SB Nation User Blog: TheFranchise9

Batting Practice

TheFranchise9 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:45:33 -0000

Tribe Fans,

I am heading up to a game this Friday between the St. Louis Cardinals and Cleveland Indians and looking to catch some batting practice before the 7:05 start. I have not been up to an Indians game for a few years, so I am hoping some more regular fans can tell me when the gates open and whether or not the Indians will take BP first or second. Also hopeful to find a good place for parking and any other pointers to help make the experience as enjoyable as it can be! Sorry to use a fanpost to ask this, but hopefully that's ok. Thanks!

Reds Hire Dusty Baker!

TheFranchise9 — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 03:40:31 -0000

Haha. This made my night! Cincy signs Baker to a 3-year deal to manage the Reds.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3062658

This might be another indication that TLR will stay put, as it takes another potential suiter out of the picture.

I would type more, but I'm going over to the Reds blog to read the reaction over there. Personally, I'd be pretty irate if I were a Reds fan tonight.

Poll

Who would you rather have manageing the Redbirds?

Tony LaRussa

125 votes

Dusty Baker

6 votes

131 votes | Poll has closed

Padre Fans and Pujols

TheFranchise9 — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 03:51:40 -0000

I have Wil Ledezma on one of my keeper teams so I was checking out the Padre blog after hearing they traded for him today. Didn't find much on that, but did think this was pretty interesting.

http://www.gaslampball.com/story/2007/7/30/115627/858#commenttop

For some reason, the Padre blog has a bunch of pictures of Pujols at Chuck E. Cheese. Or at least they say its him...

Not really sure this is worth a diary, but I found it interesting and kinda odd that it'd be on a Padre blog.

Carp Suffers Setback

TheFranchise9 — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 05:58:24 -0000

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/A6774BEA34932F2586257317007D66D3 ?OpenDocument

Top story on STLtoday.com for Saturday. Not good news for any potential second half surge for the Cards.

Report says Carp has some slight swelling after his second rehab start on Sunday and that the date for his next start is unknown.

This is bad bad bad.

Surging Redbirds

TheFranchise9 — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 02:29:52 -0000

Don't look now, but since losing for the third-straight game on May 29 and dropping to 20-29 on the year, these Cardinals are 19-14 and have played at a .576% clip since May 30. To put that in context, a .576% clip over 162 games would translate into 93 wins.

If STL can continue to play at that pace for its final 80 games - not a huge stretch considering that even though the competition might get tougher, we will hopefully have a few big pieces returning very soon - it would mean going 46-34 over the rest of the season and ending at 85-77. This seems extremely optimistic to me, but they've somehow been pulling out wins through all the injuries and horrific starting pitching.

Let's just say it does happen, the Brewers would have to go 37-40 to finish the year in order for STL to catch them. Again, that sounds like a stretch, except that they've gone 24-27 over their last 51 for a .471 clip. If that would continue over the rest of the year, the Brewers close the year with a 36-41 record and end up at 84-78.

I realize I'm pulling out some random stretches of games but stretches of 33 and 51 games are more than just random hot or cold spells in my opinion.

While STL might be getting healthy, MIL just lost Bill Hall for in indefinite amount of time, creating a large void in CF and its highly unlikely that the first half contributions of Hardy, Hart and Braun will continue.

I've been leaning towards the sell sell sell side of the fence, but I'm starting to think maybe there's a chance.

Of course then there are the Cubbies who after starting 22-31 have gone 21-10 over the last several weeks...

"Big Z" Playin Hardball with Cubbies

TheFranchise9 — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 17:49:41 -0000

"[Cubs general manager] Jim [Hendry] spent a lot of money. I hope he has more for 'Big Z.'"

That could be the quote of the offseason. Carlos Zambrano has apparently declared that the Cubs have until opening day to sign him to a Zito-esque deal or he will walk after 2007.

Of course this makes me happy bc it appears to be a lose-lose deal for the Cubs. Devote 20 million per season to a pitcher or lose your ace and workhorse.

I also love that he referred to himself as Big Z.

The full story can be viewed over at foxsports.com

Forget Gonzo, Trade for Monroe

TheFranchise9 — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 00:19:58 -0000

It is being reported that the Tigers are shopping Craig Monroe and are in the market for some lefty relief. I have no clue what it would take to get someone like Monroe and not even sure it'd be a good move for STL - kinda seems like Encarnacion with more emotion - but anyone who can hit 28 hr and 35 2b in DET could potentially have a bustout season in STL.

Phils Ink Adam Eaton

TheFranchise9 — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 21:56:19 -0000

ESPN is reporting that Adam Eaton has signed for 3yrs and 24 mill with the Phillies. My initial thought is that the Phils may have got themselves a pretty good deal. 8 mill per doesn't sound too inflated for a guy with Eaton's potential. It is however, steep for what Eaton has done.

With Woody, Moose and Eaton coming off the board, the SP market appears to be heating up.

JD Drew

TheFranchise9 — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 02:30:02 -0000

I just read that J.D. Drew opted out of his final three years in LA. He was going to get 33 million, so it is very surprising that he would pass that up. Can he really expect 11 million per at this point? Seems like some behind the scene issues.

Made me wonder with STL needing an OFer and a #2 hitter, would it be worth pursuing a reunion with Drew and STL??? And if so, how much is he worth these days?

I know he's a huge injury risk, but maybe no more than Edmonds at this stage.

STL Post Dispatch Cover

TheFranchise9 — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 05:04:49 -0000

Anyone know how someone from Ohio could get a copy of tomorrow's STL Post Dispatch??? I would love to get my hands on a few copies!

and this is where i have to type to make this long enough to post. Go Cards!!! I don't think its set in yet for me, but I imagine I'll be smiling most all day tomorrow!!!!!