Thursday's Frosty Mug
by Kyle Lobner on Oct 13, 2011 10:48 AM CDT
in Milwaukee Brewers News
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Some things to read while making a quick diagnosis.
It's amazing how fast things can change sometimes. A few days ago in this space we were talking about a Brewer 1-0 series lead and the likelihood they would win the NLCS, but this morning they've fallen behind 2-1 and their backs are getting pretty close to the wall. Jordan Schelling estimates their World Series chances at around 30%.
A lot of the heat for last night's loss is falling on Ron Roenicke, who made the somewhat inexplicable decision to start Mark Kotsay in center field over both Carlos Gomez and Nyjer Morgan. Kotsay hit a home run in the game, but also cost the team runs both on the basepaths and in the field in the first inning. Here are some reactions from around the web:
- Trenni Kusnierek says she's not giving Roenicke the benefit of the doubt on this one.
- Scott Miller of CBS questioned the decision, but also got quotes from Craig Counsell and Prince Fielder supporting it.
- Even though they're saying the right things publicly I have to second this note from TheJay: You have to wonder if last night's massive backfire is going to have an impact on the clubhouse.
- Last night's Stat of the Night notes that Kotsay only made five starts in center field in 2009-10, but has now made eleven in 2011.
- Ron Roenicke had previously implied that Carlos Gomez could get a start in center, but said after the game last night that he never considered Gomez an option.
Of course, as Jack Moore of Disciples of Uecker points out, Kotsay wasn't the only reason the Brewers lost last night. They also got a relatively poor performance from Yovani Gallardo, who was only the second player in postseason history to walk five and throw three wild pitches in a game in St. Louis. Rick Ankiel was the other. Two of Gallardo's walks were intentional.
One of those intentional walks was given to Albert Pujols, who was given two free passes in the game. Jordan Schelling of MLB.com has a look at Ron Roenicke's decision to break from his normal routine and hand out the IBBs.
The Brewers actually looked pretty good against Chris Carpenter last night, scoring three runs over five innings, but the Cardinal bullpen retired the 12 batters they faced in order.
Other notes from the field:
- Mark Kotsay's home run was the second of his playoff career, and his first non-inside the parker.
- Ryan Braun's first inning HBP was the 60th thrown by a Cardinal in postseason play. Plunk Everyone has much more.
- Chris Narveson was warming in the first inning, then sat down and eventually warmed again to come in for the eighth.
- If you went to bed early last night, you might have missed Ron Roenicke's postgame comments and video highlights of the game's turning points.
- Jason Motte, Albert Pujols and Kotsay are leading FanGraphs' Star of the Game voting.
- Jeff Suppan threw out last night's first pitch.
- The Brewers wore "GV" patches on their jerseys last night to honor longtime groundskeeper Gary Vanden Berg, who recently lost his battle with cancer.
The Brewers' World Series chances have taken a serious hit over the last two days, but this series is still far from over. As Howie Magner notes, all they have to do to even the series tonight is beat Kyle Lohse. He matches up against Randy Wolf, who talked to Tom Haudricourt about his rough NLDS start and his preparations for this outing.
There was a pretty significant amount of conversation yesterday regarding tickets given to the families of Brewer players. They weren't in their usual spot behind home plate, but were moved up to a few party suites down the first base line. The incident is now being called a misunderstanding.
You know you've doing well when a 1-for-3 drops your batting average: Jayson Stark notes that Braun is no longer hitting .500 this postseason. Jonathan Scippa of Baseball Analytics says pitchers are throwing to Braun's strengths this October, and he's making them pay for it.
Braun's baserunning is also a frequently underappreciated part of his game: ACTA Sports notes that he's been worth 50 additional runs over the last three seasons on the bases, tied for the sixth best mark in all of baseball.
In the minors:
- Scooter Gennett and Kentrail Davis combined for five hits in Peoria's 6-2 win yesterday. You can read about that and more in today's AFL Notes.
- Caleb Gindl went 1-for-4 yesterday in his debut for Caracas of the Venezuelan Winter League.
- The Brewers have just five prospects who made one of Baseball America's top 20 lists in their league, tied for 27th in baseball. The Padres and Rays tied for first with 18.
- John Sickels of Minor League Ball is working on his 2012 Prospect Book and has opened a discussion on the Brewer farm system.
Around baseball:
Cubs: Are expected to sign former Red Sox GM Theo Epstein to a five year deal (FanShot).
Pirates: Are expected to decline pitcher Paul Maholm's contract option for 2012.
Rockies: Claimed first baseman/outfielder Andrew Brown off waivers from the Cardinals.
Over in the other league, there's a potential elimination game this afternoon: Nelson Cruz and the Ranges picked up another 7-3, 11 inning victory last night and could put the series away with a win in Game 5 today. You know that and much more if you've read this morning's edition of Around the MLB Playoffs.
Everyone loves a good graphic, right? Eric Simon of Amazin' Avenue has created a tool that lets you pull batter heat maps from ESPN's database.
I must admit I'm amused by the silliness of all the "Rally Squirrel" nonsense going around. And I definitely laughed out loud when I saw the squirrel's "Legends are born in October" commercial.
Elsewhere in things that make me laugh, here are today's Postseason Puns.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to second base.
Drink up.
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Comments
Yo's start would have looked a lot better
with a competent outfield.
All this brouhaha over what cap Dawson might wear is silly. Big question: How will he get in? He's not going to walk.
Yep
I was trying to make that point to a friend but the effort was met with limited success.
I don't feel that our backs are against the wall
We can into the three games at STL needing to win one. We almost got it in the first game, with their best pitcher on the mound. We still have two more tries before we bring the series home, where we play much better, and can close it out.
by nullacct on Oct 13, 2011 10:59 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
But I'm disappointed that Gomez hasn't been our everyday CF all season
He’s as close as you get in this league to a true defensive weapon – someone who can change the outcome of a game based on his defense. Imo when you have that option, you use it.
So putting Kotsay out there in CF was the wrong decision?
If anything, you wanted his bat, you start him in right over Hart.
I would play Gomez every day
Every single day. When he’s injured or unable to play then sub Morgan, who is solid but not spectacular. I don’t think Kotsay is the wrong decision, just not the best one. With the punch we have in the heart of our lineup I would play the best defenders possible, all the time. Braun and Fielder are going to score their runs regardless, and they become more meaningful in low-scoring games.
Just so I understand your perspective
You don’t think starting Kotsay in center field was the wrong decision?
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
"Something always good seems to happen when he's in there. Numbers matched up good."
~RRR
by Charlie Marlow on Oct 13, 2011 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm not sure I see what you're getting by belaboring the point here.
Now that's great tasting chicken!
by Kyle Lobner on Oct 13, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
About the same as sjlee below, I suppose
But, I’ll just withhold all comments today. I’m obviously not contributing anything you see as valuable.
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
"Something always good seems to happen when he's in there. Numbers matched up good."
~RRR
by Charlie Marlow on Oct 13, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
While Gomez is the better defender
Morgan more than makes up the difference in defense with his better offense.
Playing Kotsay in CF is never the right decision. His range is horrible. From 2005-2011, his UZR/150 was -8.5, -11.9, -13.8, -14.9, -64.6 and -58.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
by sjlee on Oct 13, 2011 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I agree
when Morgan is playing mid-season Morgan defense. The past month his defense has been shaky as hell, bad routes to balls chief among the complaints.
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Also just to be clear
If given the option of Gomez or Kotsay CF, I would always go with Gomez.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
I partially agree
No the backs aren’t against the wall. However, going home down 3-2 is bad. Homefield advantage is overrated in this case. These teams are too familiar with each other and have played in each other’s park too many times for that to really matter. But the real problem is the gaping whole in the starting rotation that seems to still be filled by what’s left of Shaun Marcum. If they need both games at home, I see that as unlikely to happen. As far as I can tell then, tonight is really the ‘must win’ game. So which Wolf is showing up tonight?
by Tristram28 on Oct 13, 2011 11:47 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I wouldn't mind Marcum getting another start
if RR has him on a very short leash and doesn’t hesitate pulling him for Narveson.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Then why not just start Narveson?
If Marcum had one bad outing, I can see your optimism. But he has been shelled for the last month. He can’t pitch another game in the NLCS.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Narveson getting the start would be a great idea
but one that I don’t think RR does. I guess I figure if RR is going to start Marcum, at least don’t hesitate on giving him the hook at the first sign of trouble.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
The first sign of trouble and they could be down 3 in an elimination game
And why the Kotsay decision was even more of a bungle. You play like you need to win the series before Game 6.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If he throws a strike to Pujols
Pull him
I hate Yuni.
by BrewCrewBrian on Oct 13, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
The Brewers win last nite and the Cardinals backs are against the wall
They have to win another game at Miller Park, have to beat both Greinke and Gallardo to do it and the Brewers just beat the guy that carried them for the last month. And if Greinke can win on Friday it takes a ton of pressure off the team with the decision on a Game 6 starter.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions
agree
but at the end of the day, i’m with nullacct: we’re not where we want to be. given that, just getting to milwaukee (presumably with greinke/ gallardo) is all we can ask for.
i might be misreading his comment, but that’s what i’m thinking.
by Capt Science on Oct 13, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
We need Greinke to get us back to Milwaukee
He’s the game 5 starter. Then it’s Marcum/Johnny Allstaff and Yo for game 7. If they don’t win 2 games in St Louis I don’t think they can win the series.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
We haven't played well against the Cardinals since they rebuilt their rotation / bullpen.
Also, their offense is better than ours.
The old adage “good pitching beats good hitting” doesn’t mean much when the pitching staff that got us this far is MIA.
I have no concept.
I was only hoping for one win in STL
To make up for the one loss at home. I feel very good about our chances in any home game. If we make it back home alive, we’ve got a a good chance to win the series.
by nullacct on Oct 13, 2011 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
We can still win,
it would just be nice if our manager used our best players when it counted most. You know, like now.
All this brouhaha over what cap Dawson might wear is silly. Big question: How will he get in? He's not going to walk.
Doug Melvin has to be sick this morning.
I wonder if he regrets signing Kotsay in the first place now.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
or signing all the hitters who failed to get a hit with a RISP.
You can’t give away outs in the postseason and the OF defense has done that in the last two games. If it continues, tomorrow will the Brewers last game of the year. Kotsay’s running blunder was a bad one, but to say that that cost them a run is wrong. It did turn a promising inning into an inning ender.
Melvin brought in a pinch hitter/veteran clubhouse guy
and Roenicke started him in center field in what’s probably going to be the pivotal game in the NLCS.
If that’s not cause for buyer’s remorse, I don’t know what is.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
by Rubie Q on Oct 13, 2011 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
It's not on Melvin
It’s on the manager. If everyone was hurt and he was forced to start Kotsay, then I would concur.
Not blaming Melvin.
He couldn’t possibly have expected RRR to so grossly misuse one of his players.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
by Rubie Q on Oct 13, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
He's not going to fire Roenicke in the middle of the NLCS.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
Heh
First he fires Yost in the last month of the season, then he fires RR during the NLCS. Managerial candidates would be pretty leery about interviewing for the job in Milwaukee.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Every time the Brewers made it to the World Series
They fired their manager that year.*
*Small sample size
REWIND YOURSELF!
by drezdn on Oct 13, 2011 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Correction
Every time the Brewers made it to theWorld Seriesplayoffs
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Did they fire the manager in '81?
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Wait, I'm an idiot
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Wait, no I'm not
They did make the playoffs in ’81
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Doesn't have to fire Ron
‘Kotsay can you come to my office’
‘Mark.. youre fired. We can’t have you playing CF and your boss won’t listen to reason so we gotta let you go instead. You’ll be getting your post season bonus by the end of the week’.
I don't think Rubie is blaming Melvin
He’s simply saying that Melvin probably wouldn’t have signed Kotsay if he knew that RR was going to start him in CF in a NLCS game.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
"We suffer big heap Buyer's Remorse."
Applying pop culture to Brewers discussions since 2009, earning the nickname of "Our Little Abed".
It was not getting to the ball in CF that cost the Brewers a run
Not the baserunning mistake.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
It was alluded to that both did.
Maybe I read it wrong though.
One did, the other one may have.
The next inning both rickie and JHJ got hits so assuming everything was the same (which it probably wouldn’t have been) then his baserunning mistake cost 2 runs as well as the 3 that his poor fielding led to for the Cardinals.
I have no concept.
which you can't assume
because the Brewers have sucked with RISP and the batters would’ve been pitched do differently had there been a RISP. It COULD’VE costed them a big inning, but it’s not a guarantee. That’s all I’m saying.
The base running mistake was brutal
First inning, have Carpenter on the ropes and pitch count reaching 20 already, with Rickie and Jerry up, and he does that. Hard to quantify how many runs it cost (if any), but man….
Get a ife broseph
Fielder: "[Kotsay] almost helped us win tonight."
Damning with faint praise? I’m not sure I’d count that as “supporting” the decision myself, but it’s certainly up for interpretation.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
I wonder if Braun and Fielder chat with each other or Roenicke about this stuff
by kotsaythebuzzkill on Oct 13, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Right
I’ve noticed that both Hart and Braun don’t back up the CF very well. They kind of do a half-assed job of getting behind the CF, but don’t appear to be ready if the CF in fact misses the ball.
Both Morgan and Gomez do a great job backing up Braun and Hart.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
To be fair to Kotsay
I doubt he had glowing things to say about his game last night, either.
by ecocd on Oct 13, 2011 12:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Is weather supposed to be an issue again tonight?
Ugh, Shortstop
Kottaras go boom too.
He get start to hit righty.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
That would make me want to start every lefty I had
Fielder, Morgan in CF, Kotsay in RF, Kottaras, Counsell at SS, Taylor Green at 3B…
I would actually agree with all of those
Though I’d maybe replace Counsell with JHJ
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Hairston at second to give Weeks a mental day.
I wouldn’t have the balls to do that if I were Ron, though.
by Noah Jarosh on Oct 13, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Eh
If we’re just talking about wind, I don’t think it would really affect Counsell because he rarely hits it out of the infield anyway.
And I think we have to stick with Rickie and just hope for the best. I would think it was over-managing to pull him now.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Honestly, though, I kinda wouldn't mind seeing that.
Do a lineup of
Morgan/Gomez
Kotsay
Braun
Fielder
Weeks
Green
Kottaras
Counsell
by Noah Jarosh on Oct 13, 2011 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Wolf has not hit a home run in a Milwaukee uniform, but it looks as though he might have a good chance
(cont’d) with this scenario.
FanGraphs should consider a venue for a Gallery Night... they could even serve a cake with a Win Expectancy Chart of the 7/7/11 Brewers' game etched in the frosting, and 7-up. Oh, yeah - and t-shirts that say "SABR-Friday." I'm totally there.
by Jess'HittheBall on Oct 13, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
That's an awesome graphic.
And I’ve been sweating it pretty much all morning.
Freese go boom maybe? Otherwise, I am discomfited.
Knowing this series
Freese probably go boom. At least for a multi-run double.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Here's hoping I guess.
If the wind really is as forecast, that’s a pretty solid bump for you guys. More lefties (and you’re pitching one), plus Braun I know sprays the ball around. For the Cards it’s Freese and Albert who you might reasonably expect to take advantage of it, and then…
Anyway, here’s hoping for an entertaining game tonight. Last night was more heartburn-inducing than anything; not too well played on either side.
I can't imagine getting all your runs in the first out
and then sweating out blown opportunity after blown opportunity for 26 more outs.
It’s almost as bad as watching Kotsay play center field.
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
And that's the second time in a week.
The run off Halladay in NLDS Game 5 also came before the first out. This postseason has already taken a year off my life, and it’s not even…
…actually I’ll not speculate about how far from over it is. :)
I don't dislike you
Thanks!
After the past couple days that should really taken as a huge compliment.
I hate Yuni.
by BrewCrewBrian on Oct 13, 2011 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Boom.
FanGraphs should consider a venue for a Gallery Night... they could even serve a cake with a Win Expectancy Chart of the 7/7/11 Brewers' game etched in the frosting, and 7-up. Oh, yeah - and t-shirts that say "SABR-Friday." I'm totally there.
by Jess'HittheBall on Oct 13, 2011 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I haven't seen anyone here do it but
Those links putting prevents to the playoffs have honestly got to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen, people take math way too far. I like our chances the next two games, especially tonight. I think there’s a solid chance we can take this back to Miller with a 3-2 series lead.
(Verb) you cardinals.
by Taterwithbacon on Oct 13, 2011 11:22 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Percents not prevents
I really need to stop making mobile comments while eating
(Verb) you cardinals.
by Taterwithbacon on Oct 13, 2011 11:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
The percentages simply relay how past teams have done in a similiar situation
It doesn’t mean that they’re for sure going to lose the NLCS.
Remember, the past is no guarantee of the future.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
I was disappointed by the lack of aggression in getting RISP
once we were only down 4-3. Braun is an excellent base-stealer, but he wasn’t sent and Fielder GIDP.
Kotsay walks in the (5th?) and we don’t pinch-run Gomez to steal 2nd (which he’s great at as long as he doesn’t get picked off 1st), then the deep flyout to right doesn’t gain us anything as Kotsay is still stuck on 1st.
I get that Molina is good at throwing out runners, but I still think we need more baserunning aggression in a 1-run game.
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 11:49 AM CDT reply actions
RR doesn't like subbing guys early in the game
so I doubt you’d see Gomez come in as a PR for Kotsay in the 5th.
Fielder swung at the first pitch when he hit into that DP, so Braun didn’t have a chance to steal.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Since they are willing to play shitty defensive center fielders in key moments
I have a new revenue stream for the team. Leave a spot on the 40 & 25 man rosters open, and raffle off the chance to play center field in the 7th, 8th & 9th innings at Miller Park. At least with a random drawing there is a chance that the guy playing center field isn’t incapable of running.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Even with all the hijinks
the Brewers gave up only 4 runs and had the opposing starter on the ropes but failed to provide the knockout punch.
With another hit he or there it’s a 5-4 win
Just cannot bring myself to crucify RR. He had Morgan obviously overhyper and Gomez who gets eaten alive by righthanders. He took a shot at getting some offense and it blew up on him. Nobody could predict that Carpenter would be all over the place and maybe a Gomez both makes the plays and manages to supply something with the bat.
I completely supported NOT playing Morgan who is just not right at the moment. Ron went eenie-meenie-miney-mo between CArlos and Mark and there you go.
Yeah, it stinks.
If he was not going to start Plush
He should have went eenie-meenie-miney-GO
I hate Yuni.
by BrewCrewBrian on Oct 13, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Cannot crucify RR?
For putting a guy in CF who hasn’t had decent range there in 7 years? I think you can.
If Morgan isn’t going to play, then you have to start Gomez… regardless if he doesn’t provide any offense, his defense alone makes him worthwhile to be in the lineup.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
I'm not ready to crucify RR.
But throwing him on the rack sounds like an okay plan to me.
Applying pop culture to Brewers discussions since 2009, earning the nickname of "Our Little Abed".
I posted it above...
From 2005-2011, Kotsay’s UZR/150 in CF was -8.5, -11.9, -13.8, -14.9, -64.6 and -58.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
But why CF
Hart hasn’t been doing anything. Weeks needs to see some better pitches. Kotsay in RF and the 5 hole. Weeks up to lead off. Then Gomez or Morgan in center. That would have been logical to me.
this seems like it would have been the best solution..
if you had to play Kotsay..plus Weeks has been looking better at the plate and was 6 for 10 lifetime vs Carpenter going into the game.
I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005
We expect to win.- Ted Thompson July 28, 2011
The only reason no one would predict that Gomez would get to 2 balls Kotsay couldn't catch
Is they would be embarrassed to limit it to 2.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
Thirded
I keep thinking about what I said to my wife in the bottom of the first yesterday. “I can’t believe this is happening. Well, actually I can totally believe what is happening, but I can’t believe that Ron let it happen.”
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Agreed
I can’t talk baseball today. Too mad.
"If we want to sign a Type A free agent, we would lose a second-round pick, but we don't have a way to get picks back. Our whole Draft process needs to be redone."
~Doug Melvin
"Something always good seems to happen when he's in there. Numbers matched up good."
~RRR
by Charlie Marlow on Oct 13, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Effigy angry
that’s where I’m at
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
Media Whores
If I see just one more article on what a “God” Albert Pujols is, I’m gonna puke!! Why dont the media just get down on their knees and blow him already!
by Titletown8 on Oct 13, 2011 12:26 PM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Not just Pujols, it's the Cards in general
I understand it in a way from the media’s perspective. With no East Coast teams in it, they don’t have much interest in what’s happening on the field. The closest they can come to an interesting-to-them story is the Wild Card team that’s overcoming everybody. And the “greatest player in the game/ world” in their opinion is on that team.
But it’s not just Pujols that they’re sanctifying. Yahoo (whose reputation for covering baseball isn’t exactly top notch) has done pieces on TLR’s management getting them there and McGwire thriving as the hitting coach. So the biggest bat-shit crazy annoyance in the game and the biggest cheat in the game get praise, too. Awesome. Meanwhile the Brewers may make #7 story on the page if Morgan punches Carp in the face.
So my question is, why does St. Louis get the respect of the mainstream media? Is it just because of Pujols? When he leaves, does St. Louis still get the attention?
by kotsaythebuzzkill on Oct 13, 2011 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm not saying Pujols.....
doesn’t deserve credit for playing some good basball in the series. But honestly, its no different than a Braun or Nelson Cruz.. Both of them have amazing numbers but still dont recieve the over- dramatized distinction of being labled “Greek God”, “Savior”, “Fear Invoking” demi God status thet the media seems to bestow upon Pujols. It just seems so dramatized and over the top glorification that it has become sickening. If Fielder would have pulled his foot off of the base on a line drive double play opportunity, the media would have crucified him for being a fat, lazy ,defensive liability. I understand the media needs something to write about and needs to create a story, thats fine. But the bro-mance they have with Pujols is ridiculous!
by Titletown8 on Oct 13, 2011 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
i hate to tell you, but it's not just the media
Braun killed the Cardinals in game 1, but you didn’t see masses of cardinal fans calling for Braun to be walked every ab.
Pujols is different and always has been.
The Brewers are going to be up 3-2 going back to Milwaukee.
by Noah Jarosh on Oct 13, 2011 12:30 PM CDT reply actions 6 recs
This
Why are people acting like that’s an impossibility? Lohse is very beatable, and we’ve got Greinke going tomorrow.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Lohse is beatable
so is Wolf.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
Wolf is going to give seven innings and one earned run tonight.
by Noah Jarosh on Oct 13, 2011 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 7 recs
I will fly to madison and give you the biggest bro hug ever if you are right.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
oh, and a six pack of sprecher soda
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
A Hyatt/NoahJ bet?
It’s practically a certainty that Wolf goes exactly 7 with 1 ER tonight now.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
not a bet
that’s a 100:1 odds
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
Well can't you at least make it a bet so it happens? :-P
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Fine... Noah, what are you putting up if Randy doesn't go 7 AND allow just 1 ER.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
Ah, my mistake
I misremembered.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Not everyone is fan of beer.
I know I’m not.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
That's true
I just said it wasn’t an impossibility. I understand people are mad about last night, but come on. We have to win 1 game with Greinke starting and then take care of business at home. That’s all we have to do.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
You remember that Marcum and his 97.4 ERA is pitching game 6, right?
If they come back down 3-2 I don’t think they make it to game 7.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Not necessarily
And sample size be damned!
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
by mnbrewer on Oct 13, 2011 12:59 PM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Yeah.. unfortunately I just don't think there's much faith left in the starters right now and almost zero faith in the manager.
I have no concept.
The remainder of my faith in the starters was destroyed during the first inning yesterday.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
You only get 7 chances to win 4 games
You can’t squander any of them, especially when the other team’s ace is pitching. RRR created a starting lineup like it was a Thursday get-away day in May, not game 3 of the NLCS.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Shitty thing is, it almost worked
other than the whole Carp going only 5 and then the fucking St. Louis Cardinals bullpen retiring 12 straight Brewers batters – a phrase that shouldn’t even be typeable.
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions
If this was May, I would take 'almost worked'
Because then you are building towards something, figuring out what lineups to use in what situation. But this is what they have been building towards. This was when you put the knowledge gained in the first 162 games to practical use, when you put the team in the best possible position to win. RRR had 6 previous chances to figure out starting Mark Kotsay in CF is the third biggest mistake a person can make, and failed.
When there is a scuffle in Ireland, there’s no need to specifically mention in the news story that alcohol was involved
by Getting Yosted on Oct 13, 2011 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Well
Why are people acting like Greinke is gonna pitch great? We keep expecting that but it hasn’t happened yet.
For the record I’m still mildly optimistic about the next two games…
by Tristram28 on Oct 13, 2011 12:46 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I mean
He did for the last 5 months of the season…
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
by mnbrewer on Oct 13, 2011 1:01 PM CDT via iPhone app up reply actions
He did what for 5 months?
Pitch inconsistently while giving up lots of home runs and never really looking like a cy young winner?
Oh and he has been great in the playoffs so far too.
by Tristram28 on Oct 13, 2011 2:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
There was the whole xFIP under 3 thing...
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
He did lead all of baseball in K/9...
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
And SIERA - the best "predictive" ERA stat in existence...
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Stats
I know. I know. I believe he is certainly capable of pitching a great game. That’s why I’m still hopeful about game 5.
But let’s consider what the outcome has been lately. Thus my point is how can we EXPECT him to throw a great game?
by Tristram28 on Oct 13, 2011 5:59 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
It's not impossible, the percentages just aren't in his favor.
Here’s what Wolf does have going for him. He has pitched well historically at Busch Stadium 3. In 8 career starts:
.225/.278/.380/.659
3.50 ERA
1.056 WHIP
His numbers are slightly better than that in 2011 alone.
As for Lohse, it’s tough to say. Historically, the Brewers have have success against him. In his career:
.276/.329/.438/.767
4.80 ERA
1.372 WHIP
However, in 2011:
.221/.316/.353/.669
2.37 ERA
1.211 WHIP
Despite that, I’m going to say that Lohse has been a little lucky this season. Here’s why.
Career BABIP vs Brewers: .302
2011 BABIP vs. Brewers: .241
Career K/9 vs. Brewers: 5.8
2011 K/9 vs. Brewers: 4.7
Career K/BB vs. Brewers: 2.32
2011 K/BB vs. Brewers: 1.25
These numbers suggest that Lohse has been a little lucky. Balls haven’t been falling at the usual rate, and he’s doing better despite walking more batters and striking out less. I know it’s a small sample size, but the numbers do suggest he’s been a little lucky so far. Maybe we could see a turnaround.
As for tomorrow, I’m not going to analyze that until tomorrow. I have a feeling I will be negative on that for one simple reason. Jaime Garcia has owned the Brewers at Busch Stadium. I don’t have the numbers right now, but I looked them up before Game 1 and they looked good for him.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
by -JP- on Oct 13, 2011 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Also, FWIW
With Mike Everett behind the plate
Kyle Lohse Career Split (8 Starts): .297/.340/.497/.837, 5.20 ERA, 1.467 WHIP, 4.2 K/9, 1.91 K/BB
Kyle Lohse 2011 Start (Don’t know who the opponent was): .409/.435/.682/1.117, 6.75 ERA, 2.500 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 3 K/BB
Randy Wolf Career Split (4 Starts): .172/..257/.290/.547, 3.33 ERA, 0.889 WHIP, 5.7 K/9, 2.13 K/BB
Randy Wolf 2011 Start (Don’t know who the opponent was): .120/.214/.160/.374, 1.23 ERA, 0.682 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 2.5 K/BB
So, I just convinced myself that Lohse is going to pitch well since all the numbers favor him struggling tonight.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
I think I also convinced myself that Wolf won't pitch well.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
Rec'd for optisism
Part of me feels like they won’t make it back to milwaukee for another game, part of me says they’ll come back up 3-2. I keep back back to that Wolf start on Labor Day in STL when he went 8 innings, and it just seems like Greinke can throw 7, 8 or 9 great innings any start.
Pitching with a 20 MPH headwind does mad things to a curveball too
All the friction of a 100MPH fastball, with all the time to break of an 80MPH curve
I doubt it'll be nearly that windy between the mound and the plate though.
by Archibaldcrane on Oct 13, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Greinke
hasn’t pitched more than 7 innings in any of his starts this season.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
I said it seemed like it
Who looks back at actual stats? Those are overrated.
Not looking it up
But he’s at least pitched into the 8th a couple times, I’m sure of that
Get a ife broseph
You're right
He has pitched into the 8th inning twice this season, but in both games he left after getting two outs.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
OK, I'll throw some optimism out there
Jason Dondlinger just tweeted that Wolf’s last 2 starts at Busch he went 16 innings, allowed 9 hits, gave up just 2 Earned, with 6 Ks and no homers.
Brewers Nation (Adam Rygg) points out that the Cards haven’t beaten a left handed starter at home since July.
Still, RRR started frickin Kotsay last night and will do something stupid tonight too.
"That's not a weird stat. Rickie is a run-scorer," Yost said. "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter," Yost told reporters. "See, you guys have no concept. He's a run-scorer. So there's nothing weird about it. That's what he does."
BCB Fantasy Football League 1 Champ
I really hope I'm wrong
But I’ve got a gut feeling that Ron is going to start Kotsay in center again tonight…
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
It's possible.
I’d rather see Gomez, of course. But if all the normally playable fly balls are going to leave the park anyway, why not.
There's no way. He would get murdered by the press if he did that twice in a row.
I have no concept.
Gut feeling is gone
Looked up Kotsay vs. Lohse (to see what Ron would see): .077/.077.077 lifetime (in 13 PA). Won’t happen.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
It wouldn't matter even if he was batting 1000 off im for 50 ABs.
He would not get the start in CF.
RF yes, CF, no. RR is stupid but he’s not THAT stupid.
I have no concept.
But remember, good things seem to happen...
When a manager uses that logic, just about anything is possible.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Thank goodness my gut was only right on the "start Kotsay" part
And not the “in center” part.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Of course with the wind blowing to right it might actually be worse to have him in RF tonight. Wouldn't that be great.
I have no concept.
Stay away from my Cheerios
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Then I can't imagine Marcum starting again in favor of Narveson
Something tells me Marcum is coming back out again, but … why?
Sadly.... ^ This
Narveson owns the Cards. Does that matter?
Of course not.
Stats only matter when a player who is way past his prime that can’t play CF has decent hitting stats against an opposing pitcher in an extremely small sample size.
I have no concept.
I remember both outings, and the most recent was strangely successful.
The most recent was (I think) the one where he only struck out 1 batter, and we turned a bunch of double plays. That may have been the start after we had that crazy game against the Dodgers at home, with triple play and a majority of pitches with velocities registering 80 or below.
He reinvents himself every couple of starts, it seems. And I wonder to myself “what is he doing,” and then eventually figure out why it works.
*Wolf has been interesting, this year, is what I’m saying.
FanGraphs should consider a venue for a Gallery Night... they could even serve a cake with a Win Expectancy Chart of the 7/7/11 Brewers' game etched in the frosting, and 7-up. Oh, yeah - and t-shirts that say "SABR-Friday." I'm totally there.
by Jess'HittheBall on Oct 13, 2011 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed
People’s lack of faith in Wolf, considering his season, is a little disturbing
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
by mnbrewer on Oct 13, 2011 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I find your lack of faith... disturbing.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
by sjlee on Oct 13, 2011 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wish I could have your optimism
I’m just hoping that this game isn’t as upsetting as last night, because if it is, a hole may appear somewhere in my apartment tonight.
I’ve debated watching with friends, but it’s a mixed possibility. They might keep my anger at the game in check, but it’s also possible that they don’t and I have less friends at the end of the night. Considering I don’t have many friends as it is, it’s probably not a good idea.
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
That's awesome.
FanGraphs should consider a venue for a Gallery Night... they could even serve a cake with a Win Expectancy Chart of the 7/7/11 Brewers' game etched in the frosting, and 7-up. Oh, yeah - and t-shirts that say "SABR-Friday." I'm totally there.
by Jess'HittheBall on Oct 13, 2011 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions
From your internet to God's ear, son...
fka "warwick5s"
by DEUCE SLUICE on Oct 13, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe that's where all of the Corgi dogs from last night's post-game thread came from -
They were getting ready to transfer the full-moon power to the Wolf. Go Corgis!
FanGraphs should consider a venue for a Gallery Night... they could even serve a cake with a Win Expectancy Chart of the 7/7/11 Brewers' game etched in the frosting, and 7-up. Oh, yeah - and t-shirts that say "SABR-Friday." I'm totally there.
by Jess'HittheBall on Oct 13, 2011 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Corgis own.
I have two. What do I need to do to complete the transfer?
fka "warwick5s"
by DEUCE SLUICE on Oct 13, 2011 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions
My thoughts on how they should pitch to Pujols
I was bored at work today.
by aka Mich on Oct 13, 2011 1:04 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I can't stand Pujols or the Cardinals
But I don’t want to see him taking a pitch to the face.
I’m guessing you mean it light-hearted and hopefully not seriously, but I don’t know about the ’to the face" stuff….
by kotsaythebuzzkill on Oct 13, 2011 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
oh we won't hit him in the face
we’ll just need to you know, “get one in there real good” to send a message
and if they keep hitting braun and prince
we need to hit pujols. this should be pretty simple.
Agreed!
Was just thinking that same thing, but I think RRR and his “reluctance” to put baserunners on is just too much of a pussy to send a message!~
This was no different than Macha
Let’s not forget the frustration of last season, when he were getting plunked left and right and Macha refused to retaliate even in obvious situations.
I may yell "bean him" at every game I go to...
But I don’t necessarily advocate it. If I were to advocate it, which I don’t, I’d say hit Holliday on the hand.
REWIND YOURSELF!
Re: Holliday
He’s why we don’t need to worry (yet) about pitching around Pujols. He has shown me that he’ll consistently swing at shit outside the zone virtually every AB. His only hits have come on weak ground balls to beat our stupid shift.
That was ten times as frustrating as anything RR has done this year for me
Watching Prince’s head get thrown at and seeing no retaliation was a direct betrayal of the players.
Also when he didn’t come out to argue bullshit. Like in the game against the Twins on Sunday Night Baseball where Morneau got hit in the hand/knob of the bat and the umpire overruled himself with no evidence after Gardy came out to argue. Next pitch, Grand Slam. I still haven’t gotten over that
Ok, rant over.
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
He IBBed Pujols twice yesterday
Could have easily plunked him to put him on base. Then again TLR is so crazy that he’d start beaning all our players.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
No.
TLR is a bitch. Don’t be afraid of pitching Pujols where he can’t hit it, but don’t hit him on purpose. Leave stuff like that to guys like TLR.
fka "warwick5s"
by DEUCE SLUICE on Oct 13, 2011 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions
I do mean it lightheartedly.
I was getting angry watching the first inning last night and just blurted this out without realizing what I said. My roommate pointed out that it rhymed so I decided to make this to pass the time at work today.
In all seriousness, with how far he leans over the plate pitching inside should be a reasonable gameplan. Not to the point of hitting him in the face or instigating some bean ball shenanigans of course but enough that he doesn’t come up expecting intentional walk or low and outside.
I see
Didn’t mean to play comment police on you. But there are some pretty relentless folks out there, so who knows.
I 1000000% agree with the idea that the Brewers should be pitching to his weakness. Do not be afraid to accidentally hit him; just don’t intentionally do it.
by kotsaythebuzzkill on Oct 13, 2011 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed.
No offense taken. And yes, I don’t like it that teams seem scared to pitch high and in to Pujols just cause he’s Pujols and they’re the Cardinals. Nobody should be intentionally going out there to hurt guys with sweet chin music but I wouldn’t be surprised if you looked at different power hitters around the league and measured where they set up in relation to the plate and Pujols would be either the closest or very high on that list. It’s just sound baseball to do what you can to get him to step back in the box a bit. Makes those outside pitches that he can clobber either balls or swinging strikes if he can no longer reach them.
I think there was a fanshot awhile ago about it that had zone charts on Pujols that was a pretty good read on the subject, wish I had the time to find it but it’s almost 5:00 and time to bolt.
Lohse hasnt pitched in 12 days..
should be interesting
I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005
We expect to win.- Ted Thompson July 28, 2011
All things considered
I would still rather be in the position we are in than be Detroit win tonight and we are right back to even. This Brewers will not lose this series to those smug self righteous ball sacks just isn’t going to happen might take 7 games but they will win.
"It's a joke. It's all a joke.
by WSB Chris on Oct 13, 2011 1:48 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Hope you're right.
Honestly though, it seems to me that our starters are out of gas and against the Cards lineup…. that is really not a good thing.
oh yeah, that and our manager is a moron… er… moran.
I have no concept.
I think
Marcum is gassed, Greinke might be. Wolf might still have some magic in that old silk hat.
REWIND YOURSELF!
That's what I was thinking too
I also checked his PC this season… 2841 compared to 3445 last season.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Greinke's not gassed
He had one bad start
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
Yeah
his first start wasn’t god-awful, and we won both games
"Our attitude is we look at ourselves and we grade ourselves. And even if we don’t like what’s happening on the other side, we don’t make a — it’s not our business" - Tony Larussa
I hope he's right too
but for a completely different reason… I have tickets to Game 7.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Brewers avoided a kiss of death today.
My entry was not selected for the opportunity to buy World Series tickets.
(Background: I won the chance to purchase tickets for the 2008 NLCS. You know what happened in the 2008 NLDS.)
Contributor on Brew Crew Ball, Commissioner of Prognostikeggers, Owner of a broken sarcasm detector
Suppan
It is all Suppan’s fault. He obviously left a huge pile of bad ju-ju on the mound last night after he tossed the ceremonial first pitch. That scumbag continues to haunt us!
On a Mission from God!
If he had direct contact with RR before he filled out the lineup card I might blame Suppan.
Can someone launch an investigation into this?
I have no concept.
Full lineup:
CF Morgan
RF Kotsay
LF Braun
1B Fielder
2B Weeks
3B Hairston
SS Yuni
C Kottaras
P Wolf
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
Eh, if the wind is really blowing out to right that much
Even Kotsay will be able to put another over the fence. The crappy part is that Lohse has no L/R split so it’s really straight up Kotsay over Hart which makes me less happy.
Kotsay is an inferior player to Hart, but it’s not nearly the difference that it was between Gomez. At least Kotsay won’t even get near that ball going over Hart’s head. It won’t be as frustrating?
So if Hart was going to play, it should probably be Gomez/Morgan, but Roenicke is going to go with his lucky rabbit’s foot and there are worse places his lucky rabbit’s foot could play.
Still, Roenicke is an idiot and he shouldn’t be in charge of a major league baseball team. That’s pretty much obvious.
Hairston should be batting 5th.
Also, with as bad as Weeks has looked why not let Green start at 2nd? You’re using Kotsay FFS, might as well try some other random moves.
I have no concept.
Cardinals lineup
Furcal
Craig
Pujols
Freese
Holliday
Molina
Theriot
Jay
Lohse
I wonder if RR will still IBB Pujols if the situation arises. Freese has been on fire.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Freese scares me as much as anyone in that lineup. Not just because of how he's been lately either.
That guy can flat out hit.
I have no concept.
Rickie needs to pick it up he has had a number of chances to get the big clutch hit since the playoff started
and has failed most of the time
"It's a joke. It's all a joke.
It's baseball
you’re very much expected to fail most of the time.
by Andrew Heidke on Oct 13, 2011 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Dumb but not as dumb
At least he’s not in CF. Obviously he can do defensive damage in RF, too, but I don’t think this’ll be quite the same disaster. Having said that, if he’s the reason for the loss again tonight, RRR’s job should be in serious, serious jeopardy.
by kotsaythebuzzkill on Oct 13, 2011 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions
I just wish he would trust the players
They’re the ones that won 96 games. Hart is by all accounts, a much better baseball player than Kotsay. Play him in the most important games.
Get a ife broseph
Hart hasn't looked like the third best hitter this post-season
His ABs haven’t looked very good… particularly last night.
I maybe would be okay with Kotsay in RF if he wasn’t hitting in the #2 spot. He should be swapped with Hairston in the lineup.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Right.
I’m just not sure he’s more likely to bust out of it on the bench.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
Some guys need more playing time to bust out of a slump
Others just need a day off.
Hart has been starting every playoff game until today and still was slumping. I don’t blame RR for trying something else.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Others only have a handful of games left in their season.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
Sitting on the bench for a game
Let’s you sit back and watch what’s going on.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
After hearing that Kotsay is starting over him
I’m not surprised.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
by sjlee on Oct 13, 2011 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
Is he any worse defensively than Hart being in right?
I haven’t seen anyone talk about the ball he should have caught last night that allowed runs to score.
Yes, he's worse
Its not nearly the gap in ability it was last night when he was in CF, but he’s not as good a defender as Hart.
Get a ife broseph
I've got an end point for you:
it’s called Friday, if we keep sitting our best players.
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
He's much worse
Looking at UZR/150 over the past four seasons for both players…
Kotsay: 7.8, -44.3, -69.3 and -12.4
Hart: -4.8, -9.5, -7.9 and 0.7
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
No Berkman..
actually think this makes Cards more dangerous
I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005
We expect to win.- Ted Thompson July 28, 2011
Berkman's batting ave vs Wolf is terrible..
and he’s a defensive liability anywhere..
I love wins. Wins are good for the soul.- Barry Alvarez Sep 25, 2005
We expect to win.- Ted Thompson July 28, 2011
Hart's "struggles"
Career, K% – 19.6%, BB% – 9.3%
2011 Postseason, K % – 16.6%, BB% – 5.5 %
Pretty close to his career norms, striking out and walking a little less than usual.
His long fly ball that was caught in AZ was memorable, couldn’t you just make the case that he’s run into some bad luck in a short sample, and because of this luck RRR is starting Kotsay?
Get a ife broseph
He's also struggled against Lohse in his career
I get what you’re saying though. RR seems to be panicking a little bit right now… and is probably over-thinking the lineup.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
These were his outfielders coming into the NLCS:
Ryan Braun – Nyjer Morgan – Carlos Gomez – Corey Hart – Mark Kotsay
This is how many games each player will have started after tonight:
4 – 2 – 1 – 3 – 2
In what reality does that make sense?
We pull our pants up and do our jobs here.
In RR's mind
Didn’t he say something earlier this season about wanting to play Kotsay more if he was able to?
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Kotsay is 1/13 against Lohse
That didn’t stop him. Although he’s a veteran so he gets the benefit of the doubt I suppose.
Greinke: "It’s not about the guacamole itself. I just don’t want to let them win."
2-time BCB Fantasy Baseball Champion
Heh...
Kotsay is only 1 for 13 against Lohse. Apparently RR wants to have an additional lefty in the lineup.
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
Given the lack of a L/R split
He’s heavily counting on the wind blowing out to right tonight. They’ll have to keep up with Wolf’s dingers.
Seems like the wind blowing out to RF would benefit the Brewers more than the Cardinals
Pujols is the Barack Obama of baseball.
melvin trade history
everyone’s complained about melvin not trying to trade more over the past few years, especially with hardy. check this out:
jonahkeri: fave story of night: doug melvin once texted theo on trade deadline – hardy for buchholz/bard…theo’s reply: “lol” (05/18/2010 11:45:46 PM from txt, retweeted by devil_fingers and 31 others)
devil_fingers: Other than the “lol,” the best part about the Theo/Melvin/Buchholz/Bard story is that the Sox prolly coulda used J.J. Hardy… @jonahkeri (24 minutes ago from TweetDeck)
Hardy for Buchholz/Bard
That’s like an OV trade proposal right there.
by Cheeseandcorn on Oct 13, 2011 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions
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NL Central Standings
| W | L | PCT | GB | STRK | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati
|
25 | 20 | .555 | 0 | Lost 1 |
|
St. Louis
|
25 | 21 | .543 | 0.5 | Lost 2 |
|
Houston
|
22 | 23 | .488 | 3 | Won 4 |
|
Pittsburgh
|
21 | 24 | .466 | 4 | Won 1 |
|
Milwaukee
|
19 | 26 | .422 | 6 | Won 2 |
|
Chicago
|
15 | 30 | .333 | 10 | Lost 10 |
(updated 5.26.2012 at 6:00 PM CDT)
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