All right,
everybody up for what may be an abbreviated version of Joe Strauss
Live!!! Whether it's a post-warmup letdown or the crud that has
afflicted most around these parts, The Tsunami has been brought
down. Definitely running at low tide today. But we push on to
address what concerns the ChatHeads as Departure Day for spring
training is about two weeks away.
Hey Joe every one
is talking about alberts contract, i for one will bypass that
issue. My question is do our pitcher continue to pitch to contact
or do they try to get the hitter out anyway they can.I feel we have
cut our selves short on defense what do you say.
Joe Strauss: I don't envision a
change in Dave Duncan's pitching philosophy. You live (or die) with
the defense you put together. I don't expect brilliant D, but I do
think some of the gloomy scenarios have become a bit overstated. If
this team makes routine plays while upgrading its offensive
production, the club should be OK. Should Berkman, Freese or
another key piece be lost and the routine play become a riddle, we
may be in store for a repeat of last year's ride.
Your piece on Lance
Berkman last week was very informative - thank you. Would you say
that Lance coming to STL versus CHC shows a preference to play
outfield versus 1B? Do you think his knees will hold up out there
for 150 games +/- this year? Also, would you say he would ideally
like to remain in the NL versus deal with ultimately being
relegated to a DH?
Joe Strauss: The Cardinals signed
Puma before the Cubs actually tendered an offer. However, had GM
John Mozeliak waited until Cubs GM Jim Hendry met with Berkman in
Houston an $8 million bid could have become insufficient. Berkman
wants to play here because of its proximity to Houston, its
presence in the NL and his gurantee of 600 plate appearances (if
healthy). For those wondering if he is serious about this as a last
chance to resurrect himself as an impact player, the photos that
accompanied the article should have offered proof.
Last week you
said that you believed that they will sign another starting pitcher
and another left side infielder to split contracts and that there
may be another $1-1.5 million left to make a move similar to last
spring's signing of Felipe Lopez to a major league contract.
Are the signings of Batista, Snell, Vazquez and Bynum the fulfillment of that, or is there anything else in the works? Are the Punto and Bonderman rumors now old news and not likely to happen? Thanks.
Are the signings of Batista, Snell, Vazquez and Bynum the fulfillment of that, or is there anything else in the works? Are the Punto and Bonderman rumors now old news and not likely to happen? Thanks.
Joe Strauss: There may still be a
spring training move left. However, players such as Jerry Hairston,
Jr. (Nationals) have become gobbling up $2 million deals that might
have fit here. Frankly, I don't believe the Cardinals have obtained
sufficient insurance at third base. All of the recent signs are on
minor-league deals, meaning none would have to be shoved aside if
the club signed a February dumpster dive to a major-league
deal.
Hi Joe, last year about
this time you correctly identified lack of depth as a potential
achilles ankle, oops, heel. With the Cards recent moves, the 2011
roster is looking fairly set. Do you think the Cards addressed the
depth issue adequately going into this year for the improved
Central competition and the long grind, or do we fans just cross
our fingers and hope for good luck with the health? Is Cantu a
cando within the Cards budget? Thanks.
Joe Strauss: The Cardinals remain
dangerously thin in some areas. However, the bench becomes less
exposed if players such as Berkman and Freese stay healthy.
Receiving 170 RBI from that tandem would represent a huge upgrade.
But both players have endured significant breakdowns the last two
seasons -- Freese's feet and Berkman's left leg. Cantu fits but I
haven't heard heard of specific interest in him.
Hi Joe. In 2009
when we traded for Matt Holliday and Mark DeRoas it was said we
gave up most of our top prospects. For Holliday Oakland got Brett
Wallace,trade to B.Jays,Philles then to Astros,Clayton Mortensen
just designated for assignment we should try to get him back,Shane
Peterson still at AA hit 265 with 5 home runs this year. We got the
best of that trade!! For DeRosa Indians got Chris Perez there new
closer,and Jess Todd AAA bullpen. The Indians stuck it to us on
that one!!! Wish we had both Perez & Todd back. Anyway only 1
of the 5 we traded is playing in the big league. Mortensen looks
like a # 4-# 5 pitcher in the big leagues,Todd could be a starter
or closer in the big league,Wallace looks like a DH type if
that,Peterson will not make the bigs. If those 5 were the Cardinals
top prospects,and there was only maybe 3 players in all the Cards
minor league system that teams wanted to trade for at the July
trade deadline this year because those 5 were our best, what does
that say about our minor league system?? THANK YOU. Bryan
Joe Strauss: I'll cut through the
manifesto thusly: I thought the Cardinals system overrated at the
time of the trades in 2009 and believe it dangerously thin at the
upper levels now. The organization did a masterful job of selling
its minor-league talent to "third-party publications" prior to the
DeRosa and Holliday deals. Beyond Perez, I believe my view has been
validated since. The DeRosa deal was hurtful because of what Perez
offered. The Holliday deal centered on a player traded twice since
(Wallace) who is threatened by Carlos Lee as Astros first baseman.
Never underestimate the marketing element to minor-league
evaluations. That said, I'm intrigued to see what the organization
has to offer at its lower rungs this spring.
I really enjoyed the
article on Ryan Theriot today, however, I can't understand why
every since we traded for him why every article questions his
ability to play short? I watched him when he was with the Cubs and
did not see him ever have a bad game. Is there something here I am
missing.
Do you have any inside scope as to why such negative questions keep coming up and people continue to get him on second base when he keeps saying he prefers shortstop? Thanks again.
Do you have any inside scope as to why such negative questions keep coming up and people continue to get him on second base when he keeps saying he prefers shortstop? Thanks again.
Joe Strauss: His range is
considered a minus, especially in comparison to Brendan Ryan. But
he is a consistent performer who knows how to play the position.
The larger issue is that the Cardinals project three infielders
(Freese, Theriot, Schumaker) with minus range for the first time in
my 10 seasons convering the club. The negative questions will
continue until folks in St. Louis see Theriot handle his role on an
everyday basis. The Cubs and the Dodgers deemed him unfit for
shortstop last season. It's a fair question.
Joe,
Can you comment on the possible lost revene Albert Pujols would forego by signing with STL rather than LA or some other large market franchise? Could Pujols count on additional millions in revenue were he to sign with one of these clubs? In other words is any gap between the contract value offered by Dewitt and a larger market club widened by the differential in marketing opportunities? Perhaps his marketability is national/international and transcends where he plays? Perhaps his appeal is in fact somewhat damaged by appearing to chase the money rather than demonstrate loyalty to one club (A guy can dream, can't he?)?
Can you comment on the possible lost revene Albert Pujols would forego by signing with STL rather than LA or some other large market franchise? Could Pujols count on additional millions in revenue were he to sign with one of these clubs? In other words is any gap between the contract value offered by Dewitt and a larger market club widened by the differential in marketing opportunities? Perhaps his marketability is national/international and transcends where he plays? Perhaps his appeal is in fact somewhat damaged by appearing to chase the money rather than demonstrate loyalty to one club (A guy can dream, can't he?)?
Joe Strauss: Albert's marketing
opportunities would increase exponentially should he play in LA.
That's simply a fact of playing in the most media-friendly market
in the country.
Master of the
Tsunami,
As winter drags on, I'm thinking long and hard about a vacation to Florida for spring training. As a former Cactus League season ticket holder, I've always enjoyed the ritual sights and sounds of the spring tuneup. Now back in the Midwest, it's time to seek a new surfing spot. Do you have any tips or advice for us Grapefruit League grommies on riding the Atlantic wave?
As winter drags on, I'm thinking long and hard about a vacation to Florida for spring training. As a former Cactus League season ticket holder, I've always enjoyed the ritual sights and sounds of the spring tuneup. Now back in the Midwest, it's time to seek a new surfing spot. Do you have any tips or advice for us Grapefruit League grommies on riding the Atlantic wave?
Joe Strauss: Junior Goold
authored an article on Jupiter's sights and sounds that recently
ran in the Post-Dispatch. It's a good primer. There are plenty of
solid dining options of all price ranges. The local scripes and
chattering class are most often found at Pyro'sGrill a half-mile
from the ballpark. It's a wrap place unlike anything in St. Louis.
Players frequent it, too. Juno Beach is a good play. The city of
Palm Beach offers some high-maintenance talent and chic nightspots.
Of course, The Tsunami is frequently found at the Palm Beach Kennel
Club poker room, a study in human behavior like few others.
Hello Joe,
Over the weekend, the Post-Dispatch reported that Colby Rasmus came to the Winter Warmup positive about the season and assuring everyone he had no lingering troubles with LaRussa. Within hours, LaRussa was talking up Tyler Greene as a potential center fielder. Is there a hidden message there, one that only someone with your wisdom can decipher? Doesn't seem like an accident. Thanks as always.
Over the weekend, the Post-Dispatch reported that Colby Rasmus came to the Winter Warmup positive about the season and assuring everyone he had no lingering troubles with LaRussa. Within hours, LaRussa was talking up Tyler Greene as a potential center fielder. Is there a hidden message there, one that only someone with your wisdom can decipher? Doesn't seem like an accident. Thanks as always.
Joe Strauss: The message was that
Raz' won't play 162 games and that T. Greene may receive an
occasional start there against LH pitching. Another example of a
piece of relative trivia causing the fan base to hyperventilate.
It's a footnote, not a huge deal.
Hi
Could you explain the contract process. Simple minds like mine think it is just ....we want this....well we will give you this...
Im sure ther is WAY more to it but it just seems to take forever on Alberts...It just seems really simple even though it is big money. Mcguire did his contracts himself as I remember and it was quick. So anyway if you could possibly shed some light on the process (not albert specifically) I would appreciate it
Thanks
Could you explain the contract process. Simple minds like mine think it is just ....we want this....well we will give you this...
Im sure ther is WAY more to it but it just seems to take forever on Alberts...It just seems really simple even though it is big money. Mcguire did his contracts himself as I remember and it was quick. So anyway if you could possibly shed some light on the process (not albert specifically) I would appreciate it
Thanks
Joe Strauss: Average Annual
Value, length of contract and how the deal is loaded are the
central components. In Albert's case, each is a big deal,
especially the years. It's difficult to envision Team Pujols
accepting fewer than seven years guaranteed with some sort of
option attached. If an A-Rod AAV is desired, you're talking about a
minimum $190-$195 million outlay. An option would likely push the
deal beyond $200 million. I don't see Pujols accepting Ryan Howard
money ($25M per year). Does the club push for deferred money?
Pujols conceded on that in his last deal, which left its AAV
actually below the one given Scott Rolen in September 2002. I doubt
there is an appetite for a repeat of such a structure.
With the understanding
that a set batting order is never a given under Tony other than
Albert in the 3 hole (and most likely Matt set to clean-up), do you
see Skip and Ryan rotating lead off and 8th spot based the starting
pitcher being right or left handed? Does Colby get the 2 hole most
nights or who else will likely see some significant time high up in
the order? Any other experiments you see being tested with the
batting order in 2011 (injuries aside), now that LaRussa has
recently said that he intends to bat the pitcher 9th this
year?
Joe Strauss: Theriot appears the
favorite to bat leadoff. Whether Raz' hits second or sixth is a
question. It would be interesting to see the club take greater
advantage of Raz' athleticism on the bases. Of course, a given
night's pitching matchup will influence the batting order's
look.
I was disappointed at
Albert's sour attitude when signing autographs at the Winter
Warm-Up, Yadi's last minute cancellation and the low number of
players at the Writer's dinner. Do you think the multi-millionaires
forget that without the fans, they would be making minimum wage? As
the Cardinals organization is touted as being so great and classy,
is this something that can be addressed with the millionaire
players? I know they say they spend so much time away from their
families, but that is the cost of making so much money. Thanks for
letting me vent.
Joe Strauss: I know many came
away disappointed at Molina's last-minute cancellation but
understand there was a legitimate issue with his infant daughter.
Those things happen. Molina and Gerald Laird were the only members
of the projected 25-man roster not to sign last weekend. That's
pretty fair representation. I wasn't around Albert when he signed
but know that he's trying to get through a crush of signatures at
$175 a pop. The writers' dinner employed a different format this
year, opting for a roast of TLR as the centerpiece over the awards
presentation. All team members invited to accept awards showed
except Molina. Some, such as Ryan Theriot, participated even though
he received no hardware. Albert signed immediately after a rather
rugged 18-minute session with media unimpressed by how the press
conference was handled. Given an opportunity to address the local
fan base publicly for the first time since season's end, one would
have thought that he would have offered more insight than during a
November trip to the Dominican Republic. That proved not to be the
case. At least 100 media members were crammed into a back hallway
shouting questions to a first-year hitting coach.
I've heard that
you have suggested that if the Cardinals can't sign Pujols, they
are better of letting him leave to FA than trading him. What
compensation do the Cardinals receive if another team signs
him?
Joe Strauss: They would receive
two draft picks. It's not a matter of what they'd be "better off"
doing. Pujols is highly unlikely to waive his veto power over a
trade in midseason, according to my information. The Cardinals lost
leverage to trade him after he achieved 10 years' major-league
service last season.
Joe, I have this
recurring nightmare almost every night and I look to you for
reassurance. The Cardinals don't extend Pujols and he makes it to
free agency (starting to look more so). The Cubs signed Pena to
only one year to man first base (can you see where this is going).
The big hitters (Yankess,Red Sox,Phillies, etc,)are set at first
base for several years. Please, for the love of God, tell me that
this is indeed a nightmare and that Pujols will not end up on the
northside.
Joe Strauss: Sorry, the Small
Bears would be very much in play.
El
Diablo,
Talk this winter of finding some free agent insurance for Freeze at third certinally makes good sense, but last year Mo did the same thing with Ruben Gotay, playing him 139 games at Memphis with 473AB's .285 avg and an .835 OPS........Why get players for insurance, like Gotay, and then not use them? His numbers suggest he could have been better than what we got at 3rd in 2010. From the outside it seems a waste of resources, enlighten us, if you will, with the inside view.......
Talk this winter of finding some free agent insurance for Freeze at third certinally makes good sense, but last year Mo did the same thing with Ruben Gotay, playing him 139 games at Memphis with 473AB's .285 avg and an .835 OPS........Why get players for insurance, like Gotay, and then not use them? His numbers suggest he could have been better than what we got at 3rd in 2010. From the outside it seems a waste of resources, enlighten us, if you will, with the inside view.......
Joe Strauss: The front office
obtains players to fill out the roster. The manager and coaching
staff evaluate them during spring training. Fair to say TLR and
staff were not overwhelmed by Rube during spring training. His
defensive deficiencies caused serious pause. But to your point,
yes, it would suggest an organizational disconnect.
Do you envision
either Ian Snell or Miguel Batista making the roster after spring
training?
Joe Strauss: I believe Batista
has a legitimate shot at the vacated Hawksworth role.
I know it's early,
but what does your NL Central projected standings look like at this
point?
Joe Strauss: Many will lampoon
this, but....
I like St. Louis and Chicago 1 and 2 (in either order), and Cincinnati and Milwaukee 3 and 4. The same folks who consumed the Brewer Kool-Aid last season have absolutely OD'd on the trade for Greinke. I'm not sold but am impressed by Marcum's potential for a breakout. The Brewers have serious defense and depth issues (sound familiar?). The Garza trade was huge for the Cubs. Zambrano was 8-0 in his last 11 starts last season. When Big Z rolls, the Cubs are a force. Cincinnati will see a regression to the mean by several of their big guns. Scott Rolen is every much a concern to the Reds as Puma is to the Cardinals. Lot of high ceilings but also a lot of variables within their rotation. Houston and Pittsburgh occupy their obvious slots.
I like St. Louis and Chicago 1 and 2 (in either order), and Cincinnati and Milwaukee 3 and 4. The same folks who consumed the Brewer Kool-Aid last season have absolutely OD'd on the trade for Greinke. I'm not sold but am impressed by Marcum's potential for a breakout. The Brewers have serious defense and depth issues (sound familiar?). The Garza trade was huge for the Cubs. Zambrano was 8-0 in his last 11 starts last season. When Big Z rolls, the Cubs are a force. Cincinnati will see a regression to the mean by several of their big guns. Scott Rolen is every much a concern to the Reds as Puma is to the Cardinals. Lot of high ceilings but also a lot of variables within their rotation. Houston and Pittsburgh occupy their obvious slots.
If Ian Snell doesn't
make the roster out of spring training, do you think he would
accept a role in Memphis, with the potential to join the Cards if
there is an injury? Would Ian Snell be the Cards' first option to
serve in this role?
Joe Strauss: Snell agreed to
remain at Memphis through May, if necessary, as a condition of his
contract.
Before the 2010
season, a few question marks were the middle infield, lefty relief,
and the back of the bullpen. Heading into the 2011 season, the
question marks seem to remain the same. Skip is still at second
base. B. Ryan struggled in 2010, but I'm not sure Theriot should be
considered much of an upgrade (definitely not an upgrade in the
field). You can't really look at Berkman as an upgrade because we
had Ludwick in RF before the 2010 season, and Lud-man was STL's
most consistent hitter in the first half. Cards still have ZERO
reliability from the lefties in the pen, and watching Franklin try
to close out games still has every Cards fan on the edge of their
seat.
I guess my question is, what has Mo (and TLR-- his puppet-master) done this offseason to ensure the Cards don't miss the playoffs for the 4th time in the last 6 years?
I guess my question is, what has Mo (and TLR-- his puppet-master) done this offseason to ensure the Cards don't miss the playoffs for the 4th time in the last 6 years?
Joe Strauss: Actually, this would
be their fourth miss in five years. The Cardinals are banking on a
healthier season than last, particular within the rotation and at
third base. If either fails to pan out, it's trouble. Trever Miller
is effective when not overexposed. Brian Tallet will be used as a
match-up guy. My guess is that the trade deadline will have the
club foraging for a Ronnie Belliard/Hairston-type infielder and a
LH reliever. If they're desperate for a starter, the season's
likely done. The division offers much less room for error this year
than last.
What players do
you look for to surprise us in spring training, by either having a
break out spring even if they dont make the opening day
roster.
Joe Strauss: Chambers, Descalso
and T. Greene are worth following. Matt Carpenter is projected to
start at Memphis but opinions are mixed whether he represents
potential depth at this level. A No. 6 starter has to be
identified. PJ Walters and Lance Lynn could help themselves. Unlike
the buzz that surrounded Craig and Jay last spring, there isn't a
great deal of anticipation about particular prospects in this
year's major-league camp. That's a problem. A strong camp by Craig
at third base and Jay anywhere would be reassuring.
Mr JSL
Did I really see you use bloviating in an article? Bloviating? Really? Man oh man my Chatmeister, you have a lot of confidence in your reader’s grasp of vocabulary. I had to look it up. Couldn’t find it in my dictionary or thesaurus. Had to Google:
Definition of BLOVIATE
intransitive verb
: to speak or write verbosely and windily
Location: noun
: Cards Talk
Seriously. Much has been written about the Cards lack of trading chips the past couple of seasons. We gave up a lot for Holiday. That was a huge win in my book. We gave up a lot for DeRosa. That one didn’t work out as well. Some think we gave up too much for Westbrook. I disagree, but that’s to-may-tos, to-mah-tos. We were also unable to complete some in-season trades – Uggla, Lee, Berkman (though we got him later), etc. – because of the perceived lack of major league talent on the farm.
If the need arises, are we in a better position to make a move or will it be, close but no cigar again?
Did I really see you use bloviating in an article? Bloviating? Really? Man oh man my Chatmeister, you have a lot of confidence in your reader’s grasp of vocabulary. I had to look it up. Couldn’t find it in my dictionary or thesaurus. Had to Google:
Definition of BLOVIATE
intransitive verb
: to speak or write verbosely and windily
Location: noun
: Cards Talk
Seriously. Much has been written about the Cards lack of trading chips the past couple of seasons. We gave up a lot for Holiday. That was a huge win in my book. We gave up a lot for DeRosa. That one didn’t work out as well. Some think we gave up too much for Westbrook. I disagree, but that’s to-may-tos, to-mah-tos. We were also unable to complete some in-season trades – Uggla, Lee, Berkman (though we got him later), etc. – because of the perceived lack of major league talent on the farm.
If the need arises, are we in a better position to make a move or will it be, close but no cigar again?
Joe Strauss: Unless willing to
part with Shelby Miller, the Cardinals are not positioned to trade
for premium talent. Again, if they need premium talent July 31,
they're in trouble.
hey joe it looks to me
that the cards are really drawing this thing out with ap, it seems
to me the longer this goes on its going to tick AP OFF TO THE POINT
WHERE MAYBE HE DONT SIGN. YOUR THOUGHT, AND THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN
DONE BY NOW THANKS
Joe Strauss: More than four weeks
remain to get it done. Calm down. Start screaming in three
weeks.
Heard Kliner
killed it at the roast, was TLR a good sport about it?
Joe Strauss: Kline went a little
"blue" but I believe everyone was a good sport about things.
Joe,
I couldn't help but notice some serious animosity in Pujol's comments during his WWU appearance, especially as it pertains to the media coverage of his contract situation over the years. Is Albert always so adversarial with "you guys," as he puts it, or is it limited to matters he feels are privately?
Finally, should Albert indeed test the FA waters, will he consider that the sports media in LA, Chicago, or NY will probably be even more intrusive?
I couldn't help but notice some serious animosity in Pujol's comments during his WWU appearance, especially as it pertains to the media coverage of his contract situation over the years. Is Albert always so adversarial with "you guys," as he puts it, or is it limited to matters he feels are privately?
Finally, should Albert indeed test the FA waters, will he consider that the sports media in LA, Chicago, or NY will probably be even more intrusive?
Joe Strauss: For a long time the
club and its star players have counted on the fans siding with them
in any confrontational dealing with media. One only need to watch
Tony TV for an example. There have been numerous instances of media
treatment in this town over the past 5-6 years that would have
delivered sanctions or worse from many organizations. Not so here.
We're all big boys (and girls). But the reality you often receive
through the TV lens is sometimes different from what the guys
holding pens encounter. Sunday offered an interesting glimpse. The
response to an unfiltered press conference in which Albert and his
representative came off as condescending and dismissive struck a
chord with many. It's too bad. A forthcoming press conference would
only have strengthened AP's position. Instead, a number of fans
have asked, "Who is this guy?" Perhaps a more salient question is
this: If the media are treated this way during a negotiation, what
is the future should Pujols sign for life? St. Louis fans (and
media) like to see their athletes as people. It's never a bad idea
for athletes to reciprocate.
Joe-
Aren't the Cardinals legally obligated to invite either David Eckstein and/or Aaron Miles to Spring Training if they are available come 3/1ish?
Aren't the Cardinals legally obligated to invite either David Eckstein and/or Aaron Miles to Spring Training if they are available come 3/1ish?
Joe Strauss: My understanding is
that Eckstein has sniffed around regarding a possible return.
Who gets the honor
of "best roaster" at the STL writer's dinner? I haven't heard much
about it, but I would natuarally guess Kline. Any chance you could
share some of your favorite zingers?
Joe Strauss: Kline and Bob Knight
brought the house down. Kline's humor did cross into R-rated
territory a few times. Still, the crowd seemed to enjoy itself.
Next year I would expect the BBWAA to honor the 1982 and 1987 teams
on their 30th and 25th anniversaries.
Joe,
Can you explain what type of relationship a hitting coach such as McGwire might have with a hitter of Albert Pujols quality. I ask because of a quote that I read from McGwire stating that he teaches hitters to focus on one side of the plate while the beauty of Albert Pujols is his ability to hit a ball tight and inside or reach for one off the plate.
Can you explain what type of relationship a hitting coach such as McGwire might have with a hitter of Albert Pujols quality. I ask because of a quote that I read from McGwire stating that he teaches hitters to focus on one side of the plate while the beauty of Albert Pujols is his ability to hit a ball tight and inside or reach for one off the plate.
Joe Strauss: Fair to say, Albert
is his own hitting coach.
Joe,
Since you had the interview with Berkman and have seen his work out, has your mind been changed at all? The article put a very positive spin on the situation and there seem to be some good signs but I am still suspect of Berkman's chance of being healthy all year long.
Lee
Since you had the interview with Berkman and have seen his work out, has your mind been changed at all? The article put a very positive spin on the situation and there seem to be some good signs but I am still suspect of Berkman's chance of being healthy all year long.
Lee
Joe Strauss: You make a good
read. I want to Houston skeptical but returned willing to give him
the benefit of the doubt. Puma could do much to alleviate the
pressure within the lineup as well as the clubhouse. He has to
hit.
Joe,
There has been talk about the lineup and where to hit Berkman. I think the 5 spot is the perfect place for him. Has there been any thought or mention of hitting Theriot and Schumaker 1-2? That would give the Cards a right left right and then it would give them Berkman, Rasmus, Freese in the 5-6-7 spots. If all are healthy I think that is a good looking lineup. It also take pressure off Rasmus and Freese and leaves Schumaker and Theriot in familiar places (top of the order any way for Schumaker). I know that isn't the "pop" in the 2 hole that LaRussa likes but if Schumaker hits .300 I think it could be good. Your thoughts?
Lee
There has been talk about the lineup and where to hit Berkman. I think the 5 spot is the perfect place for him. Has there been any thought or mention of hitting Theriot and Schumaker 1-2? That would give the Cards a right left right and then it would give them Berkman, Rasmus, Freese in the 5-6-7 spots. If all are healthy I think that is a good looking lineup. It also take pressure off Rasmus and Freese and leaves Schumaker and Theriot in familiar places (top of the order any way for Schumaker). I know that isn't the "pop" in the 2 hole that LaRussa likes but if Schumaker hits .300 I think it could be good. Your thoughts?
Lee
Joe Strauss: TLR has confounded
by spreadsheet guys by saying he will bat Berkman fifth. (If only
the Cardinals had Chone Figgins... not.)
Joe: Settle an
argument for me: Was Roberto Alomar ever a member of the Cardinals?
I say he signed but retired before Spring Training, and my friend
says I am thinking of Carlos Baerga. Who's right? Thanks,
especially if you pick me.
Joe Strauss: TLR had interest in
Robby but the Cardinals never signed him. By then, he was a greatly
diminished player. However, he was always a TLR favorite.b
let me start off by
saying i think pujols is the greatest player in the game today. but
it seems to me like he's in a bit of a catch 22. if we pay him
30mil/yr, then the team can't afford to put people around him. if
the team stands firm on something in the range of 25-28mil/yr and
he bypasses that offer to look for something else, he's just made
himself look like a phony and a fraud to the fans that have treated
him so well.
Joe Strauss: Many on this forum
agree with you. I will say again, however, that the number of
guaranteed years will become the biggest stumbling block to a deal.
I do not envision the Cardinals guaranteeing nine or 10
years.
So what was the deal
with McGwire not making an appearance at the Winter Warm Up?
Joe Strauss: Jose Oquendo, a
formerly Cardinal player who lives locally, was the only coach to
attend. No scandal there.
JSL:
My question is in regards to filling a need with a recently DFAed Athletics player (and no, I'm not talking about Mort). Steve Tolleson was DFAed by the A's today to make room for Fuentes. I've seen that he has played 2B, SS and a bit of 3B and OF as well...sounds like a guy TLR could move around a bit and fill in a few potential holes. He is a RH bat who hit .286/.340/.408 with the A's in limited time last season and his defense is supposed to be average at worst. Any chance the Cards could put some kind of package together to drag him away from an organization that doesn't need him?
My question is in regards to filling a need with a recently DFAed Athletics player (and no, I'm not talking about Mort). Steve Tolleson was DFAed by the A's today to make room for Fuentes. I've seen that he has played 2B, SS and a bit of 3B and OF as well...sounds like a guy TLR could move around a bit and fill in a few potential holes. He is a RH bat who hit .286/.340/.408 with the A's in limited time last season and his defense is supposed to be average at worst. Any chance the Cards could put some kind of package together to drag him away from an organization that doesn't need him?
Joe Strauss: You mention an
interesting name, though I haven't asked specifically about
Tolleson given the late turn of events.
Joe,
Is Thomas C. paying you (under the table) to answer his questions?
You answered 3 in a row from him.
So here we go again:
What is the over/under on Pujols signing before spring training?
Is Thomas C. paying you (under the table) to answer his questions?
You answered 3 in a row from him.
So here we go again:
What is the over/under on Pujols signing before spring training?
Joe Strauss: But who's counting?
I stated months ago that I felt it less than a 50-50 chance that
Pujols would sign before reaching free agency. I'm not going to get
into day-to-day handicapping but did reason during weekend's
warm-up for Cardinals fans to have greater hope. It's a
negotiation, folks. It can get ugly and contentious (see:
Holliday). But ultimately the club will enhance its position. I do
know that it cost itself an opportunity by not addressing this
matter last winter. Some positions have since hardened.
Regressing from baseball
for just a minute, do you see the J-E-T-S holding the Steelers feet
to the fire this weekend?
Joe Strauss: I find it very
difficult for any team to beat three division champions on the road
to reach the Super Bowl. It's not unprecedented, but doing so
against three teams such as Indy, NE and Pittsburgh may be.
Steelers roll...
