It was one year ago today, December 12, 2008, when I published my first post on this then-brand new blog. In fact, I made five of them that day*, both to get the new site populated and because I had a lot to say beyond what the inherent space limitations on the main site allows. In addition, a blog is really a more personal vehicle than a news-first site like TheCardinalNation.com, something that greatly appeals to me.
I am certainly proud of both of my endeavors.
When I took over full-time operation of the main site this past summer, I wondered if there would still be time to blog daily as well. So far, the answer is “yes”, though the time commitment to do it right has been considerable. It is obviously a major part of my day, and I hope yours, too.
One year into returning to blogging (I began doing it years ago before it was popular), here is what this little blog alone has experienced in terms of my content and your comments:
- 511 posts (1.4 per day)
- 7,038 comments (19 per day)
- Well over a quarter of a million views
The roster matrix, which I am continuing to maintain in the off-season, has been the most frequently accessed resource. It is a graphical representation of the entire Cardinals system by level.
I exceeded my one-per-day target for new postings and didn’t do it by having to resort to empty, one-line placeholders. In every one of my posts, I try to offer something of substance about which to think – and of course, discuss.
All of you have made this blog work by joining in some solid baseball discussion, whether specifically about the subject of my post or perhaps regarding whatever Cardinals-related subjects were on your mind that day.
I thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to come here and especially to those who participate. For the majority who read, but don’t post, please consider joining in the discussions.
Here is hoping year two of TheCardinalNationblog.com is even more successful for all of us.
Brian Walton
* For the record, these were my first five posts here:
“Tony La Russa still loves Colby Rasmus”
“Will Friday be Flores’ last day with St. Louis?”
“Message from Classy Cody Haerther”
“Cards to reuse uniforms in minors”
“WBC: See Pujols an extra time this spring”
If compared to a tradtional newspapre, TCNB seems like an OP-Ed page, a place for viewpoints, such as historical perspectives, in contrast to a conventional front page news fare.
Its astounding how you have been able to produce more than an article a day here, for a year, in addtion to all the work that must go into TCN.
Happy blogiversary, Brian. I haven’t missed a post and I can confirm that I’m one of the people who spend way too much time staring at the roster matrix. I love that thing. Thanks for everything.
happy birthday! (in the frosty the snowman voice)
Its only going to get better Brian………………….happy birthday!
Brian, do you consider blog years to be like dog years, where at one its full grown, or like human years where its learning to walk and soiling itself regularly? Whichever, give yourself a pat on the back from BB, I’m hoisting a frosty one in your honor.
bb, seven years in one sounds about right.
Thanks to all!
HUZZAH !
TCN: where only the intelligensia of the Cardinal Nation come to play. Thanks in large part to Brian’s provocative stylings. Happy Birthday to the Blog that tops them all.
Some transactions with former Cardinals….
Anthony Reyes was non-tendered by the Indians. This presumably saves the Indians a half million or so. I forget the details now, but Reyes must have had Tommy John surgery last summer and if so, may not be ready by spring training. When his recovery is complete, he should get a chance with some team. But he could use some good fortune, to become established in the majors.
Mark Worrell was non-tendered by the Padres. This may be a similar situation. He will need to get healthy, to get a chance to play again. Its still a little surprising, perhaps indicating how teams are trying to hold down salary costs. Stars may still collect enormous salaries, but baseball is not easy for fringier talents.
Parisi had his Tommy John operation. Since known to the former Cards minor league pitching coach now with the Cubs, the Cubs rolled the dice on Parisi. He is well trained. Could Parisi be another Hawksworth and move from AAA rotation to ML bullpen? Probably a long shot, but the price is cheap for the Cubs.
Jocketty remembered Brandon Yarbrough, his 5th rounder in 2003, and gave him a deal for 2010. Relationships matter in baseball.
Others: Sean Danielson, traded to Boston for Joel Pineiro, was released. Brian Barden signed with the Marlins. Walt apparently did not remember him with the same fondness as Yarbrough.
Time hurries along. Today’s prospect may be cast off tomorrow, years of training and effort, but for many modest rewards are to be found at the top of the ladder.
Just a few years ago, Reyes was considered a top prospect. He would be ranked ahead of Wainwright, but it is Adam who has risen to become an elite player, while Reyes commanded little in trade. Perhaps this illustrates the value of health. Wainwright has been able to eat innings and for this earns consideration for Cy Young award. Reyes had several great games in 2006 and little more, thus far.
I would like to think Reyes and Worrell will get another chance if they get well. But it will be a brief final chance, because there are always other aspirants arriving. After someone gets high up the ladder, they have to perform or someone else will take their place.
Good points recognizing player salaries and value of the indispensable player. The owners whine about high salaries, but they have created that “short line” them selfs. And its getting shorter.
The owners go beyond whining about high salaries. One way to cost control ML salaries is to import more athletes from outside the US. Expanding the talent pool will reduce the average duration of ML careers and contain salaries as a result.
Another way to lower costs. If supplements of PEDs help muscles heal and serve as a fountain of youth for older players, then more testing of PEDs can shorten the careers of older athletes. The old guys are the costly ones Bud would be estatic to get rid of.
This is how money works Jumbo;
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091212/bs_nm/us_goldman
Same formula;
By accumulating most of the salary wealth in a few players, they can insure those players…………………..and control factors that contribute to players well being to cycle their capital back and forth with insurance carriers (that they own probably), staying well below the radar and public exposure concerning their financial position. Elbow……………Albert……………………hip…………A-Rod.
Anthony Reyes re-signed with the Indians. Good for both sides. We all wish Anthony much success with the Tribe. Chris Perez and Jesse Todd, too.
Brian, Great work and happy anniversary. This is a great forum. Thanks and all the best.
Thanks, amorgos. Since I think you may be new here, consider checking some of the earlier posts. At this link, you can see them all in one list.
I’ve been looking through the arcived posts for the last year linked above. Extraordinary and prolific output. (insert mental image of good looking gentleman doing we’re not worthy bow). Brian, you’re a carpal tunnel case waiting to happen. I think I’ll read them for a while rather than fret about all this Holliday nonsense. One I found especially interesting:
http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2008/12/12/la-russa-still-loves-rasmus/