... why is the FO seemingly intent on running out everyone with a breath up to St Louis ... especially as a starter?
Seems like it should have been obvious that at least a few of these guys weren't ready. |
| Joe Strauss: Ryan needs to stay on the field. When he's played, he's been as good a defensive SS as you can find in the NL this season. He's hit some, too, though he does not project as a power or production guy. Greene has shown flashes but appears increasingly exposed offensively. Worse, he has failed to execute in recent "little ball" situations and on Tuesday bounced into a first-pitch double play with bases loaded in a 6-3 game. Ryan is 27. Greene turns 26 next month. It's about time we stop using the "young player" label. They are "inexperienced" players at this level. As for what the Cardinals do... Ryan might present them a tough decision if he could play regularly. His day-to-day availability remains an issue. |
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Mark Giljum: Joe
Is this lineup one amazing machine and a bunch of broken parts with no hope of repair? How much of the nightly struggle is fundamental weakness as opposed to a combination of terrible slumps and bad luck?
Listening to the futility out here in LA on satellite radio must be less painful than actually watching it day after day.
BTW--Kudos to you and your P-D colleagues for consistently outstanding coverage. St. Louis ex-pats like myself would truly be lost.
Mark |
| Joe Strauss: Without Glaus, De Rosa and K. Greene, and with Ankiel and Ludwick groping for form, it's fair to say this is a flawed lineup. The Cardinals are 4-for-32 with runners in scoring position this homestand. Unfortunately, that is part of a larger trend. |
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| larry harnly: Will Memphis starter Evan MacLane receive an opportunity with the Cardinals? Virtually every other Memphis starter has, and MacLane has very good numbers -- 3.17 ERA and only 9 walks in 71 innings. Somebody must think he does not have what it takes to succeed in the majors. |
| Joe Strauss: He's not on the 40-man roster. There is currently one opening left. Promoting Todd and Mortensen to the 40-man have complicated things a bit. Glaus and J. Garcia are candidates for the 60-day DL once the roster reaches its limit. However, both are now expected to play sometime this season. As we've seen, it's tough to commit a spot on the 40-man to a guy then watch him for a week (or a day) before sending him out. Apparently, the Cardinals don't believe McLane offers more than Wellemeyer or Thompson. |
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| CCF1: Joe: Considering how inept the Cards offense is right now, I cannot understand the fact that Thurston is still around, instead of bringing up Stavinoha. What do you think ? |
| Joe Strauss: Your question was recently asked. The club values Thurston's versatility right now more than Stavy's RH bat. Stavinoha would be used solely in a bench role now that Ludwick is back. But after seeing Thurston start in LF Tuesday night, I know where you're coming from. |
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| Ryan Shipley: Greetings King of the Tsunami. Are there any updates into the contract negotiations between the Cardinals and 1st round draft pick Shelby Miller? Also, Bernie recently wrote that the signing of Wagner Mateo and international players is completely independent of what the organization can spend to sign Shelby Miller, however, does picking up the rest of Derosa's contract in anyway effect the organizations funds to sign Miller to the kind of signing bonus that he will be looking for? |
| Joe Strauss: The ORG insists the answer to your question is NO. Talks with Miller are still very preliminary. The Mateo signing should go down in the next 48 hours. At that time, Miller becomes the priority. It will be interesting to see how aggressive the Cardinals are in dealing with a guy who says he wants to play for them but is seeking more than "slot" money. |
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| sid: Hi Joe: This is my first time post but read your comments all the time and do respect and appreciate your responses. My question concerns the makeup of this team, all the coming and going of rookies, the many varied lineups, and positions & roles played which change from day to day. That said do you feel all this puts a mental strain or just a strain on the team beyond just trying to preform at there very best. Our inability to come from behind and hit with people on second and third makes me wonder if we have clubhouse turmoil or some other type of issues these guys are facing. Thanks Joe |
| Joe Strauss: This team has shown very limited ability to come from behind, largely because teams are not willing to let Pujols get off in game-changing situations. I don't think clubhouse discord is a factor here. Right now, the lineup resembles a cluster of complimentary talents. That can change. But the last six weeks suggest this team is a shell of its 2008 self offensively. The Cardinals are being "pitched" far too often to see things otherwise. |
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banquo2b: Hey Chatmeister,
Like much of Cardinal Nation, I was infuriated yesterday to see T. Greene chop away at a first pitch at the knees to ground into a double play with the bases loaded. Why all the first-pitch swinging by the Cards this year, when it's so often backfiring on them? Does this have more to do with rookies (T. Greene, etc.) and struggling hitters (Ankiel, Lud) or is this coming from the coaches? When the Cardinals attack a pitcher like Cliff Lee of the Indians (great starter, lousy pen) or Lincecum (anyone's better than him), why isn't the staff teaching some freaking patience? |
| Joe Strauss: TLR believes in aggressiveness. He doesn't like the MoneyBall preachings about the value of the walk. Still, Hal McRae accurately cites the value of "traffic" that walks create. Look, you're talking about a team with a lot of inexperienced major-league hitters. The approach has seemed inconsistent at times. Against a guy like Lincecum, hitters don't want to get deep in a count. The guy's too good and has too many weapons. It's a Catch-22: Take a first-pitch strike and most hitters are upside-down in the at-bat. Make an out on the first pitch and the pitcher gets a pass. The deeper meaning may be that teams are not afraid of this lineup beyond Pujols. There is little fear factor in attacking it. When Ludwick was hitting in April, things looked a lot different. When and if he hits again, perhaps things will revert. |
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Ken: Joe,
Three quick points I'd like your reaction to.
1. Due to a line drive fatally injuring a coach (a RARE occurrence), the rules were immediately changed to protect all first and third base coaches. These broken bats (a FREQUENT occurrence) will eventually injure someone severely yet nothing has been done.
2. Cardinals have way too many mediocre left handed hitters that really hinder late inning strategy.
3. Tyler Greene is not ready. |
Joe Strauss: 1. I completely agree and would add that greater protections should be extended to fans seated near the field. Japanese stadiums have nets extending from dugout to dugout.
2. The Cardinals have several LH hitters who aren't hitting to earlier form. I don't believe TLR is debilitated from making moves except for playing with a short bench.
3. He may be getting exposed. However, he does have tools that allow one to project him as a major league player. |
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| Erick in O'Fallon: Could Thursday be the last chance that Wellemeyer has to prove he should stay in the rotation when Lohse comes back or did Thompson already secure that for him by pitching poorly. I have a bad feeling that Thursdays game will be a lopsided one where we make Zito look like he deserves another Cy Young. Memphis options look meek. |
| Joe Strauss: Dave Duncan said earlier this week that Wellemeyer's Thursday outing should serve as a referendum on whether he stays in the rotation. Duncan sees plenty of potential in Wellemeyer. However, Todd's mechanical issues have proved difficult to address. When Lohse returns, the club's stance could change. There is little instant gratification at Triple-A. |
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TheGloaming101: Oh Glorious Host of the Almighty Chat that provides such a great light in these possibly dark times,
If DeRosa is hurt seriously enough to go on the 15-Day DL what is the next move? Do the Cardinals continue to look for 3B help in the trade market, move DeRosa to the OF when he comes back, and trade Glaus if he has any value before the deadline? Do the Cardinals limp along with T. Greene and Thurston at 3B? Or do the Cardinals promote Wallace and attempt to play him at 3B? Thank you in advance for your glorious wisdom. |
| Joe Strauss: Well, the club could return to April's Good Ol' Days when Brian Barden and Thurston provided an effective platoon at third base. That would be the path of least resistance. However, losing De Rosa may be the most compelling argument to date to give Wallace a look. But again, the 40-man roster issue looms. I do not sense strong support within the major-league clubhouse to promote Wallace at this time. It may come down to an organizational decision, though. |
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tone-dog: It seems to me, based on what I've read in the PD, that Glaus really doesn't want to play ball and that the team is really pushing him to do these rehabs. Is that the way you see it? Did he have problems here last year that makes him so hesitant to be here or to want to return quicker?
Thanks. |
| Joe Strauss: The team needs to find out soon whether Glaus will factor this season. His upcoming return to Florida signals the approaching time for the club to fish or cut bait, so to speak. |
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| tkarst: Great to ride the wave. I don't understand all of the FO bashing. Great outcries were heard last year when the Cards didn't make any moves at the trading deadline, but none of the players that the team was interested in went anywhere. Not much happened over at the deadline. The logical conclusion is that the asking prices were too high. Mo made a great move in trading Rolen for Glaus. Is he supposed to have a crystal ball to be able to tell that Glaus would be injured a year later? The bullpen was a problem, so it has been made over and is doing an effective job. The problem is that many are under performing. Is that Mo's fault too? I love Ankiel and Duncan, but they are embarrassing to watch. They are both nearly helpless at the plate. How much longer can Tony keep them in the lineup? |
| Joe Strauss: This team is built on the premise that guys like Ankiel and Duncan will produce. If not, the season becomes more of a struggle. That's the facts, Jack. They remain in the lineup unless TLR believes he has better options. For now, those options aren't obvious. |
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Terrapin03: Joe -
A recent review of 2009 game results confirms the Cards are 8-4 on days the Chatmeister unleashes the phenomenom known as JSL!!! for us little people. Given the superior winning percentage of JSL days compared to non-JSL days, don't you think it's about time you get the front office on board with an incentive-based 3 days/week JSL contract, perhaps with a 4th day vesting option to improve the team's playoff chances? Could this be the "impact deal" Cardinal fans have been clamoring for? |
| Joe Strauss: Your research is impressive and your suggestions about a potential kickback system most intriguing in such uncertain economic times. No doubt the ChatHeads' on-target inquiries and the penetrating insight provided here at JSL!!! provide short-term answers and inspiration. But since it's a marathon and not a sprint, the season demands regular reinforcement. Hey, we'd come cheaper than Holliday. |
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| BradV: Do you think Carpenter hurt his chances as a possible All Star selection? If so, don't you think Franklin could be a selection. How sad would it be for STL to only have 2 representatives at an All Star game that we are hosting? Granted, as long as I see El Hombre get some substantial playing time, it will be worth what I paid for the tickets.... |
| Joe Strauss: I believe Carp' or Franklin will make the squad but doubt both can. If not for indifferent support, Carpenter would be a lock. If not for too few opportunities, Franklin would be there as well. Just remember: This Time It Counts!!! |
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Huffaker: Chatmeister, a certain someone in the local radio media claims that "LaGenius" batting the pitcher 8th is one of the main culprits of the cardinals losing as of late. I decided to run some numbers (through 30-June):
#Games pitcher batting 8th\Avg runs per game: 39 \ 3.54
#Games pitcher batting 9th\Avg runs per game: 34 \ 5.09
#Games DH\Avg runs per game: 6 \ 5.83
Pujols RBIs Per Game batting 8th\Team Record: 0.69 \ 18-21
Pujols RBIs Per Game batting 9th\Team Record: 1.06 \ 19-15
Pujols RBIs Per Game DH\Team Record: 2.33 \ 4-2
The team scored 1.5 runs per a game, has a much better record, and Pujols averages .35 more rbis per a game while the pitcher is batting ninth. I thought the whole argument was that it was suppose to allow Pujols more rbi opportunities? Do you think there is something to this? Or do you think the statistics are largely reflective of the outfield offense becoming ineffective and Tony starting to bat the pitcher 8th at the same time? For nearly the whole month of April, the pitcher batted 9th. |
| Joe Strauss: Most appreciated. Since this is a live format, I haven't had the opportunity to run your numbers. But since they square with the ChatMeister's contention that a conventional lineup is just as good if not better, here it is. My argument has long been that TLR never has batted the pitcher eighth when he fielded a dominant or even very good squad. It returned during 2007. The Cardinals are virtually a .500 club since. Thanks for posting. I'll back-check the research and send the findings to Bird Land. |
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Williamosb: Good day, Mr. Chatmeister:
Enjoy your weekly insighful comments concerning the '09 Cards! My question: Does TR have any weapons at his disposal to make batters take at least one or two pitches? Last night, bases loaded, Greene swings weakly at the first pitch hitting an easy ground out. Albert Pujols can be seen taking at least one or two pitches almost every time. |
| Joe Strauss: TLR was disappointed in the Greene AB but chose not to throw him under the bus. As for El Hombre, if he wants to do a headstand while smoking a Cohiba at the plate, that's OK by me. Apparently the Laws of Physics do not apply in his case. |
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lefty: Sir Joseph
Tony said in the past his teams played a "hard nine". Recently they look like they are playing a "fast nine". I am referring to the frequency of swinging at the first pitch as evidenced by T. Greene's at bat last night with the bases loaded.
Is Tony's message not getting through or are the '09 Cards just not very good?
Lefty |
| Joe Strauss: I don't know, but the ChatMeister may "borrow" your term for an upcoming article. Like it. |
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| Redbirdfanindiana: Joe, What do you think of all the anemic Cardinal bats having something to do with the mix and match lineups? I personally have been frustrated with many of TLRs lineup cards, and lack of certain players on it. It seems to me that Schumaker, Ludwick (till proven last year was a fluke) should be playing everyday. Rasmus should be elbowing (Tony's words) his way into the everyday lineup as well. How do the players feel about not knowing from day to day who's playing? Your comments and opinions are always looked forward to over here in the Hoosier state. |
| Joe Strauss: This team does not carry the juice (maybe I should re-phrase that) of previous teams. Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Tino and Adam Kennedy aren't around to publicly deconstruct TLR's lineups. Ryan Ludwick has made oblique statements about playing more regularly but, frankly, his performance has hurt his leverage. It's fair to say that a majority of guys are uncertain whether they're playing when they arrive each day. Is that good or bad? Apparently it was good in April but it's bad now based on the numbers. |
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dn3524: Hello Yosef,
1) I know that TLR would never bash his players in public, and I respect him for that. My question is...do you think Tony REALLY believes in players like Duncan, Ankiel, Thurston, et al, or he plays them because he has no other choice? Yes, I'm asking you to get in Tony's mind.
2) Has Tony forgotten 2004? His pitcher grinding lineup would feast on middle relief after running up the pitch count on the starter. Yes, he had better players, but the philosophy seems to have changed. Does he truly believe the early count swinging is the way to go for this team? Perhaps he knows they lose all bullpen matchups with the poor construction of the team/bench?
Thanks
Dave |
| Joe Strauss: I'll confine myself to your second question: A lineup of Reggie Sanders, Albert, Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen and Edgar Renteria is probably going to be pitched somewhat differently than the current group. Y'think? |
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Dan: Joe,
With Pujols having such a great first half, what are the chances that he actually beats his career high? It is highly unlikely that he will keep up the torrid pace, and with the HR derby and All-Star berth he doesn't really get a break to recover from the rigors of the game. |
| Joe Strauss: It's hard to believe that a 2-time MVP and the game's best hitter has led a Triple Crown category only once (Batting, 2003). It's not absurd to suggest that El Hombre has a shot at the Triple Crown this season if he can stabliize his average around his career average, .334. He has so far produced eight, eight and 14 home runs in the first three months. Obviously, average eight HR a month would translate to 48 for a season. His career high is 49. JSL!!! believes 55 or even 60 in play if he continues to be pitched. Health is always a consideration. Tremendous demands are going to be made on his time after the club returns from Chicago around 2 a.m. July 11. How he starts the second half will be interesting to watch. |
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| San Sebastian: I hope DeRosa ends up being a good first piece to addressing the Cardinals' woes, but we all know that what this team needs is protection for Albert. There seems to a lot of speculation about Matt Holliday, but I was just wondering about another slugger who plays for a woeful team - Adam Dunn. Even with his deadly defense, his 20 home runs and 56 RBIs would certainly provide protection for Albert. Then we can trade Duncan to an AL team for 50 pounds of veggie burgers and three stray cats. Do you think Dunn would be a good fit? |
| Joe Strauss: The club has previously had little interest in Dunn. Ironically, I thought Duncan offered resembled Adam Dunn Light his first couple seasons. Dunn is due $12 million next season. That's a heavy doughnut to swallow. |
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kwpres: As it stands today...odds....in your humble opinion...
Tony re-signing another contract with the Cards...
Pujols agreeing to any extension in the next 12 months... |
Joe Strauss: TLR: A coin flip
EL Hombre: Possibly dependent on what Tony does. I'd give it 2-to-1 against right now. |
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| Dan Curry: Can someone tell me what, exactly, is the matter with Troy Glauss? All you hear is that he's not ready, or still rehabbing. What does Glaus say? Whats the time schedule? Does he ever visit the team in St Louis? |
| Joe Strauss: Glaus suffered a tear in a muscle supporting his right shoulder. The remedy was to smooth the tear but not close it. He is hitting fine but experiencing discomfort throwing. The club plans to send him to Florida Thursday and hopefully on a minor-league rehab 7-10 days after that. Glaus has been in Phoenix and not seen in these parts since the season's first week. |
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| chacha: Joe, reading about Rasmus's hiatal hernia made us curious about the pre/post-game spreads. Do the Cardinals have a team nutritionist? Is the players' food cooked in the stadium? Who chooses the menu? And most important, what do the media get to eat? |
| Joe Strauss: Rasmus' condition has more to do with how much he eats. He usually eats a lot after games rather than before. The result has been frequent nausea and vomiting. He's also trying to kick a dip habit. Food is either cooked on site or catered. The media eat in a dining area behind the Cardinals Club. We pay. Sometimes more than once. |
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| albowwow: Why does management always wait until its almost too late to acquire help for Pujols? Couldn't we have gotten Hudson and Holliday at the beginning of the season without giving up nearly as much talent or money! and then what a lineup huh! a little speed , alot of pop , protection and no wasted money on Khalil and maybe Derosa.... |
| Joe Strauss: Holliday would have required Lud', Schumaker and a pitcher before the season. That still sounds like a lot to me. A Silver Slugger, a guy coming off a .300 year and perhaps a Mitch Boggs or Chris Perez. Holliday is not the same guy who won a batting title in Colorado. At the time, I don't remember a groundswell for giving away the farm (or Ludwick) for Holliday. |
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| Jerry Huffman: In various columns and boards, I have read the term "Faberge Eggs" used derisively to imply that the front office has overvalued our minor league prospects and thus made them unavailable in potential trades for established veteran players. Considering the unimpressive nature of some of those "eggs" major league play, is it possible that other teams have not made strong efforts to obtain our prospects? Do you know of any potential deals for established players which were nixed on this basis? Thanks. |
| Joe Strauss: An example was last July's refusal to part with Motte for Will Ohman. (JSL!!! was on board with the non-move.) An example of waiting too long? Well, there has long been internal support for C Bryan Anderson, who has issues on defense that rarely appear on chat boards. Anderson's value has eroded the last two years. Last week he was smoked in a collision and suffered a third-degree shoulder separation that will require season-ending surgery. It's doubtful you will see him among Baseball America's much-anticipated but often specious Cardinals Top Five prospects next spring. |
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DoubleDown11: Sitting on two lovely ladies while the dealer is showing a six and liking my chances...
1) How likely would the Cardinals, on a scale of 1-10, go out and get a bottom of the rotation starter like Brian Bannister or Tom Gorzellany to fill the blackhole that is Todd Wellemeyer?
2) With the potential long-term loss of Mark DeRosa looming on the horizon, what is the likelihood they go out and get another complimentary/impact bat while he mends? I'm not talking Holliday b/c that's just 'pie-in-sky' talk, I'm thinking along the lines of a return engagement of Felipe Lopez or -- gasp! -- taking a flier on Garret Atkins? Options are limited unless they unexpectedly bring up 'The Walrus'.
Aight, dealer is getting antsy...time to split 'em...
DoubleDown11 |
| Joe Strauss: Bannister would be a nice add. Gorzellany has had recent problems but might be an interesting flier. Don't know how much help he would be in a pennant drive this year. If De Rosa is down for an extended period, the Cardinals realize a worst-case scenario. They can't pursue another third baseman with Glaus still rehabbing. They still can't be sure of their pitching as Lohse recovers from a strained flexor muscle. All this goes down with the Cincinnati-Milwaukee-Chicago road trip approaching. Sacrificing a cluster of players for another pending free agent may not make as much sense given the other uncertainties. As stated earlier, this may be the most logical reason presented yet to bring up the Walrus... Koo-koo-ka-choo. |
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| Rick Vaughns Hair: If Troy Glaus is back for te second half of the season, what kind of impact should we expect? |
| Joe Strauss: A plus bat but an uncertain arm with limited range. Love your handle. I don't know if you're talking about the Major League character or the T.B. Rays media relations czar. |
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| Ron: Quick question: Are the Cards still in pursuit of Holliday? |
| Joe Strauss: Pursuit suspended for the moment. |
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McGarrett: Chatmeister:
I know that is is widely assumed that Ankiel and Pinero will be playing elsewhere next year. Would the Cardinals be open to the return of Ankiel or Pinero if either player wanted to return and the price was right?
Thank you, sir. |
| Joe Strauss: I could see it with either one, perhaps moreso with Ankiel. However, Rick's got to show better offensively. If he leaves, I would suspect the Cardinals would look for a RH-hitting outfielder. |
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| Joe Strauss: Thanks for the inquiries. Sorry I don't have more for you on the DeRosa situation. But I'm off to the ballpark to continue reporting. Check Cardinals Beat later in the day for updates. Of course, tomorrow's P-D will also have it covered. Thanks again. We'll do this again next week from Milwaukee. |
