Comments on: Cardinals to appear eight times on FOX Network in 2010 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/ Brian Walton's news and commentary on the St. Louis Cardinals (TM) and their minor league system Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:10:55 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9053 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:28:16 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9053 To criticize the Lohse signing, you would need to argue the availability of better alternatives following the 2008 season. The Cards decided to invest about $10.5MM a year for four seasons to retain Lohse as a starting pitcher. Veteran starting pitchers tend to be pricey and to command multi year deals. The Cards and agents have lots of number crunchers. They can calculate appropriate wages based on the combination of career and recent season performances. When you sign someone in September-Dec, you are going to pay top of the market. The labor market is not steady-state across all 12 months and these are peak price months. Alternatives to Lohse have included Reyes, Wellemeyer, and Thompson. They were cheaper certainly, but not very good either. Another alternative is to go into the spot market every winter and look for an underpriced asset. But low priced guys generally have drawbacks. Mo probably likes roster stability a bit more than Walt. Mo may prefer to pay Lohse more money and have a more stable roster than trust to the free agent market (Clement, Mulder, etc). There are pluses and minuses to this, but if DeWitt is willing to pay Lohse $10.5MM to be the third starter, its his call. Its not that the guy is "overpriced." Rather its a willing gamble to invest in a costly asset. To criticize the Lohse signing, you would need to argue the availability of better alternatives following the 2008 season. The Cards decided to invest about $10.5MM a year for four seasons to retain Lohse as a starting pitcher. Veteran starting pitchers tend to be pricey and to command multi year deals.

The Cards and agents have lots of number crunchers. They can calculate appropriate wages based on the combination of career and recent season performances.

When you sign someone in September-Dec, you are going to pay top of the market. The labor market is not steady-state across all 12 months and these are peak price months.

Alternatives to Lohse have included Reyes, Wellemeyer, and Thompson. They were cheaper certainly, but not very good either.

Another alternative is to go into the spot market every winter and look for an underpriced asset. But low priced guys generally have drawbacks.

Mo probably likes roster stability a bit more than Walt. Mo may prefer to pay Lohse more money and have a more stable roster than trust to the free agent market (Clement, Mulder, etc). There are pluses and minuses to this, but if DeWitt is willing to pay Lohse $10.5MM to be the third starter, its his call. Its not that the guy is “overpriced.” Rather its a willing gamble to invest in a costly asset.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9043 CariocaCardinal Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:58:14 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9043 Sorry Jumbo, It is obviously you that needs to go back to school. Of course Lohse will earn the same no matter what he does - that has nothing to do with whether it was worth giving him that amount of money (talk about lack of economics understanding!) How do you know that we paid Lohse "his going value"? He hadn't even declared free agency yet so not even him or Boras could tell what his going value was. In hindsight, we obviously paid way over his going value (look at the other pitcher contracts signed that off season). Btw, my criticism of the Lohse contract was more length and the no trade clause than the AAV. I thought we overpaid in AAV but only slightly. DeWitt and Mo can spend however they want. I will feel free to criticize however I want. My complaints with the veteran signings was that we paid over market -- both relative to what homegrown assets could have provided us and also compared to what other veterans on the market received but mostly to what I think these guys could have gotten from other teams. I stand by that even in hindsight. Sorry Jumbo, It is obviously you that needs to go back to school. Of course Lohse will earn the same no matter what he does – that has nothing to do with whether it was worth giving him that amount of money (talk about lack of economics understanding!) How do you know that we paid Lohse “his going value”? He hadn’t even declared free agency yet so not even him or Boras could tell what his going value was. In hindsight, we obviously paid way over his going value (look at the other pitcher contracts signed that off season). Btw, my criticism of the Lohse contract was more length and the no trade clause than the AAV. I thought we overpaid in AAV but only slightly.

DeWitt and Mo can spend however they want. I will feel free to criticize however I want. My complaints with the veteran signings was that we paid over market — both relative to what homegrown assets could have provided us and also compared to what other veterans on the market received but mostly to what I think these guys could have gotten from other teams. I stand by that even in hindsight.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9041 Brian Walton Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:54:30 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9041 Barring an unforeseen meltdown, Ryan will become arbitration eligible next year. That is the source of another upcoming article here or there. The current Ruben (b. 1982) is a nephew of former Cardinal Julio Gotay (b. 1939). The earlier Ruben (b. 1959) appears to be from the same town. I now have something to ask him when I meet him next month in Jupiter. Barring an unforeseen meltdown, Ryan will become arbitration eligible next year. That is the source of another upcoming article here or there.

The current Ruben (b. 1982) is a nephew of former Cardinal Julio Gotay (b. 1939). The earlier Ruben (b. 1959) appears to be from the same town. I now have something to ask him when I meet him next month in Jupiter.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9040 blingboy Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:47:23 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9040 Brian, I can see where Lohse for a year was a good move. Smart to wait until the price came down. Now, you have Brendan this year for cheap, so you should look at re-upping on a multi-year sponsorship, as his price will skyrocket after this year. On another note, who knew the Cards organization had a guy named Ruben Gotay once before? What are the odds of that. Brian, I can see where Lohse for a year was a good move. Smart to wait until the price came down. Now, you have Brendan this year for cheap, so you should look at re-upping on a multi-year sponsorship, as his price will skyrocket after this year.

On another note, who knew the Cards organization had a guy named Ruben Gotay once before? What are the odds of that.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9039 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:36:30 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9039 CC, baseball economics may not be your forte. Lohse's salary for 2009-2012 was defined during 2008 and his earlier years. He could excel during 2009-12 or he could spend the entire time on the DL. Regardless of performance, his salary will be the same. The Cards made a decision circa August 2008 to retain Lohse for 4 more years at his going value. It is a bet about how to allocate money and how to allocate business risk. Since it is DeWitt's money, he gets to decide how he wants to allocate it. IIRC, you disliked signing Pineiro, Springer, Izturis in 2007. Vets are relatively expensive. When the team has cheaper homegrown players available, it can use them and save money for 6 years. When you do not have a cheaper homegrown asset, you have to spend more on Pineiro, Penny, Lohse, etc. CC, baseball economics may not be your forte.
Lohse’s salary for 2009-2012 was defined during 2008 and his earlier years. He could excel during 2009-12 or he could spend the entire time on the DL. Regardless of performance, his salary will be the same.
The Cards made a decision circa August 2008 to retain Lohse for 4 more years at his going value. It is a bet about how to allocate money and how to allocate business risk.
Since it is DeWitt’s money, he gets to decide how he wants to allocate it.

IIRC, you disliked signing Pineiro, Springer, Izturis in 2007. Vets are relatively expensive. When the team has cheaper homegrown players available, it can use them and save money for 6 years. When you do not have a cheaper homegrown asset, you have to spend more on Pineiro, Penny, Lohse, etc.

]]> By: WestCoastbirdWatcher http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9037 WestCoastbirdWatcher Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:08:15 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9037 I ran across the Cardinal Halo 3# team in combat recently. Izzy and Joel are still members of that platoon by the looks of it. I killed them all......... I ran across the Cardinal Halo 3# team in combat recently. Izzy and Joel are still members of that platoon by the looks of it. I killed them all………

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9035 CariocaCardinal Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:45:52 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9035 Lohse will need 3 years as good as 08 for his contrct to be worth it. Aint happening. Lohse will need 3 years as good as 08 for his contrct to be worth it. Aint happening.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9034 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:43:30 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9034 My interest, btw, returning to post 25, is the master/student relationship. How has Mo changed from Walt's ways of doing business? How has Walt adapted and changed, in Cinci? There are interesting contrasts. My interest, btw, returning to post 25, is the master/student relationship. How has Mo changed from Walt’s ways of doing business? How has Walt adapted and changed, in Cinci? There are interesting contrasts.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9033 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:41:25 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9033 I would not think of Lohse as underpaid in 08 and overpaid in 09. Lohse got paid what he could command in 08. It was not as much as Boras hoped. Did he get underpaid? He made millions, I spare no tears for Kyle. Lohse played well and the Cards wanted to retain him and solidify a rotation spot. To do this, they had to bestow a 4 year deal. Multi-year deals for pitchers can be risky, as evidenced by injury woes for Carpenter in 07/8. Lohse had an injury in 09. If it heals, there is no reason Lohse cannot be the same as in 08, just as Carp bounced back in 09. Many 6+ year vets are extremely well remunerated. One similarity between Kyle and Matt: Boras agreed to long term deals with the Cardinals. This was once thought nigh impossible, but lightning struck in the same place. I would not think of Lohse as underpaid in 08 and overpaid in 09.
Lohse got paid what he could command in 08. It was not as much as Boras hoped. Did he get underpaid? He made millions, I spare no tears for Kyle.
Lohse played well and the Cards wanted to retain him and solidify a rotation spot. To do this, they had to bestow a 4 year deal. Multi-year deals for pitchers can be risky, as evidenced by injury woes for Carpenter in 07/8. Lohse had an injury in 09. If it heals, there is no reason Lohse cannot be the same as in 08, just as Carp bounced back in 09. Many 6+ year vets are extremely well remunerated.

One similarity between Kyle and Matt: Boras agreed to long term deals with the Cardinals. This was once thought nigh impossible, but lightning struck in the same place.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9032 Brian Walton Sat, 06 Feb 2010 15:00:52 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9032 I consider Lohse and Holliday's situations to have been far more different than similar. A comparison to Suppan's Milwaukee deal is hardly a favorable one to make unless you are from the "misery loves company" school of thinking. As a pitcher with just one winning season in his last six, Lohse still hasn't earned his money as a Cardinal. He ended up being underpaid his first season and overpaid in his second. Granted, Lohse was injured in 2009. He has three more years ahead to make his point. Edit: I am currently trying to decide whether or not to pay to continue to sponsor <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lohseky01.shtml" rel="nofollow">Lohse's page</a> on baseball-reference.com. Didn't drive many clicks, but maybe 2010 would be better... Edit #2: They cut the price in half from last season, so I am backing Kyle with my wallet for another year! I consider Lohse and Holliday’s situations to have been far more different than similar.

A comparison to Suppan’s Milwaukee deal is hardly a favorable one to make unless you are from the “misery loves company” school of thinking. As a pitcher with just one winning season in his last six, Lohse still hasn’t earned his money as a Cardinal. He ended up being underpaid his first season and overpaid in his second. Granted, Lohse was injured in 2009. He has three more years ahead to make his point.

Edit: I am currently trying to decide whether or not to pay to continue to sponsor Lohse’s page on baseball-reference.com. Didn’t drive many clicks, but maybe 2010 would be better…

Edit #2: They cut the price in half from last season, so I am backing Kyle with my wallet for another year!

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9031 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:47:18 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9031 The Lohse deal was somewhat like the Holliday one. When the Cards want to sign a guy to forego free agency, they have to pay a strong price. Lohse has been durable for years, but got hit by a pitch during 2009. If he feels better in 2010, he should give them what they want. Lohse is a little cheaper and younger than the 4 year deal Jeff Suppan got from the Brewers. The Lohse deal was somewhat like the Holliday one. When the Cards want to sign a guy to forego free agency, they have to pay a strong price.
Lohse has been durable for years, but got hit by a pitch during 2009. If he feels better in 2010, he should give them what they want. Lohse is a little cheaper and younger than the 4 year deal Jeff Suppan got from the Brewers.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9028 CariocaCardinal Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:46:48 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9028 You forgot Mo's biggest and possibly owrst early vet signing - Lohse Sept 29 2008. You forgot Mo’s biggest and possibly owrst early vet signing – Lohse Sept 29 2008.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9027 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:42:14 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9027 What has Mo done differently, after taking over from Walt? Mo likes to sign a few vets early rather than hope a bargain can be found later. This explains signing Pineiro in October 2007, Izturis in December 2007 and Penny in Dec 2009. Mo focused on landing Holliday. He wooed the Rockies, swung a deal with the As, and paid the piper to sign Holliday to a long term deal. Whereas the Cards used to be an older team, under Mo they make more room for inexperienced players (Schumaker, Rasmus, Ryan, Freese). Mo will add a player late, during spring training (Lohse in 2008). He is talking about it again for 2010. What has Mo done differently, after taking over from Walt?
Mo likes to sign a few vets early rather than hope a bargain can be found later. This explains signing Pineiro in October 2007, Izturis in December 2007 and Penny in Dec 2009.
Mo focused on landing Holliday. He wooed the Rockies, swung a deal with the As, and paid the piper to sign Holliday to a long term deal.
Whereas the Cards used to be an older team, under Mo they make more room for inexperienced players (Schumaker, Rasmus, Ryan, Freese).
Mo will add a player late, during spring training (Lohse in 2008). He is talking about it again for 2010.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9026 JumboShrimp Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:23:42 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9026 Walt has had less budget with in Cinci, but is making over that team. One way is defence. He added Hernandez as catcher, Rolen at 3B, now Orlando Cabrera at SS, and Drew Stubbs in CF. The starting pitching has Arroyo, Harang, Cueto, Owings, Bailey. Volquez was a star, before hurt and he will not be back until late in 2010. Now the Reds have boldly spent $30MM to land 100 mph southpaw Arnoldis Chapman. Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Stubbs give building blocks. The pipeline includes 1b Alonso and last Junes top pick RHP Leake. One reason Walt got removed was an inadequate Latin recruitment program. He inherited a good one in Cinci. The Reds landed a couple of bonus babies in 2008 with Yorman Rod and Doran. The Reds should be better in 2010 and improve thereafter. Walt has had less budget with in Cinci, but is making over that team.
One way is defence. He added Hernandez as catcher, Rolen at 3B, now Orlando Cabrera at SS, and Drew Stubbs in CF.
The starting pitching has Arroyo, Harang, Cueto, Owings, Bailey. Volquez was a star, before hurt and he will not be back until late in 2010. Now the Reds have boldly spent $30MM to land 100 mph southpaw Arnoldis Chapman.
Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, and Stubbs give building blocks. The pipeline includes 1b Alonso and last Junes top pick RHP Leake.
One reason Walt got removed was an inadequate Latin recruitment program. He inherited a good one in Cinci. The Reds landed a couple of bonus babies in 2008 with Yorman Rod and Doran.
The Reds should be better in 2010 and improve thereafter.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9025 blingboy Sat, 06 Feb 2010 05:13:04 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9025 The embargo must be leaky. I came across this tweet on one of the Dbacks arb hearings. No movement on #dbacks negotiations with Edwin Jackson to avoid Feb. 17 arb date. about 3 hours ago from web dbackswriter Steve Gilbert The embargo must be leaky. I came across this tweet on one of the Dbacks arb hearings.

No movement on #dbacks negotiations with Edwin Jackson to avoid Feb. 17 arb date.
about 3 hours ago from web
dbackswriter
Steve Gilbert

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9024 blingboy Sat, 06 Feb 2010 04:30:36 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9024 Now that Hudson and Kennedy have signed Lopez should find out pretty quick he's not going to get starter bucks or multiple years. But there is the Boras factor. He will be saying Lopez should be closer to Hudson's $5M than to Kennedy's $1.25M. I would think something in the middle would be a good deal for the Cards. The main problem would be he could out play Freese and Schu in the field and all the infield except Albert at the plate. Tony would have him in there somewhere all the time. Chinese fire drill. Now that Hudson and Kennedy have signed Lopez should find out pretty quick he’s not going to get starter bucks or multiple years. But there is the Boras factor. He will be saying Lopez should be closer to Hudson’s $5M than to Kennedy’s $1.25M. I would think something in the middle would be a good deal for the Cards. The main problem would be he could out play Freese and Schu in the field and all the infield except Albert at the plate. Tony would have him in there somewhere all the time. Chinese fire drill.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9018 blingboy Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:42:59 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9018 The only guy on the roster that Mo has signed off the street for big bucks is Penny. Everybody else who is making some money played here at least for a little while before getting the contract. In that way it is out of character for Mo. Having pretty much run out of prospects to trade, Mo has little choice now but to commit to a guy like Penny without having the chance to try it out like with Holiday, DeRosa, Smotz. The 'one year' focus limits the risk. Looking at a guy who has been here before, like Lopez, also limits the risk. In this way, the Cards are a lot different from almost every other team, including Walt's Reds. Commiting big bucks for multiple years is not Mo's way. Lohse was a good lesson. No dead money on the books is result of Mo's strategy. Lopez has sure moved around a lot for a guy who is versatile and productive. And the Cards declined to buck up to keep him once before. And he's still on the shelf now. If there is anything to be made of that, Mo will be on top of it. The only guy on the roster that Mo has signed off the street for big bucks is Penny. Everybody else who is making some money played here at least for a little while before getting the contract. In that way it is out of character for Mo. Having pretty much run out of prospects to trade, Mo has little choice now but to commit to a guy like Penny without having the chance to try it out like with Holiday, DeRosa, Smotz. The ‘one year’ focus limits the risk. Looking at a guy who has been here before, like Lopez, also limits the risk. In this way, the Cards are a lot different from almost every other team, including Walt’s Reds. Commiting big bucks for multiple years is not Mo’s way. Lohse was a good lesson. No dead money on the books is result of Mo’s strategy.

Lopez has sure moved around a lot for a guy who is versatile and productive. And the Cards declined to buck up to keep him once before. And he’s still on the shelf now. If there is anything to be made of that, Mo will be on top of it.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9014 JumboShrimp Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:38:16 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9014 In StL, Walt was deemed insufficiently effective in Latin America. It Cinci, he has signed Yorman Rodriguez, Doran, and spent 25 percent of what the Cards spent on Holliday on Arnoldis Chapman. While he may have inherited a better Latin program, its still a reversal of image. Walt moved veterans Griffey and Dunn, added the vet Rolen for defense and leadership. Added a catcher and CF, though now has moved Taveras elsewhere and added a SS. Operating with a lower budget, Walt is investing boldly in amateurs, defense, and pitching. In StL, Walt was deemed insufficiently effective in Latin America. It Cinci, he has signed Yorman Rodriguez, Doran, and spent 25 percent of what the Cards spent on Holliday on Arnoldis Chapman. While he may have inherited a better Latin program, its still a reversal of image.

Walt moved veterans Griffey and Dunn, added the vet Rolen for defense and leadership. Added a catcher and CF, though now has moved Taveras elsewhere and added a SS.

Operating with a lower budget, Walt is investing boldly in amateurs, defense, and pitching.

]]> By: WestCoastbirdWatcher http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9012 WestCoastbirdWatcher Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:34:43 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9012 Mo is assistant GM. Mo is assistant GM.

]]> By: JumboShrimp http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9011 JumboShrimp Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:23:04 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9011 In comment 9, Brian mentions Mo as an Exec of the Year candidate. How about a few essays comparing the strategies of Mo versus Walt in Cinci? Walt favored vets in StLouis, but is charting a very different course with the Reds. In comment 9, Brian mentions Mo as an Exec of the Year candidate.

How about a few essays comparing the strategies of Mo versus Walt in Cinci? Walt favored vets in StLouis, but is charting a very different course with the Reds.

]]> By: WestCoastbirdWatcher http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9010 WestCoastbirdWatcher Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:15:28 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9010 MLB has embargoed release of individual hearing dates this year......Why would they deny some sort of lottery ordering..........could effect last second agreements. Oh well. BB, I have electric underwear too. If I can figure out how to detach the blowup doll, I'll loan them to you. MLB has embargoed release of individual hearing dates this year……Why would they deny some sort of lottery ordering……….could effect last second agreements. Oh well.

BB, I have electric underwear too. If I can figure out how to detach the blowup doll, I’ll loan them to you.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9009 Brian Walton Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:13:14 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9009 Cards play Twins in FL on 3/29, four days prior to the pair in Minneapolis. I suggest a parka over the sweater. Update on Skip and arbitration. MLB has embargoed release of individual hearing dates this year. All hearings are supposed to be completed by the 21st. Cards play Twins in FL on 3/29, four days prior to the pair in Minneapolis. I suggest a parka over the sweater.

Update on Skip and arbitration. MLB has embargoed release of individual hearing dates this year. All hearings are supposed to be completed by the 21st.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9008 blingboy Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:11:23 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9008 I have some battery powered underwear Westy, but I won't go into it!! I have some battery powered underwear Westy, but I won’t go into it!!

]]> By: WestCoastbirdWatcher http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9006 WestCoastbirdWatcher Thu, 04 Feb 2010 22:04:54 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9006 With any luck they'll be rained out BB. Take a SWEATER if you go. With any luck they’ll be rained out BB. Take a SWEATER if you go.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9005 blingboy Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:59:56 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9005 I think both teams play the day before in Florida. Jeez. Does MLB have a set rule about calling a game for low temperature or wind chill, or is it crew chief's call or what? I know those are just exhibitions, but just wondering. I think both teams play the day before in Florida. Jeez.

Does MLB have a set rule about calling a game for low temperature or wind chill, or is it crew chief’s call or what? I know those are just exhibitions, but just wondering.

]]> By: Brian Walton http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9002 Brian Walton Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:33:30 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9002 bb, I have inquiries out about that very question (Skip). All I know so far about the two exhibition games in Minny is that they will probably be on FS North. I wonder why FS Midwest wouldn't pick up the feed too? I have thought about going out there in person myself, but I don't know if the press box is heated. ;-) I probably won't be in that neck of the woods again until June, aka the start of the mosquito season. An interesting question has come up regarding the two FOX Saturday night games as to whether the idiotic national blackouts will follow. No clear answer yet, but if the answer is "yes", there are going to be a lot of angry fans. bb, I have inquiries out about that very question (Skip).

All I know so far about the two exhibition games in Minny is that they will probably be on FS North. I wonder why FS Midwest wouldn’t pick up the feed too? I have thought about going out there in person myself, but I don’t know if the press box is heated. ;-) I probably won’t be in that neck of the woods again until June, aka the start of the mosquito season.

An interesting question has come up regarding the two FOX Saturday night games as to whether the idiotic national blackouts will follow. No clear answer yet, but if the answer is “yes”, there are going to be a lot of angry fans.

]]> By: blingboy http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9001 blingboy Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:24:43 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9001 When do we find out when Skip's arb hearing is scheduled? Those games April 2 & 3 at Target Field should be worth watching. If i'm not going to be able to get it on cable, I might just drive up there. Might just go anyway. When do we find out when Skip’s arb hearing is scheduled?

Those games April 2 & 3 at Target Field should be worth watching. If i’m not going to be able to get it on cable, I might just drive up there. Might just go anyway.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-9000 CariocaCardinal Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:49:57 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-9000 Ah, my guitar hero returns! Ah, my guitar hero returns!

]]> By: WestCoastbirdWatcher http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-8999 WestCoastbirdWatcher Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:36:47 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-8999 Everyone in baseball is watching Albert Pujols. Everyone in baseball is watching the evolving collusion. There is no question DeWitt has an idea about what he might be willing pay. What he would like to differ. Thats not going to surprise Albert's agent. If they aren't close in expectations, thats moves Albert closer to being traded. It isn't in either partys interest to have their position divulged least it endanger any number of possible future transactions by either. Considering the unusual questions surrounding the Holiday negotiation, there are signs that the commissioner is involved in this somehow. One might speculate that the expansion of all salaries do to another record contract isn't in baseball best interest at this point. The NY / Boston restraint this year suggests a mediator is at work. Keep your eyes on SD/Boston/SL. The two years grace period on Gonzales and Pujols contracts mean an extension guarantee isn't that important in both cases at this time. BE honest. If it was bound to happen do to reasons beyond the obvious, wouldn't now be the time. If Albert has a hot first half, its going to cost DeWitt. If he continues to slump, its going to cost him. If he wants to try the big market anyway, it going to be Boston in all likelihood, so why not now? The announcement of talks with a media blackout is kind of like a sorority girls announcing her "drunkenness" to all concerned GM's. Carl Pohlad would never have been in this position with Mauer. He would have been gone. The family holds the team now and have a very different business plan. The new stadium is a conditional experiment. There isn't a way in the world that the league is going to be playing there in 5 yrs without the roof being added. It was always intended to have a roof, they just couldn't get the city and the state to pay for it. They went ahead and built it without. Selig knows that its going to create a cancellation meltdown, with all clubs claiming unfair playing conditions. When the new commissioner threatens to allow the team to move, they will start in on the roof. Everyone in baseball is watching Albert Pujols. Everyone in baseball is watching the evolving collusion.
There is no question DeWitt has an idea about what he might be willing pay. What he would like to differ. Thats not going to surprise Albert’s agent. If they aren’t close in expectations, thats moves Albert closer to being traded. It isn’t in either partys interest to have their position divulged least it endanger any number of possible future transactions by either.

Considering the unusual questions surrounding the Holiday negotiation, there are signs that the commissioner is involved in this somehow. One might speculate that the expansion of all salaries do to another record contract isn’t in baseball best interest at this point. The NY / Boston restraint this year suggests a mediator is at work.

Keep your eyes on SD/Boston/SL. The two years grace period on Gonzales and Pujols contracts mean an extension guarantee isn’t that important in both cases at this time. BE honest. If it was bound to happen do to reasons beyond the obvious, wouldn’t now be the time. If Albert has a hot first half, its going to cost DeWitt. If he continues to slump, its going to cost him. If he wants to try the big market anyway, it going to be Boston in all likelihood, so why not now?

The announcement of talks with a media blackout is kind of like a sorority girls announcing her “drunkenness” to all concerned GM’s.

Carl Pohlad would never have been in this position with Mauer. He would have been gone. The family holds the team now and have a very different business plan. The new stadium is a conditional experiment. There isn’t a way in the world that the league is going to be playing there in 5 yrs without the roof being added. It was always intended to have a roof, they just couldn’t get the city and the state to pay for it. They went ahead and built it without. Selig knows that its going to create a cancellation meltdown, with all clubs claiming unfair playing conditions. When the new commissioner threatens to allow the team to move, they will start in on the roof.

]]> By: CariocaCardinal http://thecardinalnationblog.com/2010/02/03/cardinals-to-appear-eight-times-on-fox-network-in-2010/comment-page-1/#comment-8997 CariocaCardinal Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:25:34 +0000 http://thecardinalnationblog.com/?p=6650#comment-8997 Well, looks like Ball State university could care less about roids accusations. Larry Bigbie to their hall of fame. http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-sp.digest031feb03,0,1738604.column Well, looks like Ball State university could care less about roids accusations.

Larry Bigbie to their hall of fame.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-sp.digest031feb03,0,1738604.column

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