SB Nation User Blog: Hardcore Legend

How NOT to fix the 2009 bullpen

Hardcore Legend — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:40:44 -0000

“Interest exists in retaining pending free-agent Jason Isringhausen after the franchise’s career saves leader required surgery earlier this month to repair a torn tendon near his right elbow.

Manager Tony La Russa and pitching Dave Duncan have broached the possibility of Perez closing in Memphis or spending next season in St. Louis in a different relief role.”

Perhaps over the weekend you missed these little nuggets being busy with, well, whatever it is you do on the weekend.

However, In Joe Strauss' article about building the bullpen for 2009, and it goes into lengths about how Dave Duncan thinks that while Perez is improving, he needs Dave Duncan Complete Home Makeover, which includes losing weight and a brand spanking new higher arm slot, all in the name of consistency.

Tell me, is this going to be the same medical staff that will deem whether or not Izzy warrants an incentive based contract for next year that was the same to deem Matt Clement ready for Opening Day, Mark Mulder only a few weeks away and saw no problems with Chris Carpenter...until he experienced more and more pain.

Pardon me if I think it would be a colossal failure on the GM's part to be 'being open-minded to doing something' in the Izzy department, as John Mozeliak said. Why is that such a collassal failure of an idea?

John tells us why:

"Given his role, what he's accomplished and what he's represented to us, we need to think about it."

Bringing back an injured closer with a bad shoulder, bad arm and bad hip because of 'what he's accomplished' smacks of 'we want to get him 300 saves'. And as LaRussa has proven over the years, if you give him the matches he will light fire to the library if need be.

So, already on the table? Status quo. The failpen will be fixed by rewinding back to April 2008, sending Chris Perez to Memphis, putting Izzy back in the pen, counting on Josh Kinney to get healthy and bringing back Russ Springer.

Yikes!

Get on the Rays October Bandwagon (Octob-ray?)

Hardcore Legend — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 04:33:06 -0000

Dear Sir or Madam,

This is a letter to inform you that we are deeply sorry they your team has been eliminated from Major League Baseball playoff contention. We understand you must be upset and we understand if it takes you a few days to embrace the concept we will put forward to you.

But, we ask you, join us on the Tampa Bay Rays bandwagon and help us ride it all the way to victory!

Reasons to join the Rays bandwagon:

1) The little guys - A franchise that has been in oblivion, choked out by the overspending AL East teams finally has it's first taste of success. While it seems likely they will be around for years to come, nothing in baseball is a given. Wouldn't it be nice if a team that built from within in a division of overpriced FAs won the World Series? Wouldn't it send a great message to Royals, Pirates and Nationals fans that with patience (and smart people) you too can climb out of baseball hell?

2) You hate the Red Sox - A popular feeling amongst a lot of fans. The annoying bandwagon fans (heh - irony), the sudden feeling of superiority for winning 2 titles in 90 years. What better way to stick it to the Red Sox and keep them from using all their money to buy another World Series than to root for the ugly stepchild of their own division.

3) You want to laugh at the Cubs - 101 years is symetric. But we can't get there unless year 100 ends the same way as the other 99 for the Cubs. What better way to laugh at the Cubs than to have another team, just like Arizona, Florida, Toronto, Minnesota, Mets, and Anaheim to come completely into existence and win a World Series since the Cubs last won the Series. In fact, with how pathetic the NL is, the Rays may end up being the only thing standing between the Cubs and destiny.

4) George Steinbrenner lives in Tampa - Hate the Yankees? That's a rhetorical question. We already know the answer to that. Want to stick it to the Boss as he sees Yankee Stadium fall without another World Championship? How about a World Series in his own back yard!

5) Joe Buck thinks Tampa is a female product - Forcing Joe Buck to have to leave the New England area to broadcast a baseball game, to force him to act like he actually knows who the players on the Rays are and to make him have to stuff himself into those tiny pressboxes in the Trop is a noble reason to back this team.

6) Parity - For all the lambasting of baseball for not having a salary cap, a Rays World Series would fight back the claims that there exists a competitive imbalance in baseball because of the 'Haves' and 'Have nots'.

7) More cowbell - Like the Rally Monkey of Anaheim, the 'red soul patch' of St. Louis and the Bloody socks of Boston, the World Series needs more cowbell.

We hope you will take these under consideration when you begin to plan your 'adopted playoff' team for this years MLB Postseason.

Thank you for your time and we hope to hear from you soon,
Hardcore Legend
VEB President of the Bandwagon Rays fans

Must Win: Skins vs Arizona

Hardcore Legend — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 04:48:17 -0000

Is there such a thing as a 'Must Win' in Week 3? Probably not. However, this is as close as it gets.

The Redskins play their 2nd home game of the season. They will only have 6 left after Sunday. Those 6 are against Divsions foes (DAL, NYG, PHI), 2 cupcakes (CLE, STL) and a legit AFC Powerhouse (PIT). If you want to make the playoffs in this league, you win 6 of 8 at home and go .500 on the road. To get to 6, Skins have to beat NO, ARI, CLE, STL and take 2 of 4 against likely playoff teams in DAL, NYG, PHI and PIT. A task that isn't nearly as hard as having to win 3 of 4 should the Skins cough up one of their easier wins.

With that in mind, look at where the Skins schedule goes after this week:

@ DAL

@ PHI

vs STL

vs CLE

@ DET

vs PIT

Worst case scenerio, Washington wins this week vs Arizona, loses the next 2 divisional games and wins their 3 cupcakes and loses to PIT. Then we go into the BYE 5-4.

5 wins needed in 7 games remaining.

See how important this week is? A stumble this week makes much more difficult games far more important.

We won't be catching Dallas for the playoffs, but 2 teams are coming out of the NFC East for the Wild Card this year, you can almost bet on that. To get that, we have to pick off either New York or Philadelphia.

Philly has Pittsburgh, Chicago and us heading into a BYE.

The Giants are starring 6-0 in the face with what has to be the easiest schedule in the NFL in the first half, only to be brutalized in the the final 10 games.

So, anyways, back to my point. The Redskins must win this week if they hold out any hopes of actually making the playoffs this season. I know it seems a bit extreme but for a team with a new coach and a new system in place, it is vitally important that the 'should win' games be won, no matter the time of year. It sets the tone for the Skins heading into divisional play on the road and allows them to go into the BYE with (at worst) a winning record.

Jim Edmonds turns on St. Louis

Hardcore Legend — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 01:06:25 -0000

In probably the dumbest business decision of his career, Edmonds disowns St. Louis media and the Cardinals organization after today's game:

No, what he did was this, according to Mike Claiborne of KTRS:

When FSN's Brent Stover and Claiborne (KTRS) approached Edmonds after the game for a quickie on-field interview that has become standard procedure for MLB rights holders, Edmonds blew them off and said:

"I'm (censored) done with St. Louis TV and radio and I'm (censored) done with the Cardinals."

And then he walked into the Cubs dugout. -B

I've got no problem with what Jimmy does as a baseball player on the field. If he goes 4 for 4 with 4 Grand Slams vs the Cardinals, so what. That's his job, that is what he is supposed to do.

However, this is different entirely. A couple Cubs fans asked me a few weeks ago, "Don't you hate Jim Edmonds now that he is a Cub?" I said, to them, how could I hate Edmonds just because of the team he plays on?

But, if he really did say what Claiborne and Stover say he said, I'm done with Jim 'There is more to life than Baseball' Edmonds.

2009 All-Star PreGame suggestion

Hardcore Legend — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:26:40 -0000

In 2008, we saw the greatest collection of living HOF'ers at Yankee Stadium. It was a special moment, and really, it'll be hard to top that.

However, I think I've got one better.

Instead of having the greatest collection of living HOF'ers at Busch Stadium, let's have the greatest collection of living Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

They can have them lineup at their positions as follows:

1B
Orlando Cepeda
Keith Hernandez
Mark McGwire
Albert Pujols

2B
Red Scheondiest

SS
Ozzie Smith
Edgar Renteria

3B
Mike Shannon
Scott Rolen

LF
Lou Brock

CF
Willie McGee
Jim Edmonds

Then the fun begins. They bring out the long line of talented catchers the Cardinals have had over the years.

C
Tim McCarver
Ted Simmons

Mike Matheny

Joe Torre

Next, they bring out the litany of elite pitchers the Cardinals have had.

Pitcher
Bob Gibson
Chris Carpenter
Bob Forsch
Matt Morris

We get to a truly special moment with this 'who's who' of closers.
Closers
Al Hrbosky
Bruce Sutter
Lee Smith
Dennis Eckersley
Jason Isringhausen

And finally, they bring out Stan the Man in a red convertible and drive him around the ballpark.

Reason for hope? A look at history

Hardcore Legend — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:32:19 -0000

It's after game 114, and let's take a look back at where Tony LaRussa Cardinals teams have stood at this point in the season:

             Game 114    Final       Finish
1996     61-53            88-74     27-21
1997     52-62            73-89     21-27
1998     54-60            83-79     29-19
1999     57-57          75-86   18-29
2000     62-52            95-67     33-15
2001     59-55            93-69     34-14
2002     65-52            97-65     32-13
2003     59-55            85-77     26-22
2004     75-39          105-57 30-18
2005     73-41          100-62   27-21
2006     62-52          83-78   21-35
2007     54-60            78-84     24-24
2008     62-52            ?????

The Cardinals were able to play above .500 to close out the season in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, finished out playing .500 baseball in 2007 and below .500 in 1997, 1999, and the magical 2006 season.

As we stand, the Cardinals seasons rank as far as wins after 114 games as follows:

2004 - 75
2005 - 73
2002 - 65
2008 - 62*
2006 - 62*
2000 - 62*
1996 - 61
2003 - 59
2001 - 59
1999 - 57
2007 - 54
1998 - 54
1997 - 52

So, as we stand today, this is tied for the 4th best season under Tony LaRussa's reign.

Now, flash forward to the present. We stand behind the Chicago Cubs for the National League division and the Milwaukee Brewers for the Wild Card.

The Chicago Cubs are on pace for 97 wins.
The Shirt-untuckers are on pace for 90 wins.

For the St. Louis Cardinals to finish ahead of the Cubs for the division lead, they would have to go (theortically) 36-12 from this day forward. That would statistically be the best finish to a season the Cardinals have played under LaRussa.

For the St. Louis Cardinals to finish ahead of the the Brewers (which season series says they have to) for the Wild Card lead, they would have to go (theortically) 29-19. That would be the fifth best finish to a season the Cardinals have played under LaRussa.

The 5 better closes? 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004.

What was unique about each of those seasons?

1998 - Nothing really in particular. The Cardinals acquired Fernando Tatis at the deadline, who chipped in 8 HRs and 28 runs scored. They also called up J.D. Drew who was WHITE HOT, hitting .417 with 5 HRs in just 40 some plate appearances.

2000 - To replace an injured slugger,

Traded Jose Leon to the Baltimore Orioles. Received Will Clark and cash.

Will the Thrill was mind blowing. He hit 12 HRs, scored 29 games and hit .345 filling in for the injured Mark McGwire.

2001 - To bolster a shaky rotation:
Traded Ray Lankford and cash to the San Diego Padres. Received Woody Williams.

Woody Williams came in, went 7-1 with a 2.28 ERA.

2002 - Two moves that defined a team that should have won a World's Title.

To replace a fallen starter:
Traded a player to be named later and Luis Alfonso Garcia (minors) to the Cleveland Indians. Received Chuck Finley. The St. Louis Cardinals sent Coco Crisp (August 7, 2002) to the Cleveland Indians to complete the trade.

To replace the awful bat of Tino Martinez:
Traded Placido Polanco, Mike Timlin, and Bud Smith to the Philadelphia Phillies. Received Scott Rolen, Doug Nickle, and cash.

Rolen was ungodly, 14 HRs, 37 runs scored in 55 games. Finley replaced Kile following his death by giving almost identical production in the rotation.

2004 - This juggernaut of a team didn't sit still and made a waiver wire move under the radar:
Traded players to be named later and Jason Burch (minors) to the Colorado Rockies. Received Larry Walker. The St. Louis Cardinals sent Luis Martinez (August 11, 2004) and Chris Narveson (August 11, 2004) to the Colorado Rockies to complete the trade.

Walker, still an extremely talented hitter hit 11 HR, 29 runs in 44 games and sparked a Cardinals team that would lose it's ace (Carpenter) to an arm injury to not miss a beat.

So, obviously, you can see what I'm saying here:
1998 - Acquired Fernando Tatis, called up J.D. Drew. Mark McGwire was insane.
2000 - Acquired Will Clark.
2001 - Acquired Woody Williams.
2002 - Acquired Chuck Finley and Scott Rolen.
2004 - Acquired Larry Walker.

The Cardinals got a 'spark' in each of those seasons to help push them to the finish. Of course, this is a simplistic way of looking at it. The Cubs or Brewers could have an epic collapse. The Marlins and Phillies could catch fire and win 94 games each.

But, for the Cardinals to do anything to really increase their chances of winning...they'll have to do something as far as the roster. They can't continue to carry 3 light hitting MIF. The rotation is a starter short, the bullpen is 2 relievers (at minimum) short.

Now, I've been a big proponent of cashing in the chips and trying to get value for the commodities that won't be returning next year.

However, Mozeliak does not appear willing to do that. If that is the case, then it is unfair to this team and unfair to the fans to not make even smaller moves to patch the holes the team has.

Does that mean giving up on the future to try and win now? No. Look at the names, Tatis, Williams, Rolen, Walker. They played multiple seasons with the Cardinals and helped them win more than just in August and September of the year they were acquired. Finley and Clark both retired at the end of that season. Is there a Finley or Clark out there somewhere for the Cardinals? What about a guy that can become an imporant part of the team for the next 4 to 5 years?

The problem Mo has? The trade deadline has past. Now he has to try to find waiver wire deals or free agents (*cough Barry Bonds cough*).

Anyways, end of history lesson. Is it impossible for the Cardinals to make the playoffs? No. Is it likely they can make the playoffs as currently constructed? No. If they make a deal to improve the team? History seems to think so. People want to compare this to the 2003 season, and rightfully so. The bullpen was an awful mess that season. The Cardinals, similiarly, were inactive at the deadline. The final result was coming up 2 games short of the playoffs.

All-Star Game Overflow 2

Hardcore Legend — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:15:31 -0000

This is the one that wins it for the NL. Hope it doesn't end in another tie; Bud Selig will never get out of Yankee Stadium alive.

By the way, the guy was safe at the plate on McLouth's throw home; ball beat the runner and Martin made a beautiful pick, but he didn't get the tag down --- tagged him on the thigh after the runner's foot had already crossed the plate.

Al: Another Cubs/Clemente Game

Hardcore Legend — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:22:26 -0000

You has said when I pointed out what appeared to be footage from July 2, 1971 Pirates/Cubs games that if I ever found anymore to pop in and let you know.

While watching the end of Clemente during the Pirates rain delay, this caught my eye. It was actual game broadcast footage (not 'canned' footage from a MLB Films camera) of what appears to be Clemente gunning out Billy Williams advancing to 3B. On quick review, it appears it happened the next day and it happened in the 8th inning.

This would mean that SOMEONE has footage from both games of that 3 game series. What is odd is that the Clemente throw happens in the 8th inning and usually, the final innings of a game are only recorded during special event games (No-Hitters, Perfect Games, 4 HRs, Pennant Winners, etc) and there doesn't seem to be anything special about this game.

Anyways, here is the link to the photos of the footage. It is used as part of a montage, so no announcers were heard. As with the last time, if Cubs fans have any extra knowledge about this footage, please let me know. I'm not 100% certain it is from that game but I'd be stunned if Williams would have tried to run on Clemente twice in the span of 2 years like that. If he did, shame on him.

http://kinescopestealshome.blogspot.com/2008/06/clementecubs-game-new-twist.html

Reyes clears the air about D. Duncan

Hardcore Legend — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:08:05 -0000

Interesting article in the Commercial Appeal today about Anthony's feelings in regards to the way the Cardinals have handled him.

Prior to his demotion from St. Louis to Memphis on May 4, Reyes said he hadn't spoken to Duncan in about a month. There were reports out of St. Louis about a rift between the two.
"If there is, I have no idea," Reyes said. "I haven't said a word to him. I don't know why people keep bringing that up.

Apparently the two nary a speak. Anthony goes on in the article to 'play dumb' about why Dave would dislike him or not 'embrace' him while he has been a pitcher in St. Louis. Don't take that as him lying, just that he acts as if he doesn't understand.

Brad Thompson is also quoted in the article as not having noticed any bad blood between the two while he was up with the club. He's very supportive of Anthony's talents.

I'm sorry if this rehashes the Reyes v Duncan argument but this is a situation that shouldn't exist. Dave Duncan shouldn't be like the wise old man in the cave that only speaks to you when he feels it absolutely necessary. If Anthony hadn't spoken to Dave for a month before his demotion, then Dave wasn't doing his job.

Someone in the front office needs to address this. Is this really status quo? Dave doesn't talk to the pitchers on the roster unless absolutely necessary? Shouldn't he be evaluating each pitcher's performance and offerings thoughts, tips, suggestions?

With this story, it seems that the Anthony Reyes situation is unamendable.

Story is here

Proof the Astros are run by idiots?

Hardcore Legend — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 05:26:51 -0000

Ok, well maybe they aren't RUN by idiots but perhaps covered by idiots? Needless to say, this brilliant work by the media branch of the Astros organization needs a refresher course on how the MLB All-Star Game selection is run. Maybe it's this kind of brilliance that has Carlos Lee 4th overall in OF voting?

Whatever it is, I have to wonder how long this bumper actually runs on their network before someone realizes the mistake. The Astros announcers are very quick with the glib or pithy comments about the Astros opponents. You'd think they'd make quick work of bashing this one.

NOTE: If for some reason at 1:35 AM I have forgotten that some how the fans elect pitchers for the All-Star Game, please get me a V8 Splash and smack me in the back of the head.