One of the oddest and most famous of Twitter personalities aims a series of shots directly at the manager of the Chicago Cubs.
Perhaps no one has found the social phenomena of Twitter to be more exhilarating than best-selling author H.G. Bissinger III, known to the world as “Buzz.” Through his penning of wildly popular books including “Friday Night Lights” and the Tony La Russa and Cardinals-focused “Three Nights in August,” Bissinger’s reputation as a literary leader of his generation has long been cemented in place.
The friend and business partner of La Russa in Red Bird Cinema is a regular visitor in the manager’s office when the Cardinals visit Philadelphia. The group’s announced projects include a film adaptation of “Three Nights” with “Lights” star and long-time Cardinals fan Billy Bob Thornton producing.
Yet there is another, unflattering side of Buzz. In an infamous “Internet Media” episode of Bob Costas’ series “Costas Now” aired on HBO in April 2008, Bissinger went off on an embarrassing tirade perhaps directed as much as what Deadspin founder Will Leitch represents as at Leitch himself. The basis was the author’s extreme dislike of bloggers. Bissinger’s over-the-top actions drew widespread criticism and ridicule at the time.
Since first tasting the immediacy of instant messaging months ago, Bissinger has increased his outspokenness exponentially via that medium. As he tweeted Monday,
“Even if some of you think I am a vicious little profane prick, which I am and am not…”
The author has taken a particular and most odd liking to the catch phrase “douche juice,” which he fires at the drop of a hat. It doesn’t end there as “F” bombs and worse are a regular part of Buzz’ Twitter shock-shtick.
On Monday, one of the targets of his Buzz bombs was Chicago Cubs manager Lou Piniella, a friend of La Russa back to their youth in Tampa, Florida. Apparently, Bissinger is not in the process of negotiating the rights to ink “Three Nights in Chicago.”
In the first related tweet, Bissinger suggested Piniella has not been worth his pay with the Cubs.
“I am surprised nobody came up with Pinella in who is stealing money. Spent week with Cubs 1st season. Kept getting lost on way to clubhouse,” Buzz tweeted.
Just in case there was any doubt about what he was saying, Bissinger followed with this 140-character analysis.
“Piniella could have cared less. Spoke tough. All bark. La Russa gets to ballpark seven hours before game. Lou five minutes before BP.”
The Monday night trilogy was completed with this observation.
“Piniella was a big name. They thought it was a coup talking him out of retirement. But he was coasting on reputation. Obvious.”
Update: Tweets number four and five appeared shortly afterward.
“Piniella might as well sit on top of the dugout in a rocking chair. Swig a beer. Get some bennies. Ignore that Wrigley is a dump.”
And then this:
“Lenny Dykstra would do better job managing cubs than Piniella. At least he would not pretend to manage. Lou should be playing LF for Pirates.”
Bissinger’s criticism apparently has no bounds, as he even questions his buddy La Russa.
“McGwire was a terrible mistake La Russa made. He is not a good hitting coach…”
It appears that Bissinger is not taking himself too seriously and doesn’t seem to care what he says about anyone to everyone. His online tough-guy persona reminds me a bit of another author who was “Juiced” in his own way, Jose Canseco.
As the story of Mark McGwire’s return put him back in the spotlight briefly this past off-season, La Russa’s former pupil and McGwire’s “Bash Brother” posted a series of wildly profane tweets challenging and threatening those critical of him and his checkered past.
Odd internet bedfellows indeed.
If you dare, follow Bissinger’s tweets here (NSFW). He has over 6,500 followers.
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Yikes. Look at that photo. Wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley.
What a nice guy.
crdswmn: More acidic and justifiable sarcasm cannot be found!
No, thank you, Brian; I do not care to follow Bissinger’s “tweets” and join his minions. I do thank you, however, for describing him so thoroughly. Although, I have no objection to an occasional well-placed vulgar expression of our nation’s indigenous vernacular, one who routinely drops the “F Bomb” is a vexation to me, revealing a man of low class who would either forcefully call attention to his rage or forcefully impose his thoughts on others. Since Tony is a Juris Doctor, I am reasonably certain of his awareness that he is known by the company he keeps…
I am also a Juris Doctor and I know ambulance chasers with more class.
“McGwire was a terrible mistake La Russa made. He is not a good hitting coach….”
I like MM on so many levels. He feels good to me. I think he would make a great base coach. But:..
There are anomalies in the Cardinal hitting woes that seem to suggest that the above statement is true……………unfortunately……………………..” ineffective” might be a more generous term……..but just as damning…………..
This is a fact……………. Tony looks for opportunities to move Yadi up in the lineup….6th tonight. He always responds to this. Tony knows this is true……..so he gambles with it. To me , this is a very sad truth…….almost little league in its emotional naivety…………..Yadi wants to be more involved……..batting closer to AP helps his self esteem. I can understand that……..I think we all might relate…………………………….but I must say “Are you kidding me”!!!!!!!! This to me is a perfect indicator showing how some players see their roles on this team. Yadi is the second largest liability in this lineup save for the pitchers…………and they make it close. Putting him 6th reduces the 5 spot to ashes…………if he was placed in the 9th spot…….and got on……it would take 3 extra base hits to score him………… but I digress……………the issue is, Tony is hopelessly committed to AP. The whole tactical rationality about his needs, and how they are perceived by his team mates, as Tony tinkers, makes me ill………………….. no outs two men on / the 2/0 pitch is a past ball, opening a base and moving it to 3/0……… He went speculating on that pitch, right in Holidays face………. he uses his special privilege every time to make what is essentially a stupid play. Because he is AP………… here is the Rub………..Haren got that pitch close enough to the plate……….because he was hunting “stupid”……..and to those of you who understand pitching tactics, be honest with how often teams appeal to AP’s “eccentricities”…….
What I think is apparent at this point, is that not allot of teams with the necessary resources are going to be clamoring for AP. His inability to handle the hitting adjustments necessary to stop the many ways they have found to exploit his “instability”, and especially the team play arrogance, makes him a liability. But…….that could all change, if he made any effort to address these issues………….isn’t a way in the world anyone is going to pay him 200 million to play baseball. BD is kicking his ass in more way than you can count. AP would have to start walking on water from here on out to change anything……………and therein lies the likely problem.
Albert is “unstable”, “eccentric”, “arrogent”, “stupid,” having his “ass kicked” by William DeWitt, Yadier needs to bat near Albert for his self esteem. Tony is “naive” and “hopelessly commited to Albert.” (Jeesh, duh, I should hope so, since Pujols is the finest hitter he has managed.) This web site does not need Bissinger. It has its own rude driveler.
The Cards have problems, but Yadier’s self esteem has to be about the 500th priority. Higher are Penny, Lohse, and now Freese. If Tony is naive and misguided, it was for being unable to work with a pro’s pro, Scott Rolen, during 2006-7. Scott has rebounded in Cinci and gives the Reds a big advantage at 3B. Walt and Scott could get the last laugh on the DeWitts.
Jumbeau: YOU would call Westy a “rude driveler”? Nothing is so rude as name calling and you were warned before about resorting to that tactic. Against what you were reminded by Brian himself, that this is an inclusive community, you persist in attacking contributors to the blog either for the “offense” of not sharing your point-of-view or for the “offense” of not expressing their own point-of-view in a manner that you deem palatable. This is a forum where intelligent and knowlegeable fans of the Cardinals, like Westy, express and share their opinions and expertise. The next time that you deviate and resume your attacks upon one of us, you will find yourself being completely ignored.
If you watched the video clip of the Costas show I linked to above, notice Bissinger attacking Leitch because the internet “dumbs down” journalism.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X56U1TtaVQ&feature=fvw
I thought this was interesting Brian. I couldn’t watch the Costas clip for some reason……….This is a provocative topic.
Brian: Strictly for the sake of maintaining an open mind, I clicked on your link and watched the video clip of the Costas show. It matters not to me that some would think that Will Leitch came off as a Doogie Howser, I found the boorish bluster of Bissinger to be nothing more than ranting bombast. While I began to wonder what can be made of those who follow and befriend such a pointless jackass, I clicked on Westy’s link and was refreshed by a young man who is sensible, amiable and genuinely entertaining.
Does the internet actually dumb-down journalism? The experience of the Internet, for everybody, is tantamount to the break of dawn for someone who has never seen or heard about the Sun…
Jumbo, I will give you credit for speaking highly of the Reds’ acquisition of Scott Rolen at the time. I was very openly doubtful that he had anything left in the tank.
Nutlaw: It not only seems that Walt Jocketty has always had an eye for seeing treasure in seemingly lost causes (Chris Carpenter), but that he is also presently fostering a robust clubhouse with the Reds. Speaking of former Cardinal class acts who are now sparkling elsewhere, we cannot forget the other infielder, “Just Enough” Eckstein.
Had an Eckstein bookend night last night. David’s brother Rick was in the Nats dugout as their hitting coach as ESPN covered Strasburg’s start. After the Cards game, I watched David break up Ubaldo Jimenez’ no-hit bid in the sixth inning.
I’m sure Google dumbs down journalism in China.
Re Costas video: I’ve never seen someone so venomously spit out vulgarities in defense of a supposedly proper and well thought out form of communication. If I were to try to decry someone else as classless, I would perhaps give some thought to acting classy myself.
Whatever the manner of distribution, content is king.
Wouldn’t it be cool if the Cards ended up with Zambrano. Yadi is his buddy.
I’ve just finished watching the video…………………….. provocative………. There were no right of wrongs. Everyone one there was just coping the changes that are going on around us.
A potshot……………… what do professional musicians think of Karaoke bars ? How absorbed is the inebriated karaoke virtuoso in the nature of the art that they are imitating…………by definition, the arrangement of the music, being non responsive to their participation, seriously limits any expression of individuality………………….isn’t it true that the highest valuation a Karaoke singer can achieve…………..is to sound just like the original………………….
It is a business…………people run it. Drinks are full price. You wait in line with all of the other “impersonators” to posture like their idols. Are they being exploited? Or are they being empowered…………………………. you could argue these points all day. I wasn’t at a loss to understand Buzz’s taking a shot at Will………………………….. His point is easily understood……
I’m kind of interested what Brian whats to hear at this point…………………………… I don’t know what dead spin is………….. but I bet we could take them down a bit………….if that is the point….. what is the point Brian?
I wish we had a format here that allowed for corrections…………
Brendan Ryan ss
Flip Lopez 3b
Albert Pujols 1b
Matt Holliday lf
Nick Stavinoha rf
Yadier Molina c
Randy Winn cf
Adam Wainwright p
Aaron Miles 2b
Even though Dontrelle Willis is only a shadow of that intimidating flame-thrower with Marlins way back when, I still love watching his high leg kick and smooth, sweeping arm motion! If he is “off” tonight (as he was in his last outing), we will not be able to hit him because of all the walks and wild pitches. On the other hand, if he is “on”, he might have a problem with Albert (5 for 14, with 3 doubles against him), Randy Winn (5 for 18, with a double and a homer against him) and even Brendan Ryan (2 for 2 against him)! Although Jason LaRue is hardly any kind of threat under normal circumstances, batting near .100 this year, he seems to own Willis (3 for 9, with a double). Hey, Aaron Miles could even come off the bench and give him problems (2 for 4 against him)!
Will our big boppers awaken or will we need more gifts from Arizona in order for Adam to win tonight? If last night’s hitting performance is any kind of indicator, we may be leaning on the bottom of our order again; with a “small ball murderers’ row” of Molina-Winn-Wainwright-Miles!
What? Brendan leading-off?
http://deadspin.com/5555714/this-is-pete-roses-corked-bat?skyline=true&s=i
This is interesting…………… is it true?
Where’s Colby? I swear these constant lineup changes are making me dizzy.
Looks like TLR decided to sit Colby against the lefty, like he used to do when Colby wasn’t hitting lefties.
Nice link Westy. Rose denies it, that’s good enough for . . .never mind.
For a while, crdswmn, Colby had extreme (embarrassing) difficulty hitting southpaws. Then, recently, he had made adjustments and shown that he could hit them very well. So, I suppose that the reason for his absence from tonight’s line-up is anybody’s guess.
A pre-steroid era scandal within a scandal? Knowing Charley Hustle’s attitude towards underhanded hanky-panky, we’ll just have to take his golden word for it…
Well, last night Tony responded to the pusillanimous offense by rolling out the walk off E-3 play. What will it be tonight?
Yeah, that was quite play that the Genius had engineered! When I think of a particular extra innings game in which a pitcher was in the outfield at the same time that an outfielder was pitching, I often wonder if the team’s success has been in spite of the Genius, rather than because of him…
By the way, blingboy, I will forever thank Spiro Agnew, a pussy-footer in his own right, for bringing “pusillanimous” into my vocabulary!
Only a Genius could have engineered such a remarkable play! Whenever I think of a particular extra innings game in which a pitcher was in the outfield at the same time that an outfielder was pitching, I’m caused to wonder if the team’s success has been in spite of the Genius, rather than because of him.
By the way, I will forever thank Spiro Agnew, a pussy-footer in his own right, for entering the word, pusillanimous, into my vocabulary…
I will forever thank Spiro Agnew, a pussy-footer in his own right, for adding “pusillanimous” to my vocabulary!
Tony is aware of the speculative nature of Colby’s recent at bats. He will continue to remind him of the team’s interests.
How about an attempt to raise the price of that bat on the open market? That is the point. What is the definition of accountability in journalism?………………what is journalism any more?
BB………….Tony’s paralysis last night was remarkable. He seems to fear calling any type of play, save the hit and run, and that mainly as a way of intervening in a hitters assumed “lack of common sense”. Who does he trust to bunt on this team excepting Wainwright?
If, by “Journalism”, you mean reporting with objectivity, I believe it was lost in a cultural tidal wave of subjectivity in which fools are now seen wandering around in search of absolutes…
‘Twas very, very late during an extra innings game a short while ago, that I began to seriously question the genius of the Genius; when a pitcher was seen in the outfield at the same time that an outfield was pitching…
blingboy, I will forever thank Spiro Agnew, a pussy-footer in his own right, for adding “pusillanimous” to my vocabulary.
It certainly appears that Adam is pitching with a murderous, no-hit vengeance!
Whew! Matt escaped ruinous humiliation with a walk!
Aw… Dontrelle hit Stavinoha. Aren’t we surprised?
Tony did not stick Yadier at number 6 to snuff-out a bases-juiced rally.
Every ‘play’ called chips away at the delusion Westy. Signifies doubt in the master plan which requires Albert, protected by Matt, to perform the heroics and win the games.
A timely K by our hero.
Molina 6th……………looking at the perfect pitch to go to right field…………is force to swing at the jam shot………….and to pull which was on his mind the whole at bat…………… he was dreaming “yard”. LaRusa asked for it………. he jogs on the play that is bobbled.
interesting point………..Oquendo is showing swing key encouragements from from the box….
It makes you wonder if there are factions in the organization………….doesn’t it?
Meanwhile, it certainly appears that Adam is pitching with a murderous, no-hit vengeance indeed!
He knows that allowing a single run could end up costing him the Cy..
Ol’ Wild Will walks a pitcher!
Lets hope he doesn’t tire or make a mistake 57,,,,,,,,,,,
BB I don’t mean to be ragging on these guys…………but to the extent that they don’t want to play a team role bothers me…………………………… a single scores 2 runs…….probably enough for Wainwright.
Molina was thinking All Star press on Baseball Tonight………….he was waiting for a mistake, gave up the initiative, and had to work with a pitchers pitch………that is what happened………
It’s difficult to hit against a pitcher who keeps on walking you…
Its almost not fair making Willis try to hit Miles’s strike zone.
‘Twas very, very late one night not too long ago, during an extra innings game, that I began to seriously question the genius of the Genius. I distinctly recall a pitcher in the outfield at the same time that an outfielder was pitching!
blingboy, I will forever thank Spiro Agnew, a pussy-footer in his own right, for adding “pusillanimous” to my vocabulary!
What is journalism?, Westy rhetorically asks… When newspapers found themselves supposing that they are managing that which is managing them (the Internet), objectivity simultaneously began to be submerged in a cultural tidal wave of subjectivism, from which only dazed and confused fools are now seen wandering about in search of absolutes… Aye, those who’ve never seen the Sun have NO IDEA what the dawn shall bring with the ever-brightening horizon.
I’m going to watch the replay………….have a good game. I’m going for a hike.
Westy, it sounds as though you think Yadi was up there thinking he was McGwire. . . . . . or thinking like McGwire. Sort of makes you say, Hmmm.
To complement Wild Will’s walk of a pitcher…
‘Magine that: A Walter Mitty Molina!
Flip was on second base the last time that Albert had come to the plate…
That was a MUST DO!!!
It wasn’t exactly a Colbian Clout, but we’ll take it and be thankful!
A timely clout. That’s how it is supposed to happen.
Damn it! After almost-homering, Matt gets nailed trying to stretch it to a double. That qualifies as “heart”, regardless of the motivation!
‘Colbian’?? I like it.
There’s something to be said for the fact that Nick took it to a full count…
Yadier smacked the ball in the same exact spot as his last groundout…
When you consider that 10 of his homers have been over 400 feet, ya gotta measure all homers against a Colbian Clout!
I just can;t get Zombrano out of my head. He is exactly what this team needs. Hopefully he can pitch some too.
Yeah, a dysfunctional wretch would fit right in!
Oh! I see what you mean, blingboy… Like Haren, he’s a natural hitter…
Ol’ Wild Willie walked Winn
Exactly right 57. With too much heft to be put in his place, or kept there. The current would have to divide and flow around.
‘Ol Wild Willie walked Wainwright a second time (I wonder if Adam will reciprocate in kind a second time)
Vintage blingboy -
“With too much heft to be put in his place, or kept there”
Historically, against Wild Willie, Aaron is now 2 for 4 and a sacrifice.
So much for THAT rally!
I wonder if our guys are so complacently dependent upon Adam that the collective mindset allows them to relax with only 2 runs…
With the bases juiced and Wild Willie at the plate, this would be a helluva time for Adam to reciprocate in kind a second time…
How will the induced doubleplay go? An out at home or a run given-up?
With Willis struck-out, the question is withdrawn…
With the Phillies having beaten the Reds tonight 6 to 3, can you imagine being back a half-game ahead?
That was a heads-up fielder’s choice…
After 5 innings and a pitch count of 79, I’m hoping that we will have the services of Adam through the 7th…
Having gone 3 for 3, Flip has been our de facto Lead-Off tonight…
Once again, it wasn’t anything near Colbian, but it certainly does the trick!
Matt simply cannot be faulted for being walked (especially by Wild Willie)
bb/Westie — looks like the master plan is working tonight. I also love it when Albert is selfish.
Nobody out, two men on base, a mediocre relief pitcher and Yadier at the plate!
Nutlaw, re 11, I doubt Walt knew if Rolen could still play, given his iffy shoulder. Walt was probably happy to get Scott because of his terrific work ethic and to be a role model for young players.
TLR disrespected Scott, Rolen asked out. Mo realized the relationship with TLR was over, so honored his request. Last summer, a certain poster here (who shall remain nameless) thought it was a horrible trade for the Reds. Toronto has ended up releasing Encarnacion, while Rolen’s shoulder has allowed a remarkable renaissance. Its a pity TLR could not make it work with Scott. Rolen is a class act.
I thought FOR SURE that Yadier would hit one of this opposite field gems. Alas, instead, he reverts to his slump by characteristically grounding into a doubleplay. Damn it!
Intentionally walking Randy to get to Adam is foolish…
Like I said…
Attaboy, Aaron! If all they got in their bullpen is sorry mediocres, we would be stupid not to take advantage!
So with three HR in three days, are we all satisfied that Pujols hasn’t forgotten his power swing?
What with one bashed to the left field and the other bashed to right-center, you really can’t put him in a slump…
God only knows what’s been depleting both Albert and Matt of their power: I’m just thankful for the golden moments of former glory when they happen and hopeful that the “power outages” will stop for the rest of the season. God knows, the offense needs consistency!
With Flip facing a virtual unknown (Demel), I’m hoping that our de facto Lead-Off man will go 4 for 4 tonight!
Well, I’ll be…!
Despite Arizona’s wild pitches and errors, it’s been an Albert Pujols/Adam Wainwright kind of night.
My man, Matt has gone 2 for 2 with a double and I’m a happy cowboy!
Beginning with the 3rd inning, the sleeping giant awakened and our offense became downright Cardinal-like…
“Oh, for…”! Well, at least it was a productive ground out, Yadier!
That 2/3s of an inning was very special to Reyes (and owed to Adam)
In additon to all the rest of the special offensive events of the evening, our de facto Lead-Off will have the opportunity for a career 5 for 5 game!
Would I be foolish to ask why LaRue was not sent to the plate?
Albert’s power swing looks pretty good tonight, better than last night. I liked that double down the line too. He has always been good at keeping that fair, but had been pulling a lot of them foul. Let’s not get carried away with irrational euphoria, three days is a small sample, and slugging more than 100 off his last couple years is real.
CC, I too like it when a plan comes together. Albert had been trying to hog all the RBIs, but his teammates put a stop to it.
It never fails: Brendan waits for his last AB to get his hit…
“Cancer Pujols” having a good game. Its nice Musial is retired, so Stan does not have to take abuse from today’s “fan.”
“I’m just thankful for the golden moments of former glory when they happen and hopeful that the “power outages” will stop for the rest of the season. God knows, the offense needs consistency!”
- there’s certainly nothing in that statement to suggest getting “carried away with irrational euphoria”
You need to take your spiteful tripe and drivel to another blog, Jumbeau. Nobody gains from it and it causes you to appear petty.
True enough 57, but there are others who think that a 100 point drop in slugging pct indicates nothing.
It may be “luck”, but it certainly seems to me that Salas consciously induced that doubleplay!
Indeed, the unusually low slugging percentage has been painfully noticeable by all true Pujol fans (yourself included). I’m just hoping that we now have an indication of a permanent end to the power outage (so that the slugging percentage will begin to rise to where it ought to be).
I see now… Tony was saving LaRue, to pinch hit for Albert.
Come on now 57, Jumbo is a charter member. How boring would it be if we all just patted each other on the back for our wisdom. And his frequest sharing of minor league and prospect info, both current and historical, is extraordinarily generous.
The ‘true enough’ post was referring to the post at 9:46, not the one inviting Jumbo to post elsewhere.
A 100 point drop in slugging indicates something. It indicates Albert has some physical hindrances. Sore muscles or tendons do not make Pujols a cancer, any more than Musial was one. Was Gibson a cancer when he suffered a broken leg one season?
When respectable men take issue, they do not resort to childish name-calling and infantile vindictiveness. The idea is to exchange thoughts, not insults…
Well, 2 K’s for Colby, again. Let’s hope the hitting fairy shows up to sprinkle him with magic dust.
“Oh, for…!”
How ’bout a double dose for our Golden Gloves, All-Star catcher!?
Salas keeps inducing ground-outs! I’m beginning to really like the lad!
Well… one measly fly-out!
I don’t defend the ‘cancer’ description, whoever made it. Nor do I share it. I have no idea if the drop is due to physical issues, mechanics, agendas, or whatever. I just know its real, and it makes a big difference. My opinion is that Albert, while still good, is not the same as he has been, and it is a mistake for the team to go forward as if he were.
I sure like the way Salas closed-out the game (and preserved Adam’s shut-out). I see a golden future in him…
I’m in agreement with you and while I would never corroborate with any thought of Albert being a cancer, I refuse to insult or condemn the man who thinks along those lines. The man is perfectly free in this inclusive community to express and share his beliefs.
57, I guess what to one man is childish name-calling and infantile vindictiveness is just a little color to others. Westy and Jumbo in particular have had a running duel of uncomplimentary ejaculations for at least a year to my certain knowledge. Just act natural, as though there were nothing wrong with them. And I have no objection to anyone expressing their opinion of me, however disagreeable it may be.
I understand, blingboy. You’ve observed me never to say anything about anyone, but only TO them. The very man to whom I would utter corrective discipline can be assured that I will never allow anyone to say anything negative either about him in his absence. Having thick skin myself, I don’t mind an exchange of acidic barbs: I become vexed when the exchange becomes hateful and personal.
I too am impressed by Salas. If Motte, Boggs, Hawk and Salas continue to improve, we will really have something. It seems likely that if young cost-controlled trade bait is needed it could one of them.
On the postgame show, Flip’s performance was described as Lo-Pez dispenser. Good one.
My only worry emanates from the two big boppers, neither of whom have been consistent and only one of whom definitely appears to be coming out of the funk (Matt). We’ve seen spectacular, multi-home run games from Albert already this year and each one was invariably followed by another lengthy power outage. It was Albert, however, who predicted that he and Matt both would come alive and that the result would be scary. Tonight’s euphoria notwithstanding, I am still waiting for his prediction to come true…
They are talking about Tony being a genius for having Flip in the 2 hole and he goes 4-5. Of course, they don’t mention putting Ryan at lead off, going 1-5 (Ofer when it mattered). We don’t need no stinkin objectivity. There I go dumbing down again, sorry Buzz.
Yeah, Pujols is only hitting HRs and 2Bs at about the rate of five per 100 AB when he’s normally near 7 per 100. I don’t think that he’s hurt, but I do think that he’s not being selective enough at the plate. Fangraphs puts him at a 28.2% swing rate at balls outside of the strike zone in comparison to his 22.9% rate last year and his 19.7% career mark. Furthermore, he’s actually making contact with 76.0% of the pitches thrown outside of the strike zone this year in comparison to a 68.2% rate last year and a 66.1% career rate (though he did hit 75.1% of them in 2008).
So basically he’s swinging at and making contact with more bad pitches than in the past. He can manage to turn them into singles but he can’t drive them like he can pitches thrown in the zone.
I know what you mean about the boppers 57, not long ago Matt had a few good days and some of us were bubbling with glee. Now its the same with Albert. It seems like they are both doing a bit better in clutch situations, but certainly not hitting all cylinders.
Why is it, when some player does well, Tony becomes a genius? A man is placed in the batting order because of his traits and attributes. Where he is placed in the order does not affect his ability to accurately strike at a thrown ball. Matt Holliday will hit doubles and homers at Lead-Off as well as 6th or even 9th. If you want to get the most of his traits and attributes, however, you will place him either in 2, 3 or 4.
Lopez will not always go 4 for 4 at number 2. He is a natural lead-off man because of his ability to get on base (by means of hits, walks or getting hit). Lead-off, then, is where he is most effective. Otherwise, he can go 4 for 4 just as often at any other spot in the line-up…
Makes sense Nut. It would be consistent with the theory that he’s pressing more. Trying to do too much. My fear, and my belief is that after ten blockbuster years as a pro, 9 in MLB, going 120% all the time, he is just not quite as awesome at 30 as he was. Really, how reasonable would it be to expect him to maintain that pace.
Hrm. “Thirty”, if you want to give that to him.
Nutlaw’s assessment is right on the money: Proof of Albert’s diminished power production and proof of his inconsistency. Nutlaw also nailed the cause of his problem… I am sure that such findings have already been shown to him, but the old proverb is true; “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it”.
I would guess Westy came back from his walk, saw the score, and keeled over in shock. Hopefully someone is there to slap the paddles on him and give him a zap.
Thirtyish
From all the career stats that I’ve examined, the average age for decline begins between 33 and 36 (and sometimes not until 38 or 39!). I would expect at least 3 more years of that “120%” he’s been consistently exhibiting…
When Westy left the scene for his walk in the park, we had every reason to believe that the offense was complacently resting upon Wainwright to not to allow for the 2 run lead to diminish. How shocking, then, it must have surely been for him when he came back and looked at the box score!
Well I enjoyed that game. Who knows whether the offensive will hit its stride or not. I agree that the teams as a whole has not played to their potential so far. I guess it is the optimist in me that I am not willing to be excessively critical at this time. I have a soft spot for Yadi so I must admit that criticism of him sometimes irks me. Other than that one weak spot, I think the criticisms that have been made are valid.
Is there really speculation that Colby is using steroids?
I’m typing this on the emergency room computer……….. I came back from my walk and checked the box score…………….went right down on my knees. When I came to, I told the doctor what had happened………….. he released me right then and there. He wanted my autograph too which was flattering. I don’t know what the hell all the numbers were, but I just signed on the line and it seemed to make him happy……….some people.
I looked at the film………… Albert has made some helpful adjustments. He is toeing in to square which is 2008 in my memory. In order to do that, he has to have his wait back…..all good…..he was colapsining his left knee inward on the load which helped him stay closed longer………the results were obvious………………….question is, will he maintain that…………………..lets be honest, Dontrell is hardly a test of well being. 79 mph dick high change ups are popular everywhere tee ball is played. The second at 88mph had him taking the ball deep……thus to center. Thats perfect. Question is…………when a guy is changing speed like Dontrelle, that’s the only approach…………Lets hope the relaxation in staying back is something that sticks.
It sure seemed to take the load off MM. ……………… Molina????????? Colby was relentless in his pursuit of the “over .swing” Lopez was just stroking today…..playing the roll he needs to play. Brendan……………Oh man Tony……………. Tomorrow is the Tell………..we need to front run so that Soup can be aggressive.
I wonder who got to Albert…………..was it the film guy at long last?…………………Ludwick will cycle back in at the 2 hole on the weekend……………………….The Reds are improving,,,,,,,,,,the Phillie’s have their problems.
I’ll miss today’s game, being at work, no radio, nothing. I’ll be praying for a miracle, the sweep that is, in fact I’ll start now, so if it happens, just post your thanks and praise here.
I think we can all agree that Pujol’s year up to now isn’t up to his elevated norm (regardless of the reason). The question is how does that make him a cancer? Is there evidence that his play is making others on the team worse? Other than Westie’s rantings I’ve seen nothing to suggest that.
One thing we must remember is that hitting is down across the league. I’d say Pujols has a better chance this year to win the triple crown than most years. He’s tied for the lead league in HR’s, just 4 behind in RBI, and .006 off the batting title except for Prado who I have no faith will keep up his elevated hitting.
For those of you who think that is a cancerous performance can you please explain why?
Actually, CFS, the statisticians put the average age when players stop improving and start declining at closer to 30. It may take until age 36, 37, 38, 39 for them to become unplayable, but the decline usually starts earlier. Pujols isn’t the average player, however.
crdswmn: I think there is as much likelihood of Colby using steroids as there is of Albert being a cancer within the organization.
CariocaCardinal: I will repeat to you what I’ve repeated to both Westy and Jumbeau…
When I am persuaded that Albert’s performance affects the performance of his teammates, THEN I will entertain the idea of ridding the team of a Hall of Famer who is in the same sublime realm as Cobb, Hornsby, Musial and Williams. Having said that, I will also be fiercely loyal to anyone’s right to express whatever view that they have in this inclusive community, as long as their desire is to promote the interests of the Cardinal team.
Indeed, I too maintain an open-mind with regard to how Albert’s performance can be possibly construed as cancerous.
Nutlaw: While I will certainly agree that “Pujols isn’t the average player”, I must now reassess how I’ve been examining stats all these years! I’ve always thought that the average of decline (in both pitchers and batters) began between 33 and 36. Since you’ve enlightened me about the various selections of our pitchers and about Albert’s change in swing habits this year (going for balls outside of the zone), you must know that your views hold considerable weight. Thank you!
If Jeff can get us to five innings without giving up more than 3, we can hope that today’s offensive performance will be at least half of yesterday’s…
2b Schumaker
3b Lopez
1b Pujols
lf Holliday
cf Rasmus
rf Stavinoha
c LaRue
p Suppan
ss Ryan
Pujols isn’t the average player in terms of performance but what makes one think that would translate into not being the average player in terms of decline rates? Does one have something to do with the other?
Perhaps, it may be the presumption that a super-performer would take care of his body better than an average performer and would therefore experience enhanced longevity…
On the other hand, a “Super-Duper Performer”, such as Barry Bonds, would be the opposite of everyone else and would experience a dramatic INcline towards the end of his career! If ever there was a case in which the stench of performance enhancing drugs was particularly pungent, ‘twould be with HIS career stats…
IT depends on why the player is a super performer. Is Pujols a super performer because he keeps his body in better shape than all the other players? I don’t think that is the case. Even then it would not be a cut and dried as some players who have outperformed others based on superior conditioning have pushed their bodies too much during the conditioning process and thus actually break down sooner.
Do you have evidence that Pujols takes care of his body better than the average player?
The Man didn’t begin to decline until after the age of 37. And then, at the age of 41, he enjoyed a particularly great year (.330 average) during which he hit 3 home runs in a single game!
57, Is that “super-duper” performer or “super-doper” performer you are referring to?
CariocaCardinal, if Albert is indeed in the same realm as Stan Musial, there is good reason to be alarmed at a decline at the age of 30, okay?
I like that; “Super-Doper” (wish I had thought of it)!
Albert may decline slower than the average player, may decline faster than the average player, or may be just average in this regard. I have no particular insight. Some seem to think he will decline slower. Again, on what basis? Simply based on the fact that he has been a great player so far in his career? Is there empirical evidence to show that great performers decline at slower rates?
With regard to empirical evidence that great performers decline at slower rates, one really needs to look no further than Musial’s stats. Having compared his with Williams’ and others (to include players of more recent years), it is either a case of less incentive for an average performer beyond the age of 33 (or 30, as Nutlaw is proving) or a slower cessation of talent and skills in an above-average performer.
yes, that’s a very empirical analysis 57. ohlord
CariocaCardinal: Would it be inappropriate for me to ask, from pure curiosity, if you are Brazilian or if your screen name is derived from your favorite dance? Not only is “Carioca Cardinal” distinctive, but it also seems to be beautifully original.
just looked up a few – Mays 35 Dimaggio 27 (though he had a couple of resurgent years) Foxx 32 Thomas 30 Griffey 28 Gonzales 30 Frank Robinson 34
Not only was it, that the hit and the two outs were airborne (deep into the outfield), but also that Jeff is throwing more balls than strikes and that he is not keeping them down!
When I started posting I lived in Rio. I still pass most of my time in Brazil — just not in Rio. Thanks for asking.
Interesting… Robinson, Mays and Musial (34 or above). Dimaggio, Foxx and Thomas (all around 30).
You’ve not only picked an appropriate name to identify yourself with our team, but it truly is distinctive and “beautifully original”!
I don’t know who this Enright character is, but I’m glad that our two big boppers have figured him out!
Mantle 33 Ott 31 Greenburg 30 Aaron dropped off at 30 and then rebounded from 35-39 before dropping off again.
What’s gotten into Colby? I’ve seen MANY of his at bats in which he had been much more disciplined and patient!
Let’s hope (if Albert stays a Card) he is Ted Williams (best player in the game when he retired at 41?)
It is interesting that both Aaron and Musial enjoyed a late career resurgence…
The very first pitch of the inning is hit into the outfield, then after going deep into the count, Jeff gives up another single – deep into the outfield. This doesn’t look promising…
How can Reynolds be hitting against us? He is worse against RH pitchers, worse on the road, worse in the month of June. He’s got to be hitting about .150 with that combination.
This is Jeff’s third start: You’d think, by now, that Duncan and the staff had stressed the importance of groundouts and keeping them down.
How can Reynolds be hitting against us? Look at our pitcher…
Well… THAT was certainly a grounder (Jeff’s first of the game) and the resultant run cannot be blamed on him…
A “clean” groundout to shortstop to end the inning: That’s promising!
Were it not for Albert and Matt, we would be behind by a run and feeling discouraged… again.
I love it when a .132 hitter gets walked on four straight throws (especially when he is our batter)!
That was a good recovery by Albert. He jumped at the first, but after giving himself a good talking to, embraced his new swing keys and hit a line drive to left. Last week that pitch location would have been pulled foul. Very positive…………………… Pujols is a stud. The minimalism of his swing functions may mean a long career. Stress and tension related through that same variable may shorten his career. Whomever pays for his records run really needs to moderate his playing time. If he makes longevity his goal, he probably lasts for a good while. Is a organization like St Louis able to create a healthy competitive environment so that he isn’t chewing his own leg off to fulfill his personal needs? This very subject has been a topic here since I arrived.
Using the ESPN Gamecast, I can’t see what Jeff is doing, but I am imagining that he is throwing a bunch of curves at LaRoche and that they’re all hitting the dirt…
Yet ANOTHER ball hit deep into the outfield…
Whew! With all those balls hit into the outfield, it is amazing that we’re getting out of this inning unscathed (with a runner on third)!
All we need is for Jeff to get us through 5 innings with no more than 3 runs…
After wearing him down and driving-up the pitch count (nine pitches), our Lead-Off smacks a single right up the middle!
Enright knows enough to pitch Albert low and away, but it appears that Albert ain’t goin’ for it anymore…
Oops! Must have been too irresistible (he actually bit and went for it)!
Like so many other error-prone Diamondbacks, LaRoche is a real sweetheart.
It was actually a fair call at first……… the ump was protecting against the possible double play that LeRoche was cheating to make…………. serves him right.
After 4 innings, 13 balls have been smacked to the outfield (5 of them hits): Jeff is playing with fire and getting away with murder!
Dontcha love sweethearts like LaRoche?
Mark Grace…………” yeah, Albert opened up that on a little to soon”…….. the Hr pulled foul. There real issue………Albert was 4 inches open the entire at bat???????????? His old stance????????? Can’t figure out what he is thinking………….
Attaboy Nick! He’s back up to .288…
With a man on first and nobody out, I’m surprised that a .132 hitter is not ordered to bunt!
At least LaRue drove up the pitch count (8 pitches), before sinking his average to .128///
Suppan did quite the opposite…
All right! We got ourselves a rally goin’ !
Settle-in and bear-down, Jeff! With the Reds having beaten the Phillies 4 to 3 this afternoon, it behooves us to win this game. With hopes of post season play, it really behooves us to get this first of at least nine more sweeps…
That was the 15th ball to be hit to the outfield (5 of them deep): I knew it would catch up to him… Damn it!
Well… Jeff DID manage to get us to 5 innings with no more than 3 runs… Now, it’s up to our offense to get rollin’ with at least half of the production that it unleashed yesterday.
The three pitches that Colby swung at were all hittable, so… we know that he is at least beginning to discriminate…
Colby is now down to .272: I’m sure that the Warrior is filling him with the dreadful knowledge that the fall below a respectable .270 can turn-out to be greased-pole to the Mendoza line.
…just ask Yadier.
Hey, Jeff was actually pitching to Snyder’s weakness (down and away)… then he hung one low, but over the middle…
The inducement of a doubleplay, however, covers a multitude of sins!
Technically, Jeff did not walk a pitcher: As everyone knows, Haren is much more of a batter than he is a pitcher…
Keep servin’ up a heapin’ helpin o’ them fly balls, mister, and pretty soon all the chickens will come home to roost…
Jeff just HAD to serve up yet another one, just to prove my point. Damn it!
Thank you, Mitchell, for giving Jeff a quick lesson on the value of inducing ground balls!
Heavy hittin’ LaRue is now down to .125…
That may not have been so much a case of nobody on the bench, as much as it was a case of keeping an effective pitcher in…
C’mon Brendan! It’s nigh time for your patented clutch heroics!
All right! An infield hit! That’s hustling!
Skip is giving us some heart too!
We’re stealing bases at will!
Bases are loaded for The Machine!
The three clutch heroes on base are solid HEART! Each of them got there after two outs…
I would NOT want to be 7.71 Gutierrez!
Sometimes, they call St. Louis, “Mudville”…
More than feelling badly for Albert, my heart goes out to Brendan, Skip and Flip: Without them, there would not have been the high drama…
It would be difficult to characterize that at bat by Albert. Both times the pitcher had the advantage, the played to Albert’s stupid areas……..he laid off. He was square which was good. He committed on the 3/2 pitch early……….his goal to turn on it. Aborted the swing and managed to make contact. Staying back and going away was apparently never on the menu. The point is, had he given up hopes of glory, he might have taken the walk for the team…………It apparently didn’t occur to him…………..and that is the point here. Molina did the same thing in the 1st yesterday with the bases loaded…………….
Mitchell pitched to Snyder’s weakness and notched his third strikeout. He really is demonstrating some mighty effective pitching. I’m counting on the rest of our batting order to make him today’s winning pitcher.
We’ve got only two opportunities to erase the 3 run deficit…
Finally! Some DISCIPLINE from our Colby!
LaRue’s heart and soul went into that AB (9 pitches) and the resultant RBI is timely and sorely needed.
LaRue lays off the slider away………and then 3/2 …stays back and goes to right field……he is no super star.
Without Colby’s stolen base, however, there would not have been anyone for LaRue to drive in…
“Super star”? No, not with a .146. I’m just thankful that he hung in there for the full count and got us a much needed run…
Good work, Trevor!
McClellan allowed the fly-out (Abreu’s shot to left-center), but redeemed himself with the ground-out and the strike-out. He got us to the bottom of the 9th and all our boppers need to do is get us 2 measly runs…
All right, guys; we can’t rest upon yesterday’s laurels and you know that “2 out of 3″ will neither keep us on top nor get us to where we wanta go…
Yes, Albert; we will accept walks…
“Close” only counts in horse shoes and nuclear bombs, damn it!
What a heartbreaker…
Cinnci beats a Halladay led Phillies team………. Houston was beating up the Brewer’s who are coming to Town……………………………. if the Brewers win game number one…….watch out…..that team has no pitching, but if its good enough, they will feast on the prevailing mood here.
Pujols flied out on a center cut fastball. He hit it on the end of the barrel. The battle to stay closed goes on.
RC…………. anything but solution it seems…………where will it end?
Like I said, “2 out of 3″ can neither keep us on top nor get us to where we want to go. You’re so right about the Brewers, Westy. Although they have only one bona fide Starting Pitcher (their Ace), they are nevertheless the offensive powerhouse of the Central Divison. When we have so much difficulty with the Diamondbacks, it is hard to imagine that we will do better than 2 out of 2 against Milwaukee.
We need an xtra base hit and Miles is the best we’ve got?
We could ask the Genius for the answer to that question, Carioca, and I shudder to imagine what his answer would be. I can never forget a particular extra inning game against the hapless Astros early in the season, in which we had a pitcher in the outfield at the same time that an outfielder was pitching! The Astros won that game…
With two starters out we are carrying an extra reliever right now, and Luddy and Freese are hurt, so I don’t fault Tony for not having a bench. Not that he would have used it in any sensible way.
I heard that we left lots of men on today, even stole 5 bases, but no bop.
The Red have pitching help on the way…………….they are a troubled team, but if they get the idea that they can win this division…………. that’s all the Jocetty ever hope for…….
Based on a wild speculation, gauging the Cardinals ability to adapt and adjust in a competitive environment…………. I’ll say it again…….we have problems. Molina is 3 for 30 and he is thinking yard instead of team………he is unlikely to contribute. Colby’s pattern of slumping really isn’t encouraging……….. the adjustments he is making and how he is performing them is starting to reveal something more sinister perhaps. We will know by August. Meanwhile Carpenter and Garcia show are showing signs of innings fatigue. I’m also impressed on how concerned the Cardinals are with Brad Penny’s well being. You would think that they would crank him up when they could. If he struggles early…….he can’t be any worse than the options. Its almost like there are other considerations. Considering the nature of his injury…….if he doesn’t pitch before the All Star break………I think they will trade him…….especially if we’re 5 games back.
Mile’s upper cut slash as the pinch hitter really shows how disciplined this team is……………………………Albert is in an evaluative mood……that’s positive.
The Cardinals are not going to trade Penny. The division is too weak for them not to contend and they are having far too much trouble with the four and five spots in their rotation.
The Brewers are know to have bad pitching, but it doesn’t seem like the quality of the oppposing pitcher has mattered much.
I agree about Penny. He’s not being rushed back, but what’s the hurry? We are hanging at the top and it’s not even the half way point. 6 weeks from now is when he comes in handy.
Penny will not be traded. Anyone who suggests such an idea is showboating his ignorance. Happily, this particular serial offender is blissfully oblivious.
Fabulous races developing boys………..the price of pitching is skyrocketing…… if Penny hasn’t thrown a rehab start by the break, he is being shopped. If we are 5 games back, they will go looking for a hitter……………. Freese’s future is really unknown. With a catcher that can’t hit, and a shortstop to join him……. a conditional hitter at second and a mystery in center…………. they will look to cash in…………salary bail and prospects…………………… for some funny reason, everyone here seems to think that winning is the highest profit profile for 2010………….it isn’t………. Suppan, Miles, Winn………….Lopez is an everyday player at 1million now……………….. is that a winning effort…….Our starters won’t pull that heavy a load………….. If the Reds get Cliff Lee………..its over. I’ve been watching them, and they are developing a belief.
If an overachiever and an underachiever are neck and neck down the stretch, the smart money is where?
According to Nutlaw, “The Cardinals are not going to trade Penny”.
According to JumboShrimp, “Penny will not be traded”.
Nutlaw supplies his reason for making the statement; “The division is too weak for them not to contend and they are having far too much trouble with the four and five spots in their rotation”
Since we know that JumboShrimp cannot be the Head of the Department of Redundancy Department, it must be that his reason for repeating what was already said was to proclaim, “Anyone who suggests such an idea is showboating his ignorance” and to call that person a “particular serial offender”.
While we can plainly see that the purpose of Nutlaw was to supply information, we can also see that the purpose of JumboShrimp was to vent disdain and to maliciously call a fellow blog contributor a name (something he was told not to do by Nutlaw himself).
While Nutlaw’s contribution was informative, JumboShrimp’s repitition served no useful purpose for anybody.
This comparison is brought to light, because of the ugly and repulsive impression that childish retribution and recrimnation makes on new contributors and prospective contributors to this blog. Indeed, anyone visiting this blog for the first time would get the impression that it is not a group of intelligent men sharing their passion for the St. Louis Cardinals, but a forum where the intellectually challenged are given free reign to undermine each other’s sense of worth.
You can’t use that analogy BB……………they create a field relationship in which both descriptive organizations of the word ” achievement” become interchangeable. In other words, their tendencies cancel out……….nothing left but blood and bone and who has heart.
We have an island though…………with prawns swimming around it.
Your right in saying that 57……………your intentions are true………… In truth, I can make JS cry anytime I want……… but I need him. He is on the bench right now where he will stay. If we can’t know compassion, what truth can we hope to see.
“their tendencies cancel out……….nothing left but blood and bone and who has heart.”
What you have said is that all that has gone before is meaningless. The ‘momentum doesn’t exist’ position. I’m shocked.
Blood in the water, the prawns are circling.
Your missing something in your own analogy BB……………..
“If an overachiever and an underachiever are neck and neck down the stretch”
How does an over achiever and an underachiever get to the stretch……..neck and neck. The stretch is defined by their field relationship. They feed on each others inadequacies. If the underachiever’s find their power……..it quickly turns to overconfidence………becoming an easy meal for the overachiever who live on borrowed esteem’ etc, etc.
All I want to say about post #239 is that I have tried to create an environment here where differing views are welcomed. Many, many, many more read this blog than comment. I fear potential new contributors may feel intimidated but really hope that is not the case.
I’m confused Westie, are we trading Penny to go after a hitter or are we trading him in a salary bail for prospects?
Of course if he can’t throw throw a rehab start by the break does anyone take on his salary or give anything of value anyway?
Just a general reminder………………… What BP can and can’t do is a subject of some debate, the answer having to do with “possible” conflicts of interest and purpose. He is looking for a three year deal. He won’t get it here. What better place to start looking than with someone willing to spend a little money to win. His price will only go down if he plays with a team that won’t support his efforts…………….. Maybe someone else understands this……….and lets him play that card…………The longer he stays inactive………the easier it is to turn him over…………the only obstacle is the perception of the St Louis fans……………. they do seem a little gullible at times………..Time will tell.
If you think BD is going to spend any money for a player……….and have its face value multiplied in cost 10 fold by creating more “island building material” for our own little beaver ……..foolish you are.
Let’s try it this way Westy, if the Cards and Reds are tied Sept. first, who would your money be on.
CardFanSince57 likes to follow games inning by inning and express emotional ups and downs over the Web. A single guy, he likes finding companionship with some other fans who follow games closely. Fine.
57 has volunteered he does not like Americans who live along the eastern seaboard, from Washington to Boston. This is quite a few million people who he suspects he would dislike if he met them. He is honest about expressing his views, but is hardly a paragon of tolerance, to write off tens of millions.
Westie too likes to follow games closely. He likes to form interpretations to explain what he sees. During his posts here, he has offered some imaginative explanations, sometimes absurd. Perhaps to be provocative, Westie claims Pujols is selfish for batting 3rd (though TLR’s choice) and has suggested Pujols be traded (though some others have pondered this too, because of Albert’s upcoming salary boost).
Westie has sometimes expressed odd opinions about the ethnicity of athletes. Does it surprise me Westie labels Pujols a “cancer” or conjectures about Pujol’s emotional frailties? No.
Westie fancies himself an expert in hitting. He used to blast Hal McRae. Mercifully, Westie does not have an African American hitting coach to criticize this season.
Any time a batter swings and misses, he looks bad. When he uses the same swing and makes contact for a hit, his swing looks better. A small mercy: Westie has not yet become a pitching expert. If he were to become one, he could explain how the pitchers motion is wrong every time the ump calls a ball, whereas the pitcher’s motion is good, every time he achieves a strike.
I ask the discussion gets back to baseball, not posters’ personalities.
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/
Brian…….this is a picture of the bases load full count swing by AP………..last night late, there was a picture in the series of 3 that showed Albert hitting the Hr to center field……quite a nice pose. It has been replaced this morning………………..I thought it provocative at the time to show the comparison……….someone else did too? Can you post it here?
Sorry, WC, but I do not have permission to republish Post-Dispatch photos.
They are just television screen captures…………. but maybe my point was made anyway.
The worst episode came in the sixth inning. The Diamondbacks brought in a Zippo lighter (Gutierrez) to face Albert Pujols with two outs, the bases loaded and Arizona up by two runs. Gutierrez had a 7.71 ERA. He had allowed 10 homers in 25 2/3 innings this season. But on a 3-2 pitch, Gutierrez threw a curveball well off the plate. Pujols awkwardly lunged at it, turning ball four into a weak, inning-ending grounder to short.
You couldn’t tell the Cardinals’ best hitters from their worst hitters.
“I’m not going to get into explanations,” said the annoyed manager, Tony La Russa. “I think we should have had more opportunities. And the ones we had, we should have done more with. I’ll leave it at that.”
There is your answer………….Bernie, in a more reflective mood altered it himself, or his editor stepped in…………… Maybe a little two pointed at someone?????????? Bernie enjoys this blog. Hi Bernie.
Its a form of regression therapy I’m exploring 57. Don’t be put off by it. Just let it go on around you. Business as usual is the correct approach.
I would have to look at the schedule BB. Also see who is still alive on the respective rosters. We are in the lite part of our schedule now. They are looking at what we will be seeing, and vice versa. Money doesn’t go down till after the trade deadline.
Cardinals have two players right now who are making sense offensively………Lopez and Schumaker are hitting their roles………..
Westy: The quote, “…on a 3-2 pitch, Gutierrez threw a curveball well off the plate. Pujols awkwardly lunged at it, turning ball four into a weak, inning-ending grounder to short” explains the entire matter and not only underscores your assessment, but also the indisputable findings of Nutlaw. Both the lowered average and the “power outage” are neither the result of diminished eyesight nor the ravages of natural aging, but the consequence of Albert’s personal decisions.
I hope that Nutlaw will show us an equally exhaustive study with respect to Matt’s habits (the first-half of the season versus the second-half). If it would not reveal differential with respect to selection of pitches and ball locations, it would then suggest a change entirely owing to stance and swing mechanics.
Indeed, Flip and Skip are finally “making sense offensively”: It is good to see either of them at Lead-Off and in the 2nd Slot. Agreeably, you’ve probably noticed that Skip has gotten on base at the very first AB in each of the past three games.
With regard to justified dread concerning our present four-game series, blingboy hit the nail on the head:
“The Brewers are known to have bad pitching, but it doesn’t seem like the quality of the opposing pitcher has mattered much”.
I don’t know if Albert and Matt, each apparently pursuing a divergent agenda, will ever get into sync. When either or both are “on”, they will complement the fact that Flip and Skip have found themselves. When both are “off”, the burden will fall to the bottom-half of our line-up (which comprehends the inconsistency of Colby, as well as the slumps of both Yadier and Brendan).
While I would be delighted if we miraculously pulled-off a sweep of the Brewers, I must consider our present circumstances and hope that we go 2-2.
blingboy: “…if the Cards and Reds are tied Sept. first, who would your money be on?”
If neither team amasses at least 10 series sweeps, they would then both be no more than 5-8 games above .500 in one of the weakest divisions in history! My money for postseason play would be on the team that has the most series sweeps at that time (restricted to neither the Cardinals or Reds, but inclusive of the Brewers and Cubs).
“In their latest but most impressive tribute to narcolepsy, the Cardinals lost 4-2 . . .”
“Meanwhile, . . . . . the Cincinnati Reds rallied to a stirring 4-3 victory over Philadelphia after spotting Cy Young candidate Roy Halladay a 3-0 lead.”
“One team is being put down by the nondescript Enright and several flammable gas cans.
The other team is rising up to beat Doc Halladay.”
That’s from Bernie M., STLToday
Narcolepsy: A disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable, though often brief, attacks of deep sleep, sometimes accompanied by paralysis and hallucinations.
“McGwire also believes that these hitters are obsessed with video. He’s trying to get them to, well, you know — THINK.
Good luck with that.”
Same article.