As most who are reading this know, the St. Louis Cardinals invaded Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs two weekends ago and the two switched roles this past Friday through Sunday. These were the first six of what will be 16 individual battles between the two archrivals this season.
In each of these initial series, the home club took two of three (with the final of the original four-game Chicago series rained out and rescheduled to July 12). As a result, the clubs’ season series against each other is knotted at 3-3.
Not being totally satisfied with that, I decided to take a look at comparative stats over the six contests. Sure, some players have been out due to injuries on both sides, but this is an accurate representation of the results by those able to suit up.
The data is reflected in terms of hitting splits, yet some pitching conclusions are evident in this context, as well.
| 2009 thru 6G H2H | AB | RBI | BA | OBP | SLG |
| StL hitters | 203 | 34 | 0.271 | 0.359 | 0.483 |
| ChC hitters | 218 | 30 | 0.275 | 0.342 | 0.413 |
| StL LH hitters | 84 | 10 | 0.238 | 0.323 | 0.369 |
| ChC LH hitters | 91 | 17 | 0.297 | 0.356 | 0.451 |
| StL RH hitters | 119 | 24 | 0.294 | 0.384 | 0.563 |
| ChC RH hitters | 127 | 13 | 0.260 | 0.331 | 0.386 |
| StL two outs | 60 | 7 | 0.183 | 0.269 | 0.283 |
| ChC two outs | 68 | 14 | 0.279 | 0.380 | 0.426 |
| StL RISP | 70 | 25 | 0.271 | 0.338 | 0.414 |
| ChC RISP | 59 | 22 | 0.237 | 0.338 | 0.390 |
| StL pinch-hitters | 9 | 2 | 0.444 | 0.583 | 0.778 |
| ChC pinch-hitters | 8 | 0 | 0.125 | 0.300 | 0.125 |
| vs. ChC starters | 139 | 22 | 0.266 | 0.329 | 0.475 |
| vs. StL starters | 132 | 18 | 0.288 | 0.347 | 0.386 |
| vs. ChC relievers | 64 | 12 | 0.281 | 0.418 | 0.500 |
| vs. StL relievers | 86 | 12 | 0.256 | 0.333 | 0.453 |
The Cardinals hitters drove in more runs and accumulated higher on-base and slugging percentages. The Cubs’ left-handed hitters were more productive than were St. Louis’, but the Cardinals’ right-handed batters, who of course saw more at-bats, had a bigger edge in stats.
Though the Cubs two-out hitters were more productive, the Cardinals out-produced them with runners in scoring position. The weakened position of the Cubs’ bench is evident in the pinch-hitting results.
In terms of pitching, the Cubs starters yielded more runs than did the Cardinals starters, despite having better batting average and OBP against. Where the Cubs fell down is in slugging, where the Cardinals hitters had a significant advantage.
Looking at the relievers, the Cardinals group allowed the same number of runs as their Cubs peers, but they registered superior slash stats in all three areas despite facing considerably more opposing hitters.
To bring this point home, here is a summary of the respective pitching staffs’ results through the six games. The Cardinals pitchers clearly come out on top.
| 2009 thru 6G H2H | ERA | BB | K |
| StL pitchers | 4.77 | 22 | 54 |
| ChC pitchers | 5.67 | 25 | 45 |
Overall through two series, I would have to give the imaginary stats tiebreaker to the Cardinals. There are ten more regular-season games to go, with the next match ups coming on May 19-21 in St. Louis.
Both teams are still evolving Brian. The Cardinals must dominate weaker opponents like the Cubs tend to do. If Milton Bradley ends up working for the Cubs, were in a world of hurt. I give that a 1 in 10 chance. Carp will be back, Harden will likely spend at least a month on the DL. Colby isn’t playing well, Rick neither for that matter. Will the rookies tire out? It appears that the Shumacher experiment will work. Thats a miracle to me. The way that the Cardinals excepted the Pujols retaliation tells me that we are now the better team. Pinella knows that now. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati may decide it for us by competing.
One other observation. Jose Oquendo’s snubbing of Pineiro, and his creation of an competitive environment for Yadi during the WBC has been huge. Molina learned to hit, and Joel got pissed and that has been good.
We have no way of knowing, but to me it feels like people are looking for simple explanations so they latch onto ideas like Oquendo snubbing Joel and Yadi at the WBC and attach too much importance to them.
I’ll buy into Oquendo’s snub AND Joel embracing the sinker for Piniero’s improvement plus his health is better this season so far.
Yadi has hit in every league he has ever played in and it took longer in the majors for him to become a reliable bat.
I didn’t mean to suggest that Oquendo had anything to to do with it. He was the incidental influencing factor. Yadi found an environment with his peers in which he discovered some things he was ready to learn. Thats life. Joel found a sinker by staying at home. That is the extent of my observation. Colby’s recent plate adjustments via McCrae are well intentioned, but they aren’t the solution. I predict he will slump.
I agree big chief. Yadi is a good player. Sometimes I felt in 08 that he just didn’t take himself seriously at the plate. Its my my opinion that the Cardinals have the weakest hitting system of the teams I’ve observed closely. Players like Pujols and Duncan aren’t coached or influenced much by Hal McRae. Those are the only two swings of merit that come to mind from an organizational stand point. Barden has good balance and Thurston has a very good approach, but I’m not sure that didn’t come with them from else where. Ankiel’s recent success at putting bad pitches into play, isn’t going to get it in the end. Greene seems to be settling into a rut of sorts. He has hit in so many slots that he seems bewildered. Possibly he is stuck in between power stroke dreams and becoming a RBI man by hitting singles. Ludwick has been a surprise. Lets hope he adjusts as fast as the scout find solutions. Shumacker can’t cover the outside of the plate unless he is looking to go OPO anyway. Which is by the way always his best option. They are jamming him then going away with some success.
WC, we get it. You don’t like Hal McRae and if Hal were God you wouldn’t give him credit for a sunrise. This team is pretty good offensively and Hal deserves some credit.
I’m not sure what you were watching about Yadi in 2008 that I didn’t see. What I saw was a guy that had hit .216 in 2006 and .275 in 2007 continue with his improvement in 2008, ending up at .304. He’s only 26 years old and figures to continue to improve, probably developing more power.
In 2006, it seemed to me that he was giving up AB’s, especially when there was nobody on base with one or two outs. He is a career .300 hitter with men on base in the major leagues, but .238 when they aren’t occupied.
I think he got into a rut in 2006 looking at his numbers after a slow start and pressing in order to get the BA up to a respectable level and it never happened.
His trip odometer was reset for the playoffs that year and he took off like a jet, collecting 19 hits including a home run against the Mets that will never be forgotten by my dogs, who were surprised that I could jump so high.
Good one Dizzy. Hal is a nice guy. His ideas are nice to. For 1970………. Who do you like tonight? Lets see how Ludwick and Ankiel respond to Jurrjens. I see us losing this one, winning tues and wed.
Hal is God. Unrealized. After two years I’m still waiting to see the Cardinals trade a position player because it was though by someone that he was well trained.
While I think the WBC thing is overstated, it’s still funny – especially the way Rotoworld put it a few weeks ago when they wrote: “Pineiro is pitching like he’s still mad about being left off the roster.”
Although, to be sure, some players actually do perform better when they’re mad. Sal Maglie was a classic example. Read Durocher’s autobiography for details.
Its a contract year. Pissed or not, good old little league rejection is something these millionaires don’t get much. Its worked for him so far. I backed him when others criticized. A quality start would be impressive in my book. If he goes 4/0 , I will be applauding.
It’s Matt Holliday’s contract year, too. He’s off to a rousing start with an OPS+ of 69. Studies have shown contract years are not much different than any other. For every good one, there’s a bad one.
WC I don’t know where you get your “information” about McRae’s methods and ability. The Cardinals stood in there and slugged it out toe to toe with the Cubs all 6 games. We came close to winning all three in Chicago. The Cubs have one of the best lineups in the game and we are right there with them. I don’t have much of a clue about McRae but the Cardinals have certainly cut down on their K’s since he came on the scene.
Last year when we played the Cubs and Brewers you just knew they had a better lineup. This year is different. Albert may be having a career year and Ludwick who some wanted released in spring training is repeating his good performance from last season and Schu is hanging in there. Yadi is improved and I’ll take Greene’s production over Izturis any day.
Cards are taking some good at bats. Jurrjens seems a little intimidated at times. Joel looks solid.
If the premise that self esteem helps performance which is enhanced by big contracts, I would tend to agree that its good. The statement that players don’t think of it may be erroneous. It is true in my experience. I am used to watching minutiae in the releam physical activity’s Sooner. I watch adjustments because I often am looking at pitching strategies. Duncan and Shu’s off field were nice at bats. Luddy hit a mistake. Stupid pitch to Rick, he took it up the middle which is good. Bravo. go cards
“I am used to watching minutiae in the releam physical activity’s Sooner”
What in the world does that mean?
Braves must of had a RH pinch hitter Tony was worried about. Why carry Reyes if that wasn’t the case? Great move with Perez by Tony. Google that Dizzy. I will answer that in time here. Top of the ninth.
McClellan has held left-handed hitters to a career OPS of .647 while he has not been as successful against right-handed hitters, a .745 OPS.
WC, I don’t know how to Google gibberish.
“I am used to watching minutiae in the realm of physical activity’s Sooner.”
I’m a guitarist Dizzy. I play some of the most complex repertoire imaginable, often in stressful environments. I also teach and do master classes in that field. It requires some very keen observational talents to teach and to perform. I have coached both track and football at the college level. I was lucky enough to play at that level. I’ve been very interested in Baseball for about 10 yrs now. I can’t help but notice, it seems.
In many ways, I thought that was the best game of the year for players doing their jobs. We can sweep here I think. I’m guessing Colby sits tomorrow too. RC said there were 400 people coming over. Yikes.
You can’t help but notice what?
How players stand. The position of their hands. Plane of the bat. Probable swing triggers. How they make adjustments to successful attacks. Same things a scout might recognize, or a catcher noticing during an at bat. Minutia……small increments. Its a game. Rick has been try to stay back, to relax, to take the ball deeper. They dealt with him rather easily the first at bat. Breaking stuff, speed changes. The second time Jurrgens tried a fastball at the bottom of the zone on the first pitch. Ankiel is baited into a good position following the pitch down and does the only thing you could do, stroke the middle. Third at bat. New pitcher 2nd or 3rd pitch was breaking pitch for a strike at the bottom of the zone, Rick follows it down and stokes the middle, same exact location with the same results. Both uncharacteristic of Rick. Braves are scratching their heads, Bravo Rick.
Tony, in his pre-game the other day explained why he was putting Colby in after sitting him for three straight days, cleverly setting a precedent for tomorrows outfield, same as todays. I thought it was cute. As long as Rick and company produce, thats the ratio of starts he can expect from now on I would think.
Baseball is all about adjustments. The guys that make it to the majors as position players all have the ability to go 4 for 4 or 0 for 4 any night. It’s a marathon and not a sprint
I’m not surprised at all that Rick Ankiel has hit a little hot streak over the week or so. If i were a bragging blowhard I’d point you to a few threads here where I suggested I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran off a streak not unlike Duncan’s early efforts. Note I didn’t predict anything, though. You must really be disappointed that you can’t brag about correctly calling for a loss tonight.
With a lefty going tomorrow, who knows what the outfield alignment will be. I’m guessing Colby will be in there, though. Ankiel may have an owie that could use some time off.
Will see, come tomorrow. Tony won’t sit Ankiel after a good game. Won’t sit Chris. Won’t sit Luddy against a lefty. Sorry RC…… I didn’t have any trouble rooting for the Cards. Thats a game they have often lost. A good one to guess wrong on. Cubs went down. All good news. Sore right leg for Lohse means he won’t be pushing off to hard. Thats a good thing.
Do you think that wrist shot was that bad? That would sit him.
Ankiel left the game after that half inning, although it was a double-switch involving Franklin, with Rasmus coming in to play center. We’ll see who plays outfield tomorrow. I’d like to see Barden and Ryan in there along with Greene in the infield against Reyes.
Baseball is a game of patience and making adjustments through time. Maybe track and football are much more short-term oriented.
Jumbeau,
I thought about making a comment further about the short-term aspects of football and track but didn’t want WC to consider me a bully as I had picked on him enough
From the Chicago Tribune: Lou Piniella on the hot start by the Cardinals: “I like St. Louis’ team. We should make them the favorites and put the onus on La Russa.”