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.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
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.
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