Leader. What is the definition of a good leader? What is your definition?
My definition is a bit wordy: Encouraging. Helpful. Guiding. Honest. Respectful. Fired up. Tone setting. Leads by example on and off field. Owns mistakes. Always improving. Holds others accountable in a professional way. Dedicated to their work and team.
Someone who knows what is important to the team--fundamentals, clean plays, producing runs, making contact, being efficient on the base paths, executing pitches--is a great step in the right direction.
Follow knowing what is important up with consistent execution & hard work--that is a leader.
Notice in all of this, I never mentioned publicly calling out a teammate for a mistake.
I did mention owning mistakes.
Thursday, Matt Carpenter was interviewed after the game. Some have clamored for accountability, including myself. His words were not holding someone accountable. His words were placing blame. Exact words are found here.
Carpenter said "You can strike out. You can make errors. But you can't do that. He (Rosenthal) knows that." He went on to say that Rosenthal had done this before and mistakes like this can't happen twice. Is this true? Sure. Does Rosenthal know better? Yes. Did Carpenter need to say all of that publicly? No. Further in the article,
Carpenter goes on to say "you can't lose the game"...I imagine some pitchers feel
that way about his errors, when they're making extra pitches or when
unearned runs are charged to them. Discussions may have gone
on privately, but they didn't air out their dirty laundry to the media.
A good leader would have had a discussion with Rosenthal in the tunnel, dugout, clubhouse. A good leader would have said, as many others have said, that this is a team sport. A good leader would own up to his own mistakes instead of avoiding or making excuses for them, as Carpenter has done on multiple occasions.
Do players strike out? Yes. Do players make errors? You betcha. Do players not make plays when needed? Unfortunately, another resounding yes. Do players make outs on the bases? Far too often on this team. Has Carpenter done all of these? Absolutely. Rather infamously now, he made the first out at third base in the bottom of the 9th after Carlos Martinez threw 9 shutout innings. He neglected to stick around for media after the game, but a few days later gave an interview in which he listed multiple reasons for his action in the scenario, then proceeded to say he would keep doing such things. He would choose to possibly make a mistake again in the name of being aggressive. But Rosenthal can't make mistakes twice. And, as you read above, Rosenthal owned up to his mistake and said he would work on it.
Many on Thursday said mental lapses such as Rosenthal's that day can't happen. I'm fairly certain that choosing to run the bases the way players do is a mental choice on their part. Carpenter isn't known for his baserunning prowess. Did Martinez blame him that night for the blunder? Did he say "If Carp stays at second base, we could have won"? No. Did anyone say that? No. In fact, their manager simply said "he knows" when asked about Carpenter's gaffe after the game.
Accountability is a necessary part of a well functioning team. Tommy Pham has provided such accountability. He finds something positive to say and lists things to work on to be a better TEAM. He completely grasps the concept of this being a TEAM sport. A piece written about Pham illustrates his winning attitude further...always able to own up to his own shortcomings and clearly willing to work on them.
Baseball is a TEAM sport.
The offense was being no hit through half the game Thursday, and without Pham, they would have had no runs on the board. Cecil gave up a home run, tying the game. Rosenthal didn't make a play. Multiple things went into the loss, such as multiple things go into a win.
When a person almost leads the team in strikeouts, makes errors that have cost runs and makes blunders on the base paths, that person should not be placing blame on anyone or saying which mistakes can and cannot happen. That person should take care of his own shortcomings first. Furthermore, he should not call shortcomings or mistakes of others out publicly.
Chris Carpenter took Brendan Ryan to task for being unprepared for an inning. He brought him into the tunnel to talk with him...a professional example of how to address an issue, even when frustrated.
Matt Carpenter could have said what others have in these situations--mistakes happen, he'll fix it, we've all made mistakes. If he couldn't say something amicable, he could have said "no comment" or something along those lines, or simply made himself unavailable, as he has before.
As far as deeming mistakes okay and not okay? They all have the potential to hurt the chance for a win. It's how they move on and work through these mistakes that will end up defining this season.
For what it's worth, I would have an issue with anyone who called someone out this way. However, this season, no one else has called anyone out this way. Matt set an unfortunate precedent.
Humility never hurt anybody. Arrogance hurts often. One quality is part of a leader...and a good teammate. The other is part of someone working alone.
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Tuesday, July 4, 2017
It's Time
Carlos Martinez. Tsunami. CMart. Fire. Electric. Brilliant. Emotional. Heart. Joy. Love. Generous. Kind. Impatient. Loyal. Student. Teacher. Child like. Thoughtful. Mournful. Rising star. Capable. Hopeful. Determined. Responsible. Respectful. Memorable.
All of these words can be used to describe Carlos. He is growing up before our eyes, under a spotlight. At times, it seems as though many forget he is only 25 years old. The path in front of him is clear now...he wants to be an ace, a leader, a strong competitor. His growing pains have occurred under the microscope of Cards fans, and he has handled it with grace and a growing maturity.
The one word some have a problem using when referring to Carlos is "ace".
Carlos is the ace of the Cardinals. For the time being, he is a co-ace with Adam while he learns how to take the reigns and Adam continues to share his knowledge with him. However, as far as performance is concerned, he is our ace. He is striking players out at an impressive rate, and his ERA places 8th among National League pitchers. By strikeouts, he's tied for 6th. By WHIP, he's 8th. Tied with Max Scherzer, he has only given up 12 home runs. He's 4th in innings pitched on the season. His efforts for this season should not be brushed off...they should be praised and appreciated.
In his first year as a starter after working two seasons out of the bullpen, Carlos finished 14-7 with a 3.07 ERA, followed by his second year where he finished 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA. This season, his win-loss record is a bit shy in the win column due to the bullpen pitching behind him and at times, the offense producing no run support. However, he is 6-7 with a 3.15 ERA and is working with all the same brilliant, electric pitching skills that have made him one of the brightest emerging talents in the major leagues. Carlos doesn't allow many home runs, and while his walks are up a bit this season, his strikeouts are impressive at 124 before the All Star Break. He is also on pace to reach the 200 inning mark.
Some like to compare CMart to others he is leading with this season around the league. Make sure to check out their age 25 seasons. Carlos is pitching extraordinarily well, keeping pace with those who have much more experience.
Watching Carlos through the years, I've watched his spirited joy for this game fill every inning and liven the atmosphere of the dugout. I've watched him lose friends to tragic accidents and mourn those losses with grace and dignity. He honors their memories every day by playing with energy and love for this game. Through his Tsunami Waves Foundation, he is helping children in his community, trying to give them a full, rich life. If you haven't read his introduction of himself, please take the time to do so. I already thought of him as a leader on this team, but hearing his thoughts and feelings about his role and his team, it's impossible to not feel respect for him. Carlos is making his way through life and this game, and I am absolutely 100% proud of the man he is on and off the field. Tsunami is a unique gift for this Cardinals team. I never want to see any of his spark, joy, love -any of his spectrum of emotions- fade. His brand of fire is and will always be needed on this team. It's long past time for all to embrace the flare and emotion he brings to his starts, as well as all the fun and laughter he brings to the dugout. He should never be reigned in. Let his light shine bright.
Carlos Martinez is an ace. Ride the wave.
All of these words can be used to describe Carlos. He is growing up before our eyes, under a spotlight. At times, it seems as though many forget he is only 25 years old. The path in front of him is clear now...he wants to be an ace, a leader, a strong competitor. His growing pains have occurred under the microscope of Cards fans, and he has handled it with grace and a growing maturity.
The one word some have a problem using when referring to Carlos is "ace".
Carlos is the ace of the Cardinals. For the time being, he is a co-ace with Adam while he learns how to take the reigns and Adam continues to share his knowledge with him. However, as far as performance is concerned, he is our ace. He is striking players out at an impressive rate, and his ERA places 8th among National League pitchers. By strikeouts, he's tied for 6th. By WHIP, he's 8th. Tied with Max Scherzer, he has only given up 12 home runs. He's 4th in innings pitched on the season. His efforts for this season should not be brushed off...they should be praised and appreciated.
In his first year as a starter after working two seasons out of the bullpen, Carlos finished 14-7 with a 3.07 ERA, followed by his second year where he finished 16-9 with a 3.04 ERA. This season, his win-loss record is a bit shy in the win column due to the bullpen pitching behind him and at times, the offense producing no run support. However, he is 6-7 with a 3.15 ERA and is working with all the same brilliant, electric pitching skills that have made him one of the brightest emerging talents in the major leagues. Carlos doesn't allow many home runs, and while his walks are up a bit this season, his strikeouts are impressive at 124 before the All Star Break. He is also on pace to reach the 200 inning mark.
Some like to compare CMart to others he is leading with this season around the league. Make sure to check out their age 25 seasons. Carlos is pitching extraordinarily well, keeping pace with those who have much more experience.
Watching Carlos through the years, I've watched his spirited joy for this game fill every inning and liven the atmosphere of the dugout. I've watched him lose friends to tragic accidents and mourn those losses with grace and dignity. He honors their memories every day by playing with energy and love for this game. Through his Tsunami Waves Foundation, he is helping children in his community, trying to give them a full, rich life. If you haven't read his introduction of himself, please take the time to do so. I already thought of him as a leader on this team, but hearing his thoughts and feelings about his role and his team, it's impossible to not feel respect for him. Carlos is making his way through life and this game, and I am absolutely 100% proud of the man he is on and off the field. Tsunami is a unique gift for this Cardinals team. I never want to see any of his spark, joy, love -any of his spectrum of emotions- fade. His brand of fire is and will always be needed on this team. It's long past time for all to embrace the flare and emotion he brings to his starts, as well as all the fun and laughter he brings to the dugout. He should never be reigned in. Let his light shine bright.
Carlos Martinez is an ace. Ride the wave.
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Holding On
The Cardinals started the season on a rollercoaster and have quickly become the Tea Cup ride...they are simply spinning in circles. Their wins happen against losing teams, and sometimes, that is not even a given. They lost 2 of 3 to the Orioles and failed to sweep the supposed worst team in baseball, the Phillies. The two games they won in that series went to extras. Leake is the last hope to salvage one solitary win out of this series against the Pirates, who are also below .500, but now a full game ahead of the Cardinals. Having won the first two games of this series, they are in 3rd place in the Central and we are in 4th.
I never know exactly what to write about anymore. Watching my favorite team is feeling less like entertainment and more like a habit...sometimes a chore. I've written before that I'm committed to them, and that remains the same. However, we're in a lull right now. I looked forward to this season for what felt like 72 months of offseason and now I find myself grasping at any last little tiny thing that can give me any hope. Those moments are happening few and far in between and even then, they're fleeting.
Rest assured, Carlos Martinez will always give us something to look forward to every 5 days. Pitching now as the third best pitcher in the National League, he is more brilliant and exciting with every inning. Tommy Pham has thrown guys out at the plate and hit some homers...all fun to watch. His attitude about winning and competing is even more refreshing. Not content with needing extra innings or his own strikeouts during a game where he hit 2 home runs and had 2 outfield assists, he tells the media exactly how he feels. And, as everyone knows, my love for Adam Wainwright is one that will never be shaken.
Tonight during the broadcast, Tom Verducci informed the viewers that Piscotty was simply resting due to the team's heavy schedule leading to the All Star Break. I'll be honest with you-this information only aggravated me further as I watched the runs pile up for the Pirates. If the team was performing well, if the energy level was where it should be, if a full effort for all 9 innings from every player was always given...okay, rest them. However, the team is 7 games below .500 and I never think "effort" and "energy" when I watch this team anymore. 2 of the 3 players resting tonight came in to pinch hit, both getting hits. Could they possibly have hit at other points throughout the night and produced more runs? We'll never know.
In an article posted Tuesday, Derrick Goold wrote about the team learning to support each other. This is baffling to me, for many reasons. Clubhouse issues were supposed to be solved in the offseason. Last year's clubhouse got a bad rap. In spring training, multiple players talked about how there were groups and cliques...the lack of cohesion prompted Wainwright to take them on a field trip to escape rooms to learn to work together. Now we're hearing the players are having meetings to discuss supporting each other. Shouldn't this be a given? Why aren't they supporting each other? In this climate, with all the losses, leadership in flux, players leaving and finding success on other teams...wouldn't supporting each other seem more crucial than ever? Imagine everyone acting like Adam and Carlos...energy, hard work, enthusiasm, watching every game intently more times than not at the top step or at the top of the dugout. Both of them bring their personality and their comradery with each other to this team. The water splashes, the hugs, the "good eye goofiness"...maybe if this energy flowed throughout the whole clubhouse, it would lead to more wins. Pham is another player who has brought a refreshing take to the clubhouse. He is a competitor and he wants his team to be competitive...he is disappointed with anything less. All three of these players have attitudes worth emulating.
My general takes:
1) No one on the team deserves days off at this point before the break simply to have a day off. If injured, I would be fine with using the 10 day DL so the team does not have to play short so often. Play hard during the game, work during time away from the game on any weaknesses in their game, and be prepared to play every day.
2) I'm not a fan of getting big trade deals done for this team this season. Until every aspect of their game improves to even an average level, one bat or one glove most likely won't be enough to increase the wins dramatically.
3) Right now, I can suggest one or two immediate changes that wouldn't cost any players or money but would still be beneficial. The first suggestion would be to be relieve Mike Matheny of his duties. The second suggestion would be to do the same with John Mabry. Either one could happen in either order. The roster is not necessarily the most talented roster it could be...it has roles that need to be filled and might not be with the current players. However, they did not lose all of their talent and skills as each day passed. Inspiration and motivation are lacking. Real solutions to the hitting problems are not being created. All issues could be improved with new leadership. In the offseason, roster issues should actually be fixed with a strong effort from John Mozeliak instead of one sided players getting big contracts (i.e. only good defense but no offense or vice versa).
4) Players need to play as though every game matters. Losing out on the postseason by ONE game last season seemed to not be enough of a lesson for most. I've heard Pham and Wainwright mention it, maybe others have, but for the most part I've heard too many interviews where they say "it's a long season" (not just from the players and manager, but media as well). At this rate, 4th in Central, 7 under .500...it is long overdue to start playing like every game matters. Every inning matters. Every run matters. Every play matters. Every at bat matters. Play like it matters.
Here's the bottom line for me: I'm in this. I always will be. Win or lose is the "in sickness and in health" part of our relationship. For better or worse, this team is the one for me. My effort is here. I watch every game and DVR the day games while I'm at work. My commitment hasn't wavered. Game after game I feel them abandoning their commitment to me though. I don't want to get to this point with the team I have loved for years...the point of feeling so let down that I can't hold on anymore. They need to give me something here. I get my good days when Adam and Carlos pitch and occasionally a good moment or two provided by someone else, but I need more. I'm not asking for much. I'm asking for heart and hustle...I'm asking for some fight. Every day, I'm here willing to fight for them. I want them to work with each other and fight for every win. I want them to fight for me...every relationship is a work in progress. The Cardinals need to start putting work into our relationship. It's not too late. I'm still here.
I never know exactly what to write about anymore. Watching my favorite team is feeling less like entertainment and more like a habit...sometimes a chore. I've written before that I'm committed to them, and that remains the same. However, we're in a lull right now. I looked forward to this season for what felt like 72 months of offseason and now I find myself grasping at any last little tiny thing that can give me any hope. Those moments are happening few and far in between and even then, they're fleeting.
Rest assured, Carlos Martinez will always give us something to look forward to every 5 days. Pitching now as the third best pitcher in the National League, he is more brilliant and exciting with every inning. Tommy Pham has thrown guys out at the plate and hit some homers...all fun to watch. His attitude about winning and competing is even more refreshing. Not content with needing extra innings or his own strikeouts during a game where he hit 2 home runs and had 2 outfield assists, he tells the media exactly how he feels. And, as everyone knows, my love for Adam Wainwright is one that will never be shaken.
Tonight during the broadcast, Tom Verducci informed the viewers that Piscotty was simply resting due to the team's heavy schedule leading to the All Star Break. I'll be honest with you-this information only aggravated me further as I watched the runs pile up for the Pirates. If the team was performing well, if the energy level was where it should be, if a full effort for all 9 innings from every player was always given...okay, rest them. However, the team is 7 games below .500 and I never think "effort" and "energy" when I watch this team anymore. 2 of the 3 players resting tonight came in to pinch hit, both getting hits. Could they possibly have hit at other points throughout the night and produced more runs? We'll never know.
In an article posted Tuesday, Derrick Goold wrote about the team learning to support each other. This is baffling to me, for many reasons. Clubhouse issues were supposed to be solved in the offseason. Last year's clubhouse got a bad rap. In spring training, multiple players talked about how there were groups and cliques...the lack of cohesion prompted Wainwright to take them on a field trip to escape rooms to learn to work together. Now we're hearing the players are having meetings to discuss supporting each other. Shouldn't this be a given? Why aren't they supporting each other? In this climate, with all the losses, leadership in flux, players leaving and finding success on other teams...wouldn't supporting each other seem more crucial than ever? Imagine everyone acting like Adam and Carlos...energy, hard work, enthusiasm, watching every game intently more times than not at the top step or at the top of the dugout. Both of them bring their personality and their comradery with each other to this team. The water splashes, the hugs, the "good eye goofiness"...maybe if this energy flowed throughout the whole clubhouse, it would lead to more wins. Pham is another player who has brought a refreshing take to the clubhouse. He is a competitor and he wants his team to be competitive...he is disappointed with anything less. All three of these players have attitudes worth emulating.
My general takes:
1) No one on the team deserves days off at this point before the break simply to have a day off. If injured, I would be fine with using the 10 day DL so the team does not have to play short so often. Play hard during the game, work during time away from the game on any weaknesses in their game, and be prepared to play every day.
2) I'm not a fan of getting big trade deals done for this team this season. Until every aspect of their game improves to even an average level, one bat or one glove most likely won't be enough to increase the wins dramatically.
3) Right now, I can suggest one or two immediate changes that wouldn't cost any players or money but would still be beneficial. The first suggestion would be to be relieve Mike Matheny of his duties. The second suggestion would be to do the same with John Mabry. Either one could happen in either order. The roster is not necessarily the most talented roster it could be...it has roles that need to be filled and might not be with the current players. However, they did not lose all of their talent and skills as each day passed. Inspiration and motivation are lacking. Real solutions to the hitting problems are not being created. All issues could be improved with new leadership. In the offseason, roster issues should actually be fixed with a strong effort from John Mozeliak instead of one sided players getting big contracts (i.e. only good defense but no offense or vice versa).
4) Players need to play as though every game matters. Losing out on the postseason by ONE game last season seemed to not be enough of a lesson for most. I've heard Pham and Wainwright mention it, maybe others have, but for the most part I've heard too many interviews where they say "it's a long season" (not just from the players and manager, but media as well). At this rate, 4th in Central, 7 under .500...it is long overdue to start playing like every game matters. Every inning matters. Every run matters. Every play matters. Every at bat matters. Play like it matters.
Here's the bottom line for me: I'm in this. I always will be. Win or lose is the "in sickness and in health" part of our relationship. For better or worse, this team is the one for me. My effort is here. I watch every game and DVR the day games while I'm at work. My commitment hasn't wavered. Game after game I feel them abandoning their commitment to me though. I don't want to get to this point with the team I have loved for years...the point of feeling so let down that I can't hold on anymore. They need to give me something here. I get my good days when Adam and Carlos pitch and occasionally a good moment or two provided by someone else, but I need more. I'm not asking for much. I'm asking for heart and hustle...I'm asking for some fight. Every day, I'm here willing to fight for them. I want them to work with each other and fight for every win. I want them to fight for me...every relationship is a work in progress. The Cardinals need to start putting work into our relationship. It's not too late. I'm still here.
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Tough Love
A few days ago, Stephen Piscotty addressed the media and spoke of a family issue that is unimaginably difficult to go through. After playing in a game or two upon his return, he addressed the media again after a blunder out in right field. The ball got lost in the sun and he missed what many think was a routine catch. He answered the question no less than 5 different ways as the reporters tried no less than 5 different ways to reword the same question: "What happened out there?"
Watch the post game shows if you can, or follow Fox Sports Midwest on social media. Notice who is appearing in these interviews. All the starting pitchers of course, but who else do you see? I'll tell you--Greg Garcia (a very part time player), Kolten Wong (especially when he has made mistakes), Randal Grichuk (not here but when he was, he answered, especially in losses), Stephen Piscotty (see above), Jedd Gyorko (emerging as our best player), Tommy Pham (only been in the majors this season since May 5th). What do you notice about this list (aside from starting pitchers)? Not a single person 30 or older. Not a single person that is the supposed "face of the franchise" or "leader of the team." Not a single supposed veteran. The only veteran that constantly answers is Adam. And he has the type of character that would answer no matter what, even if not a starting pitcher. All of our starting pitchers do an admirable job.
I mention all of this because this team is in need of leadership. The young guys are pulling their weight with the media, picking up the slack left behind by those such as Matt Carpenter, who dodge the media after mistakes and then proceed to never own up to those mistakes.
When Matt Carpenter made the 9th inning baserunning error, trying to stretch a sure lead off double in the bottom of the 9th into a triple, he didn't answer to that for the media. Days later, he gave multiple reasons of why he was right, noting that his offense around him may not have been able to hit him home from second base. As you all know, Carpenter is batting .216 and has now reached 52 strikeouts. His OBP is 345, but his overall game isn't going well at the moment. "Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" applies here. Throwing people like Jedd Gyorko under the bus when he has been carrying this team was disrespectful and unnecessary.
After that game, Matheny said "he knows" when asked if there would be a discussion with Matt. Clearly, he does not know he was wrong.
The younger players are trying to lead, answering the difficult questions when asked and trying their best with the opportunities given. They take ownership of their mistakes publicly. Maybe it's time to let them have more opportunities...turn to them for a spark that is desperately needed. Adam Wainwright is almost always at the top step or up on the fence, constantly interested in the game going on as is Carlos, but other than that, we're in need of some leadership. In reality, we need a Chris Carpenter type of player, who would light a fire. The play of late has been lackluster, and he would never stand for it. If a defensive blunder occurred, he'd probably address it. Seems like there is no one willing to call out the play of this team. Matheny acts as though everyone knows how to fix things without discussion, but they aren't fixing things. Players are going to other teams and figuring out how to end their hitting struggles. All special instruction from legendary players like Ozzie, Willie, Edmonds has flown back south for the summer instead of the winter.
It's time for the front office to face some things. Matheny is not the supposed leader of men he was supposed to be. The team is now on a 7 game losing skid, falling further below .500 ball every day. If he was capable of motivating, at least half of this team would be able to turn things around.
Another look in the mirror by the front office would force them to see that Mabry is clearly unable to help anyone at this time. Grichuk was sent to Palm Beach to work with an offensive specialist, and many thought no one was worse off at the plate. Cut to almost two weeks without Grichuk and the team is 2-9, with Carpenter now having a lower batting average and Fowler staying tied with Grichuk. Adam Wainwright is one of the team's best hitters. I'm Adam's biggest fan but I'll still tell you his offense probably shouldn't be THE story on a competitive team hoping to contend this season. He's the team's biggest bench threat. That's not really an exaggeration.
Further down the rabbit hole, it is baffling to me that with 11 singles, 0 runs batted in and 13 strikeouts, sporting a batting average of .204, Peralta has not only seen two starts this past week, but also pinch hit opportunities. If ever there was a player dragging the competitive edge of a team down, it is Peralta at this moment.
Personally, I'd love to select 15 or so of the best position players and pitchers from the minors and bring them up to St. Louis. I'd have a team meeting. I'd call the rookies out one by one, asking them to stand up in the crowd, and I'd list their stats on the season for the whole room to hear. When the list was complete and all had their moment to shine, I'd say that any position player not named Jedd or Tommy can be replaced by any of these rookies at a moment's notice. Everyone's clocks are running, either out of time or waiting to be started at any given moment. Any relief pitcher not named Matt, Seung Hwan or Trevor is replaceable by any pitchers I've presented. Any changes that need to happen would be figured out. It's time to put up a fight.
Sometimes, there's a need for tough love. Brutal honesty has its place. Now is one of those times. Complacency doesn't win games. Settling doesn't win games. Banking on the failure of other teams or staying afloat in the sea of mediocrity that is the division won't lead to wins. Someone, somewhere has to find a way to light the competitive fire in this team. Sadly, I've written about this already this season. Multiple times. I am committed to the Cardinals for life. We've renewed our vows, I've split up with Matheny, I've composed speeches to make while standing on a chair in the clubhouse, song lyrics and movies have been used to try to inspire the love of the game that seems to be lost. I'm putting in 150% of the effort needed to keep this relationship alive. From the bottom of my heart I hope the Cardinals decide to fight for us too.
Watch the post game shows if you can, or follow Fox Sports Midwest on social media. Notice who is appearing in these interviews. All the starting pitchers of course, but who else do you see? I'll tell you--Greg Garcia (a very part time player), Kolten Wong (especially when he has made mistakes), Randal Grichuk (not here but when he was, he answered, especially in losses), Stephen Piscotty (see above), Jedd Gyorko (emerging as our best player), Tommy Pham (only been in the majors this season since May 5th). What do you notice about this list (aside from starting pitchers)? Not a single person 30 or older. Not a single person that is the supposed "face of the franchise" or "leader of the team." Not a single supposed veteran. The only veteran that constantly answers is Adam. And he has the type of character that would answer no matter what, even if not a starting pitcher. All of our starting pitchers do an admirable job.
I mention all of this because this team is in need of leadership. The young guys are pulling their weight with the media, picking up the slack left behind by those such as Matt Carpenter, who dodge the media after mistakes and then proceed to never own up to those mistakes.
When Matt Carpenter made the 9th inning baserunning error, trying to stretch a sure lead off double in the bottom of the 9th into a triple, he didn't answer to that for the media. Days later, he gave multiple reasons of why he was right, noting that his offense around him may not have been able to hit him home from second base. As you all know, Carpenter is batting .216 and has now reached 52 strikeouts. His OBP is 345, but his overall game isn't going well at the moment. "Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" applies here. Throwing people like Jedd Gyorko under the bus when he has been carrying this team was disrespectful and unnecessary.
After that game, Matheny said "he knows" when asked if there would be a discussion with Matt. Clearly, he does not know he was wrong.
The younger players are trying to lead, answering the difficult questions when asked and trying their best with the opportunities given. They take ownership of their mistakes publicly. Maybe it's time to let them have more opportunities...turn to them for a spark that is desperately needed. Adam Wainwright is almost always at the top step or up on the fence, constantly interested in the game going on as is Carlos, but other than that, we're in need of some leadership. In reality, we need a Chris Carpenter type of player, who would light a fire. The play of late has been lackluster, and he would never stand for it. If a defensive blunder occurred, he'd probably address it. Seems like there is no one willing to call out the play of this team. Matheny acts as though everyone knows how to fix things without discussion, but they aren't fixing things. Players are going to other teams and figuring out how to end their hitting struggles. All special instruction from legendary players like Ozzie, Willie, Edmonds has flown back south for the summer instead of the winter.
It's time for the front office to face some things. Matheny is not the supposed leader of men he was supposed to be. The team is now on a 7 game losing skid, falling further below .500 ball every day. If he was capable of motivating, at least half of this team would be able to turn things around.
Another look in the mirror by the front office would force them to see that Mabry is clearly unable to help anyone at this time. Grichuk was sent to Palm Beach to work with an offensive specialist, and many thought no one was worse off at the plate. Cut to almost two weeks without Grichuk and the team is 2-9, with Carpenter now having a lower batting average and Fowler staying tied with Grichuk. Adam Wainwright is one of the team's best hitters. I'm Adam's biggest fan but I'll still tell you his offense probably shouldn't be THE story on a competitive team hoping to contend this season. He's the team's biggest bench threat. That's not really an exaggeration.
Further down the rabbit hole, it is baffling to me that with 11 singles, 0 runs batted in and 13 strikeouts, sporting a batting average of .204, Peralta has not only seen two starts this past week, but also pinch hit opportunities. If ever there was a player dragging the competitive edge of a team down, it is Peralta at this moment.
Personally, I'd love to select 15 or so of the best position players and pitchers from the minors and bring them up to St. Louis. I'd have a team meeting. I'd call the rookies out one by one, asking them to stand up in the crowd, and I'd list their stats on the season for the whole room to hear. When the list was complete and all had their moment to shine, I'd say that any position player not named Jedd or Tommy can be replaced by any of these rookies at a moment's notice. Everyone's clocks are running, either out of time or waiting to be started at any given moment. Any relief pitcher not named Matt, Seung Hwan or Trevor is replaceable by any pitchers I've presented. Any changes that need to happen would be figured out. It's time to put up a fight.
Sometimes, there's a need for tough love. Brutal honesty has its place. Now is one of those times. Complacency doesn't win games. Settling doesn't win games. Banking on the failure of other teams or staying afloat in the sea of mediocrity that is the division won't lead to wins. Someone, somewhere has to find a way to light the competitive fire in this team. Sadly, I've written about this already this season. Multiple times. I am committed to the Cardinals for life. We've renewed our vows, I've split up with Matheny, I've composed speeches to make while standing on a chair in the clubhouse, song lyrics and movies have been used to try to inspire the love of the game that seems to be lost. I'm putting in 150% of the effort needed to keep this relationship alive. From the bottom of my heart I hope the Cardinals decide to fight for us too.
Monday, May 29, 2017
When The Going Gets Tough...
The tough get going.
Or at least that's how it is for some players on the team.
Randal Grichuk was demoted to Palm Beach today. At first, before learning of the location, I was at peace with the decision because I thought he would be coached by Mark Budaska in Memphis. Learning of the decision to demote down to Palm Beach is still a concern for me. Last season, Grichuk showed noticeable progress after working with Buddha in Memphis. He returned to the majors and had a very successful run down the stretch of August and September, putting up some of the best numbers on the team.
I figured a two week stay or so under Budaska's instruction would go a long way to return a rejuvenated Grich to a struggling lineup. Instant jolt. Palm Beach may need a longer time, but possibly help his career more in the long run with the greater number of at bats and the less developed pitching giving him a little more discipline with which pitches to swing at and which to lay off. I still fall on the side of attempting a Memphis reboot. I do see both sides of this coin though.
After returning in August of last season from Memphis, finding help with Budaska, Grichuk went on to slash 284 BA/294 OBP/731 SLG/1.025 OPS for the month. He followed up with a September slash of 269 BA/303 OBP/ 490 SLG/793 OPS. Either of these lines would boost our lineup immediately, especially when you sprinkle in the 12 home runs and 31 runs batted in during that time (171 at bats).
To refresh, as of yesterday, Grichuk was 4th on the team in hits with 37, tied for 3rd on the team with runs batted in with 19, and he had a team leading 14 doubles. I realize that he was leading the team in strikeouts and that needed attention. However, Carpenter is following closely behind with 43 strikeouts, Fowler with 42, Gyorko with 37. We then have a further 4 players with 20 or more. Grichuk's walks might be on the low side, but he was tied with Gyorko at 12 (5th highest on team). That's 3 more walks than Molina and Diaz. Finally, I realize that his average at .222 isn't carrying the team, but when Fowler is also at .222, Carpenter is at .226, and Piscotty is at .224, he is clearly not the only cause for concern on this team. With only 2 people driving in more runs than he has, and only 3 people having more hits, one has to wonder if the production will be made up.
In the past week to two weeks, the team has allowed Carlos to pitch 9 innings of shutout ball, only to lose the game in extras. Starting pitching allowed 4-5 runs total during a stretch of a week and we lost all of the games. The offense is not bringing guys home when in scoring position, they're swinging at first pitches and getting out, and they are hitting solo home runs (which can't always be helped, I realize). There have been games where the guys left on base are well into the double digits. In a loss. Today they were letting Rich Hill take a no-no into the 5th.
To pretend that our offense is fine to have one's head in the clouds. No one on the team is necessarily a threat. Pitchers aren't intimidated when they know strikeouts are piling up and the words "1 pitch, 1 out" are flying out of Dan's mouth. The team isn't executing and they've forgotten the words "plate discipline" even exist. Sure, they've had glimpses or hitting streaks, weeks where they flash greatness. But when you look at the bottom line, the numbers totaled for the season, there's reason to be concerned.
I don't have the answers. Personally, I'd love to see Mark Budaska offered a job with the big club. I don't know that he'd accept the offer. I do feel that new blood in the hitting coach department would go a long way. Pham didn't start the season in the bigs...he was in Memphis with Buddha and continued a tear up here. Grichuk and Kolten have made huge strides after time spent under his instruction. Dex is new to our team...what happened to his numbers from last year? After two full months, things should have started to fall in place by now, at least a bit. Piscotty has looked completely lost all season save for a few games here and there, and we all know he was working with Mabry in the offseason to tweak his swing. One has to question why at this point. Carpenter is off at the plate as well. Shouldn't their hitting coach be able to find ways to help all of them?
The team's offense is in need of a boost in a big way. More guys have to hit with runners in scoring position. They need to be more patient at the plate. Walks need to go up and strikeouts need to go down. I don't personally care if they all hit home runs...as long as they can bring runners home safely, singles, doubles and triples are fine. The hitting coach needs to help all of them find solutions to their problems. Sooner rather than later, as it's never "just one game."
I will at least leave you with a great song that can put a smile on anyone's face. Enjoy. I know I always do. And yes that's Danny DeVito and the cast of "Romancing The Stone." This is 80s goodness and I make no apologies. Good luck Grich! I'm still believing in you back here in St. Louis!
"When The Going Gets Tough" by Billy Ocean
Or at least that's how it is for some players on the team.
Randal Grichuk was demoted to Palm Beach today. At first, before learning of the location, I was at peace with the decision because I thought he would be coached by Mark Budaska in Memphis. Learning of the decision to demote down to Palm Beach is still a concern for me. Last season, Grichuk showed noticeable progress after working with Buddha in Memphis. He returned to the majors and had a very successful run down the stretch of August and September, putting up some of the best numbers on the team.
I figured a two week stay or so under Budaska's instruction would go a long way to return a rejuvenated Grich to a struggling lineup. Instant jolt. Palm Beach may need a longer time, but possibly help his career more in the long run with the greater number of at bats and the less developed pitching giving him a little more discipline with which pitches to swing at and which to lay off. I still fall on the side of attempting a Memphis reboot. I do see both sides of this coin though.
After returning in August of last season from Memphis, finding help with Budaska, Grichuk went on to slash 284 BA/294 OBP/731 SLG/1.025 OPS for the month. He followed up with a September slash of 269 BA/303 OBP/ 490 SLG/793 OPS. Either of these lines would boost our lineup immediately, especially when you sprinkle in the 12 home runs and 31 runs batted in during that time (171 at bats).
To refresh, as of yesterday, Grichuk was 4th on the team in hits with 37, tied for 3rd on the team with runs batted in with 19, and he had a team leading 14 doubles. I realize that he was leading the team in strikeouts and that needed attention. However, Carpenter is following closely behind with 43 strikeouts, Fowler with 42, Gyorko with 37. We then have a further 4 players with 20 or more. Grichuk's walks might be on the low side, but he was tied with Gyorko at 12 (5th highest on team). That's 3 more walks than Molina and Diaz. Finally, I realize that his average at .222 isn't carrying the team, but when Fowler is also at .222, Carpenter is at .226, and Piscotty is at .224, he is clearly not the only cause for concern on this team. With only 2 people driving in more runs than he has, and only 3 people having more hits, one has to wonder if the production will be made up.
In the past week to two weeks, the team has allowed Carlos to pitch 9 innings of shutout ball, only to lose the game in extras. Starting pitching allowed 4-5 runs total during a stretch of a week and we lost all of the games. The offense is not bringing guys home when in scoring position, they're swinging at first pitches and getting out, and they are hitting solo home runs (which can't always be helped, I realize). There have been games where the guys left on base are well into the double digits. In a loss. Today they were letting Rich Hill take a no-no into the 5th.
To pretend that our offense is fine to have one's head in the clouds. No one on the team is necessarily a threat. Pitchers aren't intimidated when they know strikeouts are piling up and the words "1 pitch, 1 out" are flying out of Dan's mouth. The team isn't executing and they've forgotten the words "plate discipline" even exist. Sure, they've had glimpses or hitting streaks, weeks where they flash greatness. But when you look at the bottom line, the numbers totaled for the season, there's reason to be concerned.
I don't have the answers. Personally, I'd love to see Mark Budaska offered a job with the big club. I don't know that he'd accept the offer. I do feel that new blood in the hitting coach department would go a long way. Pham didn't start the season in the bigs...he was in Memphis with Buddha and continued a tear up here. Grichuk and Kolten have made huge strides after time spent under his instruction. Dex is new to our team...what happened to his numbers from last year? After two full months, things should have started to fall in place by now, at least a bit. Piscotty has looked completely lost all season save for a few games here and there, and we all know he was working with Mabry in the offseason to tweak his swing. One has to question why at this point. Carpenter is off at the plate as well. Shouldn't their hitting coach be able to find ways to help all of them?
The team's offense is in need of a boost in a big way. More guys have to hit with runners in scoring position. They need to be more patient at the plate. Walks need to go up and strikeouts need to go down. I don't personally care if they all hit home runs...as long as they can bring runners home safely, singles, doubles and triples are fine. The hitting coach needs to help all of them find solutions to their problems. Sooner rather than later, as it's never "just one game."
I will at least leave you with a great song that can put a smile on anyone's face. Enjoy. I know I always do. And yes that's Danny DeVito and the cast of "Romancing The Stone." This is 80s goodness and I make no apologies. Good luck Grich! I'm still believing in you back here in St. Louis!
"When The Going Gets Tough" by Billy Ocean
Monday, May 22, 2017
We've Lost That Lovin' Feeling
We've all watched the Cardinals this season. We've seen some fun games, some good wins that felt like THE turning point, some losses that stung and losses that we all felt were hard fought despite the outcome. If you pay attention to twitter and have looked through the past week, it seems many of us have our lost the lovin' feeling for our Cards and their brand of play this week...for some, this season.
The Boston series was a testament to the way we lose this season. Lots of men left on base, bad baserunning, starting pitching wasted, bullpen struggles, lack of timely hitting, defensive miscues and errors...we got a dose of all of that in a short and sweet (not) 2 games series.
We followed the Boston series with a 1 win out of 3 series against the struggling Giants.
In that time we squandered excellent starting pitching, including wasting a brilliant 9 inning outing of shutout baseball from Carlos. Adam Wainwright pitched in our only win over the past 5 games on Sunday, allowing only 1 run over 6 innings.
Bob Gibson was in town to celebrate the 1967 team this week and he graced us all with his presence in the broadcast booth. Listening to him straight shoot his way through a conversation about how the game should be played was inspiring. He said he loves watching the Cardinals and he only watches the Cardinals. Dan asked him if anyone stood out to him and he said he loves the whole team. However, he added that when they do things like getting picked off and giving up home runs, he doesn't like any of them. Brutal honesty...sometimes it's needed!
The 1967 team was a sight to behold, or so I've heard and read. They were the definition of a well oiled machine. Fired up on and off the field, ready to play their best every single game of the season.
Our team could make Bob cringe on a daily basis. Our baserunning, defense, hitting, bullpen...they all need attention and I have some suggestions.
Issue #1: "The Danger Zone"
Matt Carpenter made the 9th inning baserunning blunder heard around the world on Saturday night. He tried to turn a sure double into a triple, with the play getting him out by a mile. He is slow on the base paths and his instincts always lead him to the wrong decision. He is not alone in this. Outs on the base paths always seem to happen and are never surprising. I suggest a new coach for this area. We missed out on Vince Coleman, but is there no one more qualified than our current base coaches? I find that difficult to believe. Something is running amok with the base running approach and I feel like it could be fixed with a tweaking of the teaching.
Issue #2: "I'll fire when I'm good and ready"
Our hitting is off. Carlos Martinez pitched 9 innings of shutout baseball on Saturday only to never factor in the decision, which ended up as a loss in extras. The collective offense of our team had 8 hits over 12 of those innings, and it was against a struggling pitcher and a team off course with a record of 19-26. In the other games of the home stand, the offense managed to hand losses out like candy to starters who were going above and beyond the call. It's long past the time to light the fires. I've been questioning if we need some new blood in the hitting coach department since last season. It feels like too many of the players are working on their approach all the time, and many are off to very slow starts. On the current roster, we have 5 players batting over .261, and one of these players is Adam Wainwright. Everyone else is hitting .261 or lower. Our best hitter right now is Jedd Gyorko and he's running away with the lead at .331, 7 homers and 18 runs batted in. When players such as Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler are down near the bottom on a list ordered by descending batting average, there is reason enough to be concerned as May comes to a close. Ideally, I would love to promote Mark Budaska, "Buddha", to the big league team. Many of the players on the current roster have found success after working with him in Memphis, as well as former Cardinals such as David Freese. It might go a long way to light the fires if we had someone who some of our younger players have an excellent rapport with and have found success with to be around every day.
Issue #3: "I feel the need, the need for speed"
Magneuris Sierra was called up from the minors when our outfield piled up injuries with Dexter Fowler and Stephen Piscotty at the same time. This kid could flat out fly around the bases and everyone noticed...and LOVED it. He was definitely going Mach 2 with his hair on fire. On this team, speed isn't something you find up and down the lineup. Fowler, Grichuk, Wong, Pham and occasionally Diaz are the fastest players on the team. No offense to them, Sierra would have them all beat in any race. Speed can change the game, putting pressure on pitchers and pressure on defense to get the outs. It would be great to have Sierra back up here sometime soon and with our low bench, 13 pitchers and seemingly endless amount of "sore" this and "tweaked" that, I think we'll see him again soon.
Issue #4: "Bodies working overtime, money don't matter, time keeps ticking, someone's on your mind"
On our current roster, we have multiple players who could have used a DL stint to work through their injuries/issues. Dexter is still sore from a fall in the outfield, and he never went on the DL. His throws have taken the blow of the fall and in one case, Sierra made a throw for him. Kolten "felt something pop" in his elbow on Saturday and is day to day. He "was scared more than anything" according to Matheny and "popping" isn't exactly comforting. Piscotty ran into a wall to make a catch, after tweaking his knee in his rehab stint, which he was completing due to being on the DL for his hamstring pull. Siegrist has had some decent outings mixed in with some less than stellar outings while pitching through a sore shoulder and sore neck. Rosey is out there requiring an extra bullpen arm to back him up because "if something doesn't look right or feel right, we don't use him," per Matheny. This is a long way to play a season. I'm much more of the belief that if we gave them all the proper rest with a DL stay, they might all be playing at 100% instead of "he's almost there." We do have outfield help available in AAA (or clearly lower levels with Sierra). From the sounds of it, Weaver is pitching well and others are turning in solid numbers and could help with pitching. If a club is in the fight to win, they need to be putting their best players on the field every day. If it requires some of them to get rest to be at 100%, then that's the step that needs to be taken. Is it necessary to keep putting the players out there, somewhat injured, risking their long term careers if they make things worse? No.
Issue #5: "You can be my wingman anytime"
This lineup needs some good 1-2 punches throughout it. Our players aren't scaring the opponent when they step into the box. They could figure it all out and become solid hitters. However, I'm leaning towards looking outside of the team for help in the middle of the order. I don't know if this will happen, but our players are wingmen needing a leading hitter.
Issue #6: "One of life's simple joys is playing with the boys"
If they all play the game the way they were taught as boys, their defense and natural instincts for the rest of their play will all come rushing back. In little league, they learned how to catch a ball, where to throw the ball, how to run the bases and how to hit. Honestly, if they just took the time to think about when they were younger, they'd probably get a little reset. This is the game they grew up loving. Sometimes it's good to remember why you loved something in the first place. Remembering the pure love for the game and how they wanted to do their best might help them get on track and focus more. Baseball players get to play the game we all love...sometimes I think they just need a reminder.
I'd love for Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, Bob Gibson, Vince Coleman, Tim McCarver, Chris Carpenter, Lou Brock and any of our legends to be around these players as much as possible. The way they all played is why they have the red jackets. Our players need to have them around to mentor...a good sounding board for questions, great advice to follow...there's no such thing as too much time spent with these living legends. While they can't always be around, their lessons need to be put into action. Bob Gibson said he had notes for Matheny and he may have been joking, but those notes would be priceless. Can you imagine if Matheny used those notes? What a beautiful thought.
The Cardinals need to play their hearts out...bring it all to the field. Play like they're 10 years old again. Make the plays, speed their way around the bases (intelligently) and hit the ball like in the days of Whitey. Make it exciting and fun to watch! Play so great we all say "goodness gracious, great balls of fire!"
The Boston series was a testament to the way we lose this season. Lots of men left on base, bad baserunning, starting pitching wasted, bullpen struggles, lack of timely hitting, defensive miscues and errors...we got a dose of all of that in a short and sweet (not) 2 games series.
We followed the Boston series with a 1 win out of 3 series against the struggling Giants.
In that time we squandered excellent starting pitching, including wasting a brilliant 9 inning outing of shutout baseball from Carlos. Adam Wainwright pitched in our only win over the past 5 games on Sunday, allowing only 1 run over 6 innings.
Bob Gibson was in town to celebrate the 1967 team this week and he graced us all with his presence in the broadcast booth. Listening to him straight shoot his way through a conversation about how the game should be played was inspiring. He said he loves watching the Cardinals and he only watches the Cardinals. Dan asked him if anyone stood out to him and he said he loves the whole team. However, he added that when they do things like getting picked off and giving up home runs, he doesn't like any of them. Brutal honesty...sometimes it's needed!
The 1967 team was a sight to behold, or so I've heard and read. They were the definition of a well oiled machine. Fired up on and off the field, ready to play their best every single game of the season.
Our team could make Bob cringe on a daily basis. Our baserunning, defense, hitting, bullpen...they all need attention and I have some suggestions.
Issue #1: "The Danger Zone"
Matt Carpenter made the 9th inning baserunning blunder heard around the world on Saturday night. He tried to turn a sure double into a triple, with the play getting him out by a mile. He is slow on the base paths and his instincts always lead him to the wrong decision. He is not alone in this. Outs on the base paths always seem to happen and are never surprising. I suggest a new coach for this area. We missed out on Vince Coleman, but is there no one more qualified than our current base coaches? I find that difficult to believe. Something is running amok with the base running approach and I feel like it could be fixed with a tweaking of the teaching.
Issue #2: "I'll fire when I'm good and ready"
Our hitting is off. Carlos Martinez pitched 9 innings of shutout baseball on Saturday only to never factor in the decision, which ended up as a loss in extras. The collective offense of our team had 8 hits over 12 of those innings, and it was against a struggling pitcher and a team off course with a record of 19-26. In the other games of the home stand, the offense managed to hand losses out like candy to starters who were going above and beyond the call. It's long past the time to light the fires. I've been questioning if we need some new blood in the hitting coach department since last season. It feels like too many of the players are working on their approach all the time, and many are off to very slow starts. On the current roster, we have 5 players batting over .261, and one of these players is Adam Wainwright. Everyone else is hitting .261 or lower. Our best hitter right now is Jedd Gyorko and he's running away with the lead at .331, 7 homers and 18 runs batted in. When players such as Matt Carpenter and Dexter Fowler are down near the bottom on a list ordered by descending batting average, there is reason enough to be concerned as May comes to a close. Ideally, I would love to promote Mark Budaska, "Buddha", to the big league team. Many of the players on the current roster have found success after working with him in Memphis, as well as former Cardinals such as David Freese. It might go a long way to light the fires if we had someone who some of our younger players have an excellent rapport with and have found success with to be around every day.
Issue #3: "I feel the need, the need for speed"
Magneuris Sierra was called up from the minors when our outfield piled up injuries with Dexter Fowler and Stephen Piscotty at the same time. This kid could flat out fly around the bases and everyone noticed...and LOVED it. He was definitely going Mach 2 with his hair on fire. On this team, speed isn't something you find up and down the lineup. Fowler, Grichuk, Wong, Pham and occasionally Diaz are the fastest players on the team. No offense to them, Sierra would have them all beat in any race. Speed can change the game, putting pressure on pitchers and pressure on defense to get the outs. It would be great to have Sierra back up here sometime soon and with our low bench, 13 pitchers and seemingly endless amount of "sore" this and "tweaked" that, I think we'll see him again soon.
Issue #4: "Bodies working overtime, money don't matter, time keeps ticking, someone's on your mind"
On our current roster, we have multiple players who could have used a DL stint to work through their injuries/issues. Dexter is still sore from a fall in the outfield, and he never went on the DL. His throws have taken the blow of the fall and in one case, Sierra made a throw for him. Kolten "felt something pop" in his elbow on Saturday and is day to day. He "was scared more than anything" according to Matheny and "popping" isn't exactly comforting. Piscotty ran into a wall to make a catch, after tweaking his knee in his rehab stint, which he was completing due to being on the DL for his hamstring pull. Siegrist has had some decent outings mixed in with some less than stellar outings while pitching through a sore shoulder and sore neck. Rosey is out there requiring an extra bullpen arm to back him up because "if something doesn't look right or feel right, we don't use him," per Matheny. This is a long way to play a season. I'm much more of the belief that if we gave them all the proper rest with a DL stay, they might all be playing at 100% instead of "he's almost there." We do have outfield help available in AAA (or clearly lower levels with Sierra). From the sounds of it, Weaver is pitching well and others are turning in solid numbers and could help with pitching. If a club is in the fight to win, they need to be putting their best players on the field every day. If it requires some of them to get rest to be at 100%, then that's the step that needs to be taken. Is it necessary to keep putting the players out there, somewhat injured, risking their long term careers if they make things worse? No.
Issue #5: "You can be my wingman anytime"
This lineup needs some good 1-2 punches throughout it. Our players aren't scaring the opponent when they step into the box. They could figure it all out and become solid hitters. However, I'm leaning towards looking outside of the team for help in the middle of the order. I don't know if this will happen, but our players are wingmen needing a leading hitter.
Issue #6: "One of life's simple joys is playing with the boys"
If they all play the game the way they were taught as boys, their defense and natural instincts for the rest of their play will all come rushing back. In little league, they learned how to catch a ball, where to throw the ball, how to run the bases and how to hit. Honestly, if they just took the time to think about when they were younger, they'd probably get a little reset. This is the game they grew up loving. Sometimes it's good to remember why you loved something in the first place. Remembering the pure love for the game and how they wanted to do their best might help them get on track and focus more. Baseball players get to play the game we all love...sometimes I think they just need a reminder.
I'd love for Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, Bob Gibson, Vince Coleman, Tim McCarver, Chris Carpenter, Lou Brock and any of our legends to be around these players as much as possible. The way they all played is why they have the red jackets. Our players need to have them around to mentor...a good sounding board for questions, great advice to follow...there's no such thing as too much time spent with these living legends. While they can't always be around, their lessons need to be put into action. Bob Gibson said he had notes for Matheny and he may have been joking, but those notes would be priceless. Can you imagine if Matheny used those notes? What a beautiful thought.
The Cardinals need to play their hearts out...bring it all to the field. Play like they're 10 years old again. Make the plays, speed their way around the bases (intelligently) and hit the ball like in the days of Whitey. Make it exciting and fun to watch! Play so great we all say "goodness gracious, great balls of fire!"
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Can't Help Who You Love
In life, people say that you can't help who you love. Often, it's a parent or concerned friend who is telling you this because you love someone who may not be in everyone's good graces. The person you love may not be everybody's favorite. Your love might frustrate, confuse, irritate, annoy or depress your family and friends. Sometimes people in your life won't understand your love.
I'm here to tell you that even if not genuinely accepted, it's all okay. You can't help who you love and that's alright.
The same is true for baseball.
I write this as we head into another Adam Wainwright start.
Adam is my favorite player of all time. I know this, you know this, everyone who knows me knows this. I don't hide it. I'm not ashamed. I've definitely shouted it from "rooftops." I quote that because I would never be on a rooftop. Not ever. But I've shouted nonetheless.
My second favorite player, although not near all time favorite yet, is Randal Grichuk.
I've written at length about both of my favorites. If you like them too, "Love Letter of Sorts" is about Adam and "Force To Be Reckoned With" is about Grich.
I'm not here to write anymore about them. I am here to write about how it is okay to choose whoever you want to be your favorite player. Your fandom of anyone is fine. You don't need me to tell you that though.
I wanted to say this because fans of Kolten Wong have been through the wringer this season and I assume some of last although I wasn't around much back then. I know how it feels because of both Adam and Grich. Being on social media is less than ideal when your favorite player has a lackluster night on the mound, out in the field, at the plate or all of it combined.
All I'm saying is love who you love. Your favorites are your favorites and sometimes things won't go their way. I'm emotionally invested in baseball, so my emotions are always present, every game. And sure, they're present all the other times of the day too. I'm slowly learning to shrug off the negative and not feel the need to get entangled into lengthy arguments. Different opinions are part of life. Social media isn't a place to go if you want to live in a sheltered, protected existence.
Even through their worst moments, love who you love anyways. No judgements here. No apologies necessary for loving who you love or defending them.
You can't help who you love.
I'm here to tell you that even if not genuinely accepted, it's all okay. You can't help who you love and that's alright.
The same is true for baseball.
I write this as we head into another Adam Wainwright start.
Adam is my favorite player of all time. I know this, you know this, everyone who knows me knows this. I don't hide it. I'm not ashamed. I've definitely shouted it from "rooftops." I quote that because I would never be on a rooftop. Not ever. But I've shouted nonetheless.
My second favorite player, although not near all time favorite yet, is Randal Grichuk.
I've written at length about both of my favorites. If you like them too, "Love Letter of Sorts" is about Adam and "Force To Be Reckoned With" is about Grich.
I'm not here to write anymore about them. I am here to write about how it is okay to choose whoever you want to be your favorite player. Your fandom of anyone is fine. You don't need me to tell you that though.
I wanted to say this because fans of Kolten Wong have been through the wringer this season and I assume some of last although I wasn't around much back then. I know how it feels because of both Adam and Grich. Being on social media is less than ideal when your favorite player has a lackluster night on the mound, out in the field, at the plate or all of it combined.
All I'm saying is love who you love. Your favorites are your favorites and sometimes things won't go their way. I'm emotionally invested in baseball, so my emotions are always present, every game. And sure, they're present all the other times of the day too. I'm slowly learning to shrug off the negative and not feel the need to get entangled into lengthy arguments. Different opinions are part of life. Social media isn't a place to go if you want to live in a sheltered, protected existence.
Even through their worst moments, love who you love anyways. No judgements here. No apologies necessary for loving who you love or defending them.
You can't help who you love.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
It Takes a Village
In Monday night's game, oh so many things didn't go in favor of the Cardinals. We tied the game, only to lose it in late innings. Our closer, Seung-hwan Oh, gave up a 3 run homer and as it turns out, that would seal our fate.
In this game, as in many games so far this season, many things could be the culprit for the loss. We again did not bring runners in scoring position home. We had 13 hits with 17 runners left on base. Four of our 5 runs were solo homers. Wacha did not look as sharp as he so far this season, allowing 4 runs before his exit.
Again a familiar sight, there was a baserunning blunder and an error. We have few games without those. Unfortunately in this game, they were both done by one player...Kolten Wong. And if you did not see Twitter Monday night or Tuesday morning, consider yourself lucky. Kolten was the center of a pure firestorm.
Was his baserunning blunder a welcome sight? Absolutely not. However, after seeing the replay multiple times and reading what others had to say, the fault isn't 100% on Kolten. He was being waved home far down the third base line until he all of a sudden was being shown a stop sign, far too late to stop all that momentum. Kolten flat out flies around the bases. Most likely, he was thinking he had to score on this opportunity. And aggressive baserunning is preached in our organization, often to the detriment of the players and the box score.
Was the error made at an opportune time? No. There's never a great time for an error to occur and often in this season, the errors have resulted in runs scored. This particular error paved the way for 2 people to be on base when Shaw came to the plate, and he then hit a 3 run shot off Oh. 7-5 would be the final score of the game.
As often happens, in Tuesday night's game, Kolten ended up as the Player of The Game, making spectacular plays and providing the game winning RBI.
The Cardinals played a very 2017 Cardinals game again on Tuesday night. Nowhere near enough offense to keep anyone comfortable and almost not enough to back up stellar pitching. We also had an error. Baserunning went smoothly, but there were few opportunities on the base paths, so luck was in our favor there.
Baseball is a team sport. No loss is ever on one player. Batters have to get hits, preferably of the timely variety. Runs have to be put on the board. Pitchers have to get the outs. Plays have to be made. When on base, baserunners have to be smart and fast. Management and coaching staff have to make the right decisions. In losses, all of these things can be pointed to at least once.
In wins, it's a warm fuzzy feeling to be able to point to a team effort...multiple positives existing in one game.
Monday's loss was not all on Kolten Wong. No one player ever decides a loss in its entirety.
Tuesday's win was not all on Kolten Wong. No one player ever decides a win in its entirety.
It takes a village.
In this game, as in many games so far this season, many things could be the culprit for the loss. We again did not bring runners in scoring position home. We had 13 hits with 17 runners left on base. Four of our 5 runs were solo homers. Wacha did not look as sharp as he so far this season, allowing 4 runs before his exit.
Again a familiar sight, there was a baserunning blunder and an error. We have few games without those. Unfortunately in this game, they were both done by one player...Kolten Wong. And if you did not see Twitter Monday night or Tuesday morning, consider yourself lucky. Kolten was the center of a pure firestorm.
Was his baserunning blunder a welcome sight? Absolutely not. However, after seeing the replay multiple times and reading what others had to say, the fault isn't 100% on Kolten. He was being waved home far down the third base line until he all of a sudden was being shown a stop sign, far too late to stop all that momentum. Kolten flat out flies around the bases. Most likely, he was thinking he had to score on this opportunity. And aggressive baserunning is preached in our organization, often to the detriment of the players and the box score.
Was the error made at an opportune time? No. There's never a great time for an error to occur and often in this season, the errors have resulted in runs scored. This particular error paved the way for 2 people to be on base when Shaw came to the plate, and he then hit a 3 run shot off Oh. 7-5 would be the final score of the game.
As often happens, in Tuesday night's game, Kolten ended up as the Player of The Game, making spectacular plays and providing the game winning RBI.
The Cardinals played a very 2017 Cardinals game again on Tuesday night. Nowhere near enough offense to keep anyone comfortable and almost not enough to back up stellar pitching. We also had an error. Baserunning went smoothly, but there were few opportunities on the base paths, so luck was in our favor there.
Baseball is a team sport. No loss is ever on one player. Batters have to get hits, preferably of the timely variety. Runs have to be put on the board. Pitchers have to get the outs. Plays have to be made. When on base, baserunners have to be smart and fast. Management and coaching staff have to make the right decisions. In losses, all of these things can be pointed to at least once.
In wins, it's a warm fuzzy feeling to be able to point to a team effort...multiple positives existing in one game.
Monday's loss was not all on Kolten Wong. No one player ever decides a loss in its entirety.
Tuesday's win was not all on Kolten Wong. No one player ever decides a win in its entirety.
It takes a village.
Monday, April 24, 2017
Force To Be Reckoned With
If you follow me at all, you've probably been wondering why this post hasn't been written already. After all, he's one of my very favorite Cardinals and I've yet to write about him. Well, wonder no more. My Grich post has finally arrived.
I'll forewarn you, I have never and will never refer to him as Stallion. Or a Lamborghini. Grich is neither an animal nor a car, so I had, we'll just say, a strong dislike for both nicknames. To be honest, I think most of the disdain for the nicknames came from my dislike of Matheny and his use of said names. It was his fault "the stallion was pent up in the stable" or "the lamborghini was left in the garage." Last year, Matheny couldn't say much that thrilled me, but these nicknames took the cake.
Randal Grichuk is a polarizing player with Cards fans. There are those that love the guy and believe in what he brings to the table. Then there are those who have decided after 301 games and only in his age 25 season, that he will never cut it.
Starting with this season, early as it may be, I have much reason to hope, as well as be completely fine with where he is at this moment, especially when compared to the rest of the team.
In 19 games/69 plate appearances: 8 R, 15 H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 BB, 22 SO, 231 BA, 275 OBP, 415 SLG, 691 OPS, 87 OPS+, 317 BAPIP
Sure, some numbers aren't great--here's looking at you, strikeouts. However, in case anyone might not know, he is tied with Dexter Fowler for the lead there, with Matt Carpenter closing in on them at 17, Stephen Piscotty at 14. At the opposite angle, with walks, sure, it doesn't seem like he takes many. Again, you may be surprised to know that 4 is the same number or more than Jose Martinez, Yadier Molina, Aledmys Diaz, Greg Garcia, Eric Fryer, Jhonny Peralta and Matt Adams. No one on the team is practicing much patience, as our highest amount of walks for one player is 11, and the rest are single digits, mostly in the 2-5 range.
Grich is tied for second on the team in runs batted in with 8. Out of his 15 hits, 8 are extra base hits. By the way, only one person has more hits this season and that is Aledmys Diaz. Randal's 231 batting average, if you take out Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha, puts him at 7th highest on the team. Below him are Wong, Piscotty, Fryer, Adams, Fowler and Peralta. Carpenter is only at 236.
Honestly, I'm not sure how anyone is feeling negatively about him at this point anymore, but I'll continue.
Given how he is fitting in fairly well with the team's offense right now, as well as the team's defense, both of which are running on the low side, there really shouldn't be more concern for Grichuk over others this year.
Now I'll take you on a little trip down Memory Lane.
In 301 games/1013 plate appearances: 238 hits, 64 2B, 11 3B, 46 HR, 131 RBI, 10 SB, 59 BB, 304 SO, 252 BA, 275 OBP, 489 SLG, 790 OPS, 110 OPS+, 322 BAPIP
Out of those 238 hits, 121 were for extra bases. Over half! In 2016, it became a running commentary on Twitter that he hated first base because he was never there...he seemed to only be able to hit for extra bases.
Some fun offensive highlights through the years for all the warm fuzzies:
Grand Slam against Cubs
Walk Off Home Run Against the Cubs
Grich's First Major League Home Run
Opening Night 2017 Grich Home run and walk off hit
I'll dive a bit into the defensive side of things, if only to show my favorite defensive highlights of Grich...amazing plays.
In 19 games/12 complete games: 2 errors and -5 defensive runs saved with 943 fielding percentage
Numbers aren't great, and I can't necessarily put a sunny spin on them for this year specifically for Grich. However, I can say that defensively speaking, our team is last or almost last across all of baseball in all defensive categories. In all honesty, numbers won't stay at this level and with continued daily play in left field, he'll continue to improve. Most likely he will probably end up in the top 10 in the MLB again after the season is done as he did last season in center field.
Over his career, however, things are much brighter.
In 258 games/186 complete games: 8 errors, 14 defensive runs saved, 984 fielding percentage (these include 2017)
For a brief comparison, in those same years, Dexter has 13 errors and staggering -33 defensive runs saved (402 games/364 complete games). Piscotty has 6 errors and -3 defensive runs saved (in 228 games/184 complete games). Randal Grichuk can't possibly look like he's struggling out there when compared to our other outfielders. And I love Dex, but bear in mind that is only going back to 2014 to stick with comparable years as closely as I can. The negatives dive deeper. Defensively, it is somewhat of a wait and see if he is much better than Grichuk out there.
I'm well aware that these defensive stats do not cover everything, but they do paint a bit of the picture. In a fairly comparable amount of playing time, Grichuk has proven he is not the one we should be overly concerned about out there in the outfield.
Now, for those beautiful defensive highlights:
Diving Double Play
Home Run Robbery-Kendrick Dodgers
Grichuk Diving Catch
Home Run Robbery-Rizzo Cubs
All in all, after these warm fuzzy videos, in many of which he is showing his love for beating the Cubs, I hope I've turned a few naysayers over to my side. All I ask is that Grichuk gets some time to prove himself. While his friends all are receiving millions, avoiding arbitration or getting extensions, the front office and seemingly fans have reservations about Grichuk. He's only 25 and has only played in 301 games until now. I don't think it's time to definitively say anything about Grichuk with much conviction. Grich needs more time and with consistent daily play (no bus to Memphis gassed up and waiting in the parking lot), he can very possibly end up performing much like his second half numbers from last year. He was given the opportunities then to play daily without any concerns of being benched and he lit up the box score. If he keeps playing every day, any strikeouts will be overshadowed by the power. Keep in mind too, he had 24 home runs in the majors last year, 30 total for the year. His speed and athleticism help round out the qualities he brings to the table.
Give Grichuk a chance. Give him some of the time you may have given to others over the years. I promise fireworks and highlight reels. Give him a small slice of your patience. Randal Grichuk is a force to be reckoned with.
I'll forewarn you, I have never and will never refer to him as Stallion. Or a Lamborghini. Grich is neither an animal nor a car, so I had, we'll just say, a strong dislike for both nicknames. To be honest, I think most of the disdain for the nicknames came from my dislike of Matheny and his use of said names. It was his fault "the stallion was pent up in the stable" or "the lamborghini was left in the garage." Last year, Matheny couldn't say much that thrilled me, but these nicknames took the cake.
Randal Grichuk is a polarizing player with Cards fans. There are those that love the guy and believe in what he brings to the table. Then there are those who have decided after 301 games and only in his age 25 season, that he will never cut it.
Starting with this season, early as it may be, I have much reason to hope, as well as be completely fine with where he is at this moment, especially when compared to the rest of the team.
In 19 games/69 plate appearances: 8 R, 15 H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 BB, 22 SO, 231 BA, 275 OBP, 415 SLG, 691 OPS, 87 OPS+, 317 BAPIP
Sure, some numbers aren't great--here's looking at you, strikeouts. However, in case anyone might not know, he is tied with Dexter Fowler for the lead there, with Matt Carpenter closing in on them at 17, Stephen Piscotty at 14. At the opposite angle, with walks, sure, it doesn't seem like he takes many. Again, you may be surprised to know that 4 is the same number or more than Jose Martinez, Yadier Molina, Aledmys Diaz, Greg Garcia, Eric Fryer, Jhonny Peralta and Matt Adams. No one on the team is practicing much patience, as our highest amount of walks for one player is 11, and the rest are single digits, mostly in the 2-5 range.
Grich is tied for second on the team in runs batted in with 8. Out of his 15 hits, 8 are extra base hits. By the way, only one person has more hits this season and that is Aledmys Diaz. Randal's 231 batting average, if you take out Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha, puts him at 7th highest on the team. Below him are Wong, Piscotty, Fryer, Adams, Fowler and Peralta. Carpenter is only at 236.
Honestly, I'm not sure how anyone is feeling negatively about him at this point anymore, but I'll continue.
Given how he is fitting in fairly well with the team's offense right now, as well as the team's defense, both of which are running on the low side, there really shouldn't be more concern for Grichuk over others this year.
Now I'll take you on a little trip down Memory Lane.
In 301 games/1013 plate appearances: 238 hits, 64 2B, 11 3B, 46 HR, 131 RBI, 10 SB, 59 BB, 304 SO, 252 BA, 275 OBP, 489 SLG, 790 OPS, 110 OPS+, 322 BAPIP
Out of those 238 hits, 121 were for extra bases. Over half! In 2016, it became a running commentary on Twitter that he hated first base because he was never there...he seemed to only be able to hit for extra bases.
Some fun offensive highlights through the years for all the warm fuzzies:
Grand Slam against Cubs
Walk Off Home Run Against the Cubs
Grich's First Major League Home Run
Opening Night 2017 Grich Home run and walk off hit
I'll dive a bit into the defensive side of things, if only to show my favorite defensive highlights of Grich...amazing plays.
In 19 games/12 complete games: 2 errors and -5 defensive runs saved with 943 fielding percentage
Numbers aren't great, and I can't necessarily put a sunny spin on them for this year specifically for Grich. However, I can say that defensively speaking, our team is last or almost last across all of baseball in all defensive categories. In all honesty, numbers won't stay at this level and with continued daily play in left field, he'll continue to improve. Most likely he will probably end up in the top 10 in the MLB again after the season is done as he did last season in center field.
Over his career, however, things are much brighter.
In 258 games/186 complete games: 8 errors, 14 defensive runs saved, 984 fielding percentage (these include 2017)
For a brief comparison, in those same years, Dexter has 13 errors and staggering -33 defensive runs saved (402 games/364 complete games). Piscotty has 6 errors and -3 defensive runs saved (in 228 games/184 complete games). Randal Grichuk can't possibly look like he's struggling out there when compared to our other outfielders. And I love Dex, but bear in mind that is only going back to 2014 to stick with comparable years as closely as I can. The negatives dive deeper. Defensively, it is somewhat of a wait and see if he is much better than Grichuk out there.
I'm well aware that these defensive stats do not cover everything, but they do paint a bit of the picture. In a fairly comparable amount of playing time, Grichuk has proven he is not the one we should be overly concerned about out there in the outfield.
Now, for those beautiful defensive highlights:
Diving Double Play
Home Run Robbery-Kendrick Dodgers
Grichuk Diving Catch
Home Run Robbery-Rizzo Cubs
All in all, after these warm fuzzy videos, in many of which he is showing his love for beating the Cubs, I hope I've turned a few naysayers over to my side. All I ask is that Grichuk gets some time to prove himself. While his friends all are receiving millions, avoiding arbitration or getting extensions, the front office and seemingly fans have reservations about Grichuk. He's only 25 and has only played in 301 games until now. I don't think it's time to definitively say anything about Grichuk with much conviction. Grich needs more time and with consistent daily play (no bus to Memphis gassed up and waiting in the parking lot), he can very possibly end up performing much like his second half numbers from last year. He was given the opportunities then to play daily without any concerns of being benched and he lit up the box score. If he keeps playing every day, any strikeouts will be overshadowed by the power. Keep in mind too, he had 24 home runs in the majors last year, 30 total for the year. His speed and athleticism help round out the qualities he brings to the table.
Give Grichuk a chance. Give him some of the time you may have given to others over the years. I promise fireworks and highlight reels. Give him a small slice of your patience. Randal Grichuk is a force to be reckoned with.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
What's Love Got to Do With It?
The incomparable Tina Turner was on the radio today and I immediately thought of my whole blog post on my drive. Then my favorite song of all time came on and when the Cards go on some sort of extended streak of playing well, you'll get treated to more 80s goodness with that one. Hopefully you're still reading.
"It may seem to you that I'm acting confused
When you're close to me
If I tend to look dazed I've read it someplace
I've got cause to be
There's a name for it
There's a phrase that fits
But whatever the reason you do it for me"
I thought of Cardinals players and the coaching staff when I listened to this verse. On the base paths, the players look like they're trying to reenact a Three Stooges skit as opposed to actually following any sound base running rules. They are getting picked off at first and second base at what feels like an astronomical clip. Then there's the base stealing attempts. Who is telling them to run? I'm half convinced there's a cartoon character or comic trying to get some laughs standing in the dugout or at first or third, saying "Run!! Go! Do it!" and the players fall for it every time. There are times when it's not even close. We're watching, sometimes yelling, "Why?!" A last base running issue is running into outs (too aggressive) or not running fast enough (not aggressive enough). Who is running these drills? What drills are they running? Today during the broadcast, it was mentioned that our Quality Control Coach is a firm believer of George Kissell's teachings. I had to let that sink in for a minute. Is there another George Kissell? Surely, this cannot be the same George Kissell. Or if it is, he's read the intro only. Or Matheny replaced the cover of "The Cardinal Way" with the cover of "The Manifesto." Something is getting lost in translation.
The same goes for fundamentals in every other aspect of the play we're seeing on the field. It would be tough to see us get to a point where we don't even try to catch base stealers or try pick offs because the first and second basemen can't handle the throws. The rundown on Saturday night was almost an all hands on deck moment and that's not even legal, but it felt like the entire bench was going to jump in on the action. Cut off men apparently don't exist. And our pitchers have had some extra work this season based on how many times we hear "and he'll get the out at ..." instead of "it's a double play!"
Clearly, the players are dazed and the phrase that fits is "Matheny is your manager, so this is life." The players have to find a way to get around these problems and practice sound fundamental baseball. Sooner rather than later is preferable. It might be scary at first, but the new direction of sound fundamentals will definitely protect their jobs moving forward.
"I've been taking on a new direction
But I have to say
I've been thinking about my own protection
It scares me to feel this way"
If I tend to look dazed I've read it someplace
I've got cause to be
There's a name for it
There's a phrase that fits
But whatever the reason you do it for me"
I thought of Cardinals players and the coaching staff when I listened to this verse. On the base paths, the players look like they're trying to reenact a Three Stooges skit as opposed to actually following any sound base running rules. They are getting picked off at first and second base at what feels like an astronomical clip. Then there's the base stealing attempts. Who is telling them to run? I'm half convinced there's a cartoon character or comic trying to get some laughs standing in the dugout or at first or third, saying "Run!! Go! Do it!" and the players fall for it every time. There are times when it's not even close. We're watching, sometimes yelling, "Why?!" A last base running issue is running into outs (too aggressive) or not running fast enough (not aggressive enough). Who is running these drills? What drills are they running? Today during the broadcast, it was mentioned that our Quality Control Coach is a firm believer of George Kissell's teachings. I had to let that sink in for a minute. Is there another George Kissell? Surely, this cannot be the same George Kissell. Or if it is, he's read the intro only. Or Matheny replaced the cover of "The Cardinal Way" with the cover of "The Manifesto." Something is getting lost in translation.
The same goes for fundamentals in every other aspect of the play we're seeing on the field. It would be tough to see us get to a point where we don't even try to catch base stealers or try pick offs because the first and second basemen can't handle the throws. The rundown on Saturday night was almost an all hands on deck moment and that's not even legal, but it felt like the entire bench was going to jump in on the action. Cut off men apparently don't exist. And our pitchers have had some extra work this season based on how many times we hear "and he'll get the out at ..." instead of "it's a double play!"
Clearly, the players are dazed and the phrase that fits is "Matheny is your manager, so this is life." The players have to find a way to get around these problems and practice sound fundamental baseball. Sooner rather than later is preferable. It might be scary at first, but the new direction of sound fundamentals will definitely protect their jobs moving forward.
"I've been taking on a new direction
But I have to say
I've been thinking about my own protection
It scares me to feel this way"
"What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love but a second hand emotion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
What's love got to do, got to do with it
What's love but a sweet old fashioned notion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken"
The love I think of here is the love for the sweet old fashioned notion of baseball. Our players need to remember why they're playing...that is the love of this wonderful pastime we all love too...baseball. When they remember the days when they played little league and were all heart and hustle, they'll try their hardest to play the game how it's supposed to be played. They'll remember how great it feels to make the plays and help lift each other up...how great it feels to win because of the hard work put in and the fun they had out there.
They'll never break my heart. My heart is very much here and with them. I only hope they find their heart and love for the game and play like they love every second of being out there, playing at their best.
What's love but a sweet old fashioned notion
What's love got to do, got to do with it
Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken"
The love I think of here is the love for the sweet old fashioned notion of baseball. Our players need to remember why they're playing...that is the love of this wonderful pastime we all love too...baseball. When they remember the days when they played little league and were all heart and hustle, they'll try their hardest to play the game how it's supposed to be played. They'll remember how great it feels to make the plays and help lift each other up...how great it feels to win because of the hard work put in and the fun they had out there.
They'll never break my heart. My heart is very much here and with them. I only hope they find their heart and love for the game and play like they love every second of being out there, playing at their best.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Damaged Armor
I'll start with me. My armor is damaged. I do the usual repairs and maintenance...duct tape, super glue, safety pins, bubble wrap. None of it ever keeps damage completely away from heart, but it's good to know I can lessen the damage of the hit, patch it up, and try again.
My armor took a few hits during Adam Wainwright's start last Sunday. It was his third start of the season and things weren't going necessarily well. I will not write specifics, but will simply say it was my least favorite night watching the games with twitter people. Alternatively, it was one of the best. While there were those truly being their worst, some of the best messaged me to make sure I was alright. My armor took a lot of hits that night, but some wonderful people provided all the duct tape, super glue, safety pins and bubble wrap I needed to repair the damage. A good friend of mine reminded me essentially not to even take the hits in the first place. I do my best every day to try to heed his advice.
While a long introduction, this leads into the damaged armor of our team. We have a full spectrum of damage to much of our armor, both of the physical and mental variety. Dex is hurting with a nagging heel issue. Siegrist is showing slower velocity and experiencing shoulder issues. Peralta is on the DL with a "respiratory infection." Moving on to the mental approach of the game, we have Piscotty, Grich, Diaz, Fowler, Carp and Adams all having problems at the plate. Lastly, we have Carlos working on mechanics and command, as well as having a newfound issue getting through the first inning of games unscathed.
Our offense is struggling to put more than 2 runs on the board per game. Our numbers with runners in scoring position are abysmal. Situational hitting is practically non-existent. I'm not sure how to work on this beyond more practice, focus and work. I never doubt the work ethic is there, but I always question the coaching involved at these times. Ability, talent, skill, strong work ethic...these players all have those qualities in abundance. However, it's a concern to have well over half of the starting players hitting 250 or below, strikeouts piling up and seemingly all concept of situational hitting having flown back south to Florida.
Defensively, we're not winning any trophies. I don't know if they would even give us participation trophies for our efforts thus far. Numbers aren't pretty and the eye test fails as well. I sometimes close my eyes when throws to a base happen and during Saturday's run down, when all 25 men seemed to be throwing and catching the ball.
I mentioned Saturday night after Matt Adams pinch hit that Matheny broke him. I've written at length about Adams and his struggles. For the Cardinals, he has only played close to a full season once...in 2014 he played in 142 games. This year Matheny decided to give him opportunities in left field, which only hurt his chances of success further. We have a left fielder (who was simultaneously affected by this experiment) and behind our starting left fielder, we have a back up outfielder. Adams was put into opportunities that displayed defensive weaknesses, and it's possible he took that lowered lack of confidence to the plate as the struggles piled up there. The reason to put him in left field was supposedly because "the bat plays." It has now reached a point where his biggest strength in years past, pinch hitting, has soured...he is making unproductive outs almost every time now. His career, especially in 2017, has been colossally mismanaged. At 28 and in the best shape of his life, he is warming the bench, not even getting opportunities at his actual position of first base when an injury occurred to Carpenter. He didn't forget how to play baseball, but mentally he is in the midst of a perfect storm of lack of confidence, questioning his role, trying to stay prepared and probably wondering what he did in a former life to deserve this treatment. I am well aware that he needs to play well to secure a role, but he is getting no help in that department and it is painful to watch.
On his Instagram this morning, Carlos posted a picture of himself on the mound and listed a bunch of zipped lip, thinking, sad face emojis as the caption. If you have followed him on Instagram, you would know this is the complete opposite of his usual shirtless, smiling, singing Instagram stories. He has always been joyful on there, so to see his frustration out there for the world to see, even if only expressed through emojis, it did nothing to calm my concerns for him. He is working through a lot right now and I hope he leans on his mentors and teammates in the clubhouse to help him through everything.
Mental hits are measured by the play as much as physical hits. I firmly believe that if each player knew his spot on the team and was allowed to work through issues that arise, our team would be firing on all cylinders. Grichuk is going to have strikeouts, but last night he went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and made a great catch in the outfield. The key to his success is being allowed to play every day, without worry of being replaced in the lineup at any given time. Kolten runs much the same way, and while he is finding himself at the plate, I worry he will still be on an up and down rollercoaster type trip in and out of the lineup, stopping his traction. Carlos is going through something that was visible to many fans over the past few starts. Adam was visibly upset in his outing last Sunday, clearly still working through things. Piscotty is in the midst of a swing over haul that some feel is involving too much mental focus, making him lack consistency instead of taking off at the plate...leading to infamous Earmuff moments with his colorful language choice.
As a team, we've taken a lot of hits to the armor over these first 3 weeks of the season. It's difficult to be looking up from 5th (4th after a Pirates loss, at least until results of today's games!) at the division rivals. While our pitching has largely kept us afloat, being a stabilizing force for the most part, we need to figure out how to fix things offensively and defensively. The players need to gain their confidence back and believe they can get the job done. They need to duct tape, safety pin, super glue and bubble wrap their armor and get on the field. It's high time to be playing their best baseball. When all armor is repaired, they need to be running out onto the field, knowing they can make the catches, make the plays and then run out of the dugout ready to bat when ready. They have to stay strong in the face of any adversity and maneuver their way skillfully through mixed messages, showing a confident, steady approach to their games.
Wins do help the positive vibes, but this team is still very much a work in progress. They honestly have to face more managerial disastrophes than the every day baseball player, and they need to do their best to overcome the decisions that put a roadblock up on their path to success. Armor fixed, game face on...let's go Cards!!
My armor took a few hits during Adam Wainwright's start last Sunday. It was his third start of the season and things weren't going necessarily well. I will not write specifics, but will simply say it was my least favorite night watching the games with twitter people. Alternatively, it was one of the best. While there were those truly being their worst, some of the best messaged me to make sure I was alright. My armor took a lot of hits that night, but some wonderful people provided all the duct tape, super glue, safety pins and bubble wrap I needed to repair the damage. A good friend of mine reminded me essentially not to even take the hits in the first place. I do my best every day to try to heed his advice.
While a long introduction, this leads into the damaged armor of our team. We have a full spectrum of damage to much of our armor, both of the physical and mental variety. Dex is hurting with a nagging heel issue. Siegrist is showing slower velocity and experiencing shoulder issues. Peralta is on the DL with a "respiratory infection." Moving on to the mental approach of the game, we have Piscotty, Grich, Diaz, Fowler, Carp and Adams all having problems at the plate. Lastly, we have Carlos working on mechanics and command, as well as having a newfound issue getting through the first inning of games unscathed.
Our offense is struggling to put more than 2 runs on the board per game. Our numbers with runners in scoring position are abysmal. Situational hitting is practically non-existent. I'm not sure how to work on this beyond more practice, focus and work. I never doubt the work ethic is there, but I always question the coaching involved at these times. Ability, talent, skill, strong work ethic...these players all have those qualities in abundance. However, it's a concern to have well over half of the starting players hitting 250 or below, strikeouts piling up and seemingly all concept of situational hitting having flown back south to Florida.
Defensively, we're not winning any trophies. I don't know if they would even give us participation trophies for our efforts thus far. Numbers aren't pretty and the eye test fails as well. I sometimes close my eyes when throws to a base happen and during Saturday's run down, when all 25 men seemed to be throwing and catching the ball.
I mentioned Saturday night after Matt Adams pinch hit that Matheny broke him. I've written at length about Adams and his struggles. For the Cardinals, he has only played close to a full season once...in 2014 he played in 142 games. This year Matheny decided to give him opportunities in left field, which only hurt his chances of success further. We have a left fielder (who was simultaneously affected by this experiment) and behind our starting left fielder, we have a back up outfielder. Adams was put into opportunities that displayed defensive weaknesses, and it's possible he took that lowered lack of confidence to the plate as the struggles piled up there. The reason to put him in left field was supposedly because "the bat plays." It has now reached a point where his biggest strength in years past, pinch hitting, has soured...he is making unproductive outs almost every time now. His career, especially in 2017, has been colossally mismanaged. At 28 and in the best shape of his life, he is warming the bench, not even getting opportunities at his actual position of first base when an injury occurred to Carpenter. He didn't forget how to play baseball, but mentally he is in the midst of a perfect storm of lack of confidence, questioning his role, trying to stay prepared and probably wondering what he did in a former life to deserve this treatment. I am well aware that he needs to play well to secure a role, but he is getting no help in that department and it is painful to watch.
On his Instagram this morning, Carlos posted a picture of himself on the mound and listed a bunch of zipped lip, thinking, sad face emojis as the caption. If you have followed him on Instagram, you would know this is the complete opposite of his usual shirtless, smiling, singing Instagram stories. He has always been joyful on there, so to see his frustration out there for the world to see, even if only expressed through emojis, it did nothing to calm my concerns for him. He is working through a lot right now and I hope he leans on his mentors and teammates in the clubhouse to help him through everything.
Mental hits are measured by the play as much as physical hits. I firmly believe that if each player knew his spot on the team and was allowed to work through issues that arise, our team would be firing on all cylinders. Grichuk is going to have strikeouts, but last night he went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles and made a great catch in the outfield. The key to his success is being allowed to play every day, without worry of being replaced in the lineup at any given time. Kolten runs much the same way, and while he is finding himself at the plate, I worry he will still be on an up and down rollercoaster type trip in and out of the lineup, stopping his traction. Carlos is going through something that was visible to many fans over the past few starts. Adam was visibly upset in his outing last Sunday, clearly still working through things. Piscotty is in the midst of a swing over haul that some feel is involving too much mental focus, making him lack consistency instead of taking off at the plate...leading to infamous Earmuff moments with his colorful language choice.
As a team, we've taken a lot of hits to the armor over these first 3 weeks of the season. It's difficult to be looking up from 5th (4th after a Pirates loss, at least until results of today's games!) at the division rivals. While our pitching has largely kept us afloat, being a stabilizing force for the most part, we need to figure out how to fix things offensively and defensively. The players need to gain their confidence back and believe they can get the job done. They need to duct tape, safety pin, super glue and bubble wrap their armor and get on the field. It's high time to be playing their best baseball. When all armor is repaired, they need to be running out onto the field, knowing they can make the catches, make the plays and then run out of the dugout ready to bat when ready. They have to stay strong in the face of any adversity and maneuver their way skillfully through mixed messages, showing a confident, steady approach to their games.
Wins do help the positive vibes, but this team is still very much a work in progress. They honestly have to face more managerial disastrophes than the every day baseball player, and they need to do their best to overcome the decisions that put a roadblock up on their path to success. Armor fixed, game face on...let's go Cards!!
Saturday, April 15, 2017
The Boss
Well then. The Cards lost today. Again. The whole game felt a little...uninspired.
I've spent an inordinate amount of time being frustrated with Matheny and his lack of appropriate decision making. I detailed why he and I are done in another post. Tonight, I'm going to tell you how I'd like to take custody of the kids.
I won't pretend to have enough knowledge to be a professional major league baseball manager. However, if I were to take over at this moment, I'd have you all to help me! Ha. I'm not taking over. Here's what I would do if I did though...
The team is missing a hungry heart. In the words of The Boss (not our Final Boss we all know and love, but The Boss):
"Like a river that don't
know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I
just kept going
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Lay down your money and
you play your part,
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Everybody needs a place to rest
Everybody wants to have a home
Don't make no difference what nobody says,
Ain't nobody like to be alone"
Listened to this one today after the game and it spoke to me about our Cards. We're taking a lot of wrong turns, we don't seem to know where we're going or what we're doing. The guys want to have a set spot to play in daily (home) and they want to have the right time to rest. They want to be a team, playing, working and competing together. They don't want to be alone, with one guy hitting or one guy pitching well. What we need is to find that hungry heart...the passion for the game they love. We need to find it and keep it firing for the whole season. Right now, the players look lost, beaten and exhausted. It's April 15th. Far too early for looking this way.
I'd like to stand up on a chair in the clubhouse or on the bench in the dugout and say this:
"It's time to stop sitting around, watching the baseball season pass you all by. We are going to practice every single fundamental part of baseball until we are a well oiled machine out there on the field. I'm not afraid to have 3 inning practice games every day till we get this sinking ship all patched up and sailing again. At this point, we'd all just love to be floating at .500 level ball as a first step. You don't like the sounds of that, don't make me do it. Make the plays, run the bases right, take more than 1 pitch per at bat and show me you want to be here. I want life, energy, focus, smiles. Dance in the dugout. Be cheerleaders for each other. Be at the top of the dugout cheering for the next big play or big hit. Be in the game. We've been lacking moxie and gumption around here and it's time to change.
Carp, you're at 1B. Kolten 2B. Diaz SS. Gyorko and Garcia, you're sharing 3B. Yadi, do what you do. Piscotty RF. Dex CF. Grich LF. Everybody else is on our bench. You'll sub in when these guys need a day off. That's how baseball teams work. Jose, I'll get you every sub opportunity in the outfield. That's your thing. And for what it's worth, you're a beautiful soul. I digress...Adams you'll sub in at 1B. Left field talk is over. Do not bring it up to me. I've already blocked it from my mind. You will be a great pinch hitter too. Glorious, if I do say so myself. Peralta, enjoy the $10M. Thanks for 2014-2015 All Star Break. Truly, thank you. We'll take the financial loss. If you are still here for the entire season, I'll try to get you in a game before the end. For a goodbye ovation. If we're winning by at least 5 runs and I don't need you to be any kind of defensive replacement.
Now, let's go out there and play the way Stan did. Lou, Gibby, Stan, Chris Carpenter, Edmonds...we have lots of players who wore the Birds on The Bat well throughout the years to model ourselves after. You fight and compete all 9 innings, every game with a hungry heart for the love of the game. Let's do this right.
We've had Glory Days, but we have plenty still ahead. Let's start playing like we know this is true."
That's me as the boss of the team. The new manager. If I got custody of the kids after Mike and I split. It was only 2 days ago that we ended things, but if there was ever a time for a change, now is that time. I've been a relatively patient Cards fan during the Matheny experience. I love the Cardinals and I always will. Once Matheny put Wacha in against the Giants in the playoffs after not pitching for so long, I started my tendency to yell at him during games. The wheels have been falling off ever since. I don't know how much patience I have left for decisions such as putting starters back out for wins even though there is almost a 100% chance things will not go well. Or decisions like never playing Greg Garcia or Jose Martinez. Or putting Adams in left field. Success eludes players with these decisions, and the team is suffering for it.
It's time for the players to remember they love to play this game and get out there every day putting 150% effort in every inning. After all, you can't start a fire without a spark. Find the spark guys. Can't wait to see the fire.
I've spent an inordinate amount of time being frustrated with Matheny and his lack of appropriate decision making. I detailed why he and I are done in another post. Tonight, I'm going to tell you how I'd like to take custody of the kids.
I won't pretend to have enough knowledge to be a professional major league baseball manager. However, if I were to take over at this moment, I'd have you all to help me! Ha. I'm not taking over. Here's what I would do if I did though...
The team is missing a hungry heart. In the words of The Boss (not our Final Boss we all know and love, but The Boss):
"Like a river that don't
know where it's flowing
I took a wrong turn and I
just kept going
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Lay down your money and
you play your part,
Everybody's got a hungry heart
Everybody needs a place to rest
Everybody wants to have a home
Don't make no difference what nobody says,
Ain't nobody like to be alone"
Listened to this one today after the game and it spoke to me about our Cards. We're taking a lot of wrong turns, we don't seem to know where we're going or what we're doing. The guys want to have a set spot to play in daily (home) and they want to have the right time to rest. They want to be a team, playing, working and competing together. They don't want to be alone, with one guy hitting or one guy pitching well. What we need is to find that hungry heart...the passion for the game they love. We need to find it and keep it firing for the whole season. Right now, the players look lost, beaten and exhausted. It's April 15th. Far too early for looking this way.
I'd like to stand up on a chair in the clubhouse or on the bench in the dugout and say this:
"It's time to stop sitting around, watching the baseball season pass you all by. We are going to practice every single fundamental part of baseball until we are a well oiled machine out there on the field. I'm not afraid to have 3 inning practice games every day till we get this sinking ship all patched up and sailing again. At this point, we'd all just love to be floating at .500 level ball as a first step. You don't like the sounds of that, don't make me do it. Make the plays, run the bases right, take more than 1 pitch per at bat and show me you want to be here. I want life, energy, focus, smiles. Dance in the dugout. Be cheerleaders for each other. Be at the top of the dugout cheering for the next big play or big hit. Be in the game. We've been lacking moxie and gumption around here and it's time to change.
Carp, you're at 1B. Kolten 2B. Diaz SS. Gyorko and Garcia, you're sharing 3B. Yadi, do what you do. Piscotty RF. Dex CF. Grich LF. Everybody else is on our bench. You'll sub in when these guys need a day off. That's how baseball teams work. Jose, I'll get you every sub opportunity in the outfield. That's your thing. And for what it's worth, you're a beautiful soul. I digress...Adams you'll sub in at 1B. Left field talk is over. Do not bring it up to me. I've already blocked it from my mind. You will be a great pinch hitter too. Glorious, if I do say so myself. Peralta, enjoy the $10M. Thanks for 2014-2015 All Star Break. Truly, thank you. We'll take the financial loss. If you are still here for the entire season, I'll try to get you in a game before the end. For a goodbye ovation. If we're winning by at least 5 runs and I don't need you to be any kind of defensive replacement.
Now, let's go out there and play the way Stan did. Lou, Gibby, Stan, Chris Carpenter, Edmonds...we have lots of players who wore the Birds on The Bat well throughout the years to model ourselves after. You fight and compete all 9 innings, every game with a hungry heart for the love of the game. Let's do this right.
We've had Glory Days, but we have plenty still ahead. Let's start playing like we know this is true."
That's me as the boss of the team. The new manager. If I got custody of the kids after Mike and I split. It was only 2 days ago that we ended things, but if there was ever a time for a change, now is that time. I've been a relatively patient Cards fan during the Matheny experience. I love the Cardinals and I always will. Once Matheny put Wacha in against the Giants in the playoffs after not pitching for so long, I started my tendency to yell at him during games. The wheels have been falling off ever since. I don't know how much patience I have left for decisions such as putting starters back out for wins even though there is almost a 100% chance things will not go well. Or decisions like never playing Greg Garcia or Jose Martinez. Or putting Adams in left field. Success eludes players with these decisions, and the team is suffering for it.
It's time for the players to remember they love to play this game and get out there every day putting 150% effort in every inning. After all, you can't start a fire without a spark. Find the spark guys. Can't wait to see the fire.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Splitsville
Things people have recently told me on Twitter: "Calm down." "You're overreacting." "This is for emergencies. It'll hardly ever happen."
They were saying these things when the first whisper of Matt Adams in left field was uttered out of Mike Matheny's mouth. When I said smoke usually leads to fire, I was told I was worrying over nothing.
The whisper has reached Puerto Rico in the WBC fever pitch. If unfamiliar, think World Series Game 7 loud.
Today in the Post Dispatch we were all treated to an article with Mike Matheny musing about how Matt Adams offense is such that it will spark the lineup. Defense is shaky out there, but "that bat plays."
2017 Batting Stats:
A G PA AB H RBI BB SO BA SLG OPS OPS+
7 17 14 2* 1 3 7 143 143 437 24
BsR BB% K% OBP WAR ISO wRC+
0.0 17.6 41.2 294 -0.1 000 37
*2 singles
B G PA AB H RBI BB SO BA SLG OPS OPS+
9 34 33 7* 5 1 11 212 424 660 73
BsR BB% K% OBP WAR ISO wRC+
0.0 2.9 32.4 235 0.0 212 73
*2 home runs, 1 double, 4 singles
C G PA AB H RBI BB SO BA SLG OPS OPS+
6 10 8 4* 1 2 1 500 625 1.225 232
BsR BB% K% OBP WAR ISO wRC+
0.0 20 10 600 0.2 125 230
*1 double, 3 singles
After you've let those numbers sink in, I'll tell you Player A is Matt Adams, Player B is Randal Grichuk, and Player C is Jose Martinez.
Small sample size disclaimer aside, I think you'll see some numbers stand out more than others and overall, our two players looking the most positive offensively here are Grichuk and Martinez. None of them are playing necessarily their best just yet, but quite frankly, we have few that are (here's looking at you Diaz, Molina and finally Piscotty!!).
Seeing time in left field should be Grichuk followed by Martinez. In a dire emergency, which means multiple injuries to our outfielders, Adams can have a go. In no way does he deserve a platoon opportunity in left field. Matheny mentioned an idyllic notion for him was Wednesday. Those lineup shenanigans not only included sitting our 3 RBI leaders and 2 home run leaders, but starting Matt Adams so he could get his 3 at bats, allowing Grichuk to be a defensive replacement later in the game. Adams went hitless with 2 strikeouts. Grichuk came into the game and got a single.
Grichuk has done nothing to warrant a platoon situation. We all know the woes of last season, as many won't let us forget them. However, when allowed to play daily, strikeouts or not, he was on fire. He ended the year with 24 home runs and 68 runs batted in, with 56 of his 107 hits being extra base hits.
Adams has never hit more than 17 home runs and has never had 56 extra base hits in a single year.
Defensively, after 4 seasons/248 games, Grich has 8 errors and 13 defensive runs saved.
Adams, after 6 seasons/368 games, has 24 errors and 12 defensive runs saved.
Again, the comparisons are not in Matt's favor.
Left field is a completely new position for Matt Adams. I, in no way whatsoever, blame Matt for any of this nonsense. He is simply playing the game. It's unfortunate for him, but there is simply no comparing the athleticism and outfield playing abilities of Adams and Grichuk.
A major plus Adams has is his pinch hitting ability. Power off the bench is where it's at with him. Again, unfortunately, Matheny is doing his best to ruin this skill as well. In 2 PH opportunities this season, Adams has struck out. His mind is so focused on learning a completely new position, it's honestly a wonder to me he has a hit at all.
Matheny is not putting Adams in a place to succeed. At the same time, he is taking Grichuk out of a place to succeed. He is singlehandedly ruining the confidence of two players at one time for one position. Not to mention the fact that he has killed Kolten's confidence over there at 2B, completely misused Greg Garcia and done everything to build up confidence of a veteran who doesn't seem to have the drive anymore in Peralta. Don't even get me started on bullpen management.
Matheny knows adversity well. He provides it often to people of his choosing. There have been many along the way, but currently the guys facing it on this team are Grichuk, Kolten, Jose and Greg (a smidgen). None of these players are being treated fairly. Everyone aside from Matheny knows it. It's sad to think that Grichuk wasn't told of his move to left field possibly because of this...maybe they knew all along he wasn't going to be given the spot. And here, all the while, there's been uproar over a platoon at 2B.
Think if you're Grichuk, watching your best friend get a 6 year extension to be part of the new core, while you fight to simply have a position. How would it feel seeing that Matt Adams has 4 starts at "your" position to your 5 on the season? How easy is it to be elite at your position, as you said you're striving to be, when you're not even allowed to play it every day?
Think if you're Jose, so grateful to be invited to the 25 man, only to be passed up a first baseman for time in the outfield when injuries occur. You were asked to be the 4th outfielder and even though an injury occurred, you've still only racked up 10 plate appearances.
I've written at length about Kolten, but the mind games persist between he and Matheny. He has already sat when facing a right handed pitcher, only to come into a game in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs to face a lefty. Too twisted for color tv.
With Greg Garcia, it is all about the plays and the OBP. The guy either gets hit by a pitch, walks or hits almost every plate appearance. In 12 plate appearances, he has 3 walks, a single and stolen base with a .500 OBP. Not to mention, his play at 3B is highlight reel worthy. Of course, after an amazing play, the other day that had Dan McLaughlin and Jim Edmonds raving in the booth, he once again sat on the bench to watch some more of the game he loves with a prime dugout view.
Matheny makes such an incredible amount of questionable decisions on the daily that it's hard to keep up with. I don't know how it's possible to phone a lineup in on a Wednesday that is definitely the "get away day" Sunday lineup and be alright with that. We're 9 games into the season, sitting at a record of 3-6, good for last place in our division. Few teams are playing worse than we are, and one is already discussing a fire sale in July (Toronto). Are we at that point? No. Should we be? Absolutely not. Saying that though, it's not even close to a time for a Sunday lineup, even on a Sunday. We've had 3 days off in less than 2 weeks and the majority of players we put on the field on a daily basis are 30 and under. If they need more than 3 days off in 2 weeks, I question them being professional athletes. Our players don't need the days off and don't want the days off, for the most part. I realize it's a long season and days off aren't always so close together, but if we had a steady, consistent lineup with built in days off, say one a week for the normal 8 on the field, we'd be playing better, in my extremely humble opinion.
After reading the article about Matheny today, then listening to his interview with Mark Saxon, I was infuriated. I won't lie about that. I was baseball infuriated, as there are numerous other things in life that can be infuriating. I love my Cardinals though, and watching Matheny smile while he discusses an imaginary offensive threat that has to be in the lineup was more than frustrating. A manager should be capable of tactical decisions based on analyzing all of the data in front of him in addition to the old eye test. This alleged bat that has to be in the lineup should fail all of those methods of deciding who to write in the lineup every day.
I'm not against Matt Adams. Please read my other posts about him as I don't want to get off topic here, especially since this is already 6 hours worth of reading material. I only want to reaffirm how I'm not anti Adams. I feel for the guy during this whole debacle.
You may have read my post "Vow Renewal" earlier this week. It's been a rough couple weeks as a Cards fan, but the team and I are still close. A lot of love here. Honestly, we're practically in the honeymoon phase after Wednesday's win. It was just what the doctor ordered...a shot of optimism and hope. A glimpse at what could be.
The team and I are fine.
Matheny and I are done. This latest escapade into the land of crazy decisions where logic is apparently lost forever has severed our ties. He is impossibly stubborn and that is the kindest description of him I have left. When he gets this way, typically Mo has to swoop in and take someone out of the picture. Although, with the play over the past two weeks and with this entire Adams-in-left-field menagerie of bad decisions, I sometimes wonder if Mo is paying any attention.
I'm still very hopeful for our season. I don't know how long I can handle this Adams issue and remain hopeful. Every day, I wish for there to be a positive change in all of this...for the Cardinals world to be firing on all cylinders again. Matheny has finally found a way to make me question our team's ability to rise up, soar and win. I stayed strong, finally starting to falter last year. Today's article and interview pushed me over the border. I can't reconcile any of this with logic or reason and I'm done trying to find the logic and reason as far as he is concerned. Those attributes left this particular building a long time ago.
The Cardinals know my heart is with them. I'm not going anywhere. I'm always here to stay as their fan.
Splitsville is where Matheny and I wound up today. It's been a treacherous road to get here.
April 4, 2012-April 13, 2017. That's about as long as anyone could expect I guess.
They were saying these things when the first whisper of Matt Adams in left field was uttered out of Mike Matheny's mouth. When I said smoke usually leads to fire, I was told I was worrying over nothing.
The whisper has reached Puerto Rico in the WBC fever pitch. If unfamiliar, think World Series Game 7 loud.
Today in the Post Dispatch we were all treated to an article with Mike Matheny musing about how Matt Adams offense is such that it will spark the lineup. Defense is shaky out there, but "that bat plays."
2017 Batting Stats:
A G PA AB H RBI BB SO BA SLG OPS OPS+
7 17 14 2* 1 3 7 143 143 437 24
BsR BB% K% OBP WAR ISO wRC+
0.0 17.6 41.2 294 -0.1 000 37
*2 singles
B G PA AB H RBI BB SO BA SLG OPS OPS+
9 34 33 7* 5 1 11 212 424 660 73
BsR BB% K% OBP WAR ISO wRC+
0.0 2.9 32.4 235 0.0 212 73
*2 home runs, 1 double, 4 singles
C G PA AB H RBI BB SO BA SLG OPS OPS+
6 10 8 4* 1 2 1 500 625 1.225 232
BsR BB% K% OBP WAR ISO wRC+
0.0 20 10 600 0.2 125 230
*1 double, 3 singles
After you've let those numbers sink in, I'll tell you Player A is Matt Adams, Player B is Randal Grichuk, and Player C is Jose Martinez.
Small sample size disclaimer aside, I think you'll see some numbers stand out more than others and overall, our two players looking the most positive offensively here are Grichuk and Martinez. None of them are playing necessarily their best just yet, but quite frankly, we have few that are (here's looking at you Diaz, Molina and finally Piscotty!!).
Seeing time in left field should be Grichuk followed by Martinez. In a dire emergency, which means multiple injuries to our outfielders, Adams can have a go. In no way does he deserve a platoon opportunity in left field. Matheny mentioned an idyllic notion for him was Wednesday. Those lineup shenanigans not only included sitting our 3 RBI leaders and 2 home run leaders, but starting Matt Adams so he could get his 3 at bats, allowing Grichuk to be a defensive replacement later in the game. Adams went hitless with 2 strikeouts. Grichuk came into the game and got a single.
Grichuk has done nothing to warrant a platoon situation. We all know the woes of last season, as many won't let us forget them. However, when allowed to play daily, strikeouts or not, he was on fire. He ended the year with 24 home runs and 68 runs batted in, with 56 of his 107 hits being extra base hits.
Adams has never hit more than 17 home runs and has never had 56 extra base hits in a single year.
Defensively, after 4 seasons/248 games, Grich has 8 errors and 13 defensive runs saved.
Adams, after 6 seasons/368 games, has 24 errors and 12 defensive runs saved.
Again, the comparisons are not in Matt's favor.
Left field is a completely new position for Matt Adams. I, in no way whatsoever, blame Matt for any of this nonsense. He is simply playing the game. It's unfortunate for him, but there is simply no comparing the athleticism and outfield playing abilities of Adams and Grichuk.
A major plus Adams has is his pinch hitting ability. Power off the bench is where it's at with him. Again, unfortunately, Matheny is doing his best to ruin this skill as well. In 2 PH opportunities this season, Adams has struck out. His mind is so focused on learning a completely new position, it's honestly a wonder to me he has a hit at all.
Matheny is not putting Adams in a place to succeed. At the same time, he is taking Grichuk out of a place to succeed. He is singlehandedly ruining the confidence of two players at one time for one position. Not to mention the fact that he has killed Kolten's confidence over there at 2B, completely misused Greg Garcia and done everything to build up confidence of a veteran who doesn't seem to have the drive anymore in Peralta. Don't even get me started on bullpen management.
Matheny knows adversity well. He provides it often to people of his choosing. There have been many along the way, but currently the guys facing it on this team are Grichuk, Kolten, Jose and Greg (a smidgen). None of these players are being treated fairly. Everyone aside from Matheny knows it. It's sad to think that Grichuk wasn't told of his move to left field possibly because of this...maybe they knew all along he wasn't going to be given the spot. And here, all the while, there's been uproar over a platoon at 2B.
Think if you're Grichuk, watching your best friend get a 6 year extension to be part of the new core, while you fight to simply have a position. How would it feel seeing that Matt Adams has 4 starts at "your" position to your 5 on the season? How easy is it to be elite at your position, as you said you're striving to be, when you're not even allowed to play it every day?
Think if you're Jose, so grateful to be invited to the 25 man, only to be passed up a first baseman for time in the outfield when injuries occur. You were asked to be the 4th outfielder and even though an injury occurred, you've still only racked up 10 plate appearances.
I've written at length about Kolten, but the mind games persist between he and Matheny. He has already sat when facing a right handed pitcher, only to come into a game in the bottom of the 9th with 2 outs to face a lefty. Too twisted for color tv.
With Greg Garcia, it is all about the plays and the OBP. The guy either gets hit by a pitch, walks or hits almost every plate appearance. In 12 plate appearances, he has 3 walks, a single and stolen base with a .500 OBP. Not to mention, his play at 3B is highlight reel worthy. Of course, after an amazing play, the other day that had Dan McLaughlin and Jim Edmonds raving in the booth, he once again sat on the bench to watch some more of the game he loves with a prime dugout view.
Matheny makes such an incredible amount of questionable decisions on the daily that it's hard to keep up with. I don't know how it's possible to phone a lineup in on a Wednesday that is definitely the "get away day" Sunday lineup and be alright with that. We're 9 games into the season, sitting at a record of 3-6, good for last place in our division. Few teams are playing worse than we are, and one is already discussing a fire sale in July (Toronto). Are we at that point? No. Should we be? Absolutely not. Saying that though, it's not even close to a time for a Sunday lineup, even on a Sunday. We've had 3 days off in less than 2 weeks and the majority of players we put on the field on a daily basis are 30 and under. If they need more than 3 days off in 2 weeks, I question them being professional athletes. Our players don't need the days off and don't want the days off, for the most part. I realize it's a long season and days off aren't always so close together, but if we had a steady, consistent lineup with built in days off, say one a week for the normal 8 on the field, we'd be playing better, in my extremely humble opinion.
After reading the article about Matheny today, then listening to his interview with Mark Saxon, I was infuriated. I won't lie about that. I was baseball infuriated, as there are numerous other things in life that can be infuriating. I love my Cardinals though, and watching Matheny smile while he discusses an imaginary offensive threat that has to be in the lineup was more than frustrating. A manager should be capable of tactical decisions based on analyzing all of the data in front of him in addition to the old eye test. This alleged bat that has to be in the lineup should fail all of those methods of deciding who to write in the lineup every day.
I'm not against Matt Adams. Please read my other posts about him as I don't want to get off topic here, especially since this is already 6 hours worth of reading material. I only want to reaffirm how I'm not anti Adams. I feel for the guy during this whole debacle.
You may have read my post "Vow Renewal" earlier this week. It's been a rough couple weeks as a Cards fan, but the team and I are still close. A lot of love here. Honestly, we're practically in the honeymoon phase after Wednesday's win. It was just what the doctor ordered...a shot of optimism and hope. A glimpse at what could be.
The team and I are fine.
Matheny and I are done. This latest escapade into the land of crazy decisions where logic is apparently lost forever has severed our ties. He is impossibly stubborn and that is the kindest description of him I have left. When he gets this way, typically Mo has to swoop in and take someone out of the picture. Although, with the play over the past two weeks and with this entire Adams-in-left-field menagerie of bad decisions, I sometimes wonder if Mo is paying any attention.
I'm still very hopeful for our season. I don't know how long I can handle this Adams issue and remain hopeful. Every day, I wish for there to be a positive change in all of this...for the Cardinals world to be firing on all cylinders again. Matheny has finally found a way to make me question our team's ability to rise up, soar and win. I stayed strong, finally starting to falter last year. Today's article and interview pushed me over the border. I can't reconcile any of this with logic or reason and I'm done trying to find the logic and reason as far as he is concerned. Those attributes left this particular building a long time ago.
The Cardinals know my heart is with them. I'm not going anywhere. I'm always here to stay as their fan.
Splitsville is where Matheny and I wound up today. It's been a treacherous road to get here.
April 4, 2012-April 13, 2017. That's about as long as anyone could expect I guess.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Vow Renewal
A little over a decade ago, the Cardinals and I exchanged vows. They would love me as their fan for their life, promising many good days to balance out the bad ones. In turn, I would love them through good days and bad, all the days of my life (cheesy soap opera reference).
We've hit a rough patch this week. I've said things. They've said things. Neither of us meant those things.
On our roller coaster ride of a week, we've both gone off the rails. As you can imagine, going off the rails on a roller coaster ride is dangerous...injuries occurred. Tonight after the game, we decided enough was enough. We picked each other up and applied Neosporin, band-aids, tourniquets, braces and wraps (all generic of course as we are on Mo's selected insurance plan). Then we both walked onto the field on our own power.
We looked at each other and decided it was time to renew those vows we made in 2006. Only these are new days ahead. This will be the start of something beautiful. For the Cardinals, they will have a renewed sense of fire, energy, focus, determination and confidence. For me, I will have a renewed sense of optimism, faith, hope, love and joy.
My love has seemed lost this week. What kind of loving fan would I be if I left them down and out? As I said before, every long term relationship has its up and downs, its moments of doubt.
Today, we renew our vows. I'm in this for the long haul, Cardinals. I know you are too.
We've hit a rough patch this week. I've said things. They've said things. Neither of us meant those things.
On our roller coaster ride of a week, we've both gone off the rails. As you can imagine, going off the rails on a roller coaster ride is dangerous...injuries occurred. Tonight after the game, we decided enough was enough. We picked each other up and applied Neosporin, band-aids, tourniquets, braces and wraps (all generic of course as we are on Mo's selected insurance plan). Then we both walked onto the field on our own power.
We looked at each other and decided it was time to renew those vows we made in 2006. Only these are new days ahead. This will be the start of something beautiful. For the Cardinals, they will have a renewed sense of fire, energy, focus, determination and confidence. For me, I will have a renewed sense of optimism, faith, hope, love and joy.
My love has seemed lost this week. What kind of loving fan would I be if I left them down and out? As I said before, every long term relationship has its up and downs, its moments of doubt.
Today, we renew our vows. I'm in this for the long haul, Cardinals. I know you are too.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Pick Up, Dust Off and Start Over
Some of you may be able to tell by now, some of you may have no idea
how I feel. I'm not the President of the Mike Matheny fan club. I don't
hold any of the offices in it, I don't belong to the club and most days,
I feel like starting a club with the opposite focus.
I thought the introduction of a Quality Control Coach (which sounds made up and I'm not entirely convinced it isn't) would help many of our team's issues. A job description of sorts stated that defense and bullpen management were two of the bigger issues the quality control coach would focus on.
Our bullpen has some greatness out there. Bowman is the only one showing all of his greatness currently, but I'm certain second week bounce backs are in store for everyone out there. Soco has actually been doing really well, as expected, with his first hiccup not happening until today.
Bullpen stats: Bowman 0.00 ERA, 1 hit, .111 BA against, 2 SO, 0 BB, 2.2 IP
Soco 3.00 ERA, 1 ER, 3 hits, .250 BA against, 1 SO, 1 BB, 3.0 IP
Seigrist 4.50 ERA, 1 ER, 2 hits, .250 BA against, 1 SO, 2 BB, 2.0 IP
Broxton 9.00 ERA, 2 ER, 2 hits, .286 BA against, 2 SO, 2 BB, 2.0 IP
Oh 13.50 ERA, 4 ER, 4 hits, .333 BA against, 2 SO, 1 BB, 2.2 IP
Cecil 18.00 ERA, 4 ER, 4 hits, .364 BA against, 2 SO, 2 BB, 2.0 IP
As you can tell, some have had a better first week than others. Out of the hits allowed, only Bowman and Soco gave up 0 home runs this week. They are doing well and there's no reason to think they won't continue. Given history, there's no reason to think everyone else won't bounce back this week. Broxton isn't necessarily a dominant force, but his highest season ERA was 5.93, so there's no real reason to think a 9er would stay around. The other Quality Control Coach task to tackle is the bullpen. Clearly some of the pitchers are having issues and I sincerely hope that Shildt is meeting with Derek Lilliquist and each pitcher often to work through issues as they see fit. Maybe extra work is needed...clearly Oh is used to pitching more than once a week and he prefers it that way. I'll also throw in some possible jetlag/travel/WBC issues for Oh. For Cecil, I'll throw in some first week with the new team jitters. Broxton is kind of doing his thing and I'm not sure much can be done about that. Seigrist will be fine. He does give up a home run occasionally, but is solid for the most part. Whatever needs to be worked on is now also under the umbrella of Quality Control Coach job tasks, and I plan on seeing the results of that work as the season goes further. I'm choosing to believe this can only help Matheny. Our bullpen, based on their stats historically, is a strength of this team and I'm not doubting it being a strength going forward.
Again, as far as Shildt is concerned, how has Matheny been allowed to write 6 different lineups in 6 days, returning to a bad habit from last season? As you've seen, many are playing different positions on the daily. Fowler, Carpenter and Molina have all stayed put and everyone else has either moved or been benched on and off throughout the week. And as happened last year, the defense has suffered due to the constant changes, namely in left field. Our infield has looked pretty sharp aside from Carp on Opening Day and Peralta today (and most days due to his lack of range/Greg Garcia like abilities). In the outfield, Dex has been solid. Grich has been too for the most part, but playing out of position has lead to a couple miscues. Adams is a mess in left field that hopefully will be changed when Piscotty is fully healthy again.
I wonder why defensive miscues/misplays/issues haven't seemed to concern Shildt thus far. Why is Adams allowed to be in LF as a starter in a non-emergency situation? Why doesn't Greg Garcia start when his defense is there? Why does Kolten sit when facing a right handed pitcher? Grichuk moving all around isn't helping him cement his grip on left field. Diaz is doing wonderfully so far, but the communication with a steady partner at 2B would only help. Peralta is more a liability than any kind of strength defensively, so is there a need to play him over others? Overall, there isn't much to complain about as far as errors, misplays, etc. but things could definitely be better with more consistency.
Clearly our lineup is struggling at the plate a smidgen. Diaz is doing fantastic (no sophomore slump so far here!), Grich is hitting decently, Molina is hitting well, and Jose and Fryer have done well in very limited time. Beyond that, we have many guys struggling to get to .200 or to stay at .200, including our OBP guys at the top, Carp and Dex. As a whole the team has struck out 51 times in 6 games, only 4 by a pitcher at the plate. They've walked 31 times, 10 of which came from guys who spent the majority of this week on the bench. Do I think all of these issues stay around? No. Our team is full of very good hitters and honestly seems much more balanced than last year, where they tried to mash their way to a win every day and if that didn't work, they lost. I have every belief this teams turns the offense around fairly quickly. First week jitters are out of the way. The first Cubs series is in the rear view mirror. The first rookie LHP experience is behind them. I'm thinking a much more realistic second week is in store for our Cards! The ship will be righted. The players will return to form this week and all will be right in the Cardinals universe again.
My overall caution though, even though I'm still crazily optimistic for our team, is to stop saying such sentiments as "calm down. it's only the first week" or "it's just one game/one series" or "we have 1** games to go." Fans as well as the players spread those sentiments with every loss, every series loss, every glance at the losing home record, every look at the standing last year. In the end, we lost by ONE game. We've all heard their interviews...they're devastated that ONE loss decided they would not play in the postseason. As the standings are now, we are 2-4 on the season, dropping both series at home, heading into the second week of play looking up at 3 teams in our own division, only a half game up on the Brewers. It won't stay that way. We are definitely capable of much better and will show that as the games roll on. All I ask is that the sentiments of "it's only 1 game" stop. After 2016, it's never just 1 game.
We all need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again. Fresh week. Optimistic eyes. All while remembering every game matters. As always, I believe in this team like crazy and think they will have a great year. My love runs deep. GO CARDS!!!!
I thought the introduction of a Quality Control Coach (which sounds made up and I'm not entirely convinced it isn't) would help many of our team's issues. A job description of sorts stated that defense and bullpen management were two of the bigger issues the quality control coach would focus on.
Our bullpen has some greatness out there. Bowman is the only one showing all of his greatness currently, but I'm certain second week bounce backs are in store for everyone out there. Soco has actually been doing really well, as expected, with his first hiccup not happening until today.
Bullpen stats: Bowman 0.00 ERA, 1 hit, .111 BA against, 2 SO, 0 BB, 2.2 IP
Soco 3.00 ERA, 1 ER, 3 hits, .250 BA against, 1 SO, 1 BB, 3.0 IP
Seigrist 4.50 ERA, 1 ER, 2 hits, .250 BA against, 1 SO, 2 BB, 2.0 IP
Broxton 9.00 ERA, 2 ER, 2 hits, .286 BA against, 2 SO, 2 BB, 2.0 IP
Oh 13.50 ERA, 4 ER, 4 hits, .333 BA against, 2 SO, 1 BB, 2.2 IP
Cecil 18.00 ERA, 4 ER, 4 hits, .364 BA against, 2 SO, 2 BB, 2.0 IP
As you can tell, some have had a better first week than others. Out of the hits allowed, only Bowman and Soco gave up 0 home runs this week. They are doing well and there's no reason to think they won't continue. Given history, there's no reason to think everyone else won't bounce back this week. Broxton isn't necessarily a dominant force, but his highest season ERA was 5.93, so there's no real reason to think a 9er would stay around. The other Quality Control Coach task to tackle is the bullpen. Clearly some of the pitchers are having issues and I sincerely hope that Shildt is meeting with Derek Lilliquist and each pitcher often to work through issues as they see fit. Maybe extra work is needed...clearly Oh is used to pitching more than once a week and he prefers it that way. I'll also throw in some possible jetlag/travel/WBC issues for Oh. For Cecil, I'll throw in some first week with the new team jitters. Broxton is kind of doing his thing and I'm not sure much can be done about that. Seigrist will be fine. He does give up a home run occasionally, but is solid for the most part. Whatever needs to be worked on is now also under the umbrella of Quality Control Coach job tasks, and I plan on seeing the results of that work as the season goes further. I'm choosing to believe this can only help Matheny. Our bullpen, based on their stats historically, is a strength of this team and I'm not doubting it being a strength going forward.
Again, as far as Shildt is concerned, how has Matheny been allowed to write 6 different lineups in 6 days, returning to a bad habit from last season? As you've seen, many are playing different positions on the daily. Fowler, Carpenter and Molina have all stayed put and everyone else has either moved or been benched on and off throughout the week. And as happened last year, the defense has suffered due to the constant changes, namely in left field. Our infield has looked pretty sharp aside from Carp on Opening Day and Peralta today (and most days due to his lack of range/Greg Garcia like abilities). In the outfield, Dex has been solid. Grich has been too for the most part, but playing out of position has lead to a couple miscues. Adams is a mess in left field that hopefully will be changed when Piscotty is fully healthy again.
I wonder why defensive miscues/misplays/issues haven't seemed to concern Shildt thus far. Why is Adams allowed to be in LF as a starter in a non-emergency situation? Why doesn't Greg Garcia start when his defense is there? Why does Kolten sit when facing a right handed pitcher? Grichuk moving all around isn't helping him cement his grip on left field. Diaz is doing wonderfully so far, but the communication with a steady partner at 2B would only help. Peralta is more a liability than any kind of strength defensively, so is there a need to play him over others? Overall, there isn't much to complain about as far as errors, misplays, etc. but things could definitely be better with more consistency.
Clearly our lineup is struggling at the plate a smidgen. Diaz is doing fantastic (no sophomore slump so far here!), Grich is hitting decently, Molina is hitting well, and Jose and Fryer have done well in very limited time. Beyond that, we have many guys struggling to get to .200 or to stay at .200, including our OBP guys at the top, Carp and Dex. As a whole the team has struck out 51 times in 6 games, only 4 by a pitcher at the plate. They've walked 31 times, 10 of which came from guys who spent the majority of this week on the bench. Do I think all of these issues stay around? No. Our team is full of very good hitters and honestly seems much more balanced than last year, where they tried to mash their way to a win every day and if that didn't work, they lost. I have every belief this teams turns the offense around fairly quickly. First week jitters are out of the way. The first Cubs series is in the rear view mirror. The first rookie LHP experience is behind them. I'm thinking a much more realistic second week is in store for our Cards! The ship will be righted. The players will return to form this week and all will be right in the Cardinals universe again.
My overall caution though, even though I'm still crazily optimistic for our team, is to stop saying such sentiments as "calm down. it's only the first week" or "it's just one game/one series" or "we have 1** games to go." Fans as well as the players spread those sentiments with every loss, every series loss, every glance at the losing home record, every look at the standing last year. In the end, we lost by ONE game. We've all heard their interviews...they're devastated that ONE loss decided they would not play in the postseason. As the standings are now, we are 2-4 on the season, dropping both series at home, heading into the second week of play looking up at 3 teams in our own division, only a half game up on the Brewers. It won't stay that way. We are definitely capable of much better and will show that as the games roll on. All I ask is that the sentiments of "it's only 1 game" stop. After 2016, it's never just 1 game.
We all need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and start all over again. Fresh week. Optimistic eyes. All while remembering every game matters. As always, I believe in this team like crazy and think they will have a great year. My love runs deep. GO CARDS!!!!
Ouch
Deep breath. Okay. Ready to jump in.
Adams in left field.
I write about this again because unlike before, this is much more than an idea that is getting more serious attention. It is no longer an experiment. It is no longer an emergency-multiple-injuries-needed-before-it-is-considered thing. It has now become a regular occurrence, as for 3 of our 6 games, Matt Adams has started the game in left field.
He missed a ball infamously on Thursday, his first official start in left field. It had a 69% catch rate probability according to Statcast. It would have likely been caught had Grichuk or Martinez been playing, as more experience leads to better routes and jumps. On Saturday, after many thought (hoped, prayed, begged) the experiment was over, he was written in as starting left fielder again. On this day, he missed a catch with a 96% catch rate probability, leading to a triple for the hitter. Face palm indeed. On Sunday, he simply didn't look competent out there. His play in the outfield is slow and awkward. The weight loss made him faster around the bases and he made it from 1st to home in Saturday's game, which was awesome. However, it doesn't seem to translate to the outfield, most likely because of his discomfort there.
While many were frustrated Adams was even out there as I was, I also wondered how good it is to keep moving Grichuk to right field when he really needs to work in left field every day to constantly improve over there. He has said in multiple interviews how the communication with Dex has been crucial and that repeating the skills he's working on every day in LEFT are crucial to him being the best he can be out there. Shouldn't that be the goal of our manager? Consistency=good defense. Good defense=better pitching.
Not that there ever was any, but there is surely now no logical reason to have Adams starting any game in left field. I'm all for it Matheny wants to try him at 1B to spell Carp a few times. Matt Adams has historically been a fantastic pinch hitter with pop off the bench and now, he isn't hitting regularly while playing daily and when he did pinch hit, he struck out. To be clear, I don't blame him. He came into this season trying to save his career and Matheny is mismanaging all of it terribly. Many seemed to think the front office was trying to show him off at a new position for possible trade situations. The more he plays this way, the less the chances the phone will be ringing off the hook.
Jose Martinez was invited to be on the 25 man roster as our 4th outfielder and has received zero starts in 6 games to the 3 Adams has received during a time where one outfielder is injured. Small sample size, but Jose has reached base via a walk or a double in each of his plate appearances, sparking a rally on Opening Day. His first strikeout on the season was today and he is batting .333. In a marginally larger sample size, Adams has 2 singles, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks. He is batting .200. With both taking walks, one striking out much less, both capable of extra base hits and power, I'm not sure why Adams is Matheny's only choice for our 4th OF. Jose is actually an outfielder who can play both LF and RF. Defensively, Martinez is quicker and more capable due to experience alone, but he is also more athletic at this time. That is not to take away from the huge strides Adams has made in this off season. I applaud his efforts. I would appreciate his efforts at first base far more than watching him gif his way to stardom by missing catches out there in left field. It's also not fair to him for Matheny to say publicly on the radio "he's adequate in left field" and "he needs to take batting practice seriously...watch how the balls carry to learn his routes." Neither of those are supportive or appropriate ways to teach. One does not learn the job in the majors in regular season games for the first time. If they wanted this, it should have happened months ago. It doesn't happen by watching BP because hitters don't hit bombs every other bat against real pitching. He has to learn all kinds of reads on all kinds of hits. Also, "adequate" is not a compliment. Again, be supportive or stop talking.
We won't know for 100% certainty that Jose or Grich catch every ball Adams misses until they play. With Matheny benching Jose for no logical reason, we may never know. Pham is tearing it up in Memphis and some want him back. I love Pham but I don't want him back right now, or maybe at all. Matheny wouldn't play him either and the spark would be snuffed out. Jose is getting the Pham treatment. It's difficult enough to watch that guy, with all his enthusiasm, energy and ability, be benched every single day Piscotty has had to sit. It's tiring to watch potential wasting away. I genuinely feel for players when this happens.
Sure, all of this gets alleviated a little when Piscotty returns. Or so we hope. On a team that is struggling for offense, with a bullpen that has blown leads and saves almost every game, Matheny has chosen to weaken our defense almost daily. It wouldn't be crazy in his line of reasoning to continue sitting Grichuk or Piscotty in favor of Adams in left field. That is a disservice to the team as a whole, but mostly to Adams. He has worked very hard this off season to be healthy enough to contribute to the team and his manager is working just as hard to make it impossible for him to succeed. Continuously being thrown out in left field exposing his defensive weaknesses while simultaneously batting him clean up, providing pressure at the plate as well, isn't helping Adams. Peralta isn't doing much of anything to earn starts, so I'm completely fine with Carp moving to 3B so Adams can play 1B. I will never be fine with him starting in left. It doesn't help anyone. It does actually do harm though. Will Matheny realize this? Likely not. At least not soon enough to prevent further damage. Think if Adams gets hurts out there. The first missed catch, he belly flopped on the ground--not pleasant. The second missed catch, he slammed into a wall--again, not a great feeling I'm sure.
Stop the madness. Please put Adams at 1B to spell Carp or deploy him as the very successful pinch hitter he is known for being. Give the guy a chance to shine. Or at the very least, give him the best chance to be successful. He's at least earned that much respect. He's earned the appropriate opportunities here. Adams has had a bit of a bumpy road in his career, and I hope he finds success. His current manager isn't helping him find it. Fingers crossed Adams finds a way despite the work of his manager.
Adams in left field.
I write about this again because unlike before, this is much more than an idea that is getting more serious attention. It is no longer an experiment. It is no longer an emergency-multiple-injuries-needed-before-it-is-considered thing. It has now become a regular occurrence, as for 3 of our 6 games, Matt Adams has started the game in left field.
He missed a ball infamously on Thursday, his first official start in left field. It had a 69% catch rate probability according to Statcast. It would have likely been caught had Grichuk or Martinez been playing, as more experience leads to better routes and jumps. On Saturday, after many thought (hoped, prayed, begged) the experiment was over, he was written in as starting left fielder again. On this day, he missed a catch with a 96% catch rate probability, leading to a triple for the hitter. Face palm indeed. On Sunday, he simply didn't look competent out there. His play in the outfield is slow and awkward. The weight loss made him faster around the bases and he made it from 1st to home in Saturday's game, which was awesome. However, it doesn't seem to translate to the outfield, most likely because of his discomfort there.
While many were frustrated Adams was even out there as I was, I also wondered how good it is to keep moving Grichuk to right field when he really needs to work in left field every day to constantly improve over there. He has said in multiple interviews how the communication with Dex has been crucial and that repeating the skills he's working on every day in LEFT are crucial to him being the best he can be out there. Shouldn't that be the goal of our manager? Consistency=good defense. Good defense=better pitching.
Not that there ever was any, but there is surely now no logical reason to have Adams starting any game in left field. I'm all for it Matheny wants to try him at 1B to spell Carp a few times. Matt Adams has historically been a fantastic pinch hitter with pop off the bench and now, he isn't hitting regularly while playing daily and when he did pinch hit, he struck out. To be clear, I don't blame him. He came into this season trying to save his career and Matheny is mismanaging all of it terribly. Many seemed to think the front office was trying to show him off at a new position for possible trade situations. The more he plays this way, the less the chances the phone will be ringing off the hook.
Jose Martinez was invited to be on the 25 man roster as our 4th outfielder and has received zero starts in 6 games to the 3 Adams has received during a time where one outfielder is injured. Small sample size, but Jose has reached base via a walk or a double in each of his plate appearances, sparking a rally on Opening Day. His first strikeout on the season was today and he is batting .333. In a marginally larger sample size, Adams has 2 singles, 5 strikeouts, 3 walks. He is batting .200. With both taking walks, one striking out much less, both capable of extra base hits and power, I'm not sure why Adams is Matheny's only choice for our 4th OF. Jose is actually an outfielder who can play both LF and RF. Defensively, Martinez is quicker and more capable due to experience alone, but he is also more athletic at this time. That is not to take away from the huge strides Adams has made in this off season. I applaud his efforts. I would appreciate his efforts at first base far more than watching him gif his way to stardom by missing catches out there in left field. It's also not fair to him for Matheny to say publicly on the radio "he's adequate in left field" and "he needs to take batting practice seriously...watch how the balls carry to learn his routes." Neither of those are supportive or appropriate ways to teach. One does not learn the job in the majors in regular season games for the first time. If they wanted this, it should have happened months ago. It doesn't happen by watching BP because hitters don't hit bombs every other bat against real pitching. He has to learn all kinds of reads on all kinds of hits. Also, "adequate" is not a compliment. Again, be supportive or stop talking.
We won't know for 100% certainty that Jose or Grich catch every ball Adams misses until they play. With Matheny benching Jose for no logical reason, we may never know. Pham is tearing it up in Memphis and some want him back. I love Pham but I don't want him back right now, or maybe at all. Matheny wouldn't play him either and the spark would be snuffed out. Jose is getting the Pham treatment. It's difficult enough to watch that guy, with all his enthusiasm, energy and ability, be benched every single day Piscotty has had to sit. It's tiring to watch potential wasting away. I genuinely feel for players when this happens.
Sure, all of this gets alleviated a little when Piscotty returns. Or so we hope. On a team that is struggling for offense, with a bullpen that has blown leads and saves almost every game, Matheny has chosen to weaken our defense almost daily. It wouldn't be crazy in his line of reasoning to continue sitting Grichuk or Piscotty in favor of Adams in left field. That is a disservice to the team as a whole, but mostly to Adams. He has worked very hard this off season to be healthy enough to contribute to the team and his manager is working just as hard to make it impossible for him to succeed. Continuously being thrown out in left field exposing his defensive weaknesses while simultaneously batting him clean up, providing pressure at the plate as well, isn't helping Adams. Peralta isn't doing much of anything to earn starts, so I'm completely fine with Carp moving to 3B so Adams can play 1B. I will never be fine with him starting in left. It doesn't help anyone. It does actually do harm though. Will Matheny realize this? Likely not. At least not soon enough to prevent further damage. Think if Adams gets hurts out there. The first missed catch, he belly flopped on the ground--not pleasant. The second missed catch, he slammed into a wall--again, not a great feeling I'm sure.
Stop the madness. Please put Adams at 1B to spell Carp or deploy him as the very successful pinch hitter he is known for being. Give the guy a chance to shine. Or at the very least, give him the best chance to be successful. He's at least earned that much respect. He's earned the appropriate opportunities here. Adams has had a bit of a bumpy road in his career, and I hope he finds success. His current manager isn't helping him find it. Fingers crossed Adams finds a way despite the work of his manager.
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