I'll take it. 4 run inning is all it takes. Marquis was oookay. I'm out of town and I'll post more later.
-CJ
Friday, April 07, 2006
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Big Day for X-Files
Big day for X-Files. I've been anxious to see him all offseason. As most everyone knows, this is a big year for Mulder. He's a FA and is looking to get back to his position before the last little funk he had in Oakland. While he had a great season for most pitchers last year, it was not up to par for him. It would do this heart some good to see him come out with a dominating performance of a very good Phillies line-up.
As for Rollins, I'm excited for him, as his current streak is very impressive. I find myself cheering for and against the person challenging the record. Some may not like me for it, but I find myself wanting the mystique of the old record to stay intact. I felt similar regarding MacG and Sosa (and later Bonds)when they were chasing Roger M. Hindsight being 20/20, I really wish they hadn't succeeded, for obvious reasons. But I have little reason (so far) to doubt Rollins' authenticity.
For the sake of my Redbirds, however, I hope he hits nothing but air.
"It's bad luck to be superstitious."
Dave Coggin, Phillies
-CJ
As for Rollins, I'm excited for him, as his current streak is very impressive. I find myself cheering for and against the person challenging the record. Some may not like me for it, but I find myself wanting the mystique of the old record to stay intact. I felt similar regarding MacG and Sosa (and later Bonds)when they were chasing Roger M. Hindsight being 20/20, I really wish they hadn't succeeded, for obvious reasons. But I have little reason (so far) to doubt Rollins' authenticity.
For the sake of my Redbirds, however, I hope he hits nothing but air.
"It's bad luck to be superstitious."
Dave Coggin, Phillies
-CJ
Monday, April 03, 2006
More Miles
Miles. double. triple. So far so good.
Pujols 2 homers...
Carpenter...was looking good until the 4th. But with that kinda lead...But the Philies usually hit Carpenter.
Got to like the intentional walk to put ducks on a pond for the grand salami for Rolen.
Speaking of Rolen...I want to be deeeeead wrong.
Looks like a "W" to start off the season.
"It good to be the king!" -Mel Brooks, History of the World Part I
-CJ
Pujols 2 homers...
Carpenter...was looking good until the 4th. But with that kinda lead...But the Philies usually hit Carpenter.
Got to like the intentional walk to put ducks on a pond for the grand salami for Rolen.
Speaking of Rolen...I want to be deeeeead wrong.
Looks like a "W" to start off the season.
"It good to be the king!" -Mel Brooks, History of the World Part I
-CJ
Magic 8ball
Feel free to send in your questions to your very own CardinalJohn, a pathetic excuse for a prophet, but you'll get my gut feeling nonetheless.
In a few hours another glorious season for the St. Louis Cardinals will be underway. I'm really stoked.
Will Pujols do even better this year?
My sources say, "Yes." Stronger, more experienced, and he's only 26.
Will Rolen be back to form?
Probably not. He'll be back--as in better than 2005, but that is hardly saying anything. Unfortunely, I don't think he'll ever revert back to his prime. I hope I'm DEAD WRONG.
Will the rotation be able to put up 2005esque numbers?
Most Likely. I've had to eat crow regarding these guys more than once. I've learned not to doubt 'em.
Will the bullpen hold up?
Outlook hazy--for obvious reasons.
Will our outfield be enough?
Yes, but it won't be pretty. I'll join the aging Edmonds but cheer for him all the more. I still think he's got a few more web-gems in him.
Infield replacements?
Yes, and don't believe the doom and gloom talk about the replacements. They were saying the same things about Eck and Grud last year.
Will they win 100 games again?
No.
Will they win the World Series?
Outlook positive.
Will they win today against the Phillies?
You bet your sweet bippy!
-CJ
In a few hours another glorious season for the St. Louis Cardinals will be underway. I'm really stoked.
Will Pujols do even better this year?
My sources say, "Yes." Stronger, more experienced, and he's only 26.
Will Rolen be back to form?
Probably not. He'll be back--as in better than 2005, but that is hardly saying anything. Unfortunely, I don't think he'll ever revert back to his prime. I hope I'm DEAD WRONG.
Will the rotation be able to put up 2005esque numbers?
Most Likely. I've had to eat crow regarding these guys more than once. I've learned not to doubt 'em.
Will the bullpen hold up?
Outlook hazy--for obvious reasons.
Will our outfield be enough?
Yes, but it won't be pretty. I'll join the aging Edmonds but cheer for him all the more. I still think he's got a few more web-gems in him.
Infield replacements?
Yes, and don't believe the doom and gloom talk about the replacements. They were saying the same things about Eck and Grud last year.
Will they win 100 games again?
No.
Will they win the World Series?
Outlook positive.
Will they win today against the Phillies?
You bet your sweet bippy!
-CJ
Friday, March 24, 2006
...than you can shake a stick at
Lots of new (at least to me) cardinal blogs out there. Here are a few:
http://crimsonfowl.blogspot.com/
http://26thman.com/
http://progenyofpagnozzi.blogspot.com/
http://cardsfanschicago.com/
http://redbirdsfun.blogspot.com/
http://redbirddiary.blogspot.com/
http://www.stlouiscardsblog.com/
http://www.lawman3842.com/blog/
http://www.redbirdramblings.blogspot.com/
http://birdbrain.wordpress.com/
http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/
http://reverendredbird.wordpress.com/
http://www.theredcrush.com/
http://www.inwaltwetrust.com/
"Whatever I feel like doing, Gosh!"
-CJ
http://crimsonfowl.blogspot.com/
http://26thman.com/
http://progenyofpagnozzi.blogspot.com/
http://cardsfanschicago.com/
http://redbirdsfun.blogspot.com/
http://redbirddiary.blogspot.com/
http://www.stlouiscardsblog.com/
http://www.lawman3842.com/blog/
http://www.redbirdramblings.blogspot.com/
http://birdbrain.wordpress.com/
http://yourenotagolfer.mlblogs.com/
http://reverendredbird.wordpress.com/
http://www.theredcrush.com/
http://www.inwaltwetrust.com/
"Whatever I feel like doing, Gosh!"
-CJ
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Clearing Cobwebs
Its time to clear the cobwebs of another offseason, and things look promising.
This is where I tell you that many a blogger and even more a professional writer will point out how "staying healthy is the key" to a successful season.
This is where I tell you that there are some new blogs out there that are worth a look (more on that in a later post).
This is where I tell you that is a bummer that Redbird Reasoning is no longer posting.
This is where I tell you that the player I refuse to talk about has now resurfaced only to fall to another injury.
...where I tell you that the way people are bemoaning Encarnacion, Spivey, and the left-fielder-to-be-named sounds an awful lot like the moans a year ago about Nunez, Grud, and Eckstein.
...where I tell you that we have a great problem if Ponson is battling just to make the rotation.
...where I tell you that Pujols better not hurt himself playing in the WBC.
...where I tell you a part of me is cheering for the Dom Rep.
...that I can't wait for my first game at new Busch.
...that loyalties aside, losing Morris is a very good thing, hated to see you go, Mo.
...that you know its going to be a good year in the central when the Reds are all hyped about their 37 year old prospect from Japan.
...that the Pirates are still the Pirates, the Cubs are still the Cubs, and the Astros are just too old.
Here's to another quality year. GO CARDS!
"You can't take her stuff. She's too old. I mean look at her...she's ooollld."
Happy Gilmore
-CJ
This is where I tell you that many a blogger and even more a professional writer will point out how "staying healthy is the key" to a successful season.
This is where I tell you that there are some new blogs out there that are worth a look (more on that in a later post).
This is where I tell you that is a bummer that Redbird Reasoning is no longer posting.
This is where I tell you that the player I refuse to talk about has now resurfaced only to fall to another injury.
...where I tell you that the way people are bemoaning Encarnacion, Spivey, and the left-fielder-to-be-named sounds an awful lot like the moans a year ago about Nunez, Grud, and Eckstein.
...where I tell you that we have a great problem if Ponson is battling just to make the rotation.
...where I tell you that Pujols better not hurt himself playing in the WBC.
...where I tell you a part of me is cheering for the Dom Rep.
...that I can't wait for my first game at new Busch.
...that loyalties aside, losing Morris is a very good thing, hated to see you go, Mo.
...that you know its going to be a good year in the central when the Reds are all hyped about their 37 year old prospect from Japan.
...that the Pirates are still the Pirates, the Cubs are still the Cubs, and the Astros are just too old.
Here's to another quality year. GO CARDS!
"You can't take her stuff. She's too old. I mean look at her...she's ooollld."
Happy Gilmore
-CJ
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
"Anti-Gems"
Call me evil. Tell me I'm sick. Say whatever you want but here are some juicy comments that I found on various blogs. Enjoy!
"Awww, Poo Holes!!!"
"Nothing like the swift horse kick in the jimmy of tonight's two-out, two-strike homer by Pujols."
"Everybody on Planet Earth knew it was so far gone."
"By the way no rinky-dink tee-ball homer into the circus seats for Pujols."
"If you truly love the game of baseball and see the bigger picture, we witnessed one of the most beautiful hits in the game of baseball when Pujols knocked that pitch out of the park. I hate it that he did that. It makes me sick, but when you love this game, you know that what we saw in that hit was pure beauty."
"Of course you're not going to win. Baseball in Houston is a clown show with your stupid buzzing, the silly little costumes, and those chip shot boxes in left field."
"If I hear one more person on the radio whine that Houston is "owed" a World Series, I'm gonna spew."
"Man that ball got outta here in a hurry. I mean anything travels that far oughta have a…stewardess on it, don't you think?"
“Juuuuuust incase you missed the last 50 highlights of Pujols going yard, here it is again folks in slow motion!” Astros fans, do you care for lemon juice to go with that salt on your wound?”
"They have found a way salvage a loss from the jaws of victory."
"It was like "Field of Dreams." But this was "Field of Nightmares.""
"We're in deep doo-doo."
"I know Astros fans are meant to suffer, but isn't forty years the usual limit?"
"So what, a KCMO firm designed Enron Field. Big deal. Still doesn't change the fact that there is a HILL IN CENTER FIELD."
"Can we agree that there's no such thing as a "closer" when Albert Pujols comes up to bat?"
and the Cou de Gras:
"Pujols stood there admiring that home run while Phil Cuzzi ran over from his right field post to signal "FOUL BALL!""
Click here if you're feeling really mean.
http://eksports.blogspot.com/
http://plunkbiggio.blogspot.com/
"Laugh it up Fuzzball." -Han Solo
-CJ
"Awww, Poo Holes!!!"
"Nothing like the swift horse kick in the jimmy of tonight's two-out, two-strike homer by Pujols."
"Everybody on Planet Earth knew it was so far gone."
"By the way no rinky-dink tee-ball homer into the circus seats for Pujols."
"If you truly love the game of baseball and see the bigger picture, we witnessed one of the most beautiful hits in the game of baseball when Pujols knocked that pitch out of the park. I hate it that he did that. It makes me sick, but when you love this game, you know that what we saw in that hit was pure beauty."
"Of course you're not going to win. Baseball in Houston is a clown show with your stupid buzzing, the silly little costumes, and those chip shot boxes in left field."
"If I hear one more person on the radio whine that Houston is "owed" a World Series, I'm gonna spew."
"Man that ball got outta here in a hurry. I mean anything travels that far oughta have a…stewardess on it, don't you think?"
“Juuuuuust incase you missed the last 50 highlights of Pujols going yard, here it is again folks in slow motion!” Astros fans, do you care for lemon juice to go with that salt on your wound?”
"They have found a way salvage a loss from the jaws of victory."
"It was like "Field of Dreams." But this was "Field of Nightmares.""
"We're in deep doo-doo."
"I know Astros fans are meant to suffer, but isn't forty years the usual limit?"
"So what, a KCMO firm designed Enron Field. Big deal. Still doesn't change the fact that there is a HILL IN CENTER FIELD."
"Can we agree that there's no such thing as a "closer" when Albert Pujols comes up to bat?"
and the Cou de Gras:
"Pujols stood there admiring that home run while Phil Cuzzi ran over from his right field post to signal "FOUL BALL!""
Click here if you're feeling really mean.
http://eksports.blogspot.com/
http://plunkbiggio.blogspot.com/
"Laugh it up Fuzzball." -Han Solo
-CJ
What the heck?
A totally scorched and crushed baseball was found in my backyard today. Anyone know anything about this?
-CJ
-CJ
Monday, October 17, 2005
From Worst to Best
Two outs. One of the best closers in the game. But Eck does what he does best. Edgar who? Edmonds battles to get on base. Pujols, mighty Pujols. I woke up the entire apartment complex. He smoked it up over the train tracks. I always hated that stupid train whistle every time they score. No whistle for that! I loved watching the reaction of the fans as they go into a state of absolute shock. Pettite was hilarious. You can see him mouth "Oh...my...gosh."
And for those who were wondering. Yes, I was praying. Back to Busch.
-A very happy CJ
And for those who were wondering. Yes, I was praying. Back to Busch.
-A very happy CJ
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Worst Ever
I have never in all my years seen a game called as poorly. The strikezone was anything but "consistent." All sorts of high and low calls going for the Astros but nothing for the Cards. Then ejecting Edmonds was CRAZY. It doesn't matter what he might have said you can't eject him there unless he bumps him or something. This isn't regular season. What is wrong with the Ump that he has to have his crew chief stick up for him and then has to eject one of the premier players in the game because of something he said.
And how bad is it that we can't get a runner home from third with no outs. I'm too steamed to write more. The Astros are too good a team for the Cards to have to play against the umps too.
-a really mad CJ
And how bad is it that we can't get a runner home from third with no outs. I'm too steamed to write more. The Astros are too good a team for the Cards to have to play against the umps too.
-a really mad CJ
Monday, September 19, 2005
17-12!!!!
So I'm watching some football yesterday. And they've got MLB baseball scores in the little box in the upper righthand corner of my TV screen. And I see STL 17 ARI 12!!! I'm thinking holy cow that's a high score. Then I'm thinking...wait we don't play the Diamondbacks today. Then a gamebreak and I hear that St Louis despite little offense pulled out a win!!! WHAT IN THE WORLD?!!?!? Then I realize that the little box in the righthand corner of my TV screen switched to NFL. And I feel pretty silly...
-CJ
-CJ
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Fish...
All of a sudden I'm an Astros fan. Happens every year. I start cheering for some team that will make it nice for us. I REALLLLLLLY want to play the Padres in the division series. And the only way it looks like that will happen is for the Astros to rise up. Prob is if they don't then the Braves get about as close to a free pass to the 7er. But our beloved birds deserve that free pass. And don't worry about 'Stros in the 7er. They're not half what they were at the end of last year.
"Bow to your Sensei!"
-CJ
"Bow to your Sensei!"
-CJ
Monday, August 08, 2005
Who me?
Wow its been a long time since I've posted. I guess that's what two summer school sessions of grad level biblical Hebrew will do to you. I'm not out of the woods yet as I still have 3 weeks of good times. Then its "out of the frying pan and into the fire" as the fall semester starts up.
So....Injuries galore and we're still 10 games up on arguably the hottest team in baseball.
Imagine a Cardinal's lineup with a healthy Rolen, Molina, Edmonds, Pujols, Walker, and Sanders. Just imagine.
And let me tell you what I'm sick of. "The Astros sure are dangerous with those 1-2-3 starting pitchers. In a short series blah blah blah." Its true. Any team with quality starters will be dangerous in a short series. But seriously...lets give the Redbird's starters their due. Carpenter (CY frontrunner), Mulder, Morris (a resurgent) then imagine Suppan and Marquis coming out of the pen. Yeah that's sick. Astros don't have that. And they don't have Carlos "he should have that removed" Beltran to hit 9 HR's in an abreiviated postseason for them. Kent gone too? Sure the killer B's are in rare form, but does anyone think that they will stay at that? Think Petite will be healthy? hahahhahaha
The Cardinals have maintained a 10 game lead with the likes of Diaz and Mahoney, J-Rod (man he takes a beating), Seabol, John Gall (about bloody time he got the call), Luna, and Nunez more than frequenting the lineup? This is not what one would expect to maintain a lead the likes of which the Cardinal's are sporting. This season reminds me of a basketball game. A team packed with stars gets out to an early lead and then has to rest starters for foul trouble, injuries, or a simple breather. Then they put in these guys you've never heard of. But just when you thought that the trailing team might make a run without the stars in there the scrubs hold em off, and even extend the lead. Is there anything more demoralizing to the team trying to come back? The current Cardinals roster is doing just that. With healthy and great pitching and a more than scrapy lineup, let the Astros be the "Hottest team in baseball" all they want. Imagine as they real off another 8-10 stretch and they look up and still see another double digit lead.
Man, its good to be a Cardinals fan.
"Your mom goes to college."
-CJ
So....Injuries galore and we're still 10 games up on arguably the hottest team in baseball.
Imagine a Cardinal's lineup with a healthy Rolen, Molina, Edmonds, Pujols, Walker, and Sanders. Just imagine.
And let me tell you what I'm sick of. "The Astros sure are dangerous with those 1-2-3 starting pitchers. In a short series blah blah blah." Its true. Any team with quality starters will be dangerous in a short series. But seriously...lets give the Redbird's starters their due. Carpenter (CY frontrunner), Mulder, Morris (a resurgent) then imagine Suppan and Marquis coming out of the pen. Yeah that's sick. Astros don't have that. And they don't have Carlos "he should have that removed" Beltran to hit 9 HR's in an abreiviated postseason for them. Kent gone too? Sure the killer B's are in rare form, but does anyone think that they will stay at that? Think Petite will be healthy? hahahhahaha
The Cardinals have maintained a 10 game lead with the likes of Diaz and Mahoney, J-Rod (man he takes a beating), Seabol, John Gall (about bloody time he got the call), Luna, and Nunez more than frequenting the lineup? This is not what one would expect to maintain a lead the likes of which the Cardinal's are sporting. This season reminds me of a basketball game. A team packed with stars gets out to an early lead and then has to rest starters for foul trouble, injuries, or a simple breather. Then they put in these guys you've never heard of. But just when you thought that the trailing team might make a run without the stars in there the scrubs hold em off, and even extend the lead. Is there anything more demoralizing to the team trying to come back? The current Cardinals roster is doing just that. With healthy and great pitching and a more than scrapy lineup, let the Astros be the "Hottest team in baseball" all they want. Imagine as they real off another 8-10 stretch and they look up and still see another double digit lead.
Man, its good to be a Cardinals fan.
"Your mom goes to college."
-CJ
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Concerned?
I am. Call me nervous. Call me unsatisfiable. Call me irresponsible. I am, but don't call me Surely. Wanna know why?
More than one weak series against the Reds, Pirates, and Rockies. Doesn't really boost your confidence.
Several wins by only one run.
Hope remains in that several losses were by only one run. And even though we split a four game swaf with the Pirates we dramatically outscored them.
Honestly, it seems eerily similar to the way we played in the last post-season. We play strong against the Dodgers. We start strong against the Astros and then we almost blew it. We then get cloobered but a freight train with fate graffittied on one side and Red Sox on the other.
Unless we start playing like the 44 Birds...
"Its much easier to find four good starters than five." -Earl Weaver
-CJ
More than one weak series against the Reds, Pirates, and Rockies. Doesn't really boost your confidence.
Several wins by only one run.
Hope remains in that several losses were by only one run. And even though we split a four game swaf with the Pirates we dramatically outscored them.
Honestly, it seems eerily similar to the way we played in the last post-season. We play strong against the Dodgers. We start strong against the Astros and then we almost blew it. We then get cloobered but a freight train with fate graffittied on one side and Red Sox on the other.
Unless we start playing like the 44 Birds...
"Its much easier to find four good starters than five." -Earl Weaver
-CJ
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Smokin'
- That ladies and gentlemen is a GEM. 2 baserunners through 9 innings. That's how you spell relief. Carpenter really showed up Halladay's splended performance from the day before with 1 hit and 1 walk and no runs through 9IP. AND against the former team. Proving you really can have your cake and eat it too.
- After Walker talking about walking, many in the "Cardinal Nation" (not the blog) began to be worried (myself included), but with the comment "especially if we win the World Series" and a 2 HR-hustling-performance, Redbird fans can rest easier.
- The fact that the Cardinals continue to shine without Rolen and Edmonds (bruised ribs for the past two games) only continues to lift my hopes (not that they were low) for this season.
-CJ
Friday, June 10, 2005
Benching A-Rod for Marquis?
Yup. That's what I'm doing in my fantasy league. Why? I'll tell you.
*Background singing: "He's going to tell. He's going to tell."
STOP THAT! Stop that! No singing on my blog.
With my last post I wondered if I wasn't as loyal of a Cardinals fan because I said some crazy stuff like Lee deserves to start over Pujols yadda yadda.
Then I ran into a small problem. I have A-Rod and Marquis. Against my better judegement I have benched A-Rod and started Joe Randa. Unwise? Most likely. Will I pay? Probably. Am I loyal? You tell me.
"What's wrong with her. She's beautiful. She's got huge...tracts of land."
-CJ
*Background singing: "He's going to tell. He's going to tell."
STOP THAT! Stop that! No singing on my blog.
With my last post I wondered if I wasn't as loyal of a Cardinals fan because I said some crazy stuff like Lee deserves to start over Pujols yadda yadda.
Then I ran into a small problem. I have A-Rod and Marquis. Against my better judegement I have benched A-Rod and started Joe Randa. Unwise? Most likely. Will I pay? Probably. Am I loyal? You tell me.
"What's wrong with her. She's beautiful. She's got huge...tracts of land."
-CJ
Monday, June 06, 2005
All Star Game Voting Run Amuck
Okay...something has got to be done. We the fans are not intelligent enough, apparently, to vote for the best player. We'll keep a running count of when the fans get it right and when they don't. (Stats don't lie...usually). (Stats will only get a "point" when the public is wrong). Now some people might object that injuries aren't the player's fault and doesn't show who is the best player. Was Ripken's streak just luck? In order to deserve an All-Star vote....you have to play. Oh and another thing. I know its a little early. All the more reason to get on to the millions who have already cast their ballots. ****AND BECAUSE SOME FEEL THAT MY LACK OF USE OF stats like SLG AND OBP IS A SIGN THAT I am part of the public I accuse let me say this: YOU ARE RIGHT. KINDA...read the comments for further details.
Starting at 1B:
1B-NL Albert Pujols has over twice as many votes as Derrek Lee. This is despite the fact that Lee has a .385 BA over Albert's .338, 3 more runs, 3 more HRs, 7 more RBI's, and 4 more stolen bases. AND all this on an inferior team. Eck is getting on base--a lot. Edmond's poor performance as of late and Sanders in a slight slump recently might contribute to a lack of protection for Albert. In addition, I think that Albert's stats will rise and Lee's will come back to earth. However, as it stands now one should not select Albert over Lee. However I wouldn't fault you too much--'cause its Albert.
Stats 1 Morons 0
1B-AL Hold on to your wigs and keys kids. This is ugly. Maybe the ugliest. Tino Martinez (Card's fans may get warm fuzzies voting for this likeable guy but come on) is leading in the AL. Who's second? Kevin Millar. Third? Paul Konerko. You have to get to the fourth to get to the best AL first baseman, Mark Teixeira (that's a doozy to spell). Here are their respective stats. Brace yourself. BA: Martinez .238!!!!! Millar .255!!!!! Konerko .228!!!!! Teixeira a lousy .303. HR's, I suppose, is what they have in common? Teixeira and Konerko with 14, Tino with 12 and Millar with 4. Never mind. Mark has 13 more Runs than the nearest of these 3 fan favs, more RBI's, and even leads, tied with Tino, in SB! SB is singular. (Whaddya want? They're 1B not jack rabbits).
Stats 2 Forest Gumps 0
2B-NL Good. We needed to recover from that last one. Kent has twice the amount of votes that 3rd place Grud has. Despite Grud's strikingly better BA, Kent's power with 11 HR's (3 for Grud), and he leads Grud in just about every other category despite being on such a poor team means that the morons aren't O-fer any more.
Stats 2 Kids 1
2B-AL Very well done for the kids here as well. Soriano and Roberts are neck and neck. Roberts has an astronomical BA while Soriano has 4 more dingers. Soriano leads in most of the other categories because of the hammerin' Texas lineup. The Orioles aren't slouches either. Fan's get it right again. Wonders never cease.
Stats 2 Public 2
SS-NL Just when you thought things were going well. Our vote leader: Nomar Garciapara. The man has been on the DL SINCE HIS 51st AB AND UP UNTIL THEN...wait for it...he was batting .157 with ZERO, count them again if you have to, ZERO HR's. Tino take a seat. This is the worst. Below is listed the NL SS's who would qualify over Nomar **takes a big breath*** Barmes, Perez, Izturis, Reyes, Lopez, Rollins, Vizquel, Eckstein, Furcal, Hall, Blum, Everett, Gonzalez, Greene, Clayton, Wilson, Aurillia, Perez, Cintron, Hardy, Guzman, Woodward, Jackson, Vizcaino, and finally Jesse Garcia--the fourth Padres' SS on our list and despite fewer AB's managed more HRs.
Stats 3 Bad idea when cousins marry 2
SS-AL Tejada has the most--as he should.
Stats 3 Average Joe 3
3B-NL Scotty Rolen has a commanding lead despite only playing in 30 games and sporting a .257 batting average. Second place isn't any better with Chipper Jones only playing in 30 as well but has better stats in EVERY category known to man-kind than Rolen. How do you justify voting for 2 guys who have played only half the season. Glaus is third, and while he is strokin' em with 13 HRs, he's got a pathetic .251. Hardly a All-Star Starter. A surprising Ensberg or Wright would be much better choices--both with power AND BA.
Stats 4 Highest Order of Primates 3
3B-AL A-Rod is dominating. Glad he's on my fantasy team.
Stats 4 Peeps 4
C-NL Another one bites the dust. San Diego's Ramon Hernandez is far and away the best NL Catcher. Yet he has so few votes that he doesn't even register (I assume he has at least some votes). Let's compare Hernandez with the top 5 NL Catcher vote getters. BA: Hernandez .289, Piazza .253, La Duca .287, Estrada .275, our own Yadier .250, Barrett .275 Runs: Her 25, Piaz 21, LD 17, Yoda 17, Barr 15 HR's: Her 6, Piaz 6, LD 2, Yoda 2, Barr 5 RBI's: Her 31, Piaz 22, LD 21, Yoda 17, and Barr 23. You do the math. Unless you're one of...them. Then trust my math when I say he's "far and away."
Stats 5 Brain Farts 4
C-AL At least they get it right on this end. But Ivan could sneak up and steal it from the deserving Veritek. Jason is lucky that he plays in Boston so he gets the votes.
Stats 5 Bob and Company 5
(OF is worth 1 a piece)
OF-NL Who should be there: Miguel Cabrera and Bobby Abreu for sure; than okay picks would be Carlos Lee, Brady Clark, Pat Burrell, or Milton Bradley. Who's the top three in votes? Carlos Beltran, Jim Edmonds (close but no cigar), and Ken Griffey Jr. Residents geniuses drop 3 on this one. AH but I can foresee the comments and emails now: "But John, they didn't put Bonds up there at least." No they didn't. But for a guy who hasn't even picked up Don Baylor's tooth-pick let alone a bat all season 138,000+ future Ivy leaguers put up their arms for the SF out-outfielder. Not enough to get him into the All-Star game but enough to show the fan's ineptitude.
Stats 8 Larry, Moe, Curly, and the other guy too 5
OF-AL Who belongs? Sheffield and Damon....Ichiro, Garret Anderson, Rondell White, or even Trot Nixon would have sufficed. Instead? Vlad (not a terrible choice in the face of a small injury [but see note above]) and Manny. MIT grads got one right with Ichiro.
Stats 10 "Happy Hands Club" rejects 6
DH-NL You're probably one of the ones who voted for Nomar and Bonds aren't you?
DH-AL We'll end on a note that might bring some hope to humanity. Ortiz. But I'm betting that the reason he has the most votes is not because of his stats but because he's the only DH they know of.
Stats 10 Napoleon Dynamite under-study 7
Conclusion: Have sportswriters, players, coaches, managers, bat-boys, or monkeys at type writers do the All-Star voting instead. Sure they got several right. That's not the point. The fact is the public has blown so many but such a wide margin. There are deserving players out there who are getting robbed of the honor they deserve.
Homer's Brain to Homer: "That's it I'm out of here." ***Footsteps. Door opens and closes.***
-CJ
Starting at 1B:
1B-NL Albert Pujols has over twice as many votes as Derrek Lee. This is despite the fact that Lee has a .385 BA over Albert's .338, 3 more runs, 3 more HRs, 7 more RBI's, and 4 more stolen bases. AND all this on an inferior team. Eck is getting on base--a lot. Edmond's poor performance as of late and Sanders in a slight slump recently might contribute to a lack of protection for Albert. In addition, I think that Albert's stats will rise and Lee's will come back to earth. However, as it stands now one should not select Albert over Lee. However I wouldn't fault you too much--'cause its Albert.
Stats 1 Morons 0
1B-AL Hold on to your wigs and keys kids. This is ugly. Maybe the ugliest. Tino Martinez (Card's fans may get warm fuzzies voting for this likeable guy but come on) is leading in the AL. Who's second? Kevin Millar. Third? Paul Konerko. You have to get to the fourth to get to the best AL first baseman, Mark Teixeira (that's a doozy to spell). Here are their respective stats. Brace yourself. BA: Martinez .238!!!!! Millar .255!!!!! Konerko .228!!!!! Teixeira a lousy .303. HR's, I suppose, is what they have in common? Teixeira and Konerko with 14, Tino with 12 and Millar with 4. Never mind. Mark has 13 more Runs than the nearest of these 3 fan favs, more RBI's, and even leads, tied with Tino, in SB! SB is singular. (Whaddya want? They're 1B not jack rabbits).
Stats 2 Forest Gumps 0
2B-NL Good. We needed to recover from that last one. Kent has twice the amount of votes that 3rd place Grud has. Despite Grud's strikingly better BA, Kent's power with 11 HR's (3 for Grud), and he leads Grud in just about every other category despite being on such a poor team means that the morons aren't O-fer any more.
Stats 2 Kids 1
2B-AL Very well done for the kids here as well. Soriano and Roberts are neck and neck. Roberts has an astronomical BA while Soriano has 4 more dingers. Soriano leads in most of the other categories because of the hammerin' Texas lineup. The Orioles aren't slouches either. Fan's get it right again. Wonders never cease.
Stats 2 Public 2
SS-NL Just when you thought things were going well. Our vote leader: Nomar Garciapara. The man has been on the DL SINCE HIS 51st AB AND UP UNTIL THEN...wait for it...he was batting .157 with ZERO, count them again if you have to, ZERO HR's. Tino take a seat. This is the worst. Below is listed the NL SS's who would qualify over Nomar **takes a big breath*** Barmes, Perez, Izturis, Reyes, Lopez, Rollins, Vizquel, Eckstein, Furcal, Hall, Blum, Everett, Gonzalez, Greene, Clayton, Wilson, Aurillia, Perez, Cintron, Hardy, Guzman, Woodward, Jackson, Vizcaino, and finally Jesse Garcia--the fourth Padres' SS on our list and despite fewer AB's managed more HRs.
Stats 3 Bad idea when cousins marry 2
SS-AL Tejada has the most--as he should.
Stats 3 Average Joe 3
3B-NL Scotty Rolen has a commanding lead despite only playing in 30 games and sporting a .257 batting average. Second place isn't any better with Chipper Jones only playing in 30 as well but has better stats in EVERY category known to man-kind than Rolen. How do you justify voting for 2 guys who have played only half the season. Glaus is third, and while he is strokin' em with 13 HRs, he's got a pathetic .251. Hardly a All-Star Starter. A surprising Ensberg or Wright would be much better choices--both with power AND BA.
Stats 4 Highest Order of Primates 3
3B-AL A-Rod is dominating. Glad he's on my fantasy team.
Stats 4 Peeps 4
C-NL Another one bites the dust. San Diego's Ramon Hernandez is far and away the best NL Catcher. Yet he has so few votes that he doesn't even register (I assume he has at least some votes). Let's compare Hernandez with the top 5 NL Catcher vote getters. BA: Hernandez .289, Piazza .253, La Duca .287, Estrada .275, our own Yadier .250, Barrett .275 Runs: Her 25, Piaz 21, LD 17, Yoda 17, Barr 15 HR's: Her 6, Piaz 6, LD 2, Yoda 2, Barr 5 RBI's: Her 31, Piaz 22, LD 21, Yoda 17, and Barr 23. You do the math. Unless you're one of...them. Then trust my math when I say he's "far and away."
Stats 5 Brain Farts 4
C-AL At least they get it right on this end. But Ivan could sneak up and steal it from the deserving Veritek. Jason is lucky that he plays in Boston so he gets the votes.
Stats 5 Bob and Company 5
(OF is worth 1 a piece)
OF-NL Who should be there: Miguel Cabrera and Bobby Abreu for sure; than okay picks would be Carlos Lee, Brady Clark, Pat Burrell, or Milton Bradley. Who's the top three in votes? Carlos Beltran, Jim Edmonds (close but no cigar), and Ken Griffey Jr. Residents geniuses drop 3 on this one. AH but I can foresee the comments and emails now: "But John, they didn't put Bonds up there at least." No they didn't. But for a guy who hasn't even picked up Don Baylor's tooth-pick let alone a bat all season 138,000+ future Ivy leaguers put up their arms for the SF out-outfielder. Not enough to get him into the All-Star game but enough to show the fan's ineptitude.
Stats 8 Larry, Moe, Curly, and the other guy too 5
OF-AL Who belongs? Sheffield and Damon....Ichiro, Garret Anderson, Rondell White, or even Trot Nixon would have sufficed. Instead? Vlad (not a terrible choice in the face of a small injury [but see note above]) and Manny. MIT grads got one right with Ichiro.
Stats 10 "Happy Hands Club" rejects 6
DH-NL You're probably one of the ones who voted for Nomar and Bonds aren't you?
DH-AL We'll end on a note that might bring some hope to humanity. Ortiz. But I'm betting that the reason he has the most votes is not because of his stats but because he's the only DH they know of.
Stats 10 Napoleon Dynamite under-study 7
Conclusion: Have sportswriters, players, coaches, managers, bat-boys, or monkeys at type writers do the All-Star voting instead. Sure they got several right. That's not the point. The fact is the public has blown so many but such a wide margin. There are deserving players out there who are getting robbed of the honor they deserve.
Homer's Brain to Homer: "That's it I'm out of here." ***Footsteps. Door opens and closes.***
-CJ
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Sweet Slider Good Bye
Have you ever seen anything like it? EVER? Not me. Sick just plain sick. I love it. Its like golfing for Pujols. Never have I seen anyone have such mastery over the strikezone and take a perfect pitch like that, one-handed mind you, out of the park in the clutch. (Of course another 1 run win against a bottom-feeder). 1 game away from the best record in baseball and things are looking good though. The ChiSox are overachieving right now, to boot. And the NL Central is underachieving right now. If the Cardinals continue at this rate it would take more than a cessation of the underachieving by the rest of the Central to catch up. Don't expect it to happen. 'Cause it won't.
Its worth repeating: The rest of the NL Central needs to make like a well placed Colorado Slider and kiss it Good-bye.
-CJ
Its worth repeating: The rest of the NL Central needs to make like a well placed Colorado Slider and kiss it Good-bye.
-CJ
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
1-Runnin' em
Several of our last wins have been by one run. I guess one shouldn't complain, but against the pathetic Royals and Pirates? Somehow I expect our boys in Red to hammer those two especially.
But I am not very concerned as every team will go through low points. Which leads me to a different lense which one may look through. Its a good thing to hit one's low points against the "cellar dwellars." So its nice to win when you're playing your worst.
But let's put the other hat on for a moment. But our worst should be more than 1 point above these guys right?
Seriously, this the professional level and any team is capable of beating any team any day. Here's to hoping that we are any team and not any team.
-CJ
But I am not very concerned as every team will go through low points. Which leads me to a different lense which one may look through. Its a good thing to hit one's low points against the "cellar dwellars." So its nice to win when you're playing your worst.
But let's put the other hat on for a moment. But our worst should be more than 1 point above these guys right?
Seriously, this the professional level and any team is capable of beating any team any day. Here's to hoping that we are any team and not any team.
-CJ
Thursday, May 19, 2005
While I was away...
Well...I successfully finished another semester. I think finals went well. So while I was away...
-CJ
- The Cardinals keep Rollin' without Rolen. In the end this could be a really good thing. Kinda. It means that guys like Mabry and Nunez will get more AB's and they are hitting pretty well. I'm not implying that they are better than Rolen, but I am saying that its a good thing to get them into the swing of things instead of fermenting on the bench.
- Izzy's back. And I have been fairly impressed with the Bullpen's performance thus far. Brad Thompson has been a pleasant surprise. But it is nice knowing that Jason is back to wrap things up. Last nights K against Abreu with the bases juiced was quite a relief. Probably why they call them relievers, huh?
- Molina seems to be more comfortable with the stick these days--an addition that takes the sting away from losing Matheny's excellent but albeit expensive glove.
- Noticing a dramatic difference between last years Central and this years (so far). Only one team at or above .500. Wow. Last year it seemed like the Central was the cream of the crop. Could it be that perhaps....dare to dream....I was right? With the subtractions of Sosa, Alou, Kent, Beltron etc. has the Central been thinned of its prowess? I think the answer is clear.
- First full day off since I don't know when. Going to see Star Wars (better not have any annoying Gungan's this time). Going to write my first real blurp for my blog in I don't know how long. Going to NOT think about the language of ancient Greek. Going to make like Kyp and chat with babes all day. Okay...okay....maybe not the last one.
-CJ
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