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.