I'm still really pissed off about Friday's game in Milwaukee. I know we could have lost just as easily as won, but nothing irks me more than the MLB postponement rule.

I really think the MLB needs to rethink it’s postponement rule. Regardless of my still being mad about yesterday, I’ve always felt this way -- win or lose. It should be like little league and high school (I chose not to play college, so I’m not sure the rules there) where if it’s before 5 innings, you simply pick up and finish as part of a double-header the next time the teams meet.

I don’t understand why it’s not like that, and I think it’s unfair for players (like Rasmus) who maybe have an important personal success on a day and then it gets swiped away. Say Yadi miraculously steals a base -- he deserves to be credited for that stolen base. It's silly how the current rules work. How in any way does erasing what's already been played make more sense than continuing another day. The fans who had tickets can still come back for the second game, just like the current voucher system. Pitching rotations already get thrown out of whack as it is, so that doesn't change anything either. The only difference is that when you play that double-header, you resume play in the third inning opposed to the first inning.

Another issue with the current system is that it must affect the emotions of players during a game where it looks like it will be postponed. Even if they won't admit it, if it starts to rain in the first inning, I'm sure their effort will be less. But if they know that every out will carry over, they will play the same way as a typical game. It's a small mentality thing, but it seems worth noting.

I don't know -- how do you guys feel?

Time for an experiment.

Let me preface by saying that I'm aware this isn't a typical FanPost and doesn't really follow the typical FanPost guidelines. But with that said, I hope you all can see past that and participate in this project. Also, please do know that I do not intend this to become a habit and will probably never make a post like this again, but what can I say? Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Over the past few months, a pretty wide sentiment has built up over VEB. We would really like Ben Sheets. Of course, there are some who do not want him, and that's totally understandable. But for those of you who do want him on our team, like me, this is the post for you.

Let's try to reach Mo. We know that some of the Cardinals front office reads this blog and that Mo somehow came across the mock-diary of him, so getting his attention isn't entirely impossible. But we can't expect him and his coworkers to the scour the rumor threads. Something like this will hopefully stand out to them. 

This is why I'm proposing that we start a petition, but in order for this to work, it's going to need to be a little different than the typical thread. What if every member of VEB who would like us to sign Ben Sheets made ONE post on this thread? Just one. Nothing carried away and no long discussion. But if we each were to make a post with a simple explanation for why we would want him and what kind of deal we would like (or no explanation at all if you'd rather leave it blank with a subject), it might send a pretty powerful message.

Again, I really don't want this to become common practice, and I'm not trying to start something that will get annoying to moderate over the years, but there seems to be generally wide positive sentiment for Ben Sheets on VEB and its not like we've been begging for people all off-season. Why not channel this want for a genuine shot at being right up there with the Cubs into something and get our voices heard? Who knows? Maybe if we have enough well-constructed thoughts in one hearty FanPost, then Mo will take notice.

(update) For those interested in the most recent roster matrix, it can be found here. Signing Sheets would likely be our last signing of the offseason, but that wouldn't matter . . . because we'd have Sheets.

EXCITING NEWS: Jerry Crasnick mentioned us on his ESPN Blog: "http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove08/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=3846058" Even if he doesn't read this, maybe Mo reads ESPN?

I saw the post about Kawakami being shut down because it wasn't in the catch all thread, but there wasn't a catch-all thread in existence! So without further adieu, I created one for more rumors about Kawakami and any other rumblings we come across.

Haven't seen much else lately besides MLB trade rumors saying we have money to spend. Hopefully we spend that well!

Simple poll for this week. Now that less are out there, might as well narrow our choices.

So I don't know about you all, but I really think the NL has a chance at winning this year. We've got more individual talent than the AL (look at our two infields for example), and our pitching is outstanding. With that said, I'm finally pretty pumped for an all-star game. I'd love to see us take back the crown and end this "AL-domination."

With this hopefully swaying in our favor, I was hoping to watch the game amongst other NL fans in NYC. I'm pretty new to the area and am wondering if any of you know of good places where Cards fans are likely to gather, especially in Manhattan. Anyone out there planning on going anywhere? It also might be fun to unite as our VEB faithful and head out in our Cardinals gear to some friendly establishment and cheer on.

Hopefully we can find some places to go that aren't too Yankee friendly and may enjoy some NL company!

I know that we were told to stop with the Edmonds postings, but this is one of a different type. This is not regarding personal feelings about his decision to sign with Cubs or speculation as to why he did it. This is the truth.

He is a spy. 

Now, before you panic, please realize that I took into account that even if the Cubs fans and clubhouse were to read this article, they would still probably have no idea what to do with it, so I feel safe sharing this information with you.

Back when Edmonds was asked to waive his no-trade clause in the off-season, Mo knew the only way Edmonds would want to leave was if he was still going to be helping the Cardinals win. Because of this, Jimmy and Mo decided in a backroom deal that he would go to the Padres, get off to a horrible start, be released and then go to the Cubs (knowing the Cubs would bite at league minimum). Both knew there would be some barriers, but Mo -- knowing Cubs' fans' gullibility -- told Edmonds "if you can hug Zambrano, and somehow get on base your first at-bat, the Cubs and their fans will notice nothing from that moment on." Edmonds, like the champ he is, delivered on both of these promises (and put a tracking device on Zambrano to boot).

So what is he going to do as a spy? Plenty of things. I can't tell you all of them (just in case somebody in Cubs' management wakes up and sees what's going on) but you can speculate all you want, and that's why I'm making this a fan post! So knock yourself out and start speculating on what Jimmy's spy tactics will be. 

You know, I'm not usually a fan of Jeff Passan. I feel he tends to be pretty negative regarding the Cardinals most of the time. On the other hand, though, he does write about them a lot, which it's nice to see an alternative to the Red Sox and such.

With that said, I stumbled on this article on Yahoo Sports' baseball front page. It's a great read about Brian Barton and will make you feel really proud to have him on our team. Let's just hope NASA doesn't give him a call anytime soon . . .

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AtsBS8j7FgHkMYQzWWd62TkRvLYF?slug=jp-barton042908&prov=yhoo&type=lgns 

We'll most likely see not much happen today, but according to MLB Trade Rumors, Prior is going to make his decision pretty soon.

Also, it seems the Bedard is no longer being shopped by the O's like he was before. I'd still like to see us make a run at Josh Towers, but I doubt it will happen.

Oh well, hot stove away!

Oh, what a shame, Lidge has been traded to the Phillies. The centerpiece of the deal seems to be Matt Bourn, but the details can be found here: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20071107&content_id=2295601&vke y=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

I was a fan of us trying to get Victorino, but with this deal, that seems unlikely. I personally don't see Bourn being that much of a difference maker for Houston, but I guess he still has a good bit of upside.

But I AM going to miss seing Lidge in the 9th inning, that's for sure.

This was announced today on mlb.com. It's the Rawlings all-time gold glove team (or best defensive team):

Pitcher: Greg Maddux (16 Rawlings Gold Gloves), Bob Gibson, Jim Kaat.
Catcher: Johnny Bench (10), Ivan Rodriguez, Bob Boone, Bill Freehan, Jim Sundberg.
First Baseman: Wes Parker (6), Don Mattingly, Keith Hernandez, J.T. Snow, Vic Power, Bill White.
Second Baseman: Joe Morgan (5), Roberto Alomar, Ryne Sandberg, Bill Mazeroski, Frank White, Bobby Richardson.
Third Baseman: Brooks Robinson (16), Mike Schmidt, Scott Rolen, Eric Chavez, Buddy Bell, Ken Boyer.
Shortstop: Ozzie Smith (13), Derek Jeter, Omar Vizquel, Dave Concepcion, Luis Aparicio, Mark Belanger.
Outfielders: Willie Mays (12), Roberto Clemente (12), Ken Griffey, Jr. (10), Jim Edmonds, Andruw Jones, Carl Yastrzemski, Ichiro Suzuki, Al Kaline, Torii Hunter, Kirby Puckett, Paul Blair, Dave Winfield, Curt Flood, Andre Dawson, Dwight Evans, Garry Maddox, Larry Walker, Devon White.

Now, I know I have a bias, but the fact that Mike Matheny wasn't even a finalist seems pretty ridiculous. Any other thoughts on the list?

I read a quote from Pineiro about the game tonight and it brought back a discussion I had earlier this year. The quote was this:

"My heart is being a starter, and I'm glad St. Louis gave me a chance," Pineiro said.

My argument in that previous discussion was regarding Brad Thompson at the time, but I think it applies to a lot of pitchers on our club (i.e. wellemeyer, thompson, maroth, pineiro).

There's a psychological factor that a lot of people overlook when analyzing line-ups. My previous example was when Thompson was having "mechanical problems," we had an injury that led to a roster spot needing to be filled. Thompson jumped at the opportunity, asking to be able to start, and did a solid job for the time being (keep in mind that for his last month or so he had absolutely no pre-season conditioning as a starter). I don't feel that he fixed his problem, but simply felt more comfortable going back to the starter that he was as he came up through the minors. I still feel that he could have a solid season as a 4-5 starter if given the proper conditioning in the spring.

Then look at Wellemeyer. I know he wasn't spectacular as a starter by any means, but he was a heck of a lot better than he was as a reliever. Another example of a starter gone reliever because when they were called up, they went into a full roster, and the bullpen was the only free spot.

Maroth I mentioned because I simply don't think he'll ever be a good reliever. I believe he has the ability to turn it around as a starter, but don't expect him to have success in relief.

Lastly, Pineiro. He was pitching in Boston with much less motivation as a reliever. We got him for cheap because he was a poor reliever, and gave him a shot at starting. I'm not ready to call him a success, but I think it is a good example of how the mental game can be a factor.

I think my overall point is that a lot of people assume that if pitchers are poor relievers, they'll never be good enough to start. There's often an assumption that relievers are just "not good enough to be starters." But instead, they often become relievers because when they come up, there's simply not enough space in the rotation (i.e. Thompson, Wellemeyer). This also works the other way. It's often assumed that a starter will be able to "fix" themselves in the pen, but if they don't have the mentality for relief, it'll only produce worse results.

There really is no argument here, I'd just like to point out that sometimes the mental game plays a lot more of a factor than a lot of people think.

In case you haven't heard the news, Buehrle agreed to a four year deal with the White Sox. Here's a link: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070708&content_id=2075690&vkey=news_mlb&fext=. jsp&c_id=mlb

----

I guess we can't count on that as a "shoe-in" for this offseason anymore. Now that that possibility's gone, it's time to move on. Dare we make a move at Zambrano? I can't help but thinking that we won't make a big splash this offseason unless it's in the form of a trade.

So if you haven't heard about the recent trouble Dukes has been in, here's the info:

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10195815

Now of course, that's only one take on the situation, and we don't know the whole story.

I've been reading into this a little bit, and it seems like him and his wife just had a horrible relationship. I'm not discounting his actions, but apparently she has assualted him as well. I'm wondering if just separating them might be the key. Y'know get Dukes out of TB.

Anyway, the point is that it looks like the Rays might want to get rid of Dukes simply for the sake of getting rid of him, and this kid has always been considered a prime-time prospect. Might this be the time to take a chance? We wouldn't have to give up much at all.

I know that report looks bad, but there's also clearly a bias, considering the author comes out and calls him a "punk" twice. I've also read articles about him in the past where he's been involved in horrible situations but has made an effort to get himself together. Who knows, maybe the Cardinals clubhouse, LaRussa, etc. can tame him a bit? The Rays are a much younger club, while we have a ton of established veterans that could be put to use as mentors.

Just some thoughts, and while I know this is taking a chance, we might not have to give up a lot at all. Maybe one or two relievers (that's what the Rays need). Maybe Falkenborg or Narvy? He's leading rookies in homers, has some outstanding power in his bat (if you've seen him hit), and is pretty quick as well. All I'm saying is that if we can turn a deal where we don't lose much, this could be a risk that might be worth taking. If he's a clubhouse cancer, or gets in more trouble, we won't have given up too much, and we can go back to the Enc, Duncan, Edmonds days.

With all of the diaries regarding salary dumps and trading our veterans, I feel obligated to make my own with my theory. I've posted similar ideas to this in other threads, but yeah, here it is . . .

I think that this trade deadline, even if we are still in contention, we should do some minor MLB for prospects deals instead of big upgrades OR downgrades. Here's the plan:

Spend-heavy teams in contention go crazy around deadline time, and I think we could easily take advantage of them, and get some prospects for the following guys: set-up men such as Springer and Franklin, Looper (as much as I'd love to keep him, it's not a bad idea to sell him while he's high), Encarnacion (if he gets his game together), and Wilson (if some team actually thinks he has pop left).

I know there are a lot of "ifs" there, but even if we traded all of those guys for purely prospects, we'd be able to stay in contention.

We could rotate Ludwick, Taguchi, Rodriguez, and Skip in right, let Mulder and Carp work their way into Looper's spot / keep Thompson in the starting role if need be, and while our bullpen would lose a little bit of substence, it wouldn't completely fall apart. We still have plenty of guys to use, and bullpen has been extremely succesful thusfar.

So what would this do for our team?

For one, our farm would be stronger. We would be dumping a little bit of salary (I know not much, but the point is more to get prospects than anything). It could also put a little change into the club house that just might get things going.

--I think we could get some young potential shortstops, especially from the Rangers. They have two top-15 shortstops while Michael Young is sitting pretty in the MLB. They are DEFINITELY expendable.--

Any thoughts?

Alright, so I'm reaching out to you all in need of some factual support for an essay I'm righting. The subject is regarding rumors in society, and I plan on citing the MLB trade deadline / off-season as one of many examples where rumors affect people's actions.

Do any of you know a particular example where trade rumors of FA rumors either played a part in ruining a deal or were held back by the GMs intentionally to avoid the media jumping all over it. I know there are examples out there (such as Robbie Alomar a long time ago), but I can't remember any specifically, especially where the rumor was proven to make a difference.

If you guys know of any, and could let me know, that would help a lot. And if you know of any sources / specific stories of this happening and could link me there, I would be especially overjoyed.

Thanks much.

*[Update]* Thanks a lot for the help so far. I'm leaning towards using the A-Rod example and possibly Billy Beane as well. If anyone knows where I can find more info on these (especially A-Rod), please let me know.

I'm not gonna lie, but I have this fantasy that this is going to be one of those fairy tale stories where our team gets in the clubhouse and is like "let's when this one for Josh!" and then goes on a mega-streak that eventually leads to an "inspired" division-winning record. It would just be so touching, you know . . . and not to mention a lot easier to watch than April was.

Anyway, I was reading the Yahoo summary of tonight's game (I only saw the first inning) and came accross some quotes that left me pretty optimistic. Anybody hear anything else that might point us to signs of this team getting motivated? Because I like what I'm hearing . . .

Full article:http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/recap?gid=270504124

"I think all of us wanted to go out and turn this season around a little bit," Wainwright said. "We wanted to win for Josh, too.

"It's got to start somewhere," manager Tony La Russa said. "This is a start."

"This is what we get paid to do," Isringhausen said. (yeah, I know it's not much, but let's face it, sounds pretty badass)

"I think he was looking down and he was proud of us." -AW

It just sounds to me like this team realizes how good it feels to win (well, at least wainwright does). I know these aren't many quotes, but they still left me a tad bit optimistic.

I just purchased MLB.tv premium for the year, and was hoping to download the mosaic app, but I can't find out how to on the MLB website. Can you not download it until April 2nd? Just wondering if anyone else got it and might know what to do. I'm probably missing something very obvious, thanks to mlb.com being a pretty annoying site to navigate.

Was anyone else upset that we retained all of our outfielders from last year?

Watching this spring and seeing players like Rodriguez, Ankiel and Schumaker (especially with the McGwire training he went through)excel, just reiterates the point that we can afford to lose one or two of these veteran role playing outfielders. I mean, I love the smile of PW as much as the rest of you, but I can't help but thinking that the hard working players like J Rod and Skip would be such a better asset to our team if we gave them the chance. And while I realize that J Enc has been relatively steady with his career numbers, the names I mentioned would be cheaper.

I know it's only spring, but we seem to have some real promise in terms of role-playing outfielders, and I'd like to see them given a shot instead of paying veterans who are on their way out.

So I was reading the Trib this morning and there was an article about AJ Pier, his brother and Eckstein and his brother getting in a fight at some wrestling thing. The greatest part was apparently Eck loved it. Said it was "exciting." AJ was quoted as saying he and his brother were jealous of the entrance that Eck was given and how much better it was. I couldn't give you details because it was just a little snippit, but included a picture, and was pretty funny to see.

I'm sick of people saying the Crawford is not that good. Look at these numbers:

A .300 batting avg, 60 steals, 15 triples, 20 doubles, 15 HRs, 80 RBI (with the Devil Rays, mind you), and a .995 fielding percentage. He gets in that neighborhood in each of those catagories EVERY YEAR. He's only 25, and has played at least 150 games each year that he's been a starter. Not to mention, he plays both left and center. So we can plug him into left, and if we need him at center he can play that too. He's actually a left fielder, so those of you who want rasmus, what's wrong with having Rasmus AND Crawford in a couple years?

I don't see how he's not worth giving a shot at. This guy is a super star, and is just the type of player to compliment our slow, power hitters. He'd be a spark plug to this offense.

Then again, I must ask, is there any legitimacy for us going after him? Has anyone actually read that anywhere? Or is it just a dream that we all have?

I found this on the Onion and think you guys might get a kick out of it. At least, in hindsight it's pretty funny. Go here-

http://www.theonion.com/content/node/53703

Check out each team's chances at the world series, including our Redbirds. I know it's not serious, but funny nonetheless.

I would copy and post it as a jpeg, but I have no idea how to. . .  

Alright, so in the ecstacy of winning the 'ship, I want to print out some photos from the game (preferebly high res) and pollute my dorm room / hall. Does anyone know where some are up yet? I can't find any besides at CBS sportsline and the quality is horrible. If you can, I'll be very happy, and if you can't because you're at Busch right now, I'm very jealous.

Thanks.

I remember reading this article by Connor Nichol awhile ago on the Cardinals web site. Do any of you that follow the minor leagues closely know how this guy finished up?

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- One of Mark Worrell's favorite closers is the Padres' longtime stopper Trevor Hoffman. For years, Hoffman, the owner of more than 400 career saves, has benefited from a varied arsenal that includes a nasty changeup.
"I like his offspeed pitches and I like the way that he gets guys out," Worrell said.

Worrell, the Springfield Cardinals' closer, mixes a deceiving high-70s changeup with a slider/slurve and a two-seam fastball that rides in the low 90s. He has yet to throw a Major League pitch, but he has enjoyed Hoffman-like success at the Double-A level, leading the Texas League with 13 saves.

Worrell has become nearly automatic, prompting the loudspeaker at Hammons Field to play "Closing Time" when Worrell comes in to close a game.

Unlike Hoffman, who loves hearing AC/DC's "Hell's Bells" when he runs in from the bullpen, Worrell wishes the loudspeaker wouldn't play Semisonic's 1997 hit.

"I don't even like that song," he said Saturday afternoon outside the Cardinals' indoor exercise facility. "I didn't even pick it. I am really superstitious and I really don't want to pick one yet."

And that isn't the only difference between him and San Diego's stopper. Worrell has one of the game's most unorthodox motions. After a series of knee bobs and movements, Worrell seemingly launches himself towards the plate.

"I have always thrown pretty much like that," he said. "I've never had any arm problems with it so I don't plan on changing it."

The 6-foot-1 right-hander stands straight up on the mound and comes set in the stretch position on the rubber's extreme third-base side. While most pitchers will keep their feet spread apart when they come set, Worrell brings his left foot directly next to his right.

"When I bring them back more, I can get all of my weight behind [the ball]," he said. "I want to be throwing with everything I have. I don't want to be throwing with 80 percent of my weight."

Worrell starts his hands behind his head, looking out towards center field. Then, while bobbing his knees, he slowly lowers his hands to his right shoulder. He stops for a split-second before bobbing his knees one more time and lowering his hands slightly to about chest level, a deceptive motion for any hitter.

"It's definitely tough to face as a right-handed hitter," Frisco RoughRiders second baseman Adam Morrisey said. "It looks as if the ball is coming right out of his ear and it's really tough to pick up his release point."

To complicate matters even further, Worrell's step toward the plate isn't commonplace. Most hurlers step straight towards home.

Worrell, though, steps way out toward the first-base line before uncorking the pitch, a step he said feels natural. Many of his pitches -- especially the slider/slurve thrown anywhere from 80-85-mph -- are also delivered from the sidearm slot.

"It's not the typical delivery that you teach, but the guy can pitch," said Mark Riggins, the Cardinals Minor League pitching coordinator.

Similar to Hoffman, Worrell baffles hitters, holding the Texas League to a miniscule .180 average. He's struck out 31 hitters against just 12 walks in 24 2/3 innings and 23 appearances.

"There is a lot of difference between the speed of his fastball and the speed of his slider," Morrissey said. "The slider is like floater because he has a good fastball and it is very hard to stay back on and pick up his release point."

Overall, the right-hander is 1-3 with a 4.38 ERA, but take out a recent outing where he allowed five runs in 1/3 inning against Arkansas, and his ERA drops well below 3.00.

Worrell molded his stuff through years as a starter in high school and in college at Florida International University.

After picking him in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, the Cardinals instantly transformed him into a closer -- and didn't mess with his motion.

"Scouts had told us about his delivery, but we just said hands-off and let him go," Riggins said.

From Day One, Worrell (no relation to former Cardinals closer Todd Worrell) has enjoyed success in the red and white. He saved 12 games at rookie-level Johnson City and Class A Peoria in 2004, before constructing a remarkable 2005 campaign at Class A Palm Beach.

Worrell compiled a 2.25 ERA and saved a franchise-record 35 games, helping Palm Beach win the league title.

He entered 2006 with high expectations. Baseball America called him the Cards' 21st best prospect and third best reliever behind Nick Webber and Juan Mateo -- who has since been returned to the Cubs.

And Worrell hasn't disappointed. He's converted all but three of his save chances. And, like all great closers, he's shown the ability to have short-term memory and bounce back from a poor outing.

"I start taking it day by day and looking at the whole big picture," he said. "That's something I need to do in any job, especially sports."

On May 15, he lost a game against Wichita, allowing three runs and walking four. Worrell bounced back and saved a game two days later. Then, on May 19, against Arkansas, he had another small implosion, as the Travelers touched him for those five runs.

Since then, he's been outstanding, saving three straight games and throwing two shutout innings in Springfield's 9-6 extra innings Sunday afternoon. That stretch includes a five-out, four-K performance versus Frisco on Friday night, one of his best outings of the season.

"He's got very good mental toughness," Cardinals manager Chris Maloney said.

Outings like Friday's -- and maintaining consistency -- form the backbone for a bright future. Baseball America calls Worrell "a lock to end up as a reliever in a Major League bullpen."

And that suits Worrell just fine.

"I like being the go-to guy in the bullpen," he said. "I've had success in that role."

Just like Hoffman.

Okay, this is an idea that I haven't seen proposed here yet. I know it's a pretty big risk, but in comparison with this year it can't be that bad, and I don't see things going any worse.

We let all four of our free agent pitchers go. That way we have:

Carpenter
-Blank-
Reyes
Wainwright
-Blank-

Now, we take the money from releasing all four free agents and invest in Zito or Schmidt. For now, I'm just going to say Zito, and you'll see why. So now we have Zito and pretty much all of our money gone:

Carpenter
Zito
Reyes
Wainwright
-Blank-

Now, like the article presented by erik said, we go after Mulder for a cheap one year deal. We now have Zito has a bargaining tool, a former teamate, who to my belief was an strong friend of Mark's. Also, Mark wants to be on the Cardinals, so we use that too. So in that case we have.

Carpenter
Zito
Mulder
Reyes
Wainwright

Not bad, eh?

Now, I realize getting Mulder for a cheap price is a risk. So if that doesn't work out, why don't we just give someone a shot. Maybe Tankersly? It wouldn't hurt. He can't be much worse than Ponson was to start the year this year? I think having a 1-2 punch is very important, and we know that both Reyes and Wainwright can pitch at the major league level, so a risk at the 5-spot may not be a big deal.

So now I ask you, what're your thoughts on this idea?