Cardinals ***OFFICIAL*** 2013 STL Cardinals Thread - Page 165

**BigRedChief** · 08:16 PM

From Bernie's column:

People have asked me why we’re not more emotional,” Matheny said in his office after Sunday’s game. “They say that we look subdued, always intense. That our actions are methodical, robotic at times. That’s what got us here. This isn’t the time to change it.”

It’s hard to argue with the manager’s assessment. The Cardinals finished with 97 victories, most by a Cards team since 2005, and tied with Boston for No. 1 in the majors this year.

Their 54-27 showing at Busch Stadium matches the 1985 team for the best single-season home winning percentage (.667) by the Cardinals since 1944.

A postseason theme has emerged, and it echoes the mantra that surfaced before the start of 2013: remember the fall of 2012. Remember falling to San Francisco in the NLCS.

The Cardinals’ veterans still haven’t forgotten. They still aren’t over it. It’s why Matheny resists GM John Mozeliak’s urgings to smile and put on a happier face.

Here's the most impressive aspect of the Cardinals' division championship: they prevailed over two other outstanding teams, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

The 97-win Cardinals were better this year (regular season) than they were in 2011, when they won 90 games, and 2012, when they won 88.
Here are a few numbers that help put the Cardinals' Central title and No. 1 NL seed in perspective:

* Since MLB switched to a three-division format in each league in 1994, this was only the sixth time that a division had three 90-plus win teams. St. Louis won 97, Pittsburgh 94, and Cincinnati 90.
* Since the format change, this was only the second time that an NL division had three 90-win teams. In 2002 the NL West had Arizona (98 wins), San Francisco (95) and Los Angeles (92).
* The 2013 Cardinals faced more esteemed and difficult competition at the top of the division than any of the division-winning teams managed by Tony La Russa.

The Pirates were hardly pushovers; the Cardinals had to work like mad and kick in with a strong finish to put the division away, and didn't clinch until Game No. 160.

The Cardinals went 9-10 against Pittsburgh this season and were 11-8 vs. Cincinnati.

The Cardinals won only three of 10 games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and split the 10 games at Cincinnati. The Cardinals were 6-3 against both teams at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals (1st), Pirates (3rd) and Reds (5th) ranked among the top five in wins in the NL. The three teams were among the top 11 in wins in MLB. All three teams finished in the top five in the majors for best overall ERA, and each were in the top five MLB for best starting-pitching ERA.

The original purpose to this piece was to point out that the Cardinals managed to finish with the league's best record while competing in a division that had three 90-win teams for only the second time in the last 19 years of National League baseball.

The Cardinals really earned this.
Thanks for reading ...
— Bernie

VAChief · 06-30-2013, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRedChief

He may be free come the trading deadline.

Let's hope not, we are one injury away from needing him here everyday. He won't be a Pujols, but he will hit 20 to 30 homers every year and drive in a lot of runs. I haven't heard any names available that I would part with this guy for, especially with what we have pitching wise coming up in our own system

We don't have much position player depth (with legitimate major league upside). This guy fell into our lap, it would be a shame to give him up for a stop gap starter who might not even make the rotation in two years.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-30-2013, 10:14 AM

I don't think Adams is going anywhere.

Pop Warner said on the radio yesterday that they are playing Taveras in center all the time. That officially signifies that Jay is on notice. It also gives us a contingency plan for Beltran.

We have four spots next year for these players:

Holliday
Craig
Adams
Taveras
Beltran

As well as Beltran has played, if he wants a multi-year deal we are better off just making him a qualifying offer and taking the draft pick.

If Beltran re-signs, then a bit of a logjam occurs, but it can easily be remedied by this:

Jay becomes the 4th OF

Holliday
Taveras
Beltran
Craig/Adams

Craig should get about 30 starts in each corner outfield spot and another 80 at first.
Adams starts half the season at first.
Taveras starts everyday in center

If Beltran leaves then Taveras likely still plays center, Craig goes to right and Adams goes to first. Jay becomes the 4th OF/Holliday replacement in the late innings.

**BigRedChief** · 06-30-2013, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VAChief

Let's hope not, we are one injury away from needing him here everyday. He won't be a Pujols, but he will hit 20 to 30 homers every year and drive in a lot of runs. I haven't heard any names available that I would part with this guy for, especially with what we have pitching wise coming up in our own system

We don't have much position player depth (with legitimate major league upside). This guy fell into our lap, it would be a shame to give him up for a stop gap starter who might not even make the rotation in two years.

I agree. You can't just let a home run hitter go because you can't find a spot. You find a spot.

How can we just let Beltran go next year? Unless he wants a 3 year deal worth $70 million or something, we should keep him. Thats some serious production we are getting from Beltran. The fly in the ointment is that we already have 3 players for 2 spots in 2014.

Taveras's ankle has been lingering but I've not heard anything about that he can't stay healthy, is hurt all the time. I've not heard how his center field play is in AAA. As long as he is adequate, that would open up a spot to put another bat in the lineup and take Jay's bat out. Thats a 2fer.

Marcellus · 06-30-2013, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I don't think Adams is going anywhere.

Pop Warner said on the radio yesterday that they are playing Taveras in center all the time. That officially signifies that Jay is on notice. It also gives us a contingency plan for Beltran.

We have four spots next year for these players:

Holliday
Craig
Adams
Taveras
Beltran

As well as Beltran has played, if he wants a multi-year deal we are better off just making him a qualifying offer and taking the draft pick.

If Beltran re-signs, then a bit of a logjam occurs, but it can easily be remedied by this:

Jay becomes the 4th OF

Holliday
Taveras
Beltran
Craig/Adams

Craig should get about 30 starts in each corner outfield spot and another 80 at first.
Adams starts half the season at first.
Taveras starts everyday in center

If Beltran leaves then Taveras likely still plays center, Craig goes to right and Adams goes to first. Jay becomes the 4th OF/Holliday replacement in the late innings.

Yea there really aren't many options but its possible to make it work if Beltran stays.

I think its going to come down to $$. If Beltran wants a shorter deal with reasonable $ ($15M a year for 2 years?) then its a go. Anything else is a pass.

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-30-2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Yea there really aren't many options but its possible to make it work if Beltran stays.

I think its going to come down to $$. If Beltran wants a shorter deal with reasonable $ ($15M a year for 2 years?) then its a go. Anything else is a pass.

I would not do that deal. That's too much money for an outfielder with balky knees. It's in the best interests of this club to treat Beltran as a year-by-year player.

This is where having a DH is a massive tactical advantage for the AL. A guy like Beltran is a perfect fit for the AL, as he can give a team passable defense in a corner OF and great production from the DH spot, allowing you to keep him fresh and the bat in the lineup.

King_Chief_Fan · 06-30-2013, 03:21 PM

why is that fat waste can Wiggington playing?
He stinks

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-30-2013, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_Chief_Fan

why is that fat waste can Wiggington playing?
He stinks

It's not just that he stinks; he's literally the worst player in baseball over the last five years.

Since 2010 only three players have played worse according to WAR:

Greg Dobbs, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Lucas Duda.

**BigRedChief** · 06-30-2013, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

It's not just that he stinks; he's literally the worst player in baseball over the last five years.

Since 2010 only three players have played worse according to WAR:

Greg Dobbs, Yuniesky Betancourt, and Lucas Duda.

This is the Larussa vein in Matheny. Larussa let his personal feelings get in the way of evaluating on the field performance. Okay, he's good in the locker room, helping coach the hitters. Fine and dandy. Make him a coach. Get his ass off the field.

Pepe Silvia · 06-30-2013, 04:41 PM

Another ****ing loss to Oakland.

kcpasco · 06-30-2013, 05:02 PM

Waino went 9 yesterday and there is and no game tomorrow and MM Lets Westbrook get hammered.

O.city · 06-30-2013, 06:28 PM

Pirates walk off win, 2 back now. Need to finish strong to the break.

Not that worried about the pirates, we have them like 15 times in the second half so it'll work itself out either way

'Hamas' Jenkins · 06-30-2013, 07:34 PM

The Pirates' run differential is +45. Ours is +112. Some of that is due to their bullpen, but they are just lucky as **** right now. Maybe they'll pull a Baltimore from last year and make the playoffs despite being a thoroughly mediocre team.

They are five wins better than their Pythagorean record. Jeff Locke's ERA is HALF what his xFIP is, and AJ Burnett's BABIP is preposterous, and they have one guy with more than 10 HRs. That team is a paper tiger.

**BigRedChief** · 06-30-2013, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Pirates walk off win, 2 back now. Need to finish strong to the break.

Not that worried about the pirates, we have them like 15 times in the second half so it'll work itself out either way

I'm not worried about the Pirates either. We take care of our business, we will be in the playoffs.

We need to win the division. I would like to avoid that one game play in game. But, it was a helluva lot of fun in ATL last year.

Pepe Silvia · 06-30-2013, 08:01 PM

I just can't see the Pirates keeping this up. Like I said a while back I'm more worried about the Reds than the Pirates, the Pirates have yet to prove they can do this a full season, other than Cole their pitching doesn't really impress me. As hamas pointed out their offense isn't all that fantastic either, at least power wise.

O.city · 07-02-2013, 09:20 PM

Lynn blows up again in the 2nd.

It's about time Martinez makes his way to STL. Lynn, Westbrook and Miller have been shit lately.

01-25-2013, 05:27 PM
BigRedChief Has a particular set of skills Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: On the water Casino cash: $3169627 VARSITY	*OFFICIAL* 2013 STL Cardinals Thread From Bernie's column: People have asked me why we’re not more emotional,” Matheny said in his office after Sunday’s game. “They say that we look subdued, always intense. That our actions are methodical, robotic at times. That’s what got us here. This isn’t the time to change it.” It’s hard to argue with the manager’s assessment. The Cardinals finished with 97 victories, most by a Cards team since 2005, and tied with Boston for No. 1 in the majors this year. Their 54-27 showing at Busch Stadium matches the 1985 team for the best single-season home winning percentage (.667) by the Cardinals since 1944. A postseason theme has emerged, and it echoes the mantra that surfaced before the start of 2013: remember the fall of 2012. Remember falling to San Francisco in the NLCS. The Cardinals’ veterans still haven’t forgotten. They still aren’t over it. It’s why Matheny resists GM John Mozeliak’s urgings to smile and put on a happier face. Here's the most impressive aspect of the Cardinals' division championship: they prevailed over two other outstanding teams, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. The 97-win Cardinals were better this year (regular season) than they were in 2011, when they won 90 games, and 2012, when they won 88. Here are a few numbers that help put the Cardinals' Central title and No. 1 NL seed in perspective: * Since MLB switched to a three-division format in each league in 1994, this was only the sixth time that a division had three 90-plus win teams. St. Louis won 97, Pittsburgh 94, and Cincinnati 90. * Since the format change, this was only the second time that an NL division had three 90-win teams. In 2002 the NL West had Arizona (98 wins), San Francisco (95) and Los Angeles (92). * The 2013 Cardinals faced more esteemed and difficult competition at the top of the division than any of the division-winning teams managed by Tony La Russa. The Pirates were hardly pushovers; the Cardinals had to work like mad and kick in with a strong finish to put the division away, and didn't clinch until Game No. 160. The Cardinals went 9-10 against Pittsburgh this season and were 11-8 vs. Cincinnati. The Cardinals won only three of 10 games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh and split the 10 games at Cincinnati. The Cardinals were 6-3 against both teams at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals (1st), Pirates (3rd) and Reds (5th) ranked among the top five in wins in the NL. The three teams were among the top 11 in wins in MLB. All three teams finished in the top five in the majors for best overall ERA, and each were in the top five MLB for best starting-pitching ERA. The original purpose to this piece was to point out that the Cardinals managed to finish with the league's best record while competing in a division that had three 90-win teams for only the second time in the last 19 years of National League baseball. The Cardinals really earned this. Thanks for reading ... — Bernie Last edited by BigRedChief; 10-02-2013 at 08:16 PM..
Posts: 78,986

06-30-2013, 10:14 AM	#2462
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	I don't think Adams is going anywhere. Pop Warner said on the radio yesterday that they are playing Taveras in center all the time. That officially signifies that Jay is on notice. It also gives us a contingency plan for Beltran. We have four spots next year for these players: Holliday Craig Adams Taveras Beltran As well as Beltran has played, if he wants a multi-year deal we are better off just making him a qualifying offer and taking the draft pick. If Beltran re-signs, then a bit of a logjam occurs, but it can easily be remedied by this: Jay becomes the 4th OF Holliday Taveras Beltran Craig/Adams Craig should get about 30 starts in each corner outfield spot and another 80 at first. Adams starts half the season at first. Taveras starts everyday in center If Beltran leaves then Taveras likely still plays center, Craig goes to right and Adams goes to first. Jay becomes the 4th OF/Holliday replacement in the late innings. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,825

06-30-2013, 03:21 PM	#2466
King_Chief_Fan Praise Him Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: none ya Casino cash: $5915486	why is that fat waste can Wiggington playing? He stinks __________________ No Jesus No Peace Know Jesus Know Peace Ephesians 2:8-10 English Standard Version (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Posts: 12,178

06-30-2013, 04:41 PM	#2469
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1934664	Another ****ing loss to Oakland.
Posts: 16,557

06-30-2013, 05:02 PM	#2470
kcpasco MVP Join Date: Sep 2007 Casino cash: $7733463	Waino went 9 yesterday and there is and no game tomorrow and MM Lets Westbrook get hammered.
Posts: 15,477

06-30-2013, 06:28 PM	#2471
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2774064	Pirates walk off win, 2 back now. Need to finish strong to the break. Not that worried about the pirates, we have them like 15 times in the second half so it'll work itself out either way
Posts: 81,205

06-30-2013, 07:34 PM	#2472
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $8009572	The Pirates' run differential is +45. Ours is +112. Some of that is due to their bullpen, but they are just lucky as **** right now. Maybe they'll pull a Baltimore from last year and make the playoffs despite being a thoroughly mediocre team. They are five wins better than their Pythagorean record. Jeff Locke's ERA is HALF what his xFIP is, and AJ Burnett's BABIP is preposterous, and they have one guy with more than 10 HRs. That team is a paper tiger. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
Posts: 74,825

06-30-2013, 08:01 PM	#2474
Pepe Silvia MVP Join Date: Oct 2012 Casino cash: $1934664	I just can't see the Pirates keeping this up. Like I said a while back I'm more worried about the Reds than the Pirates, the Pirates have yet to prove they can do this a full season, other than Cole their pitching doesn't really impress me. As hamas pointed out their offense isn't all that fantastic either, at least power wise.
Posts: 16,557

07-02-2013, 09:20 PM	#2475
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2774064	Lynn blows up again in the 2nd. It's about time Martinez makes his way to STL. Lynn, Westbrook and Miller have been shit lately.
Posts: 81,205