SB Nation User Blog: FlimtotheFlam

VEB Get Together Day, August 15th

FlimtotheFlam — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:55:53 -0000

We have already picked the day from previous discussions for August 15th. A few of us have free hotels from a deal I posted earlier. I really just want to put this up as a discussion for everything else. Such as tickets, hotels, and meeting up.

Hotels

The best hotels will most likely be through Priceline.com name your own price service

I have had good luck bidding for hotels as low as $43 for the Crowne Plaza Downtown which came out to $56.99. Which is a good price for 2 people downtown. Now deals like these can change regurally so I reccomend checking out Bidding for Travel

It is forum that people post the best deals they find for hotels in STL.

Travel

If you live in STL it is not a far drive but if you don't here is a couple different options.

Megabus

Now something like Chicago will run you under $40 Round Trip. Now I know they do run deals for $1 each way but I don't know exactly know the details since I don't use it. More details from someone else would be great

Amtrak

Is a great for those living in Missouri but not in STL. They are currently running a promotion for 50% off for in state travel if you are going with a companion.

So coming from KC would cost $78 for 2 people

Car Pooling

If some of us live in neighboring areas it wouldn't be such a bad idea if we just ride together.

Tickets

This is the most confusing part so far that I am looking for help from others on. I know I personally want to get an all inclusive seat especially if I already got a hotel. Now I tend to be rather frugal so I am still trying to find a good deal for tickets for August 15th. Looking for any and all input for August 15th.

Now for the August 16th game I also want to go to personally. Now this one should be cheaper to go to. I figure for who ever wants to go the game will most likely be already downtown in a hotel. With the Cardinals First Pitch promotion.

You can get 2 tickets for only $11 but they are a grab bag so you don't know what you are going to get. Still a great deal and I know people that have gotten club seats out of this promotion. I figure we all could get 2 tickets and just use the good ones.

August 15th is a 6:15PM Game vs SD
August 16th is a 1:15PM Game vs SD

T-Shirts

Now I wanted to make up some T-Shirts for the meet up and just looking for design ideas. I wanted to use Baseball Cut shirts with red sleeves. On the back I wanted Viva El Birdos with the number 67. The front though I really had no clue. Some people talked about getting their nick names on the back which is a cool idea but without designing each one personally it could be difficult. I even thought about actually printing on the front of the shirt a place for a built in name tag to just write in our nicknames.

Really I am open to all ideas from design to where to get them made.

So for right now that is about it. I will make another fanpost after we hash out some details. But for now I am just looking for any kind of ideas.

LaRussa's Dodecahedron Lineup Generator Here is the link to the image if you actually want to...

FlimtotheFlam — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:32:49 -0000

LaRussa's Dodecahedron Lineup Generator

Here is the link to the image if you actually want to make it

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d61/dimitroffvodka/LineUp.png

How to Circumvent MLB.tv's Blackout Rules

FlimtotheFlam — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 21:35:07 -0000

First off, You are going to need a couple programs

Firefox
Foxy Proxy

I also recommend getting

Google Chrome

Download and install both Firefox and Foxy Proxy.

If you are already using Firefox. Fire it up and press Cltrl+Shift+Del including cookes but not saved passwords is not necessary.

Now you are going to need a Proxy for Foxy Proxy. Get one from here

You might have to try a few till you find one that works but I have had best luck with ones that end in Port 3128

In Firefox go to Tools->Foxy Proxy->Options->

Click on Add New Proxy

You can put the name as anything
Click on the Proxy Details tab
Than click on Manual Proxy
The host name is (ie. 92.51.145.217 Port: 3128) put what ever proxy you got off the list

After that close out Now go back up to Tools->Foxy Proxy->Use Proxy 92.51.145.217 for all URLS
Go to here

Click on the Cardinals game MLB.TV basic feed

Now this might be going slow and you might have to try to reload it a couple times but eventually it will pass the Blackout check. Put in your login info. Let the video feed actually start. As soon as it starts going back up to Tools->Foxy Proxy-> Completely Disable FoxyProxy

That is it. It should work now. I also recommend using Google Chrome or IE while using MLB.tv sometimes using Firefox while broadcasting can mess things up. It is just another precaution but not entirely necessary.

P.S

If the Proxy ever stops working just get a new one.

How to get $50 off All Inclusive Tickets and $20 off All Tickets at Busch Stadium

FlimtotheFlam — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:51:39 -0000

McDonald’s is running a promotion where you buy a value meal you get a promotion code for various codes like $10 off and $20 off….

Here is the site

I don’t know why they did this but they set it up so it would be so easy to figure out the code. It just took me a couple minutes to figure out the codes. Now unfortunately they do not have all the games but enough to make it worth while. It would not help us on the August 15th get together but should be able to get some kind of other deal by then.

Here is the codes I have figured out so far and seem to be the best deals

$50 Off All-Inclusive Seats – MCD928

Dates Available:

6/8 vs COL, 6/16-6/18 vs DET, 6/29-7/2 vs SFG, 7/27-7/30 vs LAD, 8/10-8/12 vs CIN, 8/25-8/27 vs HOU, 9/1-9/3 vs MIL, 9/14-9/16 vs FLA

All these are weekday games. They do include though free food and booze/drinks. With some of them being as low as only $38 which is a steal.

$20 Off Tickets – MCD163

Dates Available:

6/8 vs COL, 6/16-6/18 vs DET, 6/29-7/2, 7/27-7/30 vs LAD, 8/10-8/12 vs CIN, 8/25-8/27 vs HOU, 9/1-9/3 vs MIL, 9/14-9/16 vs FLA

All these games are also weekday games. Some being as low as only $18 for 1st and 3rd base Loge Boxes. All the tickets are either club or box seats so quality seats.

These will go fast so I recommend getting them while you can.

P.S

Phillips 66 is currently a running a promotion where if you buy 10 gallons of gas you get a code "Buy One, Get One Free" Cardinal Tickets. I am curious if anyone has used this promotion yet cause I want to know if I can use them on all inclusive tickets.

Phillips 66 - "Step Up to the Plate"

Addressing the real Problems, current values, and hitting lefties

FlimtotheFlam — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:25:35 -0000

I have heard a lot of chatter about us needing a new 3B and a RH bat. I am not so sure about needing a new 3B but we do need a RH bat. I am going to over a few topics such as what is the current value's of players on our team($$$), their splits, roster management, and what is needed to patch these holes.

I am going to start with the most debated topic and work backwards, 3B.

Our team avg at 3B is .253/.335/.379/.714

The majority split between 2 players

Joe Thurston .255/.363/.387/.750 @ 3B

.268/.380/.441/.821 @ Overall

Brian Barden .253/.315/.434/.749 @ 3B

.237/.294/.398/.692 @ Overall

Defensively Barden is above average while Thurston is below average. Neither though is horrible or great with the glove though.

Now I am going to look at their splits of LH vs RH pitchers. They both have small samples so I will also like at their career splits in the minors also

vs Lefties

Joe Thurston .280/400/.560/.960 in 25 AB's

.290/.345/.383/.728 (minor league)

Brian Barden .225/.279/.400/.679 in 40 AB's

.286/ 359/.446/.805 (minor league)

Vs Righties

Joe Thurston .265/.375/.412/.787 in 102 AB's

.299/.358/.455/.813 (minor league)

Brian Barden .245/.305/.396/.701 in 53 AB's

.289/.347/.438/.785 (minor league)

Barden has the better career numbers but Thurston has been far superior this year. Mostly from his huge power numbers and high walk rate. Now Thurston might come down a little bit but his BB walk rate of 14.8% is what stands out for me above all. Now I will let you all make your decisions on who you think will be the better player going forward I just wanted to provide some facts off the bat.

Now lets look at the team LH vs RH splits

vs Lefties Team .237/.326/.376/.703

Pujols .314/.493/.745/1.238 in 51 AB's

Thurston .280/.400/.560/.960 in 25 AB's

Stavinoha .357/.375/.571/.946 in 14 AB's

.321/385/.435/.820 in Minor's vs Lefties

B. Ryan .282/.383/.410/.793 in 39 AB's

Ludwick .314/.390/.400/.790 in 35 AB's

Molina .250/.367/.350/.717 in 40 AB's

Duncan .245/.286/.396/.682 in 53 AB's

Barden .225/.279/.400/.679 in 40 AB's

Schumaker .294/.351/.324/.675 in 34 AB's

Rasmus .132/.250/.211/.461 in 38 AB's

.275/.371/.455/.826 in Minor's vs Lefties

K. Greene .150/.250/.200/.450 in 40 AB's

Ankiel .148/.207/.185/.392 in 27 AB's

What stands out to me is that none of the Ofer's can hit lefties to save their lives. Ankiel is horrid and Rasmus is not much better. But at least his career minor number's show he doesn't have that large of platoon splits. Overall pretty poor but a couple positives in the IF. Especially Ryan and Thurston.

vs Righties Team .264/.335/.436/.771

Pujols .350/.458/.650/1.108 in 123 AB's

Rasmus .281/.331/.500/.831 in 114 AB's

Duncan .262/.372/.458/.830 in 107 AB's

Schumaker .309/.353/.453/.807 in 139 AB's

Ludwick .221/.284/.512/.796 in 86 AB's

Thurston .265/.375/.412/.787 in 102 AB's

Ankiel .250/.329/.431/.760 in 72 AB's

T. Greene .250/.273/.438/.710 in 32 AB's

Molina .274/.341/.368/.709 in 117 AB's

Barden .245/.305/.96/.701 in 53 AB's

K. Greene .231/.311/.354/.665 in 65 AB's

N. Stavinoha .226/.226/.387/.613 in 31 AB's

B. Ryan .256/.273/.326/.598 in 43 AB's

Much better here. Especially in the OF but now the IF craps out.

Now lets look at how our team rates in actual value so far ($$$)

via i33.photobucket.com

Just ignore the pitchers since this is hitting and fielding only. My god does Khalil Greene suck. Schumaker can't even get to replacement level. Brad Thompson has a better bat than Ankiel. Colby and Ryan more valuable than previously thought due to excellent leather.

Now that we have an idea of the problems lets talk about solutions. First off it has to be Ankiel. If he the fourth best Ofer to hit righties and can't hit lefties what so ever and no long plays CF than what does value he have? None. IMO, he is the biggest dead weight to this team after K Greene. Khalil is gone for now to work out his issues. The same has to be done with Ankiel. If he can't get his stroke back than he has negative value in a corner spot. Second, Schumaker experiment at 2B is just painful to endure but at least he can hit righties. But he doesn't do it at a high enough clip though to justify his poor defense. I think he should be traded for whatever.

Now I am going to throw up some optimal lineups

vs Lefties

Ryan @ SS
Thurston @ 2B
Pujols @ 1B
Ludwick@ RF
Stavinoha@ LF
Molina@ C
Barden@ 3B
Rasmus@ CF
Pitcher

vs Righties

Schumaker@ 2B
Rasmus@ CF
Pujols@ 1B
Duncan@ LF
Ludwick@ RF
Thurston@ 3B
Molina@ C
T. Greene@ SS
Pitcher

Now I think we could add a 3B but we need a RH bat that can hit lefties above everything else. So I am just going to look at the potential 3B's LH split.

Potential 3B vs LH

Mark DeRosa - .347/.407/.612/1.020 in 49 AB's

.312/.386/.489/.875 (2006-2008)

Adrian Beltre - .242/.319/.355/.674 in 62 AB's

.302/.373/.528/.901 (2006-2008)

Miguel Tejada - .362/.388/.553/.941 in 47 AB's

.313/.366/.473/.839 (2006-2008)

Garrett Atkins .214/.274/.286/.560 in 56 AB's

.323/.404/.537/.941 (2006-2008)

Melvin Mora .261/.333/.370/.703 in 46 AB's

.275/.353/.486/.839 (2006-2008)

For me I think the best choice is DeRosa do to his flexibility. Regardless all we really need these guys for is to play against lefties so when giving up prospects you have to take on that consideration. But if you can somehow include Barden, Ankiel, and Schumaker than it is just bonus. I just don't think Barden and Ankiel really have a spot on this team especially if we acquire some one new. Schumaker is still our best leadoff hitter vs Righties. Only if he is the OF though. I am not sure this whole 2B thing is going to work out.

P.S

Sorry about the poor formatting. I hate SB Nation's formatting and hatred of my table making skills.

Here is the picture of the Coat of Arms I made - "To Be Healthy is to be Fine" Here is the Large...

FlimtotheFlam — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:22:34 -0000

Here is the picture of the Coat of Arms I made - "To Be Healthy is to be Fine"

Here is the Large Version in case anyone wants to make a wallpaper out of it
Coat of Arms - Large

Free Hotel Downtown St. Louis Aug 15th Night

FlimtotheFlam — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:23:55 -0000

So I found a way to get free hotel rooms in downtown Saint Louis for free but the only date I could find was Saturday August 15th night for free. We are playing the San Diego Padre's that weekend so I thought it would be a cheap way for some of us to attend the game and see the new ballpark.

The way this is all possible is because Wyndham hotels Best Rate Guarantee. If they don't have the lowest price on their web page than they will give you the first night of your hotel stay for free. So if you just stay one night than it is free. It is actually pretty hard to find a room that is cheaper but I found one.

Book Here

All you have to do is book the "Premium Suite 2 Queen Beds Non Smoking" or "Premium Suite King Non Smoking" for 8/15/09 till 8/16/09. It should be $189 and it is refundable. So they would not even charge you the $189 till 8/14/09 regardless but that doesn't matter. So book the room just like normal. Make sure you put down 2 adults for the room.

Just to be clear per Wyndham but it doesn't matter anyway.

"Please cancel by 4PM on Saturday August 15, 2009 (Hotel Local Time), to avoid a charge of 189 (US Dollar) to your credit card.
This booking requires a credit card. Select or enter a new credit card below. "

After you are done booking the room, click on this form. It is the claim form for the Best Rate Guarantee.

Where it asks you for " Web site address where lower Wyndham rate was found(http://)" just put http://www.orbitz.com

Put the price as $170.10 .

After that anywhere from a day or two you should get an email saying "After reviewing your claim, you will be receiving a free night stay at this Wyndham Franchised Properties property. "

That is it and you will get a free room for that night. If you are down for it do it fast as possible cause they will probably close the loop hole up soon. Hit me up with any questions.

Cardinals Best News - Has ton's of links for new Card's stories

FlimtotheFlam — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:55:30 -0000

Cardinals Best News - Has ton's of links for new Card's stories

This site reminds me a lot of MLBTR where it just has tons of links all in one site so you don't have to go looking around. The good news is that this site is just for Cardinals News and seems to a real quality job. Makes looking for Cardinal related info hell of a lot easier

Fangraphs Firefox Extension

FlimtotheFlam — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 02:03:26 -0000

Fangraphs Firefox Extension

Anyone that uses Firefox and does large number of searches on Fangraphs should fine this useful. It will add a player search engine with the rest of the search engines in the upper right hand corner

Winter Leagues Statistics for all STL Players

FlimtotheFlam — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:16:21 -0000

Winter Leagues Statistics for all STL Players

MILB.com provides a great source of all STL players currently playing in Winter Leagues.

Amaury Marti. is having a kick ass Winter League in the Mexican League. Posting a .925 OPS. I hope he gets a spring training invite this year.

Luke Gregerson probably had the best Winter of the Cardinals pitchers. He posted an impressive 0.82 ERA in 22 IP with 18K's ,8BB's and with a WHIP of 1.23. Hopefully he can get his mojo back after losing his closers job in Springfield this year.