Cardinals The "Official" Cardinals Discussion Thread. - Page 14

**BigRedChief** · 07-07-2008, 07:05 AM

Figured that if we had one thread to discuss Cardinals "stuff" it would be easier to find. What do you think? Good idea?

Subterranean Alien · 07-13-2008, 05:18 PM

I'm just thrilled that there is a St. Louis Cardinals thread on a Kansas City Chiefs website. I think I'll go start a Kansas City Royals thread on a St. louis Rams website to even the score.

Frazod · 07-13-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subterranean Alien

I'm just thrilled that there is a St. Louis Cardinals thread on a Kansas City Chiefs website. I think I'll go start a Kansas City Royals thread on a St. louis Rams website to even the score.

Be sure to go fuck yourself as well.

Subterranean Alien · 07-13-2008, 05:38 PM

If I didn't hate baseball, I wouldn't have said anything. So really, I don't care. I hate Kansas more than you do, and I live here.

Marcellus · 07-13-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subterranean Alien

If I didn't hate baseball, I wouldn't have said anything. So really, I don't care. I hate Kansas more than you do, and I live here.

If you hate baseball, and wouldn't have said anything otherwise, why go to a baseball thread to talk smack? Seems like you went out of your way to let your feelings known.

Frazod · 07-13-2008, 05:43 PM

There are fans here who root for football, baseball and various college teams from Missouri, Kansas, and surrounding states in every direction. If you don't like it, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.

**Skip Towne** · 07-13-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subterranean Alien

I'm just thrilled that there is a St. Louis Cardinals thread on a Kansas City Chiefs website. I think I'll go start a Kansas City Royals thread on a St. louis Rams website to even the score.

It doesn't seem to be bothering anyone else. Learn to use "Ignore this thread".

StcChief · 07-13-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

It doesn't seem to be bothering anyone else. Learn to use "Ignore this thread".

well.....
he can KMA way off base.

good deal where ever he goes DumB ****

**BigRedChief** · 07-13-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Subterranean Alien

If I didn't hate baseball, I wouldn't have said anything. So really, I don't care. I hate Kansas more than you do, and I live here.

As you can see most of the people posting in this thread are long time members of the Planet with years of posting about the Chiefs on this BB. Your a n00b. Just ignore the thread.

smittysbar · 07-13-2008, 10:57 PM

Missed the games this weekend. Seems the Cards are finally scoring some runs.

Cubs lost today, 4 1/2 back

Frazod · 07-13-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittysbar

Missed the games this weekend. Seems the Cards are finally scoring some runs.

Cubs lost today, 4 1/2 back

Be glad you missed that abortion yesterday. We should be 3 1/2 games back.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-14-2008, 10:23 AM

Man this thread sure got some people's panties in a bunch which means it was an even better idea than I originally thought. Good job BRC.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-14-2008, 10:28 AM

So, all things considered I'm very happy where the team is at the allstar break. Even though Saturday's game blew, going into the break leading the wild card is better then expected for this season. Hopefully, they stay the course and can make it to postseason play without having to give up any young players of value.

**BigRedChief** · 07-14-2008, 10:30 AM

From the St. Louis paper
--------------------------------------------------------------

How many among us would have honestly predicted that the Cardinals would be 10 games over .500 at the break and possess the NL's second-best record? Or that the Cardinals could make these advances despite having to put 17 players on the disabled list, including team MVP Albert Pujols, No. 1 starter Adam Wainwright and all-time franchise saves leader Jason Isringhausen? The rehabbing former Cy Young award winner, Chris Carpenter, hasn't thrown a pitch.

Offseason signee Matt Clement (shoulder) hasn't surfaced because of decreased velocity.

Mark Mulder sadly unraveled again. And yet the Cardinals have defied the adversity and the forecasts to grind their way into postseason contention. And this was supposed to be a season of rebuilding, retooling, revamping, etc. Why?

Several reasons, in no particular order:
1. Pitching coach Dave Duncan's rotation has surprisingly held up for a 40-23 record and a 4.13 ERA. Year after year, Duncan squeezes terrific results from makeshift rotations.
2. Kyle Lohse, who hasn't lost since May 8, is 11-2 with a 3.39 ERA.
3. Breakout power seasons from Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel, who have combined for 41 homers and 115 RBIs. Last season Cardinals outfielders produced 68 homers in 162 games. This year, through 96 games, the outfielders already have launched 53 homers.
4. Third baseman Troy Glaus has 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 94 games played. Last season the Cardinals received only 12 homers and 77 RBIs from seven players who manned the third-base position over 162 games.
5. Dramatically improved defense.

Don't forget Aaron Miles, batting .317. Or Skip Schumaker, who has done a fine job as a leadoff man and is hitting .339 against righthanded pitching. Or catcher Yadier Molina's impressive development as a hitter; he's batting .339 since April 23.

Of course, La Russa is the fixed axis. All things Cardinal revolve around him. He gives this team its toughness, its personality.

At the break, the Cardinals should exhale and take a bow.
And then it's back to work.

**BigRedChief** · 07-17-2008, 06:44 AM

From the "official" Cardinals website. Looks like there will be no deals for more players. Pujols publically at least is okay with it.

------------------------------------------------------------------

ST. LOUIS -- As the Cardinals begin the second half of the season -- or, more accurately, the final 40 percent -- they're well ahead of all but the most optimistic preseason
predictions. They're very much within sniffing distance of the National League Cntral-leading Cubs, and locked in a fight with the Brewers for the NL Wild Card.

They Cardinals have done it by playing a style of baseball that has won over many skeptical fans. They've been an entertaining club to watch, and on the rare occasions when they've been blown out, they've come back strong the next day. Twelve times they've lost the opener of a three-game series, and nine times they've come back to win the series.

All while playing at one point or another without Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, Todd Wellemeyer and Jason Isringhausen, among plenty of other disabled-list denizens. For the second year in a row, St. Louis has taken punch after punch.

This time around, though, the Redbirds have kept their heads well above water. "I think if we had [just] survived, we'd be doing good," said manager Tony La Russa. "I think 10 [games over .500] is a little bit of thrive. "We've played short quite a bit. Ten over is a decent number."

In the coming weeks, though, this trying season is likely to define itself. The hope is that the returns of Wainwright and Chris Carpenter, and returns to form by Wellemeyer and Isringhausen, propel the Cardinals to greater heights.

In such a scenario, a legitimately good club gets even better. The alternative, though, is that an undertalented club has scrapped and hustled its way to success. If that's the case, then the strain of the first half and the drain of playing undermanned will take its toll, and the Cards will fade in the second half. There's little secret which view holds sway in the St. Louis clubhouse.

I think we are mentally stronger every day, every series, every game that we play," said Pujols. "That's how you define a team. ... We're mentally pretty strong. That's something that we haven't had in this organization in a long, long time. We have a strong mind where we can bounce back right away the next day." In Pujols' eyes, the Cards' current roster is strong enough to stay in the hunt until the end.

"We're playing fine with the ballclub that we have," he said. "I think we have everything we need to win and to play with anybody. I think we just need to stay healthy. If we get Adam back, [Mark] Mulder hopefully back, we'll be in pretty good shape." They may have to do it with something very close to what they have now, because a big-name rental player is an extremely unlikely addition. The team's front office has littleinterest in dismantling an improving farm system for a two-month roster fix.

That doesn't mean the Cards will sit still, and in fact some upgrades are likely -- especially in the bullpen. But club management believed in March that this team was good enough to win, even when few others felt the same way. That's still the view in July.

Over the next 66 games, the rest of the league will find out if the Cards were right

**BigRedChief** · 07-17-2008, 08:01 AM

Post-Dispatch: You've had more than eight months to evaluate the front office after the most dramatic shake-up under your ownership group. Have you formed an impression? >>

Bill DeWitt Jr.: I think Mo's done and continues to do an excellent job. It's working the way we had hoped it would. He's put a good team together that works well together utilizing all our resources. I'm happy with the way he's organized it, the operation of it and the results.

P-D: Any change of direction invites scrutiny. To what extent were you apprehensive about committing to such dramatic changes when the club had enjoyed a fairly extended run of success?

BDJ: I think any time there's change, by definition things are going to be different. It's important to get off to a good start when there's a change in the way you're operating and in the decision-making process. You can be confident in the individuals but you can't be sure of the effectiveness of the individuals involved. I've been very impressed by his effectiveness.

P-D: You've publicly made player development a priority. We've seen sweeping changes in staffing, greater commitment in the lace w:st="on">Caribbeanlace> and more outside recognition for a number of your prospects. Are you satisfied?

BDJ: We're having a good year in the minor leagues. We're winning at Triple-A (lace w:st="on">Memphislace>) and pretty much up and down the line. The nice thing is we're winning as we've developed our players, by and large, as opposed to bringing in from other organizations as minor-league free agents. I thing you see various people and publications outside this organization recognizing the progress we're making. It's something we plan to sustain.

P-D: It can be argued the club has legitimate prospects at every level now. As you amass talent, what is your philosophy regarding keeping them for yourself or using them to address immediate needs on the major-league club?

BDJ: I believe the best way to use value in your system is either to bring it up and play it if there is need or, if you've got a surplus in certain areas, try to be in position to help you improve yourself through other means, such as trades. As far as winning the division, you look at whatever means you can to help yourself. When you look at the current race, we're interested if it's something that helps us now and in the future.

P-D: You've been fairly attuned to how outside publications and local media have depicted your scouting and player development. Obviously, it's a reason why you initially brought Jeff Luhnow into that side of things. What's your read now?

BDJ: The rating of our minor leagues by third parties has gone way up, and deservedly so. That class we drafted in '05…— many of those players are in Double-A and Triple-A now and performing well. (Colby) Rasmus is playing well now. (lace w:st="on">Bryanlace>) lace w:st="on">Andersonlace> is hitting well above .300 at Triple-A. (Mitchell) Boggs was in that draft; he's been up. (Chris) Perez was chosen in '06; he's been up. We've got solid prospects now at Double-A and Triple-A, which hasn't always been the case. Before it was difficult to project a time frame for many players at those levels to reach the major leagues. Now that's not the case.

P-D: Is there still a question about whether this team will have a "buy," "sell" or "hold" mentality as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches?

BDJ: I'm not sure the "buyers-vs.-sellers" is quite what it was a few years ago. Now there are a lot of teams that see themselves in contention for the wild card. A lot of the divisions are very competitive, so you don't see too many deals where teams are unloading good players at the deadline or moving players just to dump salary. The free-agent market the last several years has been very thin. I think that more and more you see teams tying up their top young players to extensions. That serves to dilute the market and in many cases diminish movement around the deadline. But there's always opportunity to improve through the trade process. Some years it's a question of degree.

P-D: You've said consistently this year that the club retained financial flexibility despite a payroll around $100 million. Is that still true?

BDJ: We've got room to add payroll if it would be something to improve our club. But, again, you don't see teams moving payroll just for the sake of moving payroll.

P-D: If an opportunity arose that would allow you to trade for a player or players that would add $1.5 million-$2 million in pro-rated payroll, could you digest it?

BDJ: Something like that would be very achievable.

P-D: Do you still allow yourself to act independently of your rivals after the Milwaukee Brewers acquired CC Sabathia and the Chicago Cubs traded for Rich Harden?

BDJ: We can't worry too much about what other clubs do. We have to be as good a team as we can possibly be, particularly when we're in the playoff hunt. I know Mo' is doing what he is doing to improve the club, trying to get out there and before the deadline to improve the club without sacrificing more talent than we receive in return. I know he's on the case. What we don't want to do is something we regret later. Clubs in the past have panicked and given up a lot and gotten back a little. We don't want to be in that position.

P-D: You've recently experienced injury and medical setbacks with several starting pitchers signed to multiyear deals. Mark Mulder hasn't won on his current ($13 million) deal. Neither has Chris Carpenter. Adam Wainwright is down. Does that make it even more unlikely that the club will commit beyond three years to a starting pitcher in the future?

BDJ: It's certainly case by case. But it's been pretty well-documented any time you sign a pitcher long term, you're taking on a substantial risk. The risk profile for a pitcher is significantly higher than for a position player. We know that. Wainwright was a younger player projected as central to the club's future and obviously his deal is not of the same magnitude as if he was a free agent.

P-D: How does this relate specifically to Mulder?

BDJ: When we did the two-year deal with an option we knew that it was a risk coming off of double surgery. It was incentive-driven to a large degree. We felt it warranted the risk because of the quality pitcher Mark had been. He's disappointed. We're disappointed. That's sometimes the way things go. There is risk. We were willing to take the risk at that time. Obviously at this time we don't have a lot of production from it.

P-D: Do you second-guess the move now?

BDJ: We believed, and he believed, that he would be healthy. We were told by those who evaluated him there was a high probability of him being healthy and having a chance to come back and be what he was again.

P-D: To what extent has the $13 million outlay hindered the club?

BDJ: We factored it into our payroll and budget like we do with every other player. We knew what we were getting into and the impact it would have on payroll.

P-D: How does any of this relate to the club's interest in negotiating with Kyle Lohse?

BDJ: He's certainly pitched very well and shown himself to be a quality starter. There's always a question about whether you talk about an extension at midseason or if it becomes a distraction.

P-D: Pitching coach Dave Duncan is among your pending "free agents." To what extent is it a priority to retain him?

BDJ: (Chuckling) There's no question that everybody involved here wants to keep Dave here. As it relates to his contract, I believe we'll talk about it and do whatever we can to keep him here. He's obviously an important part of the success we've had since he and Tony arrived.

P-D: You've taken some jabs about the halting progress of lace w:st="on">Ballpark Villagelace>. To some extent things have been out of your control. But to what degree can you offer assurances that it's going to happen?

BDJ: I feel confident that the Village will get developed and, from this point forward, in a more timely manner. The market's changed. There will be less residential and more office. We spent a lot of time on the Centene Project, which we thought if it could work would be a great addition to the Village and downtown. But it didn't work. It set us back a number of months. Now you look out there with the dirt and the water…— we need to get started with construction.

P-D: The club has offered assurances before on behalf of itself and the developer. Why should the public be convinced now?

BDJ: I think we have more certainty now because we know Centene won't be here and we were able to acquire the Bowling Hall of Fame site. That also had its own set of complications. If they hadn't chosen to move, we would have loved for them to be in Village. But in that location on that parcel, it wasn't ideal. That would have complicated things to move them to another part of the Village. We could have done it. But I think the way it worked out is probably a cleaner way for us to have certainty for that site and simplify the project.

P-D: Will the project be recognizable compared to its original rendering?

BDJ: I think it will be recognizable from the original vision. I don't think residential will be Phase I. It will be a second phase. I hope the residential market comes back to where it's viable.

P-D: Projections no longer call for completion of the project before the team hosts the All-Star Game next July. What can be done by then?

BDJ: The site will be a lot nicer for the All-Star Game. We'll definitely need to pave and set up an area for various All-Star activities. We were hoping to have it open for the All-Star Game but as of now that's not going to happen.

P-D: When can the city expect to see something coming out of the ground?

BDJ: I think toward the end of the year, the first of next year. I think you'll see some cosmetic things before then. But in terms of real construction ... nothing until later.

P-D: So, for you, is there still a question of whether lace w:st="on">Ballpark Villagelace> will be built?

BDJ: The Village will be built. It's just a matter of when it will be completed.

P-D: Back to the club. Much speculation has sprouted about how far the organization will go to acquire help for this year's team if it remains in contention. What does that say about the availability of premium prospects such as Colby Rasmus?

BDJ: They're must-haves for any organization. I don't think you can trade potential premium prospects unless you get premium players back. I think what a lot of clubs have done historically is trade premium prospects for less-than-premium return. I don't agree with a short-term fix. A lot of quick fixes don't work. Time goes on, you're down the road, and your former prospect is out there putting up All-Star numbers for someone else.

P-D: Is there a chance that Rasmus could play his first major-league game in another uniform?

BDJ: I don't anticipate that. No.

P-D: Does the team's success alter your expectations coming out of spring training? Many saw this as a transitional year for a team predicted to finish no better than third. How does that square for you?

BDJ: The expectation of March 30 was to be competitive and to have a chance to win the division. That hasn't changed. It's a great team to watch. I've gotten a lot of feedback from fans that this is really a fun team. They're young. They're energetic. They never give up. They've shown an ability to bounce back from a tough game. They're playing great defense. A lot of it is opportunity. We're not necessarily that young chronologically. But these are guys who have never really had an extended opportunity for one reason or another, whether they were with us or with somebody else. It's just a fun group to watch.

P-D: So you don't consider this team to be overachieving?

BDJ: Until the team played, because we had so many players playing regularly for the first time, I'm not sure everybody saw the potential upside. You still have to go out and play the games. They've done that. The most exciting thing for me to see is even when they've lost two or three in a row, they pop back. They don't get down. They come back and beat top clubs. They expect to win. That's pretty obvious.

P-D: It sounds as though you believed that last year's club grew stale.

BDJ: I don't know if 'stale' is the right word. But we wanted to get younger.

P-D: Fair to say you remain bullish?

BDJ: Things with the organization have gone extremely well. We've got good talent high up in the minor leagues. We've got some international kids playing very well. Our system is very much on the upswing. We've got a lot of top prospects. As for the second half, I think it's going to be great to watch. It's fun to be right there. We're the wild card as we speak and the division is within reach. I'm looking forward to what's ahead.>>

07-07-2008, 07:05 AM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-661038 VARSITY	The "Official" Cardinals Discussion Thread. Figured that if we had one thread to discuss Cardinals "stuff" it would be easier to find. What do you think? Good idea?
Posts: 81,288

07-13-2008, 05:18 PM	#196
Subterranean Alien Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oz Casino cash: $10004900	I'm just thrilled that there is a St. Louis Cardinals thread on a Kansas City Chiefs website. I think I'll go start a Kansas City Royals thread on a St. louis Rams website to even the score.
Posts: 36

07-13-2008, 05:38 PM	#198
Subterranean Alien Starter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Oz Casino cash: $10004900	If I didn't hate baseball, I wouldn't have said anything. So really, I don't care. I hate Kansas more than you do, and I live here.
Posts: 36

07-13-2008, 05:43 PM	#200
Frazod Did you hear what I said? Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $-656615	There are fans here who root for football, baseball and various college teams from Missouri, Kansas, and surrounding states in every direction. If you don't like it, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.
Posts: 121,727

07-13-2008, 10:57 PM	#204
smittysbar Right in the Lumberyard Danny Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: LaPlata, MO Casino cash: $10004942	Missed the games this weekend. Seems the Cards are finally scoring some runs. Cubs lost today, 4 1/2 back __________________
Posts: 6,646

07-14-2008, 10:23 AM	#206
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $298880	Man this thread sure got some people's panties in a bunch which means it was an even better idea than I originally thought. Good job BRC.
Posts: 72,949

07-14-2008, 10:28 AM	#207
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $298880	So, all things considered I'm very happy where the team is at the allstar break. Even though Saturday's game blew, going into the break leading the wild card is better then expected for this season. Hopefully, they stay the course and can make it to postseason play without having to give up any young players of value.
Posts: 72,949

07-14-2008, 10:30 AM	#208
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-661038 VARSITY	From the St. Louis paper -------------------------------------------------------------- How many among us would have honestly predicted that the Cardinals would be 10 games over .500 at the break and possess the NL's second-best record? Or that the Cardinals could make these advances despite having to put 17 players on the disabled list, including team MVP Albert Pujols, No. 1 starter Adam Wainwright and all-time franchise saves leader Jason Isringhausen? The rehabbing former Cy Young award winner, Chris Carpenter, hasn't thrown a pitch. Offseason signee Matt Clement (shoulder) hasn't surfaced because of decreased velocity. Mark Mulder sadly unraveled again. And yet the Cardinals have defied the adversity and the forecasts to grind their way into postseason contention. And this was supposed to be a season of rebuilding, retooling, revamping, etc. Why? Several reasons, in no particular order: 1. Pitching coach Dave Duncan's rotation has surprisingly held up for a 40-23 record and a 4.13 ERA. Year after year, Duncan squeezes terrific results from makeshift rotations. 2. Kyle Lohse, who hasn't lost since May 8, is 11-2 with a 3.39 ERA. 3. Breakout power seasons from Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel, who have combined for 41 homers and 115 RBIs. Last season Cardinals outfielders produced 68 homers in 162 games. This year, through 96 games, the outfielders already have launched 53 homers. 4. Third baseman Troy Glaus has 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 94 games played. Last season the Cardinals received only 12 homers and 77 RBIs from seven players who manned the third-base position over 162 games. 5. Dramatically improved defense. Don't forget Aaron Miles, batting .317. Or Skip Schumaker, who has done a fine job as a leadoff man and is hitting .339 against righthanded pitching. Or catcher Yadier Molina's impressive development as a hitter; he's batting .339 since April 23. Of course, La Russa is the fixed axis. All things Cardinal revolve around him. He gives this team its toughness, its personality. At the break, the Cardinals should exhale and take a bow. And then it's back to work. __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,288

07-17-2008, 06:44 AM	#209
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-661038 VARSITY	From the "official" Cardinals website. Looks like there will be no deals for more players. Pujols publically at least is okay with it. ------------------------------------------------------------------ ST. LOUIS -- As the Cardinals begin the second half of the season -- or, more accurately, the final 40 percent -- they're well ahead of all but the most optimistic preseason predictions. They're very much within sniffing distance of the National League Cntral-leading Cubs, and locked in a fight with the Brewers for the NL Wild Card. They Cardinals have done it by playing a style of baseball that has won over many skeptical fans. They've been an entertaining club to watch, and on the rare occasions when they've been blown out, they've come back strong the next day. Twelve times they've lost the opener of a three-game series, and nine times they've come back to win the series. All while playing at one point or another without Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, Todd Wellemeyer and Jason Isringhausen, among plenty of other disabled-list denizens. For the second year in a row, St. Louis has taken punch after punch. This time around, though, the Redbirds have kept their heads well above water. "I think if we had [just] survived, we'd be doing good," said manager Tony La Russa. "I think 10 [games over .500] is a little bit of thrive. "We've played short quite a bit. Ten over is a decent number." In the coming weeks, though, this trying season is likely to define itself. The hope is that the returns of Wainwright and Chris Carpenter, and returns to form by Wellemeyer and Isringhausen, propel the Cardinals to greater heights. In such a scenario, a legitimately good club gets even better. The alternative, though, is that an undertalented club has scrapped and hustled its way to success. If that's the case, then the strain of the first half and the drain of playing undermanned will take its toll, and the Cards will fade in the second half. There's little secret which view holds sway in the St. Louis clubhouse. I think we are mentally stronger every day, every series, every game that we play," said Pujols. "That's how you define a team. ... We're mentally pretty strong. That's something that we haven't had in this organization in a long, long time. We have a strong mind where we can bounce back right away the next day." In Pujols' eyes, the Cards' current roster is strong enough to stay in the hunt until the end. "We're playing fine with the ballclub that we have," he said. "I think we have everything we need to win and to play with anybody. I think we just need to stay healthy. If we get Adam back, [Mark] Mulder hopefully back, we'll be in pretty good shape." They may have to do it with something very close to what they have now, because a big-name rental player is an extremely unlikely addition. The team's front office has littleinterest in dismantling an improving farm system for a two-month roster fix. That doesn't mean the Cards will sit still, and in fact some upgrades are likely -- especially in the bullpen. But club management believed in March that this team was good enough to win, even when few others felt the same way. That's still the view in July. Over the next 66 games, the rest of the league will find out if the Cards were right __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,288

07-17-2008, 08:01 AM	#210
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $-661038 VARSITY	Post-Dispatch: You've had more than eight months to evaluate the front office after the most dramatic shake-up under your ownership group. Have you formed an impression? >> Bill DeWitt Jr.: I think Mo's done and continues to do an excellent job. It's working the way we had hoped it would. He's put a good team together that works well together utilizing all our resources. I'm happy with the way he's organized it, the operation of it and the results. P-D: Any change of direction invites scrutiny. To what extent were you apprehensive about committing to such dramatic changes when the club had enjoyed a fairly extended run of success? BDJ: I think any time there's change, by definition things are going to be different. It's important to get off to a good start when there's a change in the way you're operating and in the decision-making process. You can be confident in the individuals but you can't be sure of the effectiveness of the individuals involved. I've been very impressed by his effectiveness. P-D: You've publicly made player development a priority. We've seen sweeping changes in staffing, greater commitment in the lace w:st="on">Caribbeanlace> and more outside recognition for a number of your prospects. Are you satisfied? BDJ: We're having a good year in the minor leagues. We're winning at Triple-A (lace w:st="on">Memphislace>) and pretty much up and down the line. The nice thing is we're winning as we've developed our players, by and large, as opposed to bringing in from other organizations as minor-league free agents. I thing you see various people and publications outside this organization recognizing the progress we're making. It's something we plan to sustain. P-D: It can be argued the club has legitimate prospects at every level now. As you amass talent, what is your philosophy regarding keeping them for yourself or using them to address immediate needs on the major-league club? BDJ: I believe the best way to use value in your system is either to bring it up and play it if there is need or, if you've got a surplus in certain areas, try to be in position to help you improve yourself through other means, such as trades. As far as winning the division, you look at whatever means you can to help yourself. When you look at the current race, we're interested if it's something that helps us now and in the future. P-D: You've been fairly attuned to how outside publications and local media have depicted your scouting and player development. Obviously, it's a reason why you initially brought Jeff Luhnow into that side of things. What's your read now? BDJ: The rating of our minor leagues by third parties has gone way up, and deservedly so. That class we drafted in '05…— many of those players are in Double-A and Triple-A now and performing well. (Colby) Rasmus is playing well now. (lace w:st="on">Bryanlace>) lace w:st="on">Andersonlace> is hitting well above .300 at Triple-A. (Mitchell) Boggs was in that draft; he's been up. (Chris) Perez was chosen in '06; he's been up. We've got solid prospects now at Double-A and Triple-A, which hasn't always been the case. Before it was difficult to project a time frame for many players at those levels to reach the major leagues. Now that's not the case. P-D: Is there still a question about whether this team will have a "buy," "sell" or "hold" mentality as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches? BDJ: I'm not sure the "buyers-vs.-sellers" is quite what it was a few years ago. Now there are a lot of teams that see themselves in contention for the wild card. A lot of the divisions are very competitive, so you don't see too many deals where teams are unloading good players at the deadline or moving players just to dump salary. The free-agent market the last several years has been very thin. I think that more and more you see teams tying up their top young players to extensions. That serves to dilute the market and in many cases diminish movement around the deadline. But there's always opportunity to improve through the trade process. Some years it's a question of degree. P-D: You've said consistently this year that the club retained financial flexibility despite a payroll around $100 million. Is that still true? BDJ: We've got room to add payroll if it would be something to improve our club. But, again, you don't see teams moving payroll just for the sake of moving payroll. P-D: If an opportunity arose that would allow you to trade for a player or players that would add $1.5 million-$2 million in pro-rated payroll, could you digest it? BDJ: Something like that would be very achievable. P-D: Do you still allow yourself to act independently of your rivals after the Milwaukee Brewers acquired CC Sabathia and the Chicago Cubs traded for Rich Harden? BDJ: We can't worry too much about what other clubs do. We have to be as good a team as we can possibly be, particularly when we're in the playoff hunt. I know Mo' is doing what he is doing to improve the club, trying to get out there and before the deadline to improve the club without sacrificing more talent than we receive in return. I know he's on the case. What we don't want to do is something we regret later. Clubs in the past have panicked and given up a lot and gotten back a little. We don't want to be in that position. P-D: You've recently experienced injury and medical setbacks with several starting pitchers signed to multiyear deals. Mark Mulder hasn't won on his current ($13 million) deal. Neither has Chris Carpenter. Adam Wainwright is down. Does that make it even more unlikely that the club will commit beyond three years to a starting pitcher in the future? BDJ: It's certainly case by case. But it's been pretty well-documented any time you sign a pitcher long term, you're taking on a substantial risk. The risk profile for a pitcher is significantly higher than for a position player. We know that. Wainwright was a younger player projected as central to the club's future and obviously his deal is not of the same magnitude as if he was a free agent. P-D: How does this relate specifically to Mulder? BDJ: When we did the two-year deal with an option we knew that it was a risk coming off of double surgery. It was incentive-driven to a large degree. We felt it warranted the risk because of the quality pitcher Mark had been. He's disappointed. We're disappointed. That's sometimes the way things go. There is risk. We were willing to take the risk at that time. Obviously at this time we don't have a lot of production from it. P-D: Do you second-guess the move now? BDJ: We believed, and he believed, that he would be healthy. We were told by those who evaluated him there was a high probability of him being healthy and having a chance to come back and be what he was again. P-D: To what extent has the $13 million outlay hindered the club? BDJ: We factored it into our payroll and budget like we do with every other player. We knew what we were getting into and the impact it would have on payroll. P-D: How does any of this relate to the club's interest in negotiating with Kyle Lohse? BDJ: He's certainly pitched very well and shown himself to be a quality starter. There's always a question about whether you talk about an extension at midseason or if it becomes a distraction. P-D: Pitching coach Dave Duncan is among your pending "free agents." To what extent is it a priority to retain him? BDJ: (Chuckling) There's no question that everybody involved here wants to keep Dave here. As it relates to his contract, I believe we'll talk about it and do whatever we can to keep him here. He's obviously an important part of the success we've had since he and Tony arrived. P-D: You've taken some jabs about the halting progress of lace w:st="on">Ballpark Villagelace>. To some extent things have been out of your control. But to what degree can you offer assurances that it's going to happen? BDJ: I feel confident that the Village will get developed and, from this point forward, in a more timely manner. The market's changed. There will be less residential and more office. We spent a lot of time on the Centene Project, which we thought if it could work would be a great addition to the Village and downtown. But it didn't work. It set us back a number of months. Now you look out there with the dirt and the water…— we need to get started with construction. P-D: The club has offered assurances before on behalf of itself and the developer. Why should the public be convinced now? BDJ: I think we have more certainty now because we know Centene won't be here and we were able to acquire the Bowling Hall of Fame site. That also had its own set of complications. If they hadn't chosen to move, we would have loved for them to be in Village. But in that location on that parcel, it wasn't ideal. That would have complicated things to move them to another part of the Village. We could have done it. But I think the way it worked out is probably a cleaner way for us to have certainty for that site and simplify the project. P-D: Will the project be recognizable compared to its original rendering? BDJ: I think it will be recognizable from the original vision. I don't think residential will be Phase I. It will be a second phase. I hope the residential market comes back to where it's viable. P-D: Projections no longer call for completion of the project before the team hosts the All-Star Game next July. What can be done by then? BDJ: The site will be a lot nicer for the All-Star Game. We'll definitely need to pave and set up an area for various All-Star activities. We were hoping to have it open for the All-Star Game but as of now that's not going to happen. P-D: When can the city expect to see something coming out of the ground? BDJ: I think toward the end of the year, the first of next year. I think you'll see some cosmetic things before then. But in terms of real construction ... nothing until later. P-D: So, for you, is there still a question of whether lace w:st="on">Ballpark Villagelace> will be built? BDJ: The Village will be built. It's just a matter of when it will be completed. P-D: Back to the club. Much speculation has sprouted about how far the organization will go to acquire help for this year's team if it remains in contention. What does that say about the availability of premium prospects such as Colby Rasmus? BDJ: They're must-haves for any organization. I don't think you can trade potential premium prospects unless you get premium players back. I think what a lot of clubs have done historically is trade premium prospects for less-than-premium return. I don't agree with a short-term fix. A lot of quick fixes don't work. Time goes on, you're down the road, and your former prospect is out there putting up All-Star numbers for someone else. P-D: Is there a chance that Rasmus could play his first major-league game in another uniform? BDJ: I don't anticipate that. No. P-D: Does the team's success alter your expectations coming out of spring training? Many saw this as a transitional year for a team predicted to finish no better than third. How does that square for you? BDJ: The expectation of March 30 was to be competitive and to have a chance to win the division. That hasn't changed. It's a great team to watch. I've gotten a lot of feedback from fans that this is really a fun team. They're young. They're energetic. They never give up. They've shown an ability to bounce back from a tough game. They're playing great defense. A lot of it is opportunity. We're not necessarily that young chronologically. But these are guys who have never really had an extended opportunity for one reason or another, whether they were with us or with somebody else. It's just a fun group to watch. P-D: So you don't consider this team to be overachieving? BDJ: Until the team played, because we had so many players playing regularly for the first time, I'm not sure everybody saw the potential upside. You still have to go out and play the games. They've done that. The most exciting thing for me to see is even when they've lost two or three in a row, they pop back. They don't get down. They come back and beat top clubs. They expect to win. That's pretty obvious. P-D: It sounds as though you believed that last year's club grew stale. BDJ: I don't know if 'stale' is the right word. But we wanted to get younger. P-D: Fair to say you remain bullish? BDJ: Things with the organization have gone extremely well. We've got good talent high up in the minor leagues. We've got some international kids playing very well. Our system is very much on the upswing. We've got a lot of top prospects. As for the second half, I think it's going to be great to watch. It's fun to be right there. We're the wild card as we speak and the division is within reach. I'm looking forward to what's ahead.>> __________________ Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
Posts: 81,288