State of the Cardinals

By Joe Mammy with Brian Walton

 

Well, I guess the off season begins now.  So, for those of us who aren't all up on contracts, arbitration and the like where do we sit?  I'm pretty sure Matheny, Renteria, Morris, Kline and LaRussa/Jocketty are without a contract at this point, Woody has a club option and Marquis is eligible for arbitration.  Who else is up for grabs?  I assume most (if not all) our bench staff is open.  Let me run through my scenario of what I'd like to see and then you can tell me if my numbers are anywhere near possible J

 

1)      Morris is gone.  Morris is so gone.  Unless he's willing to re-sign for 5^th starter money (500k tops…)

 

Walton’s take:  Morris passed on a two-year, $15.5 million extension last off-season and would probably like a mulligan.  But, getting a second chance at that kind of money from the Cardinals is only slightly more likely to happen than Morris accepting $500 thousand.  There are 29 other clubs who would pay more than that.  But, I get your point. 

 

      I honestly believe at this juncture, it may be better for Matt to move on, anyway, contact due or not.  I cannot believe there is anything more than La Russa and Duncan can say or do that hasn’t been said and done dozens of times already.  It ain’t working.  Perhaps the Cards and Red Sox should do a sign and trade deal with Derek Lowe, who also fits the bill of high-priced, inconsistent impending free-agent disappointment.

 

2)      Renteria is gone.  Asking too much money—great guy but probably shopping around his '03 numbers to land a big contract.

 

Walton’s take:  I am less convinced that the situation is as hopeless as you imply.  Still, it remains to be seen if the two sides can truly come together.  The rhetoric to-date both positively and negatively has meant little.  With no substantive inside information, I would call this less than 50-50, but still possible. 

 

      Remember that Nomar is out there, too, as is Orlando Cabrera.  The list of teams who would pay $10 million per year for a shortstop is a pretty short one right now.  Anaheim, the Cubs, Boston and who?  I still believe Cabrera will be asked back in Boston and Nomar would be good fit in Anaheim.  The Angels and the Cubs are teams that I fear most in the Edgar sweepstakes.

 

3)   LaRussa/Jocketty—I'm a big TLR fan, but I'm not sure what bringing him back will do.  Art Howe is back on the market and might be a cheaper option for a team that may have to make a youth movement soon.  Although 2^nd time is the charm for LaRussa teams in the series, right?—and now I read that he's planning to stay.  Good, bad, whatya think?

 

Walton’s take:  Like it or not, both will be back and I think they deserve to be.  I wish Tony wasn’t so tightly wound because I suspect it was a factor in the Series, but he should get another chance to repeat.  Frankly, the adversity that the Cardinals had to face in 2004 was quite a bit less than some other teams.  So, I will be watching to see how La Russa and the team respond when the inevitable trouble hits in 2005, as that will be my indicator as to whether I am comfortable with Tony longer-term.

 

4)      Hector Luna is not an everyday player—no matter how much they'd like him to be, at least not yet.  But, given the way LaRussa uses him it's unlikely he's going to get the time to polish up in St Louis.  Tough call—especially since LaRussa loves low cost veterans over low-cost newbies.

 

Walton’s take:  No, Luna is not yet ready to be an everyday player.  Look to him playing full-time in Memphis in 2005 to polish his game in a lower-pressure environment.

 

5)      Kline—gone if TLR stays—if flipping off Tony didn't do it, pouting in the post season finished it off.  It's a shame, but might be the right time to do it given his injury problems of late.

 

Walton’s take:  Overall, I am sorry to see him go, but the emergence of Carmen Cali and the continued success of Ray King make Kline expendable.

 

6)      Tavarez—real dark horse.  Alienated management and fans alike, but still gave a gutsy performance.  Still has time on his contract but might be more useful as trade bait to land another LaRussa veteran?

 

Walton’s take:  I can’t see many teams that would take Tavarez for $2.6 million even if Jocketty wanted to trade him.  He is probably staying right here.  He is a valuable set-up man, but I have other serious problems with the guy as I have stated previously.

 

7)      Womack—another tough call.  Great lead-off guy and proven veteran which could mean leadership and spark or three months on the DL.

 

Walton’s take:  I think Womack’s pact with the devil may come due as he returns to his former self in 2005.  No offense to Womack, as his 2004 contributions were real.  I just hope his inevitable crash to earth occurs somewhere else.  As a result, a bona-fide leadoff hitter would have to come from somewhere.  This is an area I would look for a trade.  See shortstop discussion following.

 

8)      Matheny—I'm ambivalent on a lot of these moves, but I don't think there's any question that Matheny should/needs to come back.  Platoon him more evenly with Molina, but he's been an unsung hero since day one.  Great leader, one of the greatest defensive catchers ever and invaluable to a pitching staff which likely won't be overwhelming next year.

 

Walton’s take:  I agree.  A lot will depend on the offers he gets elsewhere.  If I had a team with a good, young staff, I might be willing to overpay for Matheny.  Since the Cardinals probably want to underpay for him, this may not end up the way we prefer.

 

9)      Marlon Anderson—most effective pinch-hitter and still not very good.  Might get invited back to Spring Training, but I don't see lightning striking twice for him to make the roster.

 

Walton’s take:  I can see Anderson getting invited back.  I just wish I cared.  It’s not Marlon’s fault he was put in the outfield, but it was his fault he can’t hit.  The bench could definitely use some more pop. 

 

10)   Cal Eldred—should come back if the price is right.  Can get crucial outs but usually used to kill of innings in laughers.  Streaky too.  Great guy, but expendable.

 

Walton’s take:  I think it is about the end of the line for Cal as a Cardinal for the same basic reason as Kline.  He will expect more money than he is worth at this point.  Keep a cheaper Al Reyes, let Cal walk and save between ½ and ¾ of a million dollars. 

 

I know ownership is talking Luna as potential shortstop of the future, but I'd like to see someone like Christian Guzman of the Twins land here.  Very good player, good numbers and with an infield including Rolen and Pujols is only going to get better.  Much cheaper than Renteria and I think he'll do as well if not better than Edgar. 

 

Walton’s take:  Joe, did you run out of numbers at ten, or what?  Anyway, Guzman would certainly be a less-expensive alternative at shortstop.  I wish he was more consistent, but would be worth taking a look at if the situation gets to that.  If the team really believed Luna was only a year away being a starter, getting a solid, older veteran like Omar Vizquel could make more sense than a much younger guy with upside like Guzman.  Though they have historically been #2 hitters, either could lead off.  That the spot in the order each has appeared in second most often in their respective careers.

 

Also, who's untouchable?  Albert and Rolen, but is Edmonds?  Sanders is too cost effective to consider giving up with a year left unless there's a good trade, IMO.  Walker—I like the guy, but even if we wanted to move him, not sure we could with his contract size. 

 

Walton’s take:  Edmonds becomes a ten-and-five man, meaning because of his time in the majors and with one team, he cannot be traded without his consent.  Prior to this, he provided a list of six teams each year to which he could not veto a trade.  At his age, Sanders would have little market value, but should probably remain, anyway.  Considering they just acquired Walker and he did what was expected (except for the sac bunt), I can’t see why trading him would be seriously considered. 

 

Any of the potentials (Haren, Wainwright, Ankiel, or any of the others) off limits or likely to be offered?  Any that shouldn't be on the table?

 

Walton’s take:  I really doubt Ankiel is going anywhere.  He is the dark horse who could become that dominant starter.  They’ve stayed with him this long; they’re not going to give up at the last minute.  Of course, that could change if he struggles in the spring, but I don’t expect that. 

 

Some of the luster is coming off Wainwright as scouts were expecting to see continued improvement in his velocity, which didn’t happen in 2004.  No need for panic, but if the concerns are real, the time to get peak value from him is now.  I imagine Haren would only go as part of a deal for that #1, dominant starter.  I could see these two as part of a Randy Johnson-type deal, for example.  Not that I am advocating that; I was simply using it as an example. 

 

There's my list—critique, counter-propose or laugh off the page.

 

Walton’s take:  No laughing here.  Thanks for the note, Joe.  As you point out, it’s just the beginning of what will be another very interesting off-season.

 

Wainwright Out, Thompson In

 

Cardinals prospect Adam Wainwright has gone home from the Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League. But, don't worry. It is not due to injury. Wainwright is getting married.  He ended his fall campaign with a 0-1 record with a 5.23 ERA in 10-1/3 innings.  Wainwright fanned twelve, but uncharacteristically walked nine.  Scouts and others hoping to see an increase in his velocity and to be reassured his elbow ligament damage is fully behind him will have to wait until 2005.

 

Wainwright was replaced on the Solar Sox roster by none other than Bradley Thompson, who pitched two shutout innings on Friday.  This is the second year in a row that Thompson was a late addition to the AFL.  However, he is much more known this season, due in a large part to his minor league record streak of 57 consecutive scoreless innings posted while with Tennessee.  Thompson's 2004 season ended after three starts at Memphis due to a shoulder impingement.

 

Look for AFL interviews on The Birdhouse next week with Carmen Cali, John Nelson, Gabe Johnson, Reid Gorecki and more.

 

October 27, 2004

Pre-Game Comments - Game Four

Reported by Brian Walton

 

Woody Williams’ comments:

 

On the team’s play:

Bottom line is that we’re not playing the way we have all season and in the NLDS and NLCS.  That is the frustrating thing.  We’re not pitching the way we’re capable of pitching and hitting in the timely fashion that we did during the season.  But, you can’t take anything away from the Red Sox, either.  Bottom line, we have to go out and win tonight and see what happens.

 

What can you take from your last start or do you discard that?

There’s not much good to take out of that one.  It’s not the way I wanted to get our team started.  Like the start against Houston, I know what I did wrong.  Not the way I am able or capable of pitching.

 

How difficult is it to talk when don’t know if start will be made and what would you say to Cardinals fans?

I can imagine what they are feeling.  We finally get to the World Series and are down 3-0.  They see how we are playing and I know it must be disgusting to them.  We’re going to play and compete and keep trying to continue this thing further.  It may or may not happen.  I am hoping it will happen.  If we play like we are capable, it will happen.  Not clicking yet.

 

People say this is over in a blur.  Did this being the first time in Series overwhelm the players?

Hate to say we’ve gotten overwhelmed by anything.  This is the reason we are playing.  Red Sox have been better so far.  Need to make tomorrow meaningful.

 

What has impressed you most about the Red Sox?

They play a lot like we do.  Never go away.  See what they did against New York.  To come back says a lot for character.  Hard to say when down 3-0, but we are the same type of ball club.

 

Have you drawn on the Sox success in playoffs?.

No.  We’ve had our own success in playoffs.  We can’t keep waiting.  Very few of us who have done what we have all season.  Have to go out there and keep plugging away.

 

Did the downslide of the last two weeks of the season carry over?

Not sure if you watched.  We didn’t play full strength.  Guys got days off and aligned rotation to prepare for playoffs.  Played good against Dodgers and fought hard against Houston.  Not going our way.  Have to make them go our way.

 

Are Cards approaching hitters differently?

They are very patient hitting ball club.  Pitches we wanted to make, they are laying off pitches that are close.  As a staff, we didn’t walk many this season and here, we’re walking everyone.  If you give a club the caliber of Boston extra outs, you’re in trouble.  Need to make pitches and make them early.

 

Tony La Russa comments:

 

Is it the due to the Red Sox or the Cardinals?

A combination.  I agree with Woody.  Taken some strange at-bats.  Sometimes our execution not what were used to.  Pitch backward we pitch too careful, then we get guys on.  We’ve played good defense.  We’ve had a couple of freak baserunning plays.  Some us and some them.  No problem giving them credit.

 

Looking at a few players to lead the team?

One of the strengths of club that we divided leadership among a number of players.  8-10 guys taking charge whether in what they say or making a play.  Don’t like one leader; too many bad things can happen.  Leadership comes from a lot of guys.

 

Is Mitchell (Page) working on anything special with the hitters?

At this point, everybody’s routine is pretty set.  If going good, keep at it.  If not, do drills.  We are in that struggle mentality now.  We know how to pull ourselves out of it.  We just have to do it. 

 

Since expanded playoffs, the team with the best record won only once (‘98 Yanks):

Best record usually doesn’t get this far.  Short series and get a couple of swing games that go against you and you get beat.  Team that wins series is best team.  Most agree we have talent, enough to win tonight.

 

Booing by fans.  Fox execs say Series is awful.  Unfamiliar feeling for negativity?

One of our attitudes is we’d rather be on plus side. But if you’re experiencing it, you have to be there.  If we were in the top of the ninth and needed three outs to win, no one will be booing.  Reverse is to play better.

 

What impressed you most about Sox?

We knew about their lineup.  Very similar.  All four in finals were really good lineups. They’ve given us tough looks.  They deserve credit.

 

How is Rolen physically?  How much do you attribute to his late season time missed?

He would get real upset if I made excuses.  If in the DS, pressure at bats.  Pretty far into it.  I saw this during the season.  He has a day and breaks out of it.  Nothing about it that he’d make an excuse about.  Calf bothering him but better he’s than before.

 

Lineup changes?

Going back to standard with Tony leading off.  Edgar goes to sixth.  Mabry in left and hit seventh and Molina will catch and hit eight.

 

On Ramirez as tough out:

For a long time, one of best RH hitters in baseball.  Man to revolutionize hitting was Charlie Lau.  Manny, Albert, Alex Rodriguez, stroke started with Charlie Lau technique.  Hits for average and extra base pop.

 

Tougher competition makes team better for next round.  Did that help Sox?

Definitely played out for them.  0-3 doesn’t look like true.  Not true.  I know it was the opposite.  We just lost three games.

 

Is Womack over physical problems?  Looking for spark?

His back is such that I am confident he can play nine.  Collarbone was another reason to be careful with him.  Is sore, but can play with it.  Pulling John’s numbers, when he started a game, he’s given us a lift often.  Wanted to make a switch.  Think Reggie’s taken one of the best looking o-fers in the Series.  Molina and Jason have had a good thing a lot.  Mike also caught him well, but this way, he’ll be fresh for tomorrow.

 

Tony La Russa Postgame Comments - Game Three

 

What happened with Suppan and did that take energy out of the team?

In championship competition and the other team is playing well, can’t make mistakes and miss opportunities.  Play was an easy read.  Jeff heard “no, no” and he was yelling “go, go”.  Men not machines.  Larry did what we needed.  Albert coming up.  A big miss.  Can’t do that in a championship competition.

 

On Pedro.

Mixed things well.  Locations, speeds.  Gave our club a lot of different looks.  Jeff did a good job, Pedro pitched better.

 

On Suppan.

Competitive.  Need to make a pitch more to get out of innings.  Not doing it.  Before pointing fingers at pitching, we’re missing opportunities to score.  We’re just getting beat.

 

Is it what Boston is doing or what the Cards are not doing?

Fair question. First game was close, but last two haven’t been.  Only scored 2 and 1.  It’s a combination.   We’re better than the pitches and plays and swings we’ve had.

 

On shutting down 4-5-6 hitters.

As long as game has been played if a pitcher mixes pitches up, keeps ball out of the middle of the plate, hitters have hard time adjusting.  Making good pitches in key situations.  We’re not.  Credit to them.  Our hitters need to do more.  Give them credit.  Made good pitches in key situations over and over again.

 

Does knowing Boston came back from 3-0 help you?

Something you’ve got to notice.  Shows it’s possible.  One thing I know is that we’ve come too far not to give an effort not to embarrass anybody tomorrow.  Like Terry said before Game 4 before, just have to win a game tomorrow.  Hard not to get discouraged.  Have to be strong.  We can win a game tomorrow.

 

Hitting Womack at 7 because of his health?

Was health the first couple of days.  Hadn’t had a lot success against the last two guys.  Today he was good to go, but Martinez has been tough on him.  We lost three games with him out of that lineup, so we’ll probably see something different tomorrow.

 

Workout Day Interviews – Jeff Suppan and Tony La Russa

 

Jeff Suppan comments:

 

Does pitching in previous big games in playoffs help for tomorrow?

All games pitched will help.  Being in situations helps manage adrenaline.  Know what to expect.

 

Does it help knowing the Sox hitters?

I hope so.  All change year to year, but tendencies remain.  Watching a lot of film.

 

Is it odd to be against Sox instead one of them?

Feel a part of Cards organization.  Was nice to be Cardinal from day one.  After coming up thru Boston organization, it was more strange to go back there last year than to it is to play against them this year. 

 

What can pitchers get away with at Busch vs. Fenway?

Changes the game more for the hitter than pitcher.  Pitching inside, changing speeds, staying down are the same in any park.

 

Why were you not more successful last year with Sox?                                          

Probably because I didn’t pitch very well.  Got out of groove that was in with Pirates when going back there.  Value the experience playing with them.

 

Why were you left off playoff roster last year?

Left off Division Series because the team wanted Trot Nixon available.  Was on roster for Championship series.  Didn’t get a chance to pitch.  No hard feelings.

 

Is coming back less daunting after Cards were 2-3 against Astros and Sox were 0-3 vs. Yankees?

Always highs and lows.

 

Did you worry about five starters for four postseason spots?

No worry about it.  Whatever role I was put in, I would do it.  Didn’t matter.  Everyone deserved a chance to start, but Carp was hurt.

 

What do you think of the Idiots?

Definitely Idiots (just kidding).  Relaxed, good hitters, feed off each other.  Mueller batting champion is key.  Tough lineup.  Have to be on game.

 

Tony La Russa comments:

 

Planning to take Pedro deep into count to get him to 100 pitches?

Cant control it 100%.  Compete every at-bat.  Can’t go up there to take two pitches or he’ll put you away. Every guy who goes to bat will compete.

 

Importance of Suppan start?

More important for us than them because they have two (games) up.  All season long, Suppan very consistent as to how he approaches games.  Has to make pitches.  He is capable.

 

Have the fans helped your home record?

Big edge.  Just came from Fenway, Minute Maid, Dodgers set an attendance record.  Crowd pumps up home team.  Gives edge.  Try to take advantage from it.  Our fans get us excited.

 

Do NL rules provide an advantage?

As a general statement, NL has advantage.  Lose some with Pedro.  Used to NL pitching and handling the bat.  If Lowe is athlete, should be ok.  Ortiz has played first, but not favorite position.  But, can’t try to hit ground balls to first.  Most important is if Pedro is on and if Suppan pitches like is capable. 

 

Will Womack lead off?

Came in for treatment today.  Sore, but will play.  Have two lineups, with him at leadoff and seventh.

 

Is Pedro the same pitcher as five years ago?

Have to ask those in American League who see him every year.  We saw him once last year in interleague play.  He has all the pitches and is as competitive as ever.  Will be a handful.

 

Is St. Louis best baseball city?

I go by comments from players.  They say fans are as enthusiastic as other places but people more fair-minded.  May get booed as opposing player, but not embarrassed.  Other places, fans can get real nasty with visiting clubs.  Irritating and sometimes dangerous.  Knowledgeable and enthusiastic for both sides here.

 

Walks in first two games being too fine?

Sometimes when try to make explanations, fans think making excuses.  They have very good lineup.  We didn’t execute they way we had to, for whatever reasons.  Not the way we pitch and we got hurt for it.

 

Will Marquis start Wednesday?

Marquis was one of the bright spots from last night.  He pitches better with activity.  Will be Game Four pitcher.

 

Not much from Rolen and Edmonds so far.  Are Sox doing something special?

Pedro is talented.  If he is sharp, for whichever hitter, it will be tough to center the ball.  Rolen is one of game’s great competitors.  Rolen started slow against Dodgers and Houston and then had a couple of big hits the next day.  Nothing will stop him from competing.  Can be clutch at any at bat.  Edmonds best year in five seasons here.  Have to tip your cap to them for making pitches at key times to outstanding hitters.  We have to do to them what they did to us.

 

Walton’s Wanderings 

 

How Deep is that Hole?

No team has come back to win a World Series after losing Games One and Two on the road since 1981, when the Los Angeles Dodgers prevailed after dropping Games One and Two to the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.  In fact, no NBA or NHL team has come back in a similar finals situation during that period, either.  Since 1981, Game One/Two-winning teams are 25-0 in the finals.  Of course, before this year’s ALCS, no team had ever won four straight after being down 3-0, either.  So, anything can happen.

 

Too Many Freebies

Only one NL and one AL pitching staff issued fewer walks than the Cardinals this season. However, in Games One and Two, Redbird pitchers walked 14 Boston batters and hit three more with pitches.  Eight of those runners scored.  Why?  It seems to be as much selective hitting by the Sox as anything, as they have been laying off balls out of the zone.

 

Four Errors and Five Hits

We can poke fun at the Red Sox defense all we want, but the fact is that the Cards had as many gifts via errors as they did hits until Pujols singled in the eighth.  The bats need to wake up in a hurry.

 

Indiscretion Causes Indigestion?

Speaking of food, I imagine most everyone has read about the shabby hospitality shown the Cards in Beantown, but just in case not, here is a link to more details.  By the way, ignore all the excuses about other events going on.  This is just plain poor planning and could have been avoided if the Red Sox organization was first-class.  http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/63DA08D2ABEE75AA86256F38000DDA48?OpenDocument&Headline=Cards+complain+about+hotel,+'bar+food'

 

“I like to watch”

In terms of television, Game Two was the highest rated Game Two since the Indians - Braves back in 1995.  An average of 25.5 million viewers tuned into Sunday night's game.  Boston had a slightly higher average rating/share over St. Louis, 47.8/68 to 46.9/60.  Game One was the most watched since 1996, at 23.17 million.

 

Out Peskying Pesky

All the Johnny Pesky talk amuses me.  The Cards have the better infielder from that era, by far.  For the record, Red Schoendienst plays a similar role as Johnny Pesky does with the Sox.  The only difference is that Red has 1041 managing wins, one ring as a manager and two rings as a player, including the ’46 Series over the Sox and a plaque in Cooperstown.  That’s more significant than having a foul pole named after you.

 

Manny and “Skates”

Am I the only one who was reminded one of the great Cardinal iron gloves of the past, Lonnie Smith, while watching Manny Ramirez try to play left field?  Skates made a better choice of teammates however, earning three rings, including one with the Cardinals in 1982.

 

Misery Loves Company

“Harry Caray's Restaurant, named after the late Cubs broadcaster, is supporting the Red Sox and wishing them luck.  The restaurant has a 4-foot by 6-foot good luck card that Cubs fans are signing in the foyer. The card reads, "Good luck, Red Sox. Prove curses don't exist. In solidarity, long suffering Cubs fans." Throughout the course of the World Series, the restaurant will feature New England clam chowder, lobster rolls and Boston baked beans.”  Thanks to Billy-Ball, www.billy-ball.com, who shared this one with us, as well as provided a Birdhouse plug in his free daily newsletter today.

 

Cubbies Want the Big Unit?

So says the Orange County Register.  They and the Yankees, of course.  The Dodgers were poo-poohed as a candidate, though the Angels were thought to be a logical suitor, too.  After all, their owner Arte Moreno is a free-spender that George Steinbrenner can appreciate.  Cardinals were not mentioned this time, which is fine, given Johnson’s $16.5 million salary in 2005. http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2004/10/25/sections/sports/sports_columns/article_287289.php

 

Projected Rotation Match-ups

Game Three:  Pedro @ Morris

Game Four:  Lowe @ Marquis

Game Five:  TBD @ Williams

Games Six and Seven:  TBD

 

Tony La Russa Post Game Two Comments

 

On Morris’ stuff and command:

Matt had good stuff.  Two swings with two outs were the difference.  Thought he did a great job.  Thought he was outstanding.  He was starting to force it in final inning.  Worried he would get hurt so got him out of there.

 

Frustrated over eight Sox errors and no wins?

Had some terrific at-bats.  Did enough offensively to score more.  May still not have won.  6-4? Good at-bats for nine innings.

 

On Sanders missing second base:

This is one of the best baserunning clubs I’ve ever seen.  Just missed the bag.  Only happened one other time this season with Larry Walker.

 

Sox scored all runs with two outs.  Are the Sox clutch or are Cards pitchers missing?

Cards numbers with two outs in LDS and LCS were outstanding.  Stopping two out hits and getting them is a big difference.  They hit pitches they should have hit.

 

Discuss DH play on both sides.  Does it change in St. Louis?

It changes Red Sox.  We play that way all year long.  I’d like to send an extra hitter up there, but that’s the rules.  They’re going to lose one good hitter.

 

On Schilling:

Early on, he wasn’t quite as sharp.  We hit some balls hard.  Later on, he made quality pitches.

 

How important is home cooking and returning to St. Louis?

Team thinks about today.  Disappointed we lost two games here.  Team likes playing on road and loves playing at home. 

 

Tony Pre-Game Comments – Game Two

 

La Russa comments:

 

On whether Sox roster is suitable for NL play:

Good question.  Don’t see why they wouldn’t.  If Ortiz was incapable of playing defense, it would be different.

 

On whether Game One was one of those nights:

Sometimes in conditions like that, the pitchers don’t have feel, then miss location.  We walked a bunch and they walked almost as many.  20 runs scored and wind was blowing in.  That isn’t supposed to happen.

 

On whether he will walk Ortiz like Bonds:

We identify the player who is dangerous in the situation.  We don’t like telling our pitchers they aren’t good enough to get anyone out.  Depends on the situation.  Did it once yesterday to pitch to Millar.

 

On Womack:

Kept lineup open until spoke with Womack at the ballpark.  He said he can go, so he is in there.  Anderson was going be at second if Tony couldn’t go, so stayed in at DH.  He has some success against Schilling in 10 at-bats.  He has legs and handles bat and maybe will do something special.

 

On Game Three and Four starters:

Suppan will definitely go Tuesday and we think Marquis will pitch Game Four.  But he is also on the relief list today because Haren is not available today.  Marquis could probably pitch some today and start Game Four, too.

 

On Foulke:

Paid more attention to him because he played for the White Sox and A’s.  Come a long way.  High quality closer. Has a feel for pitching.  Smart and capable of making pitches.  Outstanding closer.  At least two pitches he can get a batter out with.

 

On home/road split in playoffs:

Three losses in Houston was tough environment with hot club.  Still had a chance to win all three.  Also had a chance yesterday.  Can win against anyone anywhere.  Season success built on quality starts.  Need to challenge starters to get deeper into games.  They will respond.

 

On toughest moment in Game One:

(Had trouble choosing one.)  Groundskeeper apologized for bad hop on Womack.  Never happened before.  Double play would have been nice for momentum.  Popping up Scott and striking out Edmonds was tough.  If had to pick one, based on amount of my cussing in dugout, it was the walk of Bellhorn by Calero in the seventh.

 

Womack comments:

 

On the bad hop and groundskeeper apology:

Can they erase the run, too?  It happens.  That’s baseball.

 

On collarbone and how he felt this morning:

Felt like hit by truck twice over.  Very stiff.  I am playing.  Have all winter to heal.  Not many chances to play in World Series.  Not going to let it slow him down.

 

On hitting seventh in order:

Goal is to play.  Batting seventh because of spasms.  Prepare just like leading off.  Can stay by the heater a little longer.

 

On treatment for spasms:

Done everything.  Biggest thing mentally trying to stay strong, when get between lines, try to forget.

 

On the field conditions:

I saw the ball bounce.  Could have been topspin or backspin.  Was more disappointed than the run scored.  Doesn’t take anything personally.

 

On whether first time getting hit in collarbone:

First time getting hit.  First time getting back spasms in same season, too.  Like stinger in football.  Lost feeling in fingers and arm for 5-10 minutes.  Nerve pushed against bone.

 

On conditions in Boston:

Playing in World Series, nothing is tough.  Forget about what you cannot control.  30 teams want to be there.  Two teams left.  No better place to be.  Forget about obstacles.  Could be my last Series.  Will play as hard as I can. 

 

Calling in the Bet

 

Birdhouse columnist Joe Mammy reminds me every now and then about my Las Vegas wager on the Cardinals to win the National League.  Finally, I had to come clean.  Here is what I told Joe…

 

“Sadly, my winnings will just be beer money.  I am embarrassed to admit that I bet just $10, so will collect $90.  I bet on the NL, not the World Series, so I am in.  Seems pretty conservative now, especially given how much I had dropped on the blackjack tables.  Perhaps that was the problem. 

 

It was a lark my last day there in Vegas, as I happened to be walking past the sports book in the hotel.  Not to drop names, but at the time, I was actually walking with George Will, who I had run into in an elevator.  Wish I would have had better questions ready for him and had my recorder in my pocket.  Oh, well...  Anyway, I doubled back to the book and dropped that big ten on the counter.”

 

Still, I am proud to proclaim that I picked the winner!  A round of drinks for the house!

 

Tony La Russa Pre-Game Comments - Game One

 

On losing Kline:

Our attitude is no negative vibes.  I feel worse for Steve than I do for us.  Still will find a way to win.  Important like Carpenter.  Tough break, but will do without.

 

On Morris in Game Two:

Had an edge and decided to play it.  Pitched only 80 pitches last start.  Couldn’t have done it otherwise.  Has a lot of road post-season experience.  Will be ready if it goes six.  Plus, get Jason as another hitter at home.

 

On pressure or relief personally:

Opportunity is not a manager thing.  They ride coattails of players.  Doesn’t look at personally.  Opportunity is the players.  Only three have rings, everyone else gets first shot.

 

On Carpenter:

Carp was cleared for 50-60 pitches including 30 warmups.  He and Duncan didn’t want something bad to happen.  Not fair, not safe risk to take.  He and Duncan would have left the game if something had happened.  Carp will lead staff next year.

 

On comparing Cards and A’s lineups:

Wont do it.  Don’t want to make one look bad.  Chicago ’83 club was really good, too.  Everyone is different.

 

On whether match-ups are overanalyzed:

Baseball is meant to be analyzed.  It’s part of the enjoyment.  Then play the game.

 

On Reyes:

Not that much of a lefthanded presence on Red Sox.  Reyes led PCL in saves.  Thin margin as better choice over Flores.  Getting Ankiel ready for winter ball.

 

On Taguchi:

Been real good in the clutch.  Experienced from his play in Japan.  Never in awe.  Probably will have Sanders back in left Sunday.

 

On Marlon Anderson:

One of neatest things that happened this season.  Didn’t pout when Womack came to team.   Real dangerous pinch-hitter.  Admired how he dealt with role.

 

On memories of ’67 series:

I was a big Yaz fan.  Grew up in Tampa, Yankees and American League fan.  Not paying attention to Cards then.  Remembered Gibson though.  Red wishes he was still on the team.

 

On weather:

Cold for coaches and fans.  Players get into it, so not as big of a problem.

 

On whether StL and Boston are two best baseball cities:

Not my style to compare.  Other good cities, too.  Tied for first as best you can find.

 

On having Edgar:

Has World Series success.  He wants a Cards ring.  Intensity.

 

On impressions of Fenway:

If we win, interleague play last season helps familiarity.  Fans up close.  Pressure there, Exciting atmosphere.

 

On Francona:

He has a lot of credits on resume.  Managed Michael Jordan, who respects him.  La Russa roomed with his Dad as 18-year old.  Tito Francona treated him well.  TLR tried to get Terry once as left-handed hitter.  Francona handled Philly well.

 

Matt Morris’ Pre-Game One Comments

 

Getting these out fast, so summarizing comments instead of quoting in entirety.

 

On being selected to start Game Two on short rest:

Last time pitched on short rest was wiffleball game at age 10.  There’s nothing to rest for.  I’m not saving myself for anything.  Thought it was possible after his last game against Houston that he might start in Boston.  Believes decision was made to allow Marquis to pitch at home.  News changed last night. 

 

On Kline being out and only one lefty:

Bullpen is still the strength of the team.

 

On the importance of scouting:

Catch-22.  Had too much intelligence on Houston after playing them 22 times.  Sometimes thought too much.  Nice to have a fresh team in mind.  Focus on my strengths.

 

On his outlook:

Had a lot of distractions this season.  Contract and other things.  Can’t do anything about it.

 

On his health:

Acknowledged his tender shoulder mid-season.  Said his last month was shaky.  But, feels rested and sharp now. 

 

On his contract and potential last start in St. Louis:

Not going to do me any good to think about it.  Will deal when all is said and done.  Going to have fun in the Series.  The Cards are a great organization and stuck with me.  I appreciate that and hope we can continue the relationship.

 

On Boston:

Like St. Louis, but with a deeper hole to overcome. Varitek was my catcher in the Cape Cod League in Hyannis and went to Fenway once on off-day.  Workout Friday was so intense, can only imagine tonight.

 

World Series Match-up

 

Here is my take on the teams.  Overall, it is close, but the edge goes to the Cardinals.  I think it will be over in six games.

 

Infield – Advantage Cardinals.  Orlando Cabrera and Kevin Millar are solid players, but the left side of the Cardinals infield is gold, with Scott Rolen and Edgar Renteria.  The right side of Tony Womack and Albert Pujols isn’t bad, either.  With David Ortiz having to play first in St. Louis, the Red Sox defense is weakened.

 

Outfield – Advantage Cardinals.  This is a close one.  Gold Glovers, former MVPs and batting champions abound.  I call Manny plus Damon vs. Edmonds plus Walker a toss-up, even though the latter two are superior with the glove.  Because of his experience, I give Reggie Sanders the edge over Trot Nixon.

 

Catcher – Advantage even.  Jason Varitek is superior offensively to Mike Matheny, but Matheny is without peer behind the plate.  I’d take either on my team.

 

Starting pitching – Advantage Red Sox.  There is more variance from top to bottom on the Sox, but their Big Two are pretty darned good.  The Cards are hurt by the injury to ace Chris Carpenter and the inconsistency of Matt Morris.  With their current horses being Woody Williams and Jeff Suppan, the Cards have to hope the magic continues.

 

Bullpen – Advantage Cardinals.  Keith Foulke would get the slight nod over Jason Isringhausen, but the rest of his cronies take a back seat to the very effective Cards’ set-up gang.

 

Bench – Advantage Red Sox.  The Cardinals’ bench (John Mabry, Marlon Anderson, Roger Cedeno, etc.) doesn’t scare anyone.  When there is no DH, Kevin Millar can come off the bench, along with Dave Roberts, Pokey Reese and Doug Mientkiewicz.

 

Managing/Coaching – Advantage Cardinals.  As long as he avoids overmanaging, Tony La Russa and his staff should have the edge.  La Russa is driven to finally get his second ring.  Terry Francona did a fine job managing against the Yankees, but is far from proven.

 

All-Time Red Sox/Cardinals Team

 

One of my daily reading items is a baseball trivia question and Theme Teams provided free via e-mail to anyone interested.  The author, Bruce Brown, was kind enough to allow me to share this special edition with all of you.

 

All-Time Boston Red Sox / St. Louis Cardinals team composed of player alumni of both franchises.

1b - ORLANDO CEPEDA*
2b - GRADY HATTON
3b - GARY GAETTI
SS - EDDIE BRESSOUD
C - TONY PEÑA
LF - Jesse Burkett*
CF - WILLIE McGEE
RF - REGGIE SMITH
DH - JACK CLARK
PH - TOM BRUNANSKY

Pitching
RH - Cy Young*
RH - RICK WISE
RH - STAN WILLIAMS
RH - BILL CAMPBELL
LH - JAMIE MOYER
LH - John Tudor
LH - DEAN STONE
RP - Tony Fossas
RP - HEATHCLIFF SLOCUMB
RP - LEE SMITH
Closer - DENNIS ECKERSLEY*
Mgr - FRED HANEY
Coach - Gene Mauch
Announcer - TIM McCARVER

Honorable Mention
Luis Alicea
Luis Alvarado
Cory Bailey
Frank Barrett
Darren Bragg
Jim Bucher
Bob Burda
Bud Byerly
Bernie Carbo
Danny Cater
Nelson Chittum
Danny Clark
Lance Clemons
Reggie Cleveland
Jimmy Cooney
SCOTT COOPER
Rheal Cormier
Lou Criger
Rich Croushore
Nig Cuppy
John Curtis
Cot Deal
Tommy Dowd
Bob Duliba
Jim Dwyer
Doc Farrell
Jeff Fassero
Mike Fiore
Ben Flowers
Phil Gagliano
Del Gainer
Mike Garman
RICH GEDMAN
Charlie Gelbert
Frank Gilhooley
Bernard Gilkey
MARV GRISSOM
Mario Guerrero
Don Gutteridge
Casey Hageman
Charley Hall
Chuck Hartenstein
Andy Hassler
Bob Heise
Charlie Hemphill
Dustin Hermanson
Terry Hughes
Ben Hunt
Herb Hunter
Hal Janvrin
Marcus Jensen
Rankin Johnson
Ed Karger
EDDIE KASKO
Win Kellum
Ellis Kinder
Ron Kline
Lew Krausse
Eddie Lake
Jack Lamabe
Lyn Lary
Dick Littlefield
Mickey McDermott
Ed McFarland
LYNN McGLOTHEN
Bob McGraw
Larry McLean
Kent Mercker
Elmer Miller
Buster Mills
Herb Moford
Billy Muffett
Rob Murphy
Tom Murphy
Mike Nagy
Darren Oliver
Gene Oliver
MICKEY OWEN
Al Papai
Stan Papi
Freddy Parent
Stan Partenheimer
Bill Pertica
Phil Plantier
Nels Potter
Dave Rader
RIP REPULSKI
Joe Riggert
Jack Rothrock
Stan Royer
JACK RUSSELL
Mike Ryba
Dick Schofield
Ossie Schreckengost
Diego Segui
Danny Scheaffer
SONNY SIEBERT
Ted Sizemore
Jack Slattery
Bob Smith
Allen Sothoron
Jack Spring
Tracy Stallard
Chuck Stobbs
Jeff Suppan
Jake Thielman
Mike Timlin
Mike Torrez
John Warner
Gary Waslewski
Bob Weiland
Bill Werle
Mark Whiten
Bill Wight
Del Wilber
Tom Winsett
Harry Wolter

*Hall of Fame
ALL CAPS = All-Star

 

 

To join this list, there is no fee to subscribe.  There are no prizes.  It's just for fun.  If interested, contact Bruce Brown, BBrown8870@aol.com

 

Cardinals Arizona Fall League Prospects

 

The Arizona Fall League is owned and operated by the 30 Major League baseball clubs and is generally considered one of the final steps before joining the major leagues for many players.  There are six teams in the league, each with just over 30 players in total sourced from five major league organizations.  The Cardinals join Colorado, the White Sox, Tampa Bay and the Cubs in stocking the Mesa Solar Sox, who play their home games at the Cubs’ Spring Training home, HoHoKam Park.

 

The AFL schedule began on October 5 and will culminate with a Championship Game to be held on November 20 at Scottsdale Stadium.  At a date to be determined later this season, Albert Pujols, who played in the AFL in 2000, will be inducted into their Hall of Fame.

 

In fact, the AFL has a proven record and has seen many future Cardinals participate, including J.D. Drew (’96), Eli Marrero (’96), Kerry Robinson (‘97-’98) and So Taguchi (’02).  Other notable AFL alums include MLB All-Stars Jason Giambi, Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, Todd Helton and Nomar Garciaparra.  Dusty Baker got his managing start there.  In fact, over 1000 players and 15 managers have graduated to the majors from the AFL.

 

This year’s crop includes seven Redbirds prospects.

 

No. Pitchers Bats Thr HT WT DOB Birthplace 2004 Club 31 Carmen Cali L L 5/10 185 11/4/1978 Cleveland, OH Memphis (AAA) 55 Andrew Cavazos R R 6/3 185 1/5/1981 Freeport, TX Tennessee (AA) 32 Adam Wainwright R R 6/7 205 8/30/1981 Brunswick, GA Memphis (AAA)                     Catchers               21 Gabe Johnson R R 6/1 195 9/21/1979 Pearlsburg, FL Tennessee (AA)                     Infielders               44 Chris Duncan L R 6/5 210 5/5/1981 Tucson, AZ Tennessee (AA)                   7 John Nelson R R 6/1 190 3/3/1979 Denton, TX Tennessee (AA)                     Outfielder               56 Reid Gorecki R R 6/1 180 12/22/1980 Queens, NY Palm Beach (A)

 

In the upcoming days, I will be making my annual trip to Arizona to see these young men in action and to interview each for The Birdhouse.  If you have questions you’d like me to pose to any one of these players on your behalf, please email me at brwalton@earthlink.net and I will use the best of them.

 

Tony La Russa’s Friday Comments

 

On Pujols’ defensive contributions:

“I think he demonstrated it as a rookie.  He played average to above average defense at third, first, left and right.  And now, being able to concentrate on one position, I think he’ll contend for a Gold Glove by next year.”

 

On Walker finally getting a chance to play in the Series:

“Larry is a good example I think of such a tremendous experience for a professional to have a chance to contend for a ring in the World Series.  There are so many horror stories of, I don’t care if you’re a big leaguer, you don’t have to be a great big leaguer, and you never get the chance – that’s really something that’s missing when you retire.  Larry’s one of the first-timers on our club.  We have a number of them.  That’s why there’s no doubt in my mind that we’re going to be really excited to play as good as we can.  But, it’s a special meaning.  Larry’s had everything you could possibly want on an individual basis; MVPs, batting champions.  And now he gets to play in the World Series.  So, I know he is very excited about it.  I think it has great meaning. It will be an experience he will never forget.”

 

On having Rolen, Pujols and Edmonds all season:

“It’s a lot of fun.  You win a game by stopping them and putting some points up there.  I just think it’s really a team effort.  The first three months, Scott, drove in the big run.  Then, to start off Albert, for him, was a little sluggish and went crazy and then Jim for the last four months….  So, you take a big section of that season and all three of them were working.  They became very important to set the table.  And that is the thing we did really well with Tony and at one time with Edgar second, then Larry came in.   I like what Albert said yesterday when he was asked about the MVP.  It’s a team MVP, so I hesitate to brag on those three guys’ offense.  Where our strength is that we have eight guys who take really good at-bats and in this park, we will have nine.” 

 

On whether there are similarities between the Red Sox and Cardinals:

“I look at the lineups of all four teams that got into the finals.  There were four outstanding lineups.  And there were days when the pitching wasn’t sharp, runs got on the board.  And when the pitching was sharp, as it always does in this game, they got those outstanding lineups out.  I think it will be the same with whoever wins four here first.  You pitch good; you get outs. You miss; there is a lot of damage in both lineups.”

 

On who benefits and who is hurt by the DH in the Series:

“I was trying to hope we were the underdogs, so I hate to answer that honestly.  I think the American League.  It is a lot easier for us to add a hitter.  And you get in our park, the pitcher is involved with the game and that is not easy for him.  Some guys make it work like it is no problem, but it’s not easy.  They’ve got to run the bases and usually the American League lineup has a DH guy that may have a tough time playing a position.  There’s a couple of edges that you lose.  But, they can overcome the edge.  It’s not a big thing, but it is something.”

 

On the rotation and DH:

“Woody tomorrow then TBD, TBA because with the win yesterday and the celebration and getting packed, the architect of our pitching hasn’t told me how we are going to pitch.  We played around with it a little bit and we still have some decisions to make.  We’ll have to let everybody know soon, including the pitchers.  And started messing around on the plane with lineups.  I don’t know for sure who the DH is going to be yet.  I have a suspicion, but I might use a right-handed hitter.  You can figure out which one of the right-handers might get in there.  But, that’s not for sure.” 

 

On whether he feels like a party pooper for trying to stop the Sox from breaking the curse:

“No, because I come from St. Louis.  Talk about pooping a party, man.  We haven’t been here in 17 years and there’s been a lot of doggie bags that have been…  We lost the championship series three times.  No, it’s time for both fans to be selfish and both teams to be selfish.  They want to win for all their reasons.  But, we have a clubhouse full of guys that have never had a World Series ring.  We’re going to try to be greedy and selfish, just like they are.”

 

On how defense might play in the Series:

“If you play long enough, I think that the beauty of the game is that you’ll win a bunch of games if you do as much possible.  If you defend all over the field, you are going to win some extra games.  You know, we run the bases better than any club I have ever had.  That’s won us some extra games.  Will it make a difference in this series?  It depends on how they defend and how they run the bases and whether you get on base to run them.  And then, there’s the offense.  So, I just think that…  I saw quite a few of the Red Sox games, so I know they’re playing sound defense.  We play good defense.  Sometimes great defense.  So, whoever wins; that had better be a part of it, because you’re not going to outscore people.”

 

On Woody as Game One starter all three series:

“Well, we didn’t time it out for the World Series.  It works out that he has five days.  He is the perfect one for it.  The thing about he other one is we had a choice.  He is very competitive.  He goes out there with good stuff and without good stuff and he’s going to find a way to keep in the game.  He pitched here last year and did a good job.  He can make pitches to rights and lefts.  He’s got good experience – good competitive experience.  The only problem is that he is not going to swing the bat.  That is that right hand DH I was talking about.  I might just let Woody hit.”

 

On whether there will be a new name in the rotation:

“No, it will be the same four guys.  It’s a little bit tricky.  I was so concerned with beating the Astros, that I didn’t really start messing around with it until early this morning.  It’s a little bit tricky.  That’s why it’s not easy to announce it.”

 

On Fenway’s challenges:

“It’s a neat environment.  Fans are very close to the ballpark, the ballfield, the players.  You feel their presence.  A lot of passion.  A lot of knowledge about the game.  It’s different than some places where they are far away from you and they’re not as interested and don’t know as much.  But, mostly Fenway is about the team you are playing against.  You go to Camden Yards or name any of these ballparks and are really fun and special.  It has to do with the club you’re playing against and how they play against you.  So, out problem is not Fenway, it is the Red Sox.”

 

On whether there is an advantage in winning two of three in interleague play last season:

“I think it’s a little something.  It’s two out of three in their ballpark.  You could give me a number of clubs that didn’t play here in the last couple of years.  A bunch of guys that were on the Red Sox then are on the Red Sox now.  It especially helps because is wasn’t until late last night that we were in this thing and we’re playing tomorrow.  We like to try to get ready for clubs.  For this club it is going to be a real crash, hurry up thing.  It helps a little bit that we have done it recently.”

 

On concern for an emotional letdown and Izzy’s development:

“There was a great LCS and we have so much respect for the Astros.  The series was a terrific win.  We celebrated.  But I could tell even by their comments yesterday that especially this morning seeing them getting on the bus and the plane.  They know what is at stake here.  You’re not going to see a letdown.  We’re going to be ready.  On Izzy, any job you have, you learn by experience.  He’s now been the closer for several years.  He’s learning more about how to warm up, learning more about situations.  Like Dunc always does, he’s added a couple of things.  There were a couple of things he could do before to get you out.  And now he has thee or four.  In fact, he is working on five.  I think he’s gotten better and better and hopefully, he’s going to get a lot of chances.”

 

On whether the experience with Carlos Beltran will help with David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez:

“Yeah because of the way the games were spaced, I got the opportunity to see a lot of the Yankees – Red Sox series.  I saw a lot of Ortiz’ heroics against the Anaheim club.  For two yours now, he’s been very clutch for them.  He was big damage for us in the interleague series.  You take your hat off because he’s such a tough out.  It looks like guys rally around him.  Beltran.  Ooh.  It was almost good to watch, but if you’re in the other dugout, it was very painful.  We couldn’t shut them down.  The mistake we’re not going to make is to concentrate on Ortiz and Ramirez and forget the other seven guys.  One of Boston’s strengths is exactly what we do.  We send eight or nine guys out there and any one of them can beat you.  You’ve got to respect every one of them.”

 

On whether to bunt to test Schilling’s ankle:

“I watched quite a bit of his last performance and the thing he has to do is throw the ball well and his ankle is good enough to do that.  Sometimes you pitch a guy that’s got a little hamstring problem.  Terry is very sharp.  He’ll play the third baseman in a little bit, play the first baseman in a little bit and take the bunt away.  We’re just going to play the game.  If somebody backs up, I don’t care if you have the best fielder on the mound.  We try to bunt on them.  If they take the bunt away, you swing.  If the sacrifice is there, we sacrifice, but we’re not going to try to run Schilling around because we’ll just run ourselves into outs.”

 

On his emotions to be back in the World Series:

“I’m not the best at describing what you feel.  It’s just like each of these guys coming in for the first time.  They’re going to be very excited and it’s going to go very fast.  And when they get back in, they will appreciate even more because they’ll have a better idea.  So, I’ve been here before and I know it’s the best sports setting there is.  It goes on for seven games – maybe.  Lifetime opportunity to win a ring.  Everything culminates in what you start talking about in spring training.  There is so much involved in the team that survives during the season.  And then, you survive two playoffs.  You’ve got everything on the line and everybody’s watching.   It’s the best of everything.  And I just think that the fact that you’ve been here before, you just realize to enjoy the moment and do the best you can and no regrets.  I think that is the only advantage from getting here before.  Just like when you pop champagne, you know?  You look forward to the next one.  You know how great it is.  Well, our guys that are in there for the first time, they’ll enjoy themselves.  I think they’ll get motivated to do it again.”

 

Walton’s Wanderings

 

Another Pujols Milestone

With his 14-for-28 (.500) performance in the NLCS, Albert Pujols collected more hits than any other player in any other seven-game post-season series – ever.  That’s right, it had never happened before in the history of the game.  With Barry Bonds sitting at home trying to get BALCO out of his system, it is time to pass the NL MVP torch to Mr. Pujols.

 

Stark Puts it in Perspective

ESPN’s Jayson Stark wrote the best of the many articles I’ve read today.  Take a look.  http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1907156

 

Projected Rotation Match-ups (post-season records in parens)

Game One:  Williams (2-0) @ Wakefield (1-0)

Game Two:  Marquis (0-1) @ Schilling (2-1)

Game Three:  Pedro (1-1) @ Morris (0-1)

Game Four:  Lowe (2-0) @ Suppan (2-1)

Game Five:  Wakefield @ Williams

Game Six and Game Seven:  Too early to tell

 

As recently as his 4pm Press Conference on Friday, La Russa would not commit on his starters after Game One.  However, he did admit that the rotation would be the “same four” guys.

 

Designated Hitter Candidates (career numbers at Fenway)

John Mabry:  8-for-31 (.258), 1 home run, 3 RBI

Marlon Anderson:  14-for-47 (.298), 1 home run, 6 RBI, 3 stolen bases

Roger Cedeno:  4-for-14 (.286), 1 RBI, 1 stolen base

 

At 4pm Friday, La Russa said his DH would be a right-handed hitter, but refused to commit to which player.  Obviously, that would point to Cedeno.

 

World Series Umpire Assignments

Game One	Umpire	Previous WS Worked
HP	Ed Montague*	4 (1986, '91, '97, 2000)
1B	Dale Scott	2 (1998, 2001)
2B	Brian Gorman	None
3B	Chuck Meriwether	None
LF	Gerry Davis	2 (1996, '99)
RF	Charlie Reliford	1 (2000)

* Crew Chief

 

The Power of the Hawaiian Shirt

Way back in spring training, some of the more friendly media covering the Cardinals began to wear Hawaiian shirts on specified occasions.  Apparently, Jeff Suppan noted this and commented on it.  As a result, the tradition morphed into wearing the shirts for every Suppan start all season long.  Even though I wasn’t at the ballpark for Game Seven, I have to admit that I went back and specifically put on my best Hawaiian shirt in a show of solidarity.  I felt like I contributed my part to the Game Seven karma that way.

 

Cubs Hire Speier

To replace the fired Wendell Kim, the Cubs hired Chris Speier as their third base coach for 2005.  He played 19 years in the bigs, including two seasons with the Cubs.  Speier previously coached in the majors with the Brewers, Diamondbacks and A’s.  Now, all the Cubs’ problems are solved.

 

Eye of the Womack

Even though a Reader Mail item today already mentioned Tony Womack, I want to come back to him for a minute.  His performance Thursday night was as gritty in his own way as Curt Schilling pitching in the ALCS Game Six was.  He was running, twisting, diving, sliding and hitting like a madman.  Do you suppose he’ll have even more motivation in the Series based on having been dumped by the Red Sox this spring after signing with them as a non-roster invitee?

 

Symmetry of Ten and One Hundred

Wouldn’t it be great if the Cardinals won their tenth World Championship, twice as good as the next best in the National League, here in the 100^th installment of the World Series?

 

Sox Not Afraid of the Road

While the Cards have owned Busch in the post-season (7-0), the Red Sox have proven their ability to win on hostile soil, with a 4-2 road record in the ALDS and ALCS.  All the more reason for the Cards to get out fast in Games One and Two at Fenway.

 

Tavarez: Cuddly, Cheat or Crazy?

 

Julian Tavarez is probably loving it. 

 

Turning himself into the center of attention for the Houston Astros by saying they’re not that special and then firing a pitch near Jeff Bagwell’s head. 

 

Turning himself into the center of attention for the umpires by causing both benches to be warned Sunday. 

 

Turning himself into the center of attention for the Cardinals medical staff by breaking his hand in a childish fit of rage. 

 

Turning himself into the center of attention for his manager by drawing what is believed to be an unjust fine for his wild pitch. 

 

And yes, turning himself into the center of attention for adoring Cardinal fans by pitching masterfully in the NLCS Game Six on Wednesday.

 

Well, I don’t love it.  In fact, I really don’t care how well Tavarez pitches Thursday evening or hopefully, over the next ten days.  I would rather see Scott Rolen or Jeff Suppan or anyone else become the Game Seven hero.  Almost, but not quite, even Jeff Bagwell or Craig Biggio would be preferable.

 

I cannot accept the fact that Tavarez is really a Cardinal, despite the uniform he wears.  Instead, I view him as a mistake.  In fact, I despise the fact that he plays for them and hope that can be corrected in the off-season.  And, it has almost nothing to do with the exorbitant contract that Walt Jocketty gave him. 

 

I just don’t believe this man deserves to be a Cardinal.  And, the problems he’s caused this season are just the tip of a very large iceberg. 

 

Julian Tavarez Carmen is no child.  He is 31 years old and has been in the majors for over ten years now.  There is a long list of Tavarez’ former teams, most of whom grew weary of him for some very good reasons.  He has a considerable history of disciplinary actions having been taken against him, many of which involve throwing at opposing hitters. 

 

Let’s look back on some specific, selected actions from the past.  Perhaps MLB and its disciplinarian Bob Watson are unfairly picking on an innocent, misunderstood man or more likely, Tavarez is a complete lunatic and probably worse. 

 

So, you decide for yourself.  Is the man cuddly, crazy or a cheat?  Or, is he all three?

 

Cuddly - 1995

20-year old Julian Tavarez first appeared in 1993 and his big break on the major league scene came as the fireballing hurler played a key role for the 1995 American League Champion Cleveland Indians.  The Dominican captured the fancy of America because the only English word he knew was “chicken”.  Soon enough, Tavarez learned the language so well that he would conduct interviews himself. 

 

Crazy - 1996

It didn’t take long for things to go wrong.  Tavarez apparently selected the wrong role model in Cleveland.  In 1996, defending teammate and one of the most disciplined players ever, Albert Belle, led Tavarez to his first suspension.  It was for body-slamming an umpire.  Of course, from Julian’s perspective, it was an unfortunate accident. 

 

Belle was angry at getting hit by a pitch.  He took it out via a forearm to Milwaukee Brewers’ second baseman Fernando Vina’s face.  After Belle and Tavarez spoke between innings, Tavarez threw behind Brewers’ catcher Mike Matheny, who charged the mound. 

 

In the melee that followed, umpire Joe Brinkman grabbed Tavarez from behind and was thrown to the turf.  Tavarez insisted he didn’t know it was an ump, but still served five games.

 

Crazy – 1998

By now, Tavarez had been shipped to the San Francisco Giants.  In a September, 1998 game, Tavarez took exception to a ball four call by throwing his glove to the turf and yelling at the home plate umpire.  He flung his cap toward home plate and headed toward the ump, wildly gesturing.  Manager Dusty Baker had to pull Tavarez away from his chest-to-chest bumping of the ump, Sam Holbrook.  A three-game suspension ensued.

 

Crazy – 1999

After allowing six runs in an outing against Oakland, Tavarez drilled catcher Mike Macfarlane in the back with a pitch.  As Macfarlane was lying on the ground in pain, Tavarez stared down A’s manager Art Howe until Baker had to come out and remove Tavarez from the game. 

 

Crazy - 2001

Tavarez had been waived by the Giants and passed through Colorado before moving on to the Cubs.  He quickly fit right in, fighting with Giant Russ Davis and inciting a bench-clearing brawl - during a spring training game!  Tavarez took a flying kick at Davis, who had charged the mound after taking exception to what he felt was Tavarez taunting him after a strikeout.  Five more games on the pines for Julian.

 

Crazy – 2001

Before Tavarez could serve the above suspension, his Cubs team had an April series in San Francisco.  The Giants fans gave him a hard time and instead of turning the other cheek, Tavarez yelled back.  Among his on-the-record comments about his former teams’ fans was a John Rocker-esque declaration that “they are a bunch of a-holes and faggots.”  Bud Selig called the comments “reprehensible”.  Tavarez justified it in his mind by complaining that the fans threw eggs at him.  The only additional punishment meted out was that Tavarez was ordered to undergo sensitivity training.

 

Cuddly – 2001

On the bench in Chi-town, Tavarez poured rubbing alcohol onto a towel, which he wiped on his head in an apparent attempt to remain cool.  However, he may have gone too far when he slipped behind no-nonsense manager Don Baylor and shoved the smelly towel under Baylor’s nose.  Tavarez was soon traded to Florida.

 

Cuddly – 2002

In a close game while pitching for the Marlins, Tavarez stepped into the batters box against Colorado’s Mike Hampton.  Oddly, the right-hander came up as a left-handed hitter. He swung and missed at the first pitch before moving to the other side of the plate, from where he promptly blooped an RBI single.

 

Crazy – 2003

Now with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tavarez came out of the bullpen to escalate a fight that was in the process of cooling off between Tampa Bay’s Marlon Anderson and Tavarez’ teammate Jason Kendall.  Tavarez admitted to throwing punches, but accused an unidentified Tampa player of choking him from behind.  Seems like it is a bad idea to come up behind him.  A three-game suspension ensued.

 

Crazy – 2003

Still angry over an incident where they feared a Tavarez pitch had broken the arm of first baseman J.T. Snow, Giants manager Felipe Alou mentioned what to that point had been an unspoken assumption – that Tavarez has a history of beaning ex-teammates.

 

Crazy – 2003

After Tavarez hit him with a pitch, Atlanta Braves outfielder Gary Sheffield glared while slowly walking to first.  He carried his bat the entire 90 feet and only gave it up upon reaching the first base bag.

 

Cheat - 2003

In a signal of problems to come, later last season, Alou strongly intimated that he knew that Tavarez was wearing a cap with pine tar on it.  Alou did not publicly press the matter, however.

 

In closing

Upon signing with the Cardinals in the 2003-2004 off-season, Tavarez spoke fondly of his time in Pittsburgh.  He made it clear he preferred to stay there, but the Cardinals offered twice the salary.  If it were up to me, I’d eat the difference and ship him right back there. 

 

In my book, Julian Tavarez doesn’t deserve to be a Cardinal.

 

Izzy or Isn’t He Worth the Cash?

 

I would be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that what happened at the end of Game Five of the NLCS is what caused me to write this article now, but like many, I have been nervous about Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen for a long time.  In fact, there are some who even keep track of “shaky saves” to try to make the point that Izzy belongs squarely in the ranks of second-tier closers, not among the elite. 

 

I want to make a similar point, but with a bit more structure around the argument.  But before I get into it, I need to make another admission.  Only long-time Birdhouse readers with really good memories might recall that last off-season I suggested a trade package with Izzy as the centerpiece be offered to Baltimore in return for a second baseman and an outfielder. 

 

Granted, the additions of Tony Womack and Larry Walker eventually mitigated the Cardinals’ immediate need at those two positions.  However, the nagging question of Izzy remains.

 

For this analysis, I selected the most accepted method for measuring the value of closers, the Rolaids Relief Award Standings.  For those unfamiliar with it, the top ten closers in each league are given points for wins, saves and “tough” saves (entering with tying run on base) while being docked points for losses and blown saves.

 

I then divided these 20 closers’ Rolaid points by their 2004 salary to get what I called the “Bang Index”, short for “bang for the buck”.  Granted, it is a simple analysis and it is skewed heavily by salary, but it allows some very interesting conclusions to be drawn.

 

But first, let’s look at Izzy’s rankings in some basic stats among these top 20 closers across MLB.

 

Rolaids rank – tied for fifth overall, tied for second in NL

Saves (47) – tied for third

“Tough” saves (5) – second

Blown saves (7) – tied for third worst

ERA (2.87) – 12th (not included in the Rolaids formula)

2004 salary ($7.25 million) – fourth highest, second highest in NL

 

This tends to point out that while Izzy received a lot of chances, he was not particularly dominant, though was very well paid for doing so.

 

When the “Bang Index” is calculated, Izzy has the fifth lowest score among the twenty.  However, two of the players with worse results, Troy Percival and Ugueth Urbina, each missed a month of action this season.  One of the other two players, John Smoltz, signed his huge contract when he was a starter.  And the last of the bottom five, Mariano Rivera, while the best in the business, like Izzy, simply seems to be overpaid.

 

Worst Bang for the Buck – Top 20 Closers - 2004

20.  John Smoltz

19.  Troy Percival

18.  Mariano Rivera

17.  Ugueth Urbina

16.  Jason Isringhausen

 

Therefore, it could be stated that among those closers pitching a full season, Isringhausen was the third worst “bang for the buck” in the majors in 2004.  Now, that is quite a contrast to many people’s views that this was Izzy’s best year ever.

 

Who are the best, you say?  The list is headed up with bargain pitchers, but the top five also includes the most underrated closer in the game, Texas’ Francisco Cordero, who makes over $2 million.

 

Best Bang for the Buck – Top 20 Closers - 2004

1.  Joe Nathan

2.  Brad Lidge

3.  Jorge Julio

4.  Shingo Takatsu

5.  Francisco Cordero

 

(For those who want to see the detailed data, check out the bottom of this page, where I loaded the entire spreadsheet.) 

 

So, what does this all mean?  Heading into the final year of his contract, Jason Isringhausen continues to be overpaid for the results returned.  With his final season’s contract on the books at $9.25 million, the problem only gets worse in 2005.  Do you really want the Cardinals to allocate well over 10% of their team salary budget next year on this one player out of 25? 

 

Most people only look at the potential Cardinal free agents when considering the 2005 budget.  Prevailing logic says that the team cannot afford to bring back Matt Morris, Woody Williams, Edgar Renteria, Mike Matheny, Tony Womack and Steve Kline.  Expand your aperture a bit and take another look.  For example, if faced with the choice, who would you rather have for $9.25 million, Izzy or Renteria?

 

In summary, I would like to see the Cardinals unload Izzy in the off-season if they can come up with a cheaper alternative at closer and can find someone to take his contract.  The salary relief gained and players received in return via trade should enable them to improve other positions on the team in the process.

 

As a sideline, I also would also divest of Julian Tavarez if he cannot close.  It is ludicrous to pay $2.6 million (his 2005 salary) for a set-up man.

 

I hope the Cardinals continue in the playoffs and Izzy is a central part of their success.  But, even if so, the data seems to point out that the Cardinals could do better in the future.

 

Rolaids Rank	Name, Team	Win	Loss	Save	Tough  Save	Blown Save	Rolaids Points*	Salary $M	Points / $M	Bang Rank	Comment
AL
1	Mariano Rivera, NY Yankees	4	2	53	2	4	157	$10.89	14.4	18	Very good and well-compensated.
2	Francisco Cordero, Texas	3	4	49	2	5	137	$2.03	67.5	5	Lights out all season.
3	Joe Nathan, Minnesota	1	2	44	1	3	125	$0.47	266	1	Best bang.
4	Troy Percival, Anaheim	2	3	33	1	5	88	$7.50	11.7	19	Missed a month due to elbow.
5	Keith Foulke, Boston	5	3	32	0	7	86	$4.50	19.1	14	Came on in playoffs.
6	Danys Baez, Tampa Bay	4	4	30	1	3	85	$2	42.5	8
7	Octavio Dotel, Oakland	6	2	22	2	6	64	$2.80	22.9	13
8	Shingo Takatsu, White Sox	6	4	19	2	1	61	$0.75	81.3	4	Excellent pickup.
T9	Jorge Julio, Baltimore	2	5	22	1	4	53	$0.39	135.9	3	Struggled, but cheap.
T9	Ugueth Urbina, Detroit	4	6	21	0	3	53	$3	17.7	16	Missed last month for bad team.
NL
1	Eric Gagne, Los Angeles	7	3	45	3	2	142	$5	28.4	10
T2	Armando Benitez, Florida	2	2	47	3	4	136	$3.03	44.9	7
T2	Jason Isringhausen, St. Louis	4	2	47	5	7	136	$7.25	18.8	15	No excuse.
4	John Smoltz, Atlanta	0	1	44	6	5	126	$11	11.5	20	Huge contract signed as a starter.
6	Trevor Hoffman, San Diego	3	3	41	1	4	116	$4.50	25.8	11
7	Danny Kolb, Milwaukee	0	4	39	0	5	99