bellyitcher

Speed Kills

2007-03-07T10:10:00.000-06:00

What looks like an innocuous Spring Training fluff piece on Reyes and his quest for a low fast ball troubles me a tad. Especially this part:

"But he believes his right arm can still pack heat.

'Oh yeah, oh yeah,' Reyes said. 'I'm never going to give up on that.'"

Reyes is still a kid. I guess it's natural to love that 95 mph fastball. But he is going to have to give up on chasing velocity for velocity's sake, even if he's not asking, "How fast?" after every inning. Like what's-his-face on the Tigers last year - you fall so in love with lighting up the radar, you forget about things like, oh, location.

I just want him to pitch, not throw. Please, Anthony, listen to Duncan, unlike that new Cub.

Season Preview with RHM

2007-02-27T08:41:00.000-06:00

Last night I had the pleasure of discussing the Cards' off season and outlook for 2007 with Red Hot Mama. I haven't had a chance to listen yet, so I really hope I at least sounded like I knew what I was talking about! Or older than 13.

Check it out here. And remember, smack talk is only 56 days away!!

There's A Baseball Game Today

2007-02-26T08:50:00.000-06:00

Line up, courtesey Derrick Goold:

Edgar Gonzalez 2B
Travis Hanson 3B
Ryan Ludwick RF
Miguel Negron DH
Cody Haerther LF
Tag Bozied 1B
Brendan Ryan SS
Colby Rasmus CF
Brian Esposito C

I don't know if it'll be available in any form, maybe the game tracker at mlb.com?

Whoops

2007-02-18T10:22:00.000-06:00

I can't believe I forgot the Florida papers:

TC Palm - Covers a lot of teams but has at least three articles about the Cards up right now.

Palm Beach Post - I thought they had more coverage in the past. Now they just have a list of links to articles.

SPRING TRAINING!!!

2007-02-14T15:52:00.000-06:00

It's finally finally here! Although this was the shortest off-season ever. Anyway, here are some helpful links for those of us stuck in snow:

Channel 5, KSDK - They'll have video up soon - hopefully of their nightly reports from Jupiter. Since they're broadcasting 20-some games this year, I expect them to have some pretty good coverage.

Post-Disptach - Goold's in Jupiter updating Bird Land daily. The Post is good for photos, like this one:

Chris Lee/Post Dispatch

Fox Sports - The usually put up video from the Midwest Sports Report (Live! From...Pittsburgh? Ok.) but it takes forever to load and sometimes crashes everything.

Official Site - You've all been there. Plus, the added excitement of Rodriguez's blog!

550 KTRS - I'd post a link, but their site sucks. I can't find any links to archived shows. I know they stream, but it'd be nice if they offered, say, the last four installments of Talk With Tony. Try 590's clips or 1380's "Audio Vault" (if you know what show you want to listen to - 2 weeks worth of shows).

I'll update with more as I find them.

Sex, Lies, and Highlights at Ten

2007-01-29T10:28:00.001-06:00

Is it really possible we haven't heard who P.A. is?

Well, no.

Not to get all On The DL on you, but I know which Cardinals player is named in the extortion case. Problem is, I can't tell without revealing "sources and methods" (I knew Rummy would be good for something) - and I obviously can't do that. I'll just say that he was not a rookie, was not a lifetime NLer, and was a starter.

We Have The Cutest Rotation

2007-01-10T16:05:00.000-06:00

Well, see, here's the thing. The Proxy & I bought a house and pretty much all free time has been devoted to paint and sandpaper and household goods shopping. Not that much has been going on with the Cardinals. I mean when Braden Looper is supposedly the fifth starter there's not a lot of movement on the personnel front. I guess there is, but it's all out, rather than in. Like Marquis.

Oh, that makes me laugh. Marquis is a Cub. The guy worked with Leo Mazzone and Dave Duncan and couldn't get it together. They think Larry Rothschild is going to fix him? Oh, I can't wait to see him pitch against the Cardinals.

By the way, it looks like the rotation may be Carpenter, Reyes, Wells, Wainwright, Mulder - in no particular. So that's not too terrible. I mean, it's five starters at least.

Cards Remain Hot Through 2011

2006-12-04T18:46:00.000-06:00

Arugh, five-year deals for pitchers. Don't like 'em. But if that's what it takes to keep Carp around, I guess that is what it takes. I'm not thrilled about the years (the money is fine). Every pitcher is one windup away from a blown elbow. In the P-D story, Strauss mentions there are some offers out there:

Meanwhile, general manager Walt Jocketty, who is at baseball’s winter meetings, said the team had made offers to free-agent pitchers Jason Schmidt, Vicente Padilla and Miguel Batista. All are righthanders.

Well then. We'll see what happens.

Welcome Home, Adam Kennedy

2006-11-28T14:16:00.000-06:00

You know what else happens when you sit through a rain out and another game in late October? You get violently ill for a while. So, yeah.

Anyhoo, the Cards apparently just signed Kennedy to a three-year, $10 million deal. That's, uh, cheap. So it can't be right. Maybe $10M per? But maybe not. Also got Kip Wells and Bennett resigned. Eli Marerro's back on a minor league deal. No word on Wells' money.

Pinch Me

2006-10-30T09:41:00.000-06:00

We got to the stadium early enough to see some warm ups. Our seats were along the third base line and Verlander was doing some long toss in front of our section. He bounced a ball during long toss. Maybe this won’t be terrible, I thought. Then the players take the field. And I start freaking out all over again: can’t sit, can’t stand. And then Jeff Weaver strikes out two in the first inning. I feel a bit better. The fact that Verlander couldn’t find the strike zone with the help of a neon sign encouraged my serenity.

After the Cardinals scored, Duncan pooped in his pants and on Edmonds’ shoes, which was promptly followed by a Casey home run, the Tigers’ fans in the suites behind our seats started to make some noise. Well, good for them, it was awfully cute. They had the lead for all of five at bats. After than, well, things get hazy. I looked at the scoreboard and, suddenly, it was the middle of the seventh inning. I looked at the Proxy, and he said, “Don’t say it. Just don’t.” The eighth inning went by in a flash; I think every player just wanted to get it over with. And then, Wainwright was pitching. And I was holding my breath. Even though Casey got another freaking hit and Polanco walked (Hey Placido, this is first base, does it look familiar? I kid. I kid because I love.), I never got nervous. This is Adam Wainwright. I didn’t really see the strike out call, I just saw Molina jump up. So I did too. I was jumping up and down on my seat – I have no idea how that happened. We stayed through the trophy presentations, but left before the players came back out. We spent about an hour wandering the streets of St. Louis high-fiving and whoo-hooing while trying to remember where we parked. Then it was on to more celebrating.

So yeah, lots of screaming and jumping and hugging and clapping and “What just happened?” For those who have never been to a World Series game, much less a WS winner at home, when you get the chance this is what will happen: You will dance to songs you hate, you will hurt your shoulders clapping and waving rally towels (something else you never ever do), you will cry, you will say something along the lines of, “I’m going to get a Cardinals tattoo if they win,” you will lose your voice.

As for the parade, we were in the stadium so I can’t really say anything about the parade itself. Tony got a huge ovation. It was nice to be able to cheer this team one last time. I hope to have all the pictures from the game and rally together tonight. I’ll put them up as soon as I can.

I hope that everyone, like me, got to celebrate with who they most wanted to be with.

And now, it’s time to buy merchandise. Mel Brooks was right; I want everything that has a World Series logo.

My Brain Hurts

2006-10-28T17:32:00.000-05:00

I'm not married and I don't have kids. Maybe those days are better than yesterday, but I don't see how.

I'll be at the parade tomorrow, and I'll come back with pictures of the game and parade.

In the meantime, don't talk so loud.

Deep Breaths

2006-10-27T15:33:00.000-05:00

I honestly have no idea how I'm going to make it through this game. I'm already a nervous wreck. And the day is going by soooo slllloooooowwwwly. I don't remember 1982; I was five. 1985 and 1987 are a little clearer, but still pretty hazy.

Please be good, Weaver. Please pound the crap out of the ball, Pujols. Please win, Cardinals.

So Familiar

2006-10-27T12:58:00.000-05:00

This picture is eerily similar to Jimmy's diving catch in the 2004 NLCS, both end results being excellent for the Cards.

Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Game Something-or-other

2006-10-26T23:32:00.000-05:00

I'm going to Friday's game.

Will from Deadspin is going to Friday's game.

He's bad luck. I'm scared.

But...the way the Cardinals played tonight...I can barely breathe.

Cardinals 2, Tigers 1, Rain 1

2006-10-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

That was miserable. Drove home through a light mist, thinking, "Oh, they can play in this no problem." The rain was still pretty light when we got to the stadium about 7:00 and our seats are along the third base line under an overhang (this, however, did not prevent my waking up with a sore throat this morning). But the rain got heavier and heavier. And I got colder and colder. By the time they finally called the game (two hours after everyone else knew it had to be postponed - stupid Fox) the raindrops were swirling so much it looked like it was snowing.

If the rain holds off and the Cards win tonight, our tickets for yesterday will be good for Friday and possibly a fourth win.

This Feels Good

2006-10-24T22:48:00.000-05:00

That's the Carpenter I know and love. And Zumaya? you may be able to throw 100 mph, but if you can't get near the plate, how can you expect to get anywhere close to third base? I'm very sleepy after last night, and there's not a whole lot to say about the game. Everything worked: Pitching, fielding, timely hits, and taking advantage of the other team's mistakes.

The Other Half

2006-10-24T08:05:00.000-05:00

Ever wonder what the big-wigs do the night before the World Series? I hadn't really either, until I got the opportunity to go to the 2006 World Series Gala at the City Museum last night. Free food and booze? I'm there! We arrived after 9:00, so most of the front office types were long gone, but I did hear that I just missed a very trashed Todd Jones. And I saw Dave Campbell and The Strokes. I had hoped that they would be doing the national anthem or God Bless America, but no such luck. I guess they just came for the Bud Light.

2004 National League Champions Ring (on my hand):

Welcome Sign:

One of the dozens of ice sculptures:

It was fabulous. And the Proxy and I got tickets for Game Four.

Kenny Rogers, Cheater Part II

2006-10-23T08:16:00.000-05:00

There's nothing that can be done about it now. Rogers washed his hand (as directed by the umpires) and while any remaining residue may have helped him, it's not like he needed pine tar to shut down the Cards last night. He's a soft-tossin' lefty. You tip your very sticky and mysteriously brown cap to him and get ready for Game Three.

Could La Russa have made a more...vigorous protest? Sure, he could have screamed and kicked his hat, but it is the umpires' responsibility to check the hand, hat, and balls. The umpires decided it wasn't a big deal. I don't know why; Rogers clearly had a pine-tar-like substance on his hand and possibly hat.

But Rogers' ever-changing story, Leyland's plausible deniability, the umpires allowing Rogers to wash his hand make this seem terribly suspicious.

Kenny Rogers cheated in two post-season series this year. MLB appears to be trying to sweep it under the rug.

Clump of dirt, my ass.

Kenny Rogers

2006-10-22T21:05:00.000-05:00

Cheater.

Huh?

2006-10-21T22:09:00.000-05:00

We won a World Series game.

The first World Series game won by a National League team since 2003.

Reyes was out of this world. 17 retired in a row, the most since 1990. The first win by a rookie since...wait for it...it's coming...1982 (OK, Joe Buck lied to me, it wasn't 1982. It sure as shit sounds better though, doesn't it?). Four hits all game for the Tigers. That's freaking unreal. I don't know how to react; it's been 19 years since the Cardinals won a World Series game and I don't remember how I felt when I was in 5th grade. I'm in disbelief, shock.

If Pujols, Rolen, and Edmonds can all get going...holy shit.

Edit: I just read Bernie's column. He ends thusly, speaking about he rookies: La Russa may hand out orange slices and little Kool-Aid boxes before Game 2. The Gashouse Gang beat the Tigers in the 1934 World Series. Now in 2006, La Russa is trying to do it with the Schoolhouse Gang.

Put me in line for some Kool-Aid.

Really? Really really?

2006-10-20T15:02:00.000-05:00

I kept saying things like "house money" and "everything else is gravy." And I believed those things. I had almost convinced myself that the games really didn't matter. So after Wilson struck out for the third effing time I surprised myself with the strength of my hatred. During the 9th I was shaking. Pacing. Sitting on the top of the stairs with one ear listening to the radio down in the kitchen and the other listening to the delayed TV broadcast. I was a wreck. During that never-ending inning, I migrated to the foot of the stairs where I had to use a door jamb to support myself. As soon as I heard Mike's call, I ran, or rather floated, upstairs to hit record on the TiVo, screaming the whole way.

There's something different about this year. I think it's because it had been so long since the Cards had been to the Series in 2004 that just getting there was enough. And I'm not saying that the pennant isn't completely awesome. But everything is so topsy-turvy this year. Wainwright doing his very best Izzy impression now seems like a foregone conclusion. Molina (I adore him, but he's a terrible hitter) hitting a game-winning home run is totally expected.

The Tigers are a better team than the Cardinals. It's not even a question. I hoped rather than truly believed they'd get past the Padres. I didn't want to get too excited about possibly beating the Mets. And now that both those things have happened, well, as a wise man once said:

Youneverknow.

WORLD SERIES

2006-10-20T00:25:00.000-05:00

I...I...I just don't know what to say right now. This team won 83 games during the season. 83.

And they are going to the fucking WORLD SERIES.

NLCS Games 4 & 5

2006-10-18T09:10:00.000-05:00

I again got last minute tickets for Game 4. I did not lose my voice.

Poor bullpen. It's like all those runs they didn't allow before spilled out. It was cold, windy, and drizzly. Blech.

I didn't go last night, maybe could have, but after Sunday's experience, I was more than ready to watch from my house where beers are not $8. Plus, I could just pour it into a Busch Stadium cup, which I'm sure is commemorative of something. We don't have Kosher Dogs or Fried Cannelloni, though.

I still can't believe Weaver. I mean, Jeff Weaver?? And Molina hitting more than his weight? This is the most backwards, black-is-West, up-is-water post-season. I said it during the NLDS, we're playing with house money. When we won that series, everything else was gravy. But to be one win away from the World Series...I can't think of a metaphor big enough.

NLCS Game Three

2006-10-15T09:28:00.000-05:00

I got last minute tickets. I lost my voice.

The first playoff game I went to was Game 3 against the Mets in 2000. The Cardinals didn't do very well that game; I don't think they scored until the 7th or 8th inning. And for a minute last night, when Eckstain got picked off, I was sure I shouldn't have gone to the game.

Oh, I also saw Glavine and Maine in the Westin bar. The proxy informed the future HOFer that he had a cocktail napkin stuck to his shoe.

NLCS Game Two

2006-10-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

The Gooch!

Speezer!

Molina!

Bullpen!!!

Jimmy!

I figured the Cardinals would win this game, but I thought it would be because of Carpenter. I didn't think that they'd beat the Mets with offense. It's very nice to see hits strung together - and a couple home runs don't hurt.

Now, do it again tomorrow.

NLCS Game One

2006-10-12T22:16:00.000-05:00

How much can you really ask of Weaver? He pitched one hell of a game, made one (very) bad pitch to Beltran, and left with the L. Weaver deserved so much better. It really got my hopes up.

Is this the beginning of the October Bat Freeze? I know they can't hit lefties, and there were a lot of hard hit balls. But, gah, let's score some runs at some point during this series. I don't think Rolen will play game two. At least, I really hope. His swing looks better, but I haven't seen that many pop-ups since the Tino days. The bullpen continues to be lovely, however.

This was more of a must-win for the Mets than the Cardinals, but damn, it would have been nice to steal.

I'm supposed to go see a movie tomorrow night. I'm not happy about that.

Hug A Yankees Fan

2006-10-11T21:41:00.000-05:00

We've been there.

No Question

2006-10-08T22:31:00.000-05:00

The Cardinals MUST resign Belliard next year.

We're playing with house money here, folks. The Cards aren't supposed to be here. This team sucks, remember? Anything in the postseason is gravy. Going to the NLCS is crazy. Bring on the Mets. After all...

...the Mets are pond scum.

I'm going to go get drunk.

Game Two

2006-10-05T18:52:00.000-05:00

Weaver=2 freakin hits???

Bullpen=no runs???

The terrible horrible Cardinals=Up 2 games to none???

Life is good.

From the Proxy

2006-10-04T00:20:00.000-05:00

photo: REUTERS/Fred Greaves (UNITED STATES)

What did he do? Lose the ball in the shadow of his former self?

Game One

2006-10-03T21:18:00.000-05:00

That was an unexpected outcome. I hoped they'd win, I wanted them to win, but but but...the bats, the bullpen, etc. Never did I think we'd get five runs off of Peavy (who whined like a little girl after the game) and hold them to just one after Carpenter. I was out and about this afternoon and got back into my car just in time to hear Albert's home run. And Rooney's call of Belliard's catch gave me goosebumps. It was lovely. The only thing I had an issue with was taking out Belliard and replacing him with Miles. It didn't really matter, but god, getting thrown out at second like that? We might see Aaron again in garbage time, but ugh. So bad. Belliard is the key - you heard it here first - Belly (see that? Clever, huh?) will win us a lot of games.

As I said to the Proxy this evening: If (he didn't want me to jinx the game in the ninth inning) we win Game One....

NLDS Roster

2006-10-03T12:08:00.000-05:00

No Reyes. I don't get it, either....

From Bernie:

Pitchers: Carpenter, Weaver, Suppan, Marquis, Kinney, Thompson, Hancock,
Looper, Wainwright, Johnson, Flores

Position players: Molina, Bennett, Pujols, Belliard, Miles, Eckstein,
Rolen, Spiezio, Duncan, Edmonds, Encarnacion, Wilson, Taguchi, Rodriguez

Whatever. It must have something to do with his pitching only two days ago. Not necessarily his performance (though it sucked), but availability. I'd rather see him throw his side session to live batters than see Marquis out there ever again.

Congratulations

2006-10-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

Hooray for the 2006 NL Central Division Champions - the 83-77 St. Louis Cardinals. I'm very glad, but I'm not going to be eating antacids like they're candy this year. I'll do a nice little wrap up later tonight or tomorrow. Right now, I'm going to watch the rest of the game, hoping that they can get more than two hits.

Good God

2006-09-28T23:55:00.000-05:00

Does anyone here know the Heimlich?

I've never left a game early (well, once when I was about to get heat stroke) until tonight. Jesus, way to go, Jason. You just pitched us out of a compensatory pick. And the post season, probably.

At the game on Tuesday, my mom commented that the team looked like they just didn't care. She's right. They're tired. They're beat up. They're ready to be done. They aren't very good, and they know it. We know it. That's why I think this collapse isn't on par with others; I expected this team to kinda suck. Blame money if it makes you feel better. Blame La Russa if you want to get in with the 2003 in crowd. Hell, if you want to take out an ad (misspelled, of course) in the Riverfront Times, have at it. But if you're shocked by this turn of events, you have unrealistic expectations.

I think, as the season dwindles, the question becomes: What can the Cardinals do next year? It's a question I don't have an answer for yet. Throwing money at the problem won't really solve it. You have to spend wisely. And I, for one, trust Jocketty to do that. So, is a change in the clubhouse needed? Well, if the team is going to go cheap, La Russa will leave. They aren't going to cut payroll, and he hasn't shown the aversion to inexperienced players so many have accused him of. There will be a lot of turn over next year. And that's fine, it's necessary. I don't think we're looking at an Ozzie- or Tino-type clubhouse division, but weeding out some less than happy players is always a good thing.

Yeah, I don't know. It sucks, but isn't unexpected. If a crappy year is what it takes to get rid of the bandwagoners who treat going to Busch as a social event rather than a baseball game, I'm all for it. I guess that's my real motivation: I don't want to be surrounded by sorority girls when I'm trying to watch a baseball game.

Timing

2006-09-28T08:58:00.000-05:00

Why couldn't I have had tickets to that game? Instead, I went Tuesday and saw Carpenter spit the bit and I'm going tonight when Marquis pitches (shudder). The proxy and I were trying to figure out who was going to pitch tonight's game during last night's game. After naming everyone, we figured it would be Narveson. Dammit. Also discussed (before Albert): a sign reading "Tanks For The Memories" for tonight's game. It would still be funny, I think.

It's like the team forgot the division wasn't wrapped up and did their usual limp to October. Only now it's being compared with the biggest collapses of all time. Let's at least wait until the end of the season to call the 2006 Cardinals The Biggest Chokers Ever In The Whole History of Baseball. Honestly, who's surprised? They had two eight-game losing streaks! The team's just not that good. Sneaking into the playoffs is the best we can hope for. The pitching won't get us very deep, neither will the hitting. I always want them to get to the playoffs, but I don't want to see them embarrassed in the first round.

Besides, I just don't know if my heart and, more importantly, liver can take another post season.

Hi

2006-09-20T09:10:00.000-05:00

I read somewhere that as fans we were "owed" a championship. That we "deserved" it.

BS. We have been so incredibly spoiled by the team over the past five years.

We aren't "owed" anything. Not a higher payroll, not a hand-built stadium, and certainly not a championship. Bernie isn't owed the finest danishes St. Louis has to offer in the pressbox (which incidentally - not as tiny as he says).

Mad that payroll isn't higher? Perhaps you haven't noticed the very large brick structure just north of Highway 40. The one that was paid for (to the tune of $340M of $365M, or 93%!) by the private owners of the team. Think they're just doing this to get ready to sell the team? Sure, they'll sell, but it won't be in the same way they did with the Rangers. There are severe penalties for selling for a number of years after Busch III opened. And if you think the team didn't need a new stadium...let's just say you can polish a turd, but it's still a turd.

Also contributing to the lack of financial flexibility is the $60M the owners are committed to spending on Ballpark Village. They'd like to spend $550M, with the regional governments kicking in $100M. Not that downtown couldn't use a $60 million development, but a $650 million development's impact on the City...I can't even imagine. I live in the City, and with every new loft and condo, the tax base gets better, the amenities get better, the City gets better. I guess people who live out in the suburbs that only come into St. Louis for the occasional game or to go to the Zoo don't see how a revitalized downtown impacts them. But it's really very simple: housing->people->taxes->schools->families->growth, or, housing->people->jobs for those people->taxes->schools->families->growth. And not just growth in St. Louis City. What does that mean for random fan from Arkansas? Not much, but they can stay a block away from the stadium and walk around downtown after the game.

So, where have I been? I got very tired of the bitching and moaning I kept reading. Honestly people, before you start whining about how La Russa and Duncan hate rookie players, take a look at the freaking roster. And please show me what indicates Reyes is going to be a stud (the one-hitter in Chicago notwithstanding. Heard from Bud Smith recently?). I don't know if DeWitt ran over Bernie's dog or what, but he has had some kind of crazy ax to grind this season. It's too bad, he used to be a good writer, but he's become a prematurely bitter old man shaking his fist at the clouds. It's one thing to be skeptical of the owners, to want them to be accountable. It's another thing to be a dick.

I've also actually been going to games. I've got two next week - right about the time they should clinch.

Really?

2006-07-31T15:47:00.000-05:00

Jorge Sosa? Ooookay. Here's the off-day game: Why?

Thug Life

2006-07-31T09:45:00.000-05:00

I really have no feelings one way or the other on the Luna/Belliard trade. I always liked Luna and never understood why he wasn't getting more time at second. But it's not like I'm heartbroken. (Side note: I took a short siesta during the game Sunday, but woke up abruptly when I thought I heard Wayne say Suppan was traded to the Yankees. That would break my heart. For some reason, I really like Suppan.) The good thing about this trade? Come on, look at him!

That's outstanding. In terms of personal grooming, the Cardinals aren't the Yankees or Marlins, but they are pretty blah. It's always good to shake things up a bit.

Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them

2006-07-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

The proxy has an interesting opportunity today. Bill DeWitt will be coming to his office. His first idea was to tape pictures of Carlos Lee (who just rejected the Brewers' $12M/year offer) on the door of the office where DeWitt will be. My idea was to ask what he really thinks of Bernie. Anyone got any better ideas?

I really hate the Cubs.

Power

2006-07-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

Read this:

"Rolen can pitch," La Russa said. "He's got cutters, forkballs, sinkers. But I hope it never gets to that."

People! We need to make this happen. I want to see Scott Rolen pitch. I don't care if it's during BP for the FSN cameras. You remember Oquendo pitching, right? This would be even better. I promise. How this will occur, I don't know - I'm open to any ideas - but it will. Oh, it will.

Also, I'd like to thank the Cardinals for restoring power to St. Louis.

See, it's funny because we didn't have electricity and they hit a lot of home runs recently, and "power" can be...no, no, it's not funny.

Hell Hath No Fury

2006-07-20T09:58:00.000-05:00

Like getting blown out twice in a row.

I hope everyone made it through the storm OK. I'm without power at home and after much searching I unearthed an old, battery radio (then stole the DVD remote batteries) just in time to listen to Buck and Rooney. It made facing the next few days without air conditioning a little less horrifying. But then I remember that it's going to be over 100 degrees today and not even the Buck/Rooney silliness could get me out of that funk.

My roommate has video on his phone of the huge light supports swaying (I swear a foot in either direction - actually all directions). Here's Will from Deadspin's first hand account. Speaking of Deadspin, remember when they said Pujols' trainer was named in the Grimsley affidavit? And how it wasn't true? And now Will's in St. Louis? Here's the Riverfront Times coverstory while Will was in town, with a huge picture of Pujols on the cover. Aaaawkwaaaard.

Free At Last

2006-07-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

John Gall. Oh, John Gall. Bernie had your back a few years ago and people never let it go. Now you can get away from all the fawning internet nerds, away from the attention poured upon you during your brief call-ups, away from people who think you'll ever be more than a AAAA player, away from the lost promise. All the way to Korea. I guess the Korean Peninsula is slightly safer than Beirut right now, so that's something.

Uh, Yeah

2006-07-14T07:59:00.000-05:00

See below.

There Is A God

2006-07-11T21:51:00.000-05:00

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

What The...?

2006-07-10T08:53:00.000-05:00

The Cardinals won a series? By winning three games? In a row? Goodness. I can't remember ever seeing someone actually called out for not touching the base. I very nearly put my hand through my sunroof before I remembered it was closed after Pujols' home run Saturday. Speaking of, the proxy (who is filling in over at The Red Crush) called that one. I however, called Rodriguez's Friday night.

So, is Lidge broken or just in a bad patch? He's already equaled his walk total from 2005. The strike out rate is a bit down, but is still 12.43/9. Take a look at his stats and tell me what you think. I vote for In A Funk With Severe Cardinals-Related Issues.

For anyone interested, the Science Channel has a program on tonight called "Baseball's Secret Formula." I think it features a lot of Red Sox, but still should be more exciting than the Home Run Derby. If I had remembered to set the TiVo, I'd have something about my favorite part of the All-Star Game: Celebrity Softball. For no rational reason, I love the softball game. Oh, well. I'm sure ESPN Classic will replay the epic battle between B-movie stars and aging ball players wondering what the appearance fee is.

If The Answer Is Weaver

2006-07-05T21:18:00.000-05:00

What the hell is the question?

Seat Cushion Night

2006-06-29T08:22:00.000-05:00

Duh.

Ok, not as dramatic as a grand slam, but I'll take it. It's better to be lucky than good, etc., etc. Thank goodness for the tivo; I can watch those seat cushions soaring majestically through the stadium again and again.

And so can you. It's a bit jumpy, but...

Off Day Question: Be honest. At any point during the eight game losing streak, did you look up the symptoms of bipolar disorder on the internet or ever consider calling your doctor?

Feel Better?

2006-06-27T15:40:00.000-05:00

I present, as a release for your frustration, Lee Elia's Rant. In both written and audio forms. Enjoy (but not at work) because you know it could be a lot worse. We could be Cub fans.

I will be at the game tonight in the right field bleachers. I'll pour beer on the bullpen for all of you.

Huh

2006-06-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

I can admit when I'm wrong. And new information has come to light that when I said Anthony Reyes wasn't the second coming I was wrong.

So there ya go.

Hat tip to the proxy.

Really?

2006-06-22T16:41:00.000-05:00

Pujols is apparently in the line up tonight. Is it possible to play first base and bat and all that stuff without having to move? Is there enough bubble wrap in all of Chicago to allay Cards fans' fears? I was gonna watch Earl and The Office instead of the travesty of a baseball game I was expecting for tonight, but now....

And no, Reyes is not the second coming and he's certainly not reason enough to watch a football game in June. He's an intriguing, young, cheap pitcher who's never faced anything like the White Sox line up. He is not going to save the staff from doom (if that is in fact where it is heading). I am not in the group that thinks Tony refuses to use Reyes because he doesn't like young pitchers. That is complete and utter crap. It's something created to further an argument like 4 years ago on a nascent Bernie's Pressbox. Thompson, Wainwright, Johnson. Not veterans. La Russa does what gives the club a better chance to win. If that means holding back a bit on a kid with prior arm trouble (oh-ha ha-prior and arm trouble) who's never pitched more than 150 innings a season, sounds good to me. There was no reason to use him for more than spot starts - until now. I'll probably avoid the internet tomorrow cause it's going to be one of two things. One: Reyes gets bombed, ergo Tony set him up to fail and the team should be contracted. Two: Reyes does well, and everyone thinks we'd be in first by 15 games instead of 4-ish if Anthony was in the rotation all year and Tony/Duncan/Jocketty are all idiots for not bringing him up sooner. Give me an effing break. I'll read McSweeney's.

Oh, yeah. Mulder's DL'ed.

Oops!... I Did It Again

2006-06-21T09:10:00.000-05:00

Ooh no

No no no no no no
No no no no no no

I know I did it again
I made you believe we might have a chance
Oh, crap
It might seem like a slump
But it doesn't mean I can do better
'Cause to lose all my control
That is just so typically me
Oh, double, triple

Oops!...I did it again
I gave up homeruns, and lost the damn game
There's another one
Oops!...You think I'll get fixed
That I'm probably hurt
I'm not that good this year

You see my problem is this
I'm dreaming away
Wishing for zeros, just like Burnett
I try, watching the score
Can't you see I am done in so many ways
But to lose all my control
That is just so typically me
Oh, double

Oops!...I did it again
I gave up homeruns, and lost the damn game
There's another one
Oops!...You think I'll get fixed
That I'm probably hurt
I'm not that good this year

No no no no no no
No no no no no no

"You there!"
"Tony, before I go, there's something I want you to have."
"Oh thank you very much, but wait a minute, isn't this...?"
"Yeah, yes it is"
"But I really don't think we would want that around the clubhouse."
"Well Tony, Ponson's already got it."
"No, take it with you."

Oops!...I did it again to the team
And lost the damn game, oh baby
Oops!... You think I'll get fixed
I'm not that good this year

Oops!...I did it again
I gave up homeruns, and lost the damn game
There's another one
Oops!...You think I'll get fixed
That I'm probably hurt
I'm not that good this year

Oops!...I did it again
I gave up homeruns, and lost the damn game
There's another one
Oops!...You think I'll get fixed
That I'm probably hurt
I'm not that good this year

-Apologies to Max Martin, who actually wrote the original.

Broken

2006-06-20T20:08:00.000-05:00

Mulder, honey. Looks can only get you so far. Giving up nine runs in one third of an inning will not take you the rest of the way.

Late game edit: So, Ozzie. You think running up the score is awesome? One effing sub? Yeah, I've learned Karma's A Bitch. Am I a sore loser? Maybe. But this is regoddamndiculous.

So NOT cool.

Road Trip

2006-06-14T07:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, a day late.

A warehouse with a puffy roof

They sell margaritas in the stands

Heaven In Plastic

Sausage Race Standings

Miller Park

Beer, Brats, and bellyscratcher

2006-06-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

The proxy and I spent Saturday evening in lovely Miller Park. Lovely may be too strong a word. Nice. Yes, nice Miller Park. You see, even though it's pretty close to downtown, it is surrounded by parking lots. I guess this helps with the Northern people's tendency towards grilling meat encased in intestines before sporting events, but it makes getting to the actual field of play difficult. Also, from said parking lots, the stadium looks like a warehouse.

Even though it ended in a loss, the game was fun. Rolen hit a home run which was good to see. The sausage race got the crowd almost as excited as the final out. Turnbow remains a muppet. They should make little stuffed Turnbows for a give-a-way some night. Or put him on Sesame Street. The eight year-olds behind us we're pretty rudimentary in their smack talk. I had something even better than Busch's super nachos: Cheesy Waffle Fries in a Helmet. Oh, man. Heaven in plastic.

Pictures tonight....

Eaten By Catfish Is Such A Terrible Way To Go

2006-06-09T10:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, so Pujols' trainer knows a guy. Hell, I know a guy. I could go down to the local gym and find a guy if I needed.

Still, though. It doesn't look good. And, as we've seen, appearance is nearly everything. If Barry Bonds had been nicer early in his career, would he be as vilified now? I doubt it. I know Pujols said he's been tested for steroids three times this year; he hasn't been tested for HGH. I guess we have to wait to see what Mihlfeld says. Not that he'd throw his benefactor under the bus. People will either choose to believe Albert or they won't. But a lot more people are not going to believe him than at this time yesterday. It would really suck if he's being using HGH. The greenies? Eh, if you suspended every ball player who's taken them, there'd be lots of call-ups from AA just to fill out the line up card.

Update: Mihlfeld issued a statement. So that's nice. Still, this isn't going away anytime soon.

Off Day Game

2006-06-08T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well, not really a game. A poll.

I am:
A) Al Hrabosky-everything is fine. Hey you!! Yeah, you. Stop booing. Don't make me come over there.
B) Chris Carpenter is dreamy. Huh? They lost? That sucks.
C) Not smoking the crack rock like you. It's June 8th and they are still in first place.
D) Annoyed. Their record against the Central isn't good.
E) Going to watch 2 hours of My Name Is Earl tonight to forget my pain.
F) Watching Extra Innings to scout trades, because, let's face it, the team needs more offense and/or pitching.
G) Hoping the kids get to play more to get them ready for next year.
H) Driving to the Eads Bridge as soon as I get off the computer.

Leave your choice in the comments.

To: The St. Louis Cardinals

2006-06-07T09:55:00.000-05:00

TO: The St. Louis Cardinals
FROM: bellyscratcher

RE: The Sucking

Dear St. Louis Cardinals:

Really? Eric Milton?

Guys, come on. I know that half the team has had some sort of weird injury (you win the prize, Bigbie), that Izzy couldn't find the plate if he was standing on it, that Bernie is on some sort of crusade to stir things up for reasons known only to himself (I personally think DeWitt made fun of his glasses), that some asshats are insinuating Pujols may not be entirely organic.

Remember 2004? That was fun. It doesn't look like you're having fun this year. Remember 2005? When you lost Rolen and the corpse of Larry Walker was patrolling right field? People stepped up. Who's gonna step up this year? Reyes has done well on the pitching side; Encarnacion, would you like to volunteer?

La Russa, I know you'll never do this, but can you at least kinda think about maybe moving Izzy to middle relief for a week or so while he works on his control? Looper can close (provided there are no lefties), so could Adam, I bet. Just something to chew on.

Anyway. I hope you boys can pull your heads out of your asses and hit the ball (please hit the ball so much that Izzy is not needed) and catch the ball. Or else I am going to change this to a World Cup blog - and nobody wants to read me talking about soccer. Trust me on this.

Love,

bellyscratcher

Barf

2006-06-06T18:30:00.000-05:00

Let's just move on, shall we? Carpenter's starting tonight.

The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives

2006-06-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

So, no Albert. Well then.

Whatever. It sucks to lose both the Cy Young and MVP to injury (though I think Carpenter should be back this week, yes?). Can't really do anything about it right now. We saw what happened to the Cubs after Lee went down, but I think the Cardinals are better equipped to weather Pujols' injury. For starters, the Cubs' leadoff guy has an OBP of .282. Gah. Eckstein? Yeah, his OBP is .392. Of course that doesn't mean jack if there's no one to drive him in, but Rolen is looking quite nice, Encarnacion has been picking it up, and if Jimmy can stay in the lineup he's (almost) always useful. Even Yadi is batting above .200 now. Throw in Taguchi and Luna and Spiezio and chances are the Cards won't be shut out.

And that's good, especially if Marquis can't get his head in the game or Mulder can't get out of his funk.

I don't want to be too Cardinal-colored-glasses-wearing. All the scrappy bench players in the world can't replace Pujols. Chris Duncan may be a serviceable major leaguer, we'll see, but I know Albert Pujols, and he's no Albert Pujols. There's still roughly two months before the trading deadline. As long as Walt knows the answer is never, ever Phil Nevin. When they've lost 10 straight and Miles is brought in to relieve in the 6th? Then I'll panic.

In the mean time, join Red Hot Mama and I for some long overdue smack talk tonight. It's pickles versus soup. The Reds are annoyingly close in the standings and harbor delusions of grandeur.

Moral Dilemma

2006-06-01T08:40:00.000-05:00

So, as I've said, I think Ozzie Smith is a little bitch. The problem is his restaurant is really the only place I can watch day games (the proxy and I were discussing getting a La Russa jersey to wear there). I feel pretty hypocritical, but I also enjoy the TVs.

But soon that will no longer be the case! Problem solved! The announcement is at noon today and I might just try to get in.

I think Molina plucks his eyebrows. But it appears he got that missing tooth fixed.

Just how did Leach get those quotes from Taguchi? I can never, ever understand his post-game interviews.

Off day game: What's a better name for Albert's restaurant ("Pujols 5" sucks)?

No Shit?!

2006-05-25T16:53:00.000-05:00

I love this...

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Three Things

2006-05-24T13:01:00.000-05:00

The good: Bonds won't hit 715 against the Cards
The bad: Carpenter's been scratched for today's game
The awesome: Thompson's starting instead

Grow Up, Folks! Grow Up!

2006-05-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, in an attempt to see how people were reacting to the Tony v. Ozzie, I read the Post-Dispatch forums. Ugh. Bad idea. A few people are stuck in 1985 and can't fathom that Smith was not the best option at short stop (they probably wear overly-large Ray Bans and pastel t-shirts, too). Sure, he had a higher average than Clayton during Spring Training, but he also had a bum shoulder and 40-year old legs.

There's no reason for Smith to keep bringing this up. I wonder if he thinks he's turning people against La Russa by speaking out? Like people are going to rise up and oust La Russa so Smith can come to Spring Training? Unfortunately, he's doing just the opposite. I know Cards Talk is hardly the bastion of well-reasoned baseball discussion, but at least 80% side with La Russa on this. Tony's kept his mouth shut about any disagreements and extended olive branches. At some point he had to think enough is enough, ignoring it isn't working. Besides, does anyone want Ozzie's me-first, team-later attitude around the club anyway?

Ozzie really needs to let this go, if not privately at least publicly. I'm sure Hummel asked him about it, but Ozzie could have said, "No comment." Instead, he continues to bring up a decade-old feud as a way to keep his name in the news.

Ozzie, you were a great player, a shitty broadcaster, and now you are a petty, bitter former superstar. You are not bigger than the game or the team. Shut up and get over it, already.

Kneel Before Zod

2006-05-19T12:57:00.000-05:00

Seriously. Look at the second to last sentence I wrote yesterday.

We're off to play the Royals. These kinds of series always slightly bug me since, yeah, we should kick the shit out of KC, but last year Eckstein had 3 errors in one game. So youneverknow, ya know?

Enjoy the weekend, everyone.

Business Persons Special

2006-05-18T11:37:00.000-05:00

Seen on the text messaging board at the game Monday:

"Jaime, the wedding's off --John"

We've been trying to come up with something funny, yet still printable. Nothing we've sent in has made it up. "Pond Scum," I'm sure, didn't pass the first test. But it beats "Jenny U R Awsom!!" and "Chris luvs Mandy." These people have mullets. And are spending $3 to misspell their own name. Next time, I'm going to send in something about a halfshirt. Just to see what happens.

I love the Joe Buck games. I know some people think he's too smarmy, but he cracks me up. After the game, you could tell he'd had enough of Al and was about to call him one dumb (noun calling into question Al's relationship with his female parent) and walk off the set. And the game was pretty good, too. But I think it's time to drop Pujols in the order - I mean 0-7 with just one walk this series? At least start exploring trade opportunities, Walt. Mulder has more hits this series than Albert (and has the same .316 BA).

Nearly game time...I work next door to Ozzie's which makes these day games quite enjoyable. An hour at the bar (never drinking of course) watching the game really breaks up the work day. Peter's right - it's flamboyant headcase vs. stubborn headcase today. I'll say Marquis' meltdown comes in the fourth inning.

Update: Or Pujols could just not play today. Hope his back and leg and feet are OK.

Now We Know

2006-05-17T08:23:00.000-05:00

Turns out when you combine me, the Mets, and all-you-can-drink beer you get rain. Lots and lots of rain. And four run 8th innings for the Pond Scum. Poor Brad, giving up all those runs. Albert will buy him a nice dinner to make up for the error, I'm sure.

Luckily, I will not be at the remaining games.

Come to think of it, it's probably because I wasn't keeping score. The last time that happened only a Pujols walk-off saved the day.

Let's See What Happens

2006-05-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

When you mix bellyscratcher, Pond Scum, and all the free beer I can drink.

Even though the weather's nasty, tonight should be...interesting.

Off Day Game

2006-05-15T09:42:00.000-05:00

Current records:

Carpenter: 3-2
Mulder: 4-1
Marquis: 4-4
Suppan: 4-2
Ponson: 3-0

Yeah, yeah, we all know a pitcher's W-L doesn't mean very much. But what do you think the final records will be for our rotation?

Half Day

2006-05-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

Remember in grade school when you'd watch videos on half days? Well, with the early game, it's kinda like a half day here in Cardinals world. I posted this in the smack talk comments, but in case you missed it, here's someone having some fun with the Cubs.

What Am I Doing Here?

2006-05-01T15:43:00.000-05:00

This is what the Reds must be asking themselves. I mean, they're tied with the Cardinals for first in the NL Central. How nice for them.

At least when they're 20 games out in July they'll have something to hang their hats on.

Sadly, the slow (or maybe not so slow) slide into the bottom of the division begins tonight. Having blown Mulder's most recent bid for win #100, the team (more specifically, Izzy) will make sure that does not happen again. And really, who does Arroyo think he is? No one is impressed by some white guy who had cornrows. What. A. Dork.

Red Hot Mama and I will be talking smack tonight, though I get home just before game time and have to, you know, eat, so I might be a bit tardy.

Congratulations

2006-04-28T21:50:00.000-05:00

To Albert the Great for tying the April home run record. So there is something good in this game. Stupid ass Marquis.

Roster Moves

2006-04-28T16:28:00.000-05:00

Rincon's been put on the DL, Gall is up. I have no idea what Mike Smith was talking about with the "last of Rincon" stuff. Dude's got a two-year, $3 million contract. The Cards aren't going to eat that. Besides, Tony would sit in a corner of the dugout, looking lost and forlorn if there was only one LOOGY on the roster.

I'm Not Dead Yet

2006-04-27T18:20:00.000-05:00

Really. I've finally got TV and internet at my new place...just can't really get through the boxes yet. Tonight, Fat Sid verses some lefty kid. I hate facing new guys. They always seem to give us trouble.

"Podcasting" is what the kids call it, I believe

2006-04-20T08:15:00.000-05:00

I haven't listened yet since my work computer doesn't have speakers and I still don't have internet at home. But you can! Red Hot Mama has posted the smack from the first inning of Saturday's game. It's a little over nine minutes and you can even download it to your ipod (yes?). I can't wait to find out what silly stuff I said at the beginning of the game and the sillier stuff after a couple beers.

You know, I think Chris Carpenter could really put it all together someday.

Live From Tape Delay

2006-04-17T09:40:00.000-05:00

This weekend was the first series with the Reds this year and normally Red Hot Mama and I would get together online for a little smack talking. Clearly, this did not happen. You see, during Friday's game she was en route to St. Louis. We took in the games Saturday and Sunday (I missed HR #2 being, of course, in line). Aside from the baseball sass (which the proxy and RHM's Jon also took part in) our weekend consisted of beer, kosher dogs, nachos, beer, Uncle Bill's and laughing at the Really Drunk Girl. It was a blast; RHM is more fun in person. There will be recorded smack available this week.

My contribution to the multi-media extravaganza? I forgot my camera both games.

I'm without internet and TV for a few days, so Albert better wait until the end of the week to have another three home run game. And I'm sooooo done with Encarnacion. He has to win us the World Series for me to forgive the dropped ball and caught stealing yesterday. Ick.

Ripping Off Fungoes

2006-04-13T10:45:00.001-05:00

Caption this:

(AP Photo/James A. Finley)

When I Am Old

2006-04-13T08:02:00.000-05:00

And no one around knows any better, I will tell the tale of the night Jimmy Edmonds hit an inside-the-park grand slam. If anyone says that it was a double and two errors, I'll just laugh and tell them it's a myth to devalue the Great James Patrick Edmonds.

Welcome to Baseball Hangover

2006-04-11T08:19:00.001-05:00

I was in a line for Mulder's homerun. I missed the 9th inning because I'm short. But, boy does my head hurt. Pictures and real sentences to follow.

Ok, the pictures are going to be delayed. But I saw Red and Lamping while I was going down the stairs. I said, "Red!" but he didn't hear me. I should have bugged Lamping for a job. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

Over The River

2006-04-10T20:00:00.000-05:00

Over the river and thru downtown,
To the new park we go;
The cab knows the way
But "Hurry," we say,
"We're meeting them at The Man," oh!
Over the river and thru downtown,
Oh, how the beer does flow!
We know our foe,
And know which row,
As we see our favorites throw.

Over the river and thru downtown,
To watch some first-rate play;
Oh, hear the man call,
"Let's All Play Ball!"
Hurrah for Opening Day-ay!
Over the river and thru downtown,
It's been a long delay!
But we're where it's at,
The birds on the bat!
For this is Opening Day.

P.S. Izzy: YOU SUCK!

P.P.S. I'll be at the game in SRO, so if you yell, "bellyscratcher!" really loud, I might hear you.

Niiiiice

2006-04-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

Now. Beat those baby bears. Badly. Make those bleacher bums cry into their Old Style and make those CFBs say, "It's not fair!" as they stamp their perfectly pedicured feet in frustration.

Never Easy

2006-04-05T21:02:00.000-05:00

Izzy?

My Socks Have Been Knocked Off

2006-04-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

To get this out of the way, the bad first:
Food lines were waaay too long. I couldn't wait that long for nachos, so I got a kosher dog from a stand (still delicious). The seats behind us didn't have cup holders. Lots of people are going to get wet if it rains. The directories aren't up yet, so I walked up four flights of stairs not knowing where the escalators or ramps were.

Now, the good:
The park is beautiful. The concourses wide, bathrooms large, sightlines nearly perfect. Lots of SRO. Plenty of beer and dog stands (again, the lines for the big "Gashouse Grill" type places were crazy, stands were fine). I basically walked around all night with a silly little grin on my face or with my mouth hanging open.

To sum up:
1 Kosher Dog ($5.50), 1.5 24 oz. beers ($8.25 each), 2 complete circuits of the stadium, 3 innings actually seen. Sorry I can't tell you about the game itself, but I will come back with a full report from...OPENING DAY.

Finally:
Pictures. Sorry they're in the post rather than a link to a slide show, but I don't get this internet thing.

Traffic Will Suck

2006-04-04T12:30:00.000-05:00

In a few hours, I'll be sitting in the right field corner.

(KMOV webcam)

Beer and scorecard in hand. Per the Official Site, you can watch for free via the internet.

The Lollipop Guild

2006-04-04T08:09:00.000-05:00

We represent
The Lollipop Guild,
The Lollipop Guild,
The Lollipop Guild,
And in the name of
The Lollipop Guild
We wish to welcome you to Cardinal Land

-With love from Aaron and David, the Munchkins of the National League

The Real Opening Day

2006-04-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

Finally.

It a little over five hours, David Eckstein will come to the plate. Shortly thereafter, Albert Pujols will make Jon Lieber cry like a little girl. I'll miss seeing it live because of work, but luckily this will be repeated about 95 times over the course of the season. Because we can't be known only for having the tiniest middle infield ever.

Someone needs to explain to me why today isn't a national holiday.

Here's today's Press Pass.

Update: I am a genius.

Opening...Night

2006-04-02T19:01:00.000-05:00

Ok, tornados have passed through and I'm ready to go.

I Hate Losing To The Pond Scum

2006-03-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

Well, it took a couple days longer than expected, but I was one of the lucky few who got the newly released tickets for the minor league exhibition game. Add that with the Open House passes and it almost makes up for not getting Opening Day tickets.

Almost.

Ok, no it doesn't.

At all.

But I will be posting lots of pictures from both for those that can't attend. Speaking of posting, it's been pretty light around here. My big move is just about completed (unpacking remains, but that's fun) and there's only a few days left until Real Baseball. I invited RHM to smack-talk that Sunday night game; we've had a long off season, too. We only have two weeks before we smack-talk for real. And it's going to start off a little differently this year....

Willie!

2006-03-24T08:09:00.000-06:00

I normally don't listen to this show, but something this morning compelled me to change the station. Less than a minute later, I hear Tim McKernan wax poetic (well, maybe not poetic) about retiring #51. There needs to be a coordinated radio/internet campaign.

If everything works out as planned tomorrow, I'll be in possession of tickets to the open house at the new stadium and the minor league exhibition game. At which I'll take many pictures. Of course, my other tickets are included in the barcode snafu, so we'll see if I can actually get in the stadium to see a real major league game.

Number Five

2006-03-16T18:18:00.001-06:00

Per Bernie, it's Sir Sidney.

I See Baseball Players

2006-03-14T21:41:00.000-06:00

Before I start the game: Oh Good God. You're kidding me. That's too rich.

Last spring I liveblogged the first televised Spring Training game. So I'm doing it again. And yeah, I know what happens, but it's baseball.

Pre Game: Oooh, look at all the khaki shirts on the BBTN guys. Kruk is still fat. Blah, blah, blah. A sweaty Karl Ravech is not a pretty Karl Ravech. No, you idiot, Al Reyes is hurt. It's Anthony Reyes they're looking at for the 5th spot. Riviera interview that I don't care about.

1st Inning: Here's Randy. Still very tall, still very ugly. Too much Torre. And a priest back behind him. I guess Joe's too old for him. I do really like Spivey's short pants. And he strikes out. The socks are not going to help him win that 2nd base job. So's so skinny. Nice, solid single to left. Harold says it's hot in the Florida sun. No kidding. Hey! It's Scotty! Can o' corn to right. Uh, that's not Chris Duncan playing for the Yankees. Jesus, Karl. Sweet, the Gooch steals 2nd! Gall pops up to 2nd. Here comes Ponson. Luna throws out some guy. Ack, comebacker. Giambi flies out to left. No harm done.

2nd Inning: Tony's laughing in the dugout. Spiezio grounds out. Ah, Chris Duncan. But he strikes out. Oh, this is where I came in during lunch today. Luna didn't mean to, but hits a little squibber to third. Sheffield pops up to Rolen in just foul territory. Ponson is still pretty big. He's got a weird little hitch in his delivery. I don't know how anyone can get any momentum with that. Another pop up. Exactly the same. Weird. Single to center. Just noticed the red hats with the away unis. Grounder to short. Very quiet there.

Jimmy!!!! He doesn't feel pressure, but feels pressure. He says he's 4-for-5; he's gotten lucky four times. I bet he's gotten lucky more than four times. How was he not invited to the WBC? Stupid.

3rd Inning: Nice catch by Matsui gets Cruz. Who is Jose Reyes, Harold? A long out. Spivey's line drive right at Cairo. But he gives Randy a nice little smile. Sooooo nice to see Rolen actually playing. As wonderful a surprise as Nunez was, he's certainly no Rolen. Ponson wants to keep pitching, someone's slowing down the game and he's annoyed. Luna's looking ok at short. I don't know what to do with him. Memphis? St. Louis? Someone make a case either way. They're talking about Farnsworth. Remember that homerun Taguchi hit off him July 20, 2004? Easy grounder to 2nd. Ooooh, can we really talk about the Yankee bullpen some more after the commercials, Karl? Thanks!!!

4th Inning: Oops, Taguchi strikes out. Rolen flies to right. Ho hum. Oh, somebody hit the ball about three feet. Damn, homerun Cano. 1-0 Yankees. Renyolds is talking to some guy from the New York organization. Not everybody hangs on every move the Yankees make, ESPN. Tony Pena's coaching for the Yankees, I didn't know that! Full count on Giambi, and he pops up to shallow center. You shut up about Taguchi, stupid fat Kruk. He's awesome. You're just ignorant. Spivey goes into shallow right to make the next out. I am getting dumber listening to these guys. They aren't as bad as MIL's announcers. Grounder to 2nd.

5th Inning: Tony! You know he just loves these in game interviews. He's watching Rolen closely. Spiezio, too. Hmmmm, close pitch. I don't like the junk on Duncan's face. Chris, not Dave. Holy shit. That went onto the highway. Holy shit. Dave smiles. Harold tries to get some attention. La Russa really likes Chris. Luna looks silly. But then singles to center. Tony says he might steal now-he's got a green light. And he does, but the throw is bad and Luna gets to 3rd. "Percentage of success" is what Tony's steal philosophy is. If this were July, there'd be a suicide squeeze right now. Fair! Right over the bag, Luna scores! Another hit (Hernandez?); 1st and 2nd, one out. C'mon, Junior. Skied right behind 2nd base. Taguchi will come through. He's money with RISP. He gets a walk from Randy. (Albert's 0-3 tonight-he's up with the bases loaded, 2 outs, tie game. Tivo is paused. PB gets the runner from 3rd home. No more grand slam. Grounds out to third. Back to the Cards) Rolen flies out to the track with the bases loaded. Oh well. Izzy's in. Walt's on TV. He's also impressed with Chris Duncan. Kruk is sweating like a pig. Jocketty explains how the Ponson signing came about. Very nice play gets the guy at 1st. Now Walt's talking about Spiezio. Strike out! Now he's talking about AJ Burnett. Nice curve. Deivi Cruz is a "Key Addition"? Ok.... Look, Izzy's letting people on base! This inning is never going to end. Another nice curve. New stadium shots. Hot damn, it looks good. Sod's going in tomorrow. Call Walt for tickets this summer. Oh, we're the Best Fans in Baseball. Grounder to Rolen.

6th Inning: Gall vs. Mariano Riviera. Let's see who wins this battle. Oh, only a very pretty play gets him at first. Not a fan of Spiezio's red chin thing. I missed how he got out. Kruk says Chris Duncan is a "large human being." And he strikes out. Reyes in. That's Anthony, not Al. He has a nice bottom. Leadoff hit. And another hit, first and third, no outs. Oh, sac fly by Giambi ties the game. Nice catch, Bigbie. Fly out to center. Duncan, at first now, handles the third out himself.

7th Inning: Farnsworth in for the Yankees. Luna singles under the glove of the third baseman. Jimmy! Big cheers for him. The crew's starting to talk about Jimmy's Hall of Fame chances. Harold's crushing on Farnsworth, and Luna steals another base! Oh, Jimmy strikes out. Shoot. Ooops, I missed an out. Spivey's up now. Ouch, hit on the hand. Harold asks him if he's ok. And now Taguchi's buzzed and he walks almost all the way back to the dugout. Think that's payback? 15 year career for Taguchi? Kruk obviously doesn't know that So's like 36. So walks, and they make fun of J-Rod. And rightly so, no one should nickname themselves. Ugh, grounds out with the bases loaded.

8th Inning: I'm skipping the Yankees' at-bats cause it's getting late. But Reyes had a quick inning. Bigbie singles to right. Kruk was never, ever 180 lbs. Spiezio gets a single (2nd baseman should have had it) and Bigbie goes to third. Late call, but Duncan grounds to first, they tried to get two at 2nd, no dice. Bigbie scores. Luna flies to left. Oh, Daubach pops out, but we have the lead again. Another scoreless inning for Reyes from what I could tell fast forwarding the Tivo.

9th Inning: Mike Myers! Who gives up a single to Hernandez, the third catcher. Yay-dee-air Molina? Sure. That's how it's pronounced. Tony's laughing again. So's not a 20 homerun guy. SPIVEY GETS A HIT!!! First and third, no outs. So is sooo money. Nuts, fly to right, cut off man gets Spivey at 2nd, but the run scores. Ugh, pop out right behind the plate. Oooh, Carpenter and Mulder. Yum. Reyes still in. Oh, here comes the "He went to college with Mark Prior" crap. Hmph. Leadoff single. Reyes is falling behind. Spivey can't get that and it's first and third with no outs. This seems familiar. Broken bat $99.99! But the run scores. The Yankees can't find anyone to go to the plate. Champions, indeed. Strike out! That's a winner!

I'm Shocked! Shocked!!

2006-03-07T17:32:00.000-06:00

Wait...no, I'm not. Is anyone?

A Few Little Bits

2006-03-05T16:05:00.000-06:00

It's a horrible, drizzly, cold day in St. Louis. The cure for this is to listen to the Cards/Marlins game.

-I like Rooney. And I missed Shannon. They work very well together and already sound better than Mike and Wayne. We're going to be spoiled.
-I just heard my first "Real Men of Genius" commercial. Love these.
-The stadium is looking fantastic. They've been testing the scoreboard that faces the street the past few days causing much slowing on 40.
-Not doing so well afield in the later innings today.

Real Live Baseball

2006-03-04T11:55:00.000-06:00

I've tried staying up to watch the WBC but that's just not happening. Luckily, my gameday radio thingy from last year still works. So I'll listen to the Marlins and Cards this afternoon. I don't know how long I'll be able to listen, but I'll do this as long as I can.

Line Up
Eckstein (SS)
Sooooo (CF)
Gall (LF)
Molina (C)
Pellow - no idea who that is (1B)
Duncan (RF)
Luna (3B)
Spivey (2B)
Redman (DH)
Ponson (P)

1st Inning: Called strike. Bad throw to first, but they get Eckstein. Taguchi also grounds out. Gall walks. C'mon Yadi!! Blech, he pops up to 2nd. Marlins guys talking about Ponson's little habits. I lose my feed and some guy (Lenny Harris I think) gets on. Oh, lovely. The ball drops between Spivey and Duncan, but I think it was in foul territory. Yeah, it was. Oooh, struck him out. Blah, blah, blah. Nothing's happening really so the announcer is just rambling about junk. Second backwards K. Oh, that's it. I must have missed an out somewhere. That's fine. Good job, Ponson.

2nd Inning: Pellow grounds out. So does Duncan. So does Luna on an apparently fine play. This is hard to do listening to the radio. Arugh, Stokes (?) hits a double off the wall. Ooops, Ponson hits the next batter. Setting up the double play. Yes, that's what he's doing. Ah, strike out. I don't like the creeping of the DH. Dammit, 3-run home run. Struck out somebody for the third out. I missed another out. Oh, well.

3rd Inning: Spivey's hitless so far, eh? Hmmm. Still is after grounding to third. Redman swings at something too high and sits back down. What the heck? Eckstein struck out, too. Reyes is in to pitch. Grounder to Spivey. Single to center. Can o' corn to the Gooch. Hit and run was on, so it's first & third. Ah, force at second gets us out of the inning.

4th Inning: So gets the first hit, a double. Gall flies out. Yadi pops up again. Grounder to third. This kind of sucks. So makes a nice catch. Pellow tosses to Reyes for the second out. Reyes fields a comebacker for a nice 1-2-3 inning.

5th Inning: Duncan grounds out. Luna grounds out. Hey, Junior, try flying out. Just to shake things up. Nope, ground out, but at least it was to third rather than second.

Ok, I have some real life stuff to take care of. Not looking good for the Cards in this game.

2006-02-27T15:57:00.000-06:00

I'm still trying to catch up after my week with no internet. Who knew the world was so scary without email? Anyway, doesn't look like I'll be going to the exhibition game between AAA and AA since the tickets sold out in 20 minutes. Spivey's pants are outstanding, Ankiel's being pumped up quite a bit, and Tony's gonna be on mlb.radio in a few minutes. I will be up and running as soon as I can get my head on straight again.

Oh, yeah. I really am updating the links. So check out all the new and recently moved blogs.

Home Again

2006-02-24T10:09:00.000-06:00

It doesn't look any different, I'm not podcasting, I'm not getting paid...BUT

This is what I get to wake up to:

(KMOV livecam)

Scott's not the only one who'll be reporting from the scene this year.

One Stop Shopping 2006

2006-02-15T18:38:00.000-06:00

One of the happiest days of the year is almost upon us and I am going to be without internet for several days. Oh, well.

Reports from the scene:
Bird Land (supposedly daily updates)
KSDK (they had lots of interviews up last year)
KMOV
Yahoo! Pictures
Fox Video
Getty Images
Flagship Station
Sun-Sentinel
Palm Beach Post
TC Palm Cards Blog

Most of these are empty, I'm assuming they'll start getting stuff up Thursday or Friday. If you find anything else, lemme know.

Enjoy the first days of Spring Training and that more fabulous bellyitcher I mentioned will be back next week.

Creepy

2006-02-09T20:50:00.000-06:00

Really. There are even clips.

Though, I don't know if this is as bad as the Nutcracker.

The Third Frog Is Dead?

2006-02-09T14:12:00.000-06:00

Starting now, I am ignoring the whole payroll brouhaha. Why? Because it bores me. It's the offseason version of Ray King blowing a game. Sucks, but bitching doesn't change anything. Kinda makes us seem like spoiled brats, actually.

Instead, I present something exciting: the scoreboard (from last night)

(from KMOV's helicopter)

Disregard the snow.

Me and Jason Marquis

2006-02-05T03:30:00.000-06:00

Busted flat at the Pirates, prayin' for a break
When I's feeling nearly bad as Dave Duncan
Jason left the Nationals scoreless in his wake
The messages had finally sunk in

I pulled out of the closet my dirty red home cap
I was crying soft while Jason sung the blues
Groundball outs were marking time, I was hoping Jason could go nine
I cheered every pitch that Jason threw

Sinker's just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing, I mean nothing - gotta listen to Dunc's pleas, no no
Yeah, feeling good wasn't easy Lord when he sang the blues
You know, one good game was good enough for me
Good enough for me and that Jason Marquis.

From the Astros' bandbox to spacious PETCO Park
Yeah, Jason looked completely lost out there
Through all kinds of bullpens, through many talks with Mark
Yeah, Jason tried to keep away from despair

One day a near the deadline Lord, we could trade him away
He's lookin' for that home, and I hope he finds it
But I'd trade all of his curve balls for one single hard sinker
To be seein' Jason learn what his pitch is

Sinker's just another word for nothing left to lose
Nothing, I mean nothing - gotta listen to Dunc's pleas
Yeah, feeling good wasn't easy Lord when he sang the blues
You know, one good game was good enough for me, hmm hmm
Good enough for me and that Jason Marquis.

La-da-da La-da-da-da La-da-da da-da da-da
La-da-da da-la-da la-da, Jason Marquis, yeah
La-da-la-da-la-da La-da-la-da-da
La-da-la-da-la-la, Jason Marquis, yeah
La-da-da La-da-da La da-da La da-da
La-da-da La da-da La da-da
Hey, that Jason, Lord, that Jason Marquis, yeah
Lo-da-lo da-la-lo-da-la
Lo-da-la-lo da-la-lo la-la-lo la-la-lo la-la
Hey, you Jason, Lord, that Jason Marquis, yeah

Lord, I called him a headcase, called him the man
I said I'm calling for the sinker the best I can, c'mon
Hey now Jason now, hey now Jason Marquis, yeah
La-da la-da la-da la-da la-da la-da la-da la-la
Hey, hey, hey, Jason Marquis, Lord!

La-da la-da la-da la-da la-da la-da la-da la
Hey, hey, hey, Jason Marquis, yeah

-With love from Yadi and apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Didja Miss Me?

2006-01-31T22:43:00.000-06:00

No? Well, anyway. I wish I could say I've been working on some fantastic redesign, but my HTML skills are akin to Rodriguez's baserunning skills: fumbling at best. I also haven't been running numbers on multiple spreadsheets trying to predict Izzy's meltdowns. Nor was I signed by a big record label. But there are some things in the works to provide an even more fabulous bellyitcher which are taking up a good deal of time.

So, until these people stop stealing my great ideas a day before I read them and/or I can drum up some interest in the WBC, here are some links:

VEB's community projections, all-time lists from Cardnilly and Valatan (1B, 2B, 3B), The Red Crush looks at the Cards' business practices, Fungoes continues mining the internet in Around the Horn, and Alex makes friends on myspace. Not that there's anything to report on, but I wouldn't expect much from the official site for a few days. I do believe Matthew Leach just got married, so congratulations to him and his new bride.

Also, Ozzie's still being a little bitch. Seriously, it's time to let it go.

bellyitcher

Speed Kills

Season Preview with RHM

There's A Baseball Game Today

Whoops

SPRING TRAINING!!!

Sex, Lies, and Highlights at Ten

We Have The Cutest Rotation

Cards Remain Hot Through 2011

Welcome Home, Adam Kennedy

Pinch Me

My Brain Hurts

Deep Breaths

So Familiar

Game Something-or-other

Cardinals 2, Tigers 1, Rain 1

This Feels Good

The Other Half

Kenny Rogers, Cheater Part II

Kenny Rogers

Huh?

Really? Really really?

WORLD SERIES

NLCS Games 4 & 5

NLCS Game Three

NLCS Game Two

NLCS Game One

Hug A Yankees Fan

No Question

Game Two

From the Proxy

Game One

NLDS Roster

Congratulations

Good God

Timing

Hi

Really?

Thug Life

Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them

Power

Hell Hath No Fury

Free At Last

Uh, Yeah

There Is A God

What The...?

If The Answer Is Weaver

Seat Cushion Night

Feel Better?

Huh

Really?

Oops!... I Did It Again

Broken

Road Trip

Beer, Brats, and bellyscratcher

Eaten By Catfish Is Such A Terrible Way To Go

Off Day Game

To: The St. Louis Cardinals

Barf

The First Day of the Rest of Our Lives

Moral Dilemma

No Shit?!

Three Things

Grow Up, Folks! Grow Up!

Kneel Before Zod

Business *Persons* Special

Now We Know

Let's See What Happens

Off Day Game

Half Day

What Am I Doing Here?

Congratulations

Roster Moves

I'm Not Dead Yet

"Podcasting" is what the kids call it, I believe

Live From Tape Delay

Ripping Off Fungoes

When I Am Old

Welcome to Baseball Hangover

Over The River

Business Persons Special