Good times, good times.
What a year 2005 proved to be. I look back across this site and see that my first posting was February 28th of this year and that brings a smile to my face. Of course I'm talking about Spring Training! It's just around the corner after the holidays and so much to look forward in 2006.
Before the new season, we would be remiss to not take a moment and give a final look and farewell to 2005.
Goodbyes
- To now what is called the Old Busch Stadium. Of course like many of you, that's where I saw my first Cardinal game and have a ton of great memories there. Perhaps as that stadium slowly gets knocked down, all the bad juju from the Astros and Red Sox wins in the last couple of years will dissipate away and we can start anew next year.
- Wayne Hagin. Perplexing that he is already gone after doing a splendid job coming in behind Jack, but kudos to him for making the best of a difficult situation. So we say hello to our new broadcast dynamic duo in Mike Shannon and John Rooney.
- KMOX. Over five decades of broadcasting on the airwaves to Cardinal Nation we now usher in KTRS next year. I am still doubtful of signal strength but we'll see.
- Ray King. Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.
- Larry Walker. What a career and I just wish his most impressive numbers were hit for us in a Cardinal uniform.
Highlight Reel
- LaRussa's Hard Nine Mantra. Best showcased in Houston when NASA started the Pujols countdown for one of the most monsterous, towering and coolest home runs I've ever seen hit in a game. Any Cardinal Fan that said they hadn't waivered and didn't think the season was over at that point lies like a rug.
- Back to back 100+ win seasons
- Nunez. Holy cow what a year he put together filling in for Rolen. Will he be a Redbird in 06?
- ERA. Cards boasted the best in the National League.
- 2005 Cy Young Award Winner Chris Carpenter
- 2005 NL MVP Award Winner Albert Pujols
- 2005 Gold Glove Winner Jimmy Edmonds {His 8th mind you}
- 2005 NL Central Champions
The Players
- Scott Rolen. Let's all hope and pray that rehab goes well and he slides into Spring Training ready to go. Hey Scotty, next time just let He Sop Zilla tag you out - you can't win that battle running into a 9 ft wall of a person.
- Jeff Suppan. Has more than proven his worth and welcome back to another year.
- Matt Morris. In my opinion, needs to move elsewhere. LaRussa is overly sentimental with Matt and I deem that a distraction to Tony, happy trails Matt.
- Jimmy Edmonds. Dude. Find some offense and consistency at the plate in the off season or put that first on your Christmas List brother.
- Julian Tavarez. Personally not a fan.
- Reggie Sanders. Deserves to retire a Cardinal after being all around the league. He's a proven entity when healthy - bring him back and see how he does.
- John Mabry. Needs to be a Cardinal next year.
- Mark Grudzielanek. As much as I want to see him in Cardinal red and white, I think he'll sign elsewhere based on money alone. Careful Mark, money will not buy you happiness. Call Edgar if you don't believe me.
- Roger Cedeno. Was he a Cardinal this year?! Enough said.
Needs
- A kick ass everyday outfielder. I originally was thinking Giles, but have come to realize that Encarnacion would be a better fit for less dollars. Not saying that Brian Giles as a Cardinal wouldn't be the coolest thing since sliced bread mind you.
- Better bullpen. We need set up guys that are reliable. Period.
- Closer. Izzy is wavering for me, needs a strong 2006 to convince me otherwise we shouldn't start shopping soon.
Numbers
Record: 100-62
AVG: Pujols, .330
Doubles: Pujols, 38
Triples: Eckstein, 7
Home Runs: Pujols, 41
Runs: Pujols, 129
RBI's: Pujols, 117
Stolen Bases: Pujols, 16
Wins: Carpenter, 21
Losses: Marquis, 14
ERA (Starter): Carpenter, 2.83
ERA (Reliever): Izzy, 2.14
Saves: Izzy, 39
First Pitch: In Philly, April 3rd, 2:05pm
New Busch Stadium First Pitch: April 10th, 3:10pm
Happy Holidays and so long for just awhile...
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Friday, April 01, 2005
April 1st: Pulsipher, Carpenter, Grudzielanek, Lincoln, Da Cubs
Toe fracture is tough break for Pulsipher
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/31/2005
Pulsipher is on the cusp of making the Cardinals' bullpen as a last-minute nonroster invitee but may have his candidacy complicated after taking the smash off his foot from infielder Bernie Castro, in the final inning of the Cardinals' final Grapefruit League game.
===
Carpenter shines
Chris Carpenter gave the Cardinals what they wanted to see Thursday night when he struck out seven and allowed only one unearned run in five innings of the Cardinals' win over the Baltimore Orioles. Carpenter struck out former AL MVP Miguel Tejada twice and did the same to right fielder Sammy Sosa. Two of the three hits off Carpenter preceded his first out of the first inning. Five of his first eight outs were via strikeouts.
===
Grudzielanek makes big impression
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
03/30/2005
As much to prove his health to himself as to prove his worth to his new team, Grudzielanek started the spring hitting, continued it flashing a power arm and concluded it by hitting some more. With two doubles Wednesday, Grudzielanek leaves Jupiter with a .412 average in 19 spring training games.
Quite an impression.
"Coming in and coming on to a new team, I wanted to show that I'm here for a reason," Grudzielanek said. "I chose to come here, I took less to come here, and I wanted to find a chance to re-establish myself. ... I wanted to be sure I was healthy. It's one of those things - if I stay healthy, I'll put up numbers."
===
Lincoln is still on hold
Mike Lincoln, slowed by elbow pain in his surgically repaired throwing arm, will travel to St. Louis today, where he will continue his rehab. Lincoln is coming off of Tommy John surgery but has not thrown for several weeks because of a bone bruise in the elbow. The Cardinals have told him not to throw until the elbow is completely pain-free. Once the pain clears, a conservative estimate has Lincoln's rehab going another six to eight weeks before he is ready to throw.
===
Why the Cubs will be worse
By Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
03/31/2005
1. Burnitz, Hollandsworth et al. won't drive in the 200 runs that Alou and Sosa would have provided.
2. Pitchers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior already have been injured this spring and could have trouble staying healthy.
3. The Cubs haven't had three consecutive winning seasons in more than 30 years.
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/31/2005
Pulsipher is on the cusp of making the Cardinals' bullpen as a last-minute nonroster invitee but may have his candidacy complicated after taking the smash off his foot from infielder Bernie Castro, in the final inning of the Cardinals' final Grapefruit League game.
===
Carpenter shines
Chris Carpenter gave the Cardinals what they wanted to see Thursday night when he struck out seven and allowed only one unearned run in five innings of the Cardinals' win over the Baltimore Orioles. Carpenter struck out former AL MVP Miguel Tejada twice and did the same to right fielder Sammy Sosa. Two of the three hits off Carpenter preceded his first out of the first inning. Five of his first eight outs were via strikeouts.
===
Grudzielanek makes big impression
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
03/30/2005
As much to prove his health to himself as to prove his worth to his new team, Grudzielanek started the spring hitting, continued it flashing a power arm and concluded it by hitting some more. With two doubles Wednesday, Grudzielanek leaves Jupiter with a .412 average in 19 spring training games.
Quite an impression.
"Coming in and coming on to a new team, I wanted to show that I'm here for a reason," Grudzielanek said. "I chose to come here, I took less to come here, and I wanted to find a chance to re-establish myself. ... I wanted to be sure I was healthy. It's one of those things - if I stay healthy, I'll put up numbers."
===
Lincoln is still on hold
Mike Lincoln, slowed by elbow pain in his surgically repaired throwing arm, will travel to St. Louis today, where he will continue his rehab. Lincoln is coming off of Tommy John surgery but has not thrown for several weeks because of a bone bruise in the elbow. The Cardinals have told him not to throw until the elbow is completely pain-free. Once the pain clears, a conservative estimate has Lincoln's rehab going another six to eight weeks before he is ready to throw.
===
Why the Cubs will be worse
By Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
03/31/2005
1. Burnitz, Hollandsworth et al. won't drive in the 200 runs that Alou and Sosa would have provided.
2. Pitchers Kerry Wood and Mark Prior already have been injured this spring and could have trouble staying healthy.
3. The Cubs haven't had three consecutive winning seasons in more than 30 years.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
March 29th: Hagin, Sanders, Ankiel, Myers, Gall, Roster
Hagin has a private meeting with team
By Joe Strauss 0f the Post-Dispatch
03/28/2005
JUPITER, Fla. -Cardinals radio broadcaster Wayne Hagin addressed the players in a closed-door meeting before Monday morning's workout and expressed regret over the stir created by his March 19 comments about Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton.
"I consider it personal and I would like it to remain so, but I thought it was something important for me to do," Hagin said.
===
Sanders returns
Left fielder Reggie Sanders returned to the lineup Monday and homered in his second at-bat against New York Mets starter Kris Benson.
He had not batted against live pitching since undergoing an appendectomy March 17.
Sanders says he expects being in the lineup opening day next Tuesday.
"I felt pretty good," he said. "I'm only looking forward now. I plan on getting at-bats in all the remaining games, and that should be enough."
===
Two pitchers are sent to Memphis
The Cardinals trimmed their roster by reassigning pitching prospect Anthony Reyes to Class AAA Memphis and optioning lefthanded reliever Carmen Cali to Memphis.
===
Cards due to take action on Ankiel
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/29/2005
JUPITER< Fla. -- The Cardinals remain tight-lipped about when they will attempt to pass pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel through waivers, but they must do so no later than Wednesday.
Teams will have until the weekend to claim Ankiel.
===
Cards trade Myers back to Red Sox
BY DERRICK GOOLD and JOE STRAUSS of the Post-Dispatch
03/29/2005
JUPITER, Fla. –- The Cardinals alleviated some of the lefthanded logjam in the bullpen by trading submariner Mike Myers to Boston on Tuesday.
The team did not immediately confirm the trade, although Myers did, and it was not immediately known whom the Cardinals would receive in return.
Myers’ trade leaves the Cardinals with three lefties still in camp, certain setup man Ray King and two auditioning, non-roster invitee and spring surprise Bill Pulsipher and returning lefty Randy Flores. The Cardinals have not decided if three of the seven relievers taken into opening day will be lefthanders or if they’ll just take two.
===
CBS Sportsline
Cardinals report: Notes, quotes
--The Cardinals trimmed four position players Sunday (March 27), including Bo Hart, who was their regular second baseman for most of the second half of the 2003 season. 2B Hart, OF John Gall, INF Scott Seabol and C Mike Mahoney all were optioned to Triple-A Memphis. Seabol, who had 31 home runs last year at Memphis, had the best spring of the quartet, hitting .313 in 32 at-bats.
===
CBS Sportsline
Redbird left fielder catches La Russa's eye -- Fielding, strong at-bats may earn Gall big chance
JUPITER, Fla. - His spring training batting average is on the high side of .300. The big club's boss, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, is raving about his play as an outfielder. And John Gall, wisely, is trying not to get caught up in any of it.
By Joe Strauss 0f the Post-Dispatch
03/28/2005
JUPITER, Fla. -Cardinals radio broadcaster Wayne Hagin addressed the players in a closed-door meeting before Monday morning's workout and expressed regret over the stir created by his March 19 comments about Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton.
"I consider it personal and I would like it to remain so, but I thought it was something important for me to do," Hagin said.
===
Sanders returns
Left fielder Reggie Sanders returned to the lineup Monday and homered in his second at-bat against New York Mets starter Kris Benson.
He had not batted against live pitching since undergoing an appendectomy March 17.
Sanders says he expects being in the lineup opening day next Tuesday.
"I felt pretty good," he said. "I'm only looking forward now. I plan on getting at-bats in all the remaining games, and that should be enough."
===
Two pitchers are sent to Memphis
The Cardinals trimmed their roster by reassigning pitching prospect Anthony Reyes to Class AAA Memphis and optioning lefthanded reliever Carmen Cali to Memphis.
===
Cards due to take action on Ankiel
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/29/2005
JUPITER< Fla. -- The Cardinals remain tight-lipped about when they will attempt to pass pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel through waivers, but they must do so no later than Wednesday.
Teams will have until the weekend to claim Ankiel.
===
Cards trade Myers back to Red Sox
BY DERRICK GOOLD and JOE STRAUSS of the Post-Dispatch
03/29/2005
JUPITER, Fla. –- The Cardinals alleviated some of the lefthanded logjam in the bullpen by trading submariner Mike Myers to Boston on Tuesday.
The team did not immediately confirm the trade, although Myers did, and it was not immediately known whom the Cardinals would receive in return.
Myers’ trade leaves the Cardinals with three lefties still in camp, certain setup man Ray King and two auditioning, non-roster invitee and spring surprise Bill Pulsipher and returning lefty Randy Flores. The Cardinals have not decided if three of the seven relievers taken into opening day will be lefthanders or if they’ll just take two.
===
CBS Sportsline
Cardinals report: Notes, quotes
--The Cardinals trimmed four position players Sunday (March 27), including Bo Hart, who was their regular second baseman for most of the second half of the 2003 season. 2B Hart, OF John Gall, INF Scott Seabol and C Mike Mahoney all were optioned to Triple-A Memphis. Seabol, who had 31 home runs last year at Memphis, had the best spring of the quartet, hitting .313 in 32 at-bats.
===
CBS Sportsline
Redbird left fielder catches La Russa's eye -- Fielding, strong at-bats may earn Gall big chance
JUPITER, Fla. - His spring training batting average is on the high side of .300. The big club's boss, St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, is raving about his play as an outfielder. And John Gall, wisely, is trying not to get caught up in any of it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
March 16th: Pulsipher, King, Carpenter, Stadium
Pulsipher extends run of scoreless innings to 6
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/15/2005
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The transformation of Bill Pulsipher from lefthanded novelty act to legitimate contender for a spot in the Cardinals' opening day bullpen continued Tuesday as he secured the save with three strikeouts in a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
As general manager Walt Jocketty noted afterward, "He keeps getting people out."
Pulsipher, 31, last pitched in the major leagues for Boston in 2001 and gained an invitation to major-league camp primarily because his former New York Mets teammate, Jason Isringhausen, lobbied Jocketty.
===
King works side session
Seven days after making his only Grapefruit League appearance, King threw about 40 pitches from a bullpen mound at the team's Jupiter complex. Pitching coach Dave Duncan oversaw the work before heading south and proclaimed it a success upon rejoining the team at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. King might make a game appearance Friday in a split squad game or in Orlando Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.
===
Carpenter vs. Sosa
Chris Carpenter made his third spring start a successful one, lasting four innings without a run or a walk and prompting Duncan to describe the Cardinals' opening day starter as "right where he needs to be."
Carpenter added his signature to the outing by repeatedly challenging Orioles right fielder Sammy Sosa during a third-inning at-bat. Mixing in only one off-speed pitch in reaching a full count, Carpenter bore a fastball in on Sosa's hands, shattering his bat (no cork was found) for an inning-ending grounder to short.
"It was good," Carpenter said. "My changeup was good, my fastball was good and my curve was good. ... I'm comfortable with all my pitches right now."
===
ESPN Sports Nation Poll
Who is the best preseason pick for NL MVP?
Beltran - 15%
Bonds - 19%
Pujols - 54%
Ramirez - 7%
Thome - 5%
Total votes: 76,172
===
Construction of new Busch Stadium draws its own fans
By Jeffrey Tomich of the Post-Dispatch
03/16/2005
Work on the stadium is moving clockwise. Crews are about halfway finished erecting the steel skeleton, which reaches most of the way down the first base side of the park, followed closely by concrete risers that will be the foundation for 46,000 red seats to be installed beginning this summer.
One of two pedestrian ramps, the one along the third-base side of the park, is finished and is being used by contractors to move men and materials to the upper levels. Carpenters are beginning to frame the suites and, in the belly of the stadium, workers are installing boilers, completing electrical work and building loading docks.
Crews benefited from a mild winter and only occasionally had to delay steel erection because of rain, wind or ice, Loyd said.
Between 350 and 500 workers are on the job up to 10 hours a day, six days a week, depending on the work to be done, Loyd said. Crews are working "selective overtime" when a specific task must be completed, he said.
Nearer completion, work will go on 24 hours a day, every day. The number of people on the project will reach about 900 for much of the finishing work.
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/15/2005
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The transformation of Bill Pulsipher from lefthanded novelty act to legitimate contender for a spot in the Cardinals' opening day bullpen continued Tuesday as he secured the save with three strikeouts in a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
As general manager Walt Jocketty noted afterward, "He keeps getting people out."
Pulsipher, 31, last pitched in the major leagues for Boston in 2001 and gained an invitation to major-league camp primarily because his former New York Mets teammate, Jason Isringhausen, lobbied Jocketty.
===
King works side session
Seven days after making his only Grapefruit League appearance, King threw about 40 pitches from a bullpen mound at the team's Jupiter complex. Pitching coach Dave Duncan oversaw the work before heading south and proclaimed it a success upon rejoining the team at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. King might make a game appearance Friday in a split squad game or in Orlando Saturday against the Atlanta Braves.
===
Carpenter vs. Sosa
Chris Carpenter made his third spring start a successful one, lasting four innings without a run or a walk and prompting Duncan to describe the Cardinals' opening day starter as "right where he needs to be."
Carpenter added his signature to the outing by repeatedly challenging Orioles right fielder Sammy Sosa during a third-inning at-bat. Mixing in only one off-speed pitch in reaching a full count, Carpenter bore a fastball in on Sosa's hands, shattering his bat (no cork was found) for an inning-ending grounder to short.
"It was good," Carpenter said. "My changeup was good, my fastball was good and my curve was good. ... I'm comfortable with all my pitches right now."
===
ESPN Sports Nation Poll
Who is the best preseason pick for NL MVP?
Beltran - 15%
Bonds - 19%
Pujols - 54%
Ramirez - 7%
Thome - 5%
Total votes: 76,172
===
Construction of new Busch Stadium draws its own fans
By Jeffrey Tomich of the Post-Dispatch
03/16/2005
Work on the stadium is moving clockwise. Crews are about halfway finished erecting the steel skeleton, which reaches most of the way down the first base side of the park, followed closely by concrete risers that will be the foundation for 46,000 red seats to be installed beginning this summer.
One of two pedestrian ramps, the one along the third-base side of the park, is finished and is being used by contractors to move men and materials to the upper levels. Carpenters are beginning to frame the suites and, in the belly of the stadium, workers are installing boilers, completing electrical work and building loading docks.
Crews benefited from a mild winter and only occasionally had to delay steel erection because of rain, wind or ice, Loyd said.
Between 350 and 500 workers are on the job up to 10 hours a day, six days a week, depending on the work to be done, Loyd said. Crews are working "selective overtime" when a specific task must be completed, he said.
Nearer completion, work will go on 24 hours a day, every day. The number of people on the project will reach about 900 for much of the finishing work.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
March 15th: Rolen, Sanders, Walker, Pitching
Editors Note: Safe travel wishes for the Eckert's and their families as they travel to Spring Training next week. Maybe we'll get some behind the scenes feedback - of course that goes for all - if you have any good tidbits, forward them on and they'll get posted. Go Cards!
===
Rolen and Sanders look ahead
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
03/14/2005
The Cardinals third baseman and outfielder Reggie Sanders are both hitting .133 this spring, with four hits between them, but they couldn't care less about the numerical results.
"At the beginning, you take a ball you normally wouldn't," Sanders said. "For the most part, it's not about the results. You're gauging the pitch, how you see it. Right about now, I want to start putting things together."
On Sunday, Rolen went through the whole progression. His first at-bat "went poorly." His second at-bat went better. On his third at-bat, he hit a home run but was more pleased with how he felt, how he eyed the ball, recognized the pitch and reacted.
Larry Walker's slow start is a little different. The Cardinals' right fielder has yet to get a hit in seven at-bats. He missed the first weeks of spring training with a back sprain.
"I'm not really fretting," Walker said. "I don't like the results. But if I was hitting the ball well, hitting it hard, I'd accept the results a little better."
===
Cardinals report: Notes, quotes
March 15, 2005
The Sports Xchange
--After a loss to the Mets in the exhibition opener, the Cardinals rattled off six straight wins, with no starter allowing more than two runs. Through the first week of spring games, the Cardinals led the majors in earned-run average at 2.67.
--RF Larry Walker, who had been bothered by a bad back, finally made his first appearance of the spring on Thursday (March 10) and went 0-for-2.
"It's been a few days (without pain) and I probably could have played a few days ago," Walker said. "But we wanted to stick with somewhat of a cautious approach, not getting myself into trouble."
--Through 10 games, the Cardinals have won seven with an ERA under 3.00, including splitting two games on Sunday (March 13), beating Atlanta 7-3 and losing to Baltimore 5-3.
--LHP Mark Mulder became the first Cardinals starter to go five innings Sunday (March 13). He gave up three runs and seven hits but didn't walk a batter. One of the hits was a two-run homer by Atlanta's Mike Hampton, one of baseball's best hitting pitchers.
--Rookie RHP Anthony Reyes got his welcome to the big leagues by allowing a home run to Baltimore's Sammy Sosa at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in a 5-3 Cardinals defeat. Reyes is the top pitching prospect in the organization.
--LHP Ray King has appeared just once this spring as he rests a biceps injury.
BY THE NUMBERS
13. Number of big-league games won by Rick Ankiel before he quit as a pitcher.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I was as frustrated as I could be. I wasn't sure I still wanted to be part of the game or not." -- LHP Rick Ankiel, on why he gave up pitching.
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
===
Cardinals report: Inside pitch
March 15, 2005
The Sports Xchange
RHP Chris Carpenter, who will be the Opening Day starter in Houston on April 5, became the first Cardinals pitcher to work four innings on Thursday (March 10). Carpenter held the Astros to one run and three hits in a 4-2 Cardinals' win.
RHP Matt Morris, who had shoulder surgery in December, made his first appearance of the spring Saturday (March 12), working the first two innings of the Cardinals' 3-2 loss to the Mets. Morris threw 21 strikes on 32 pitches. He allowed two hits (one an infield grounder) and struck out three -- all three called.
===
Rolen and Sanders look ahead
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
03/14/2005
The Cardinals third baseman and outfielder Reggie Sanders are both hitting .133 this spring, with four hits between them, but they couldn't care less about the numerical results.
"At the beginning, you take a ball you normally wouldn't," Sanders said. "For the most part, it's not about the results. You're gauging the pitch, how you see it. Right about now, I want to start putting things together."
On Sunday, Rolen went through the whole progression. His first at-bat "went poorly." His second at-bat went better. On his third at-bat, he hit a home run but was more pleased with how he felt, how he eyed the ball, recognized the pitch and reacted.
Larry Walker's slow start is a little different. The Cardinals' right fielder has yet to get a hit in seven at-bats. He missed the first weeks of spring training with a back sprain.
"I'm not really fretting," Walker said. "I don't like the results. But if I was hitting the ball well, hitting it hard, I'd accept the results a little better."
===
Cardinals report: Notes, quotes
March 15, 2005
The Sports Xchange
--After a loss to the Mets in the exhibition opener, the Cardinals rattled off six straight wins, with no starter allowing more than two runs. Through the first week of spring games, the Cardinals led the majors in earned-run average at 2.67.
--RF Larry Walker, who had been bothered by a bad back, finally made his first appearance of the spring on Thursday (March 10) and went 0-for-2.
"It's been a few days (without pain) and I probably could have played a few days ago," Walker said. "But we wanted to stick with somewhat of a cautious approach, not getting myself into trouble."
--Through 10 games, the Cardinals have won seven with an ERA under 3.00, including splitting two games on Sunday (March 13), beating Atlanta 7-3 and losing to Baltimore 5-3.
--LHP Mark Mulder became the first Cardinals starter to go five innings Sunday (March 13). He gave up three runs and seven hits but didn't walk a batter. One of the hits was a two-run homer by Atlanta's Mike Hampton, one of baseball's best hitting pitchers.
--Rookie RHP Anthony Reyes got his welcome to the big leagues by allowing a home run to Baltimore's Sammy Sosa at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in a 5-3 Cardinals defeat. Reyes is the top pitching prospect in the organization.
--LHP Ray King has appeared just once this spring as he rests a biceps injury.
BY THE NUMBERS
13. Number of big-league games won by Rick Ankiel before he quit as a pitcher.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I was as frustrated as I could be. I wasn't sure I still wanted to be part of the game or not." -- LHP Rick Ankiel, on why he gave up pitching.
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
===
Cardinals report: Inside pitch
March 15, 2005
The Sports Xchange
RHP Chris Carpenter, who will be the Opening Day starter in Houston on April 5, became the first Cardinals pitcher to work four innings on Thursday (March 10). Carpenter held the Astros to one run and three hits in a 4-2 Cardinals' win.
RHP Matt Morris, who had shoulder surgery in December, made his first appearance of the spring Saturday (March 12), working the first two innings of the Cardinals' 3-2 loss to the Mets. Morris threw 21 strikes on 32 pitches. He allowed two hits (one an infield grounder) and struck out three -- all three called.
Friday, March 11, 2005
March 11th: Ankiel, Walker, Reyes, Eckstein
Editor's Note: Ankiel coverage is all the news for now, maybe everyone will remember we have other players to track as well soon. Have a great weekend.
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Competition to replace Ankiel begins in earnest
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/10/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - The subtraction of Rick Ankiel from the Cardinals' bullpen equation leaves the club with simple math, according to pitching coach Dave Duncan: find one lefthander to go with Ray King.
Duncan had held open the possibility of Ankiel claiming the role of innings eater and spot starter until Wednesday's surprise announcement that the lefthander would pursue a second-chance career as an outfielder. Thursday, after the Cardinals played a morning intrasquad game and an afternoon exhibition against the Houston Astros, Duncan said it had become "very likely" that only one among Mike Myers, Carmen Cali, Randy Flores, Bill Pulsipher and Hector Mercado would survive.
===
Walker returns to Cards' lineup
BY DERRICK GOOLD
Of the Post-Dispatch
03/11/2005
JUPITER, Fla. -- Larry Walker prepared as if he was going to have another day of working out and easing his back into baseball, but instead he had a far easier day than imagined: He played.
Out since the start of camp with a back strain, Walker made his spring debut Thursday with two at-bats and four innings in the Cardinals' 4-2 victory over Houston.
===
BY THE NUMBERS
10 -- Number of road victories (against one loss) posted by RHP Jeff Suppan last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"He's 5-foot-6 3/4. But he plays like he's 6-foot-3." -- David Eckstein's father, Whitey Eckstein, on the new Cardinals shortstop.
One watch of Cardinal rookie Anthony Reyes and it's easy to see how he punched out 140 in 111 innings in the Florida State and Southern Leagues. Wow. The veteran pitchers claim he could be a tremendous hitter. "He has a swing like Albert Pujols," Mulder said. Strong words.
===
ESPN Sports Nation Online Poll
Will Rick Ankiel ever make a regular-season MLB roster as an outfielder?
34% say yes
64% say no
===
Competition to replace Ankiel begins in earnest
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/10/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - The subtraction of Rick Ankiel from the Cardinals' bullpen equation leaves the club with simple math, according to pitching coach Dave Duncan: find one lefthander to go with Ray King.
Duncan had held open the possibility of Ankiel claiming the role of innings eater and spot starter until Wednesday's surprise announcement that the lefthander would pursue a second-chance career as an outfielder. Thursday, after the Cardinals played a morning intrasquad game and an afternoon exhibition against the Houston Astros, Duncan said it had become "very likely" that only one among Mike Myers, Carmen Cali, Randy Flores, Bill Pulsipher and Hector Mercado would survive.
===
Walker returns to Cards' lineup
BY DERRICK GOOLD
Of the Post-Dispatch
03/11/2005
JUPITER, Fla. -- Larry Walker prepared as if he was going to have another day of working out and easing his back into baseball, but instead he had a far easier day than imagined: He played.
Out since the start of camp with a back strain, Walker made his spring debut Thursday with two at-bats and four innings in the Cardinals' 4-2 victory over Houston.
===
BY THE NUMBERS
10 -- Number of road victories (against one loss) posted by RHP Jeff Suppan last season.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"He's 5-foot-6 3/4. But he plays like he's 6-foot-3." -- David Eckstein's father, Whitey Eckstein, on the new Cardinals shortstop.
One watch of Cardinal rookie Anthony Reyes and it's easy to see how he punched out 140 in 111 innings in the Florida State and Southern Leagues. Wow. The veteran pitchers claim he could be a tremendous hitter. "He has a swing like Albert Pujols," Mulder said. Strong words.
===
ESPN Sports Nation Online Poll
Will Rick Ankiel ever make a regular-season MLB roster as an outfielder?
34% say yes
64% say no
Thursday, March 10, 2005
March 10th: Hasta La Vista Ankiel
Ankiel had his chance; Cards must move on
By Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch
03/09/2005
If for some inexplicable reason Ankiel went unclaimed, then the Cardinals would have nothing to lose by letting Ankiel learn a new trade in the minors. But it would be a travesty to carry Ankiel all summer in St. Louis, on a veteran team that wants to redeem itself in the World Series, swaddling him in a big-league uniform that he didn't deserve at this point. It's time to let Ankiel move on with his life. The Cardinals did their part. Now they need to get out of the day-care business.
===
No longer a freak show, Ankiel could find new life in outfield
BY JEFF GORDON, Post-Dispatch Online Sports Columnist
03/09/2005
Rather than setting himself up for another Big Fall in a game environment, Ankiel chose a new course. Scouts always told him he has the arm, the bat and the athletic tools to become a fine major league outfielder. So he decided to change jobs.
Can the Cards afford to keep him on the big league roster as an outfielder?
That’s doubtful, since he needs to go someplace -– we’d suggested extended spring training, then high Class A ball, moving up to Class AA in July -- and start succeeding as a hitter. More than anything, Ankiel needs to regain his athletic confidence.
Will the Cards lose him on waivers?
Maybe, because some team may try to claim him and convince him to give pitching another try. Other baseball folks may believe a change of scenery, not a change of position, is all Ankiel needs.
Let’s hope that is not the case.
===
Ankiel's days as a Card numbered?
By Joe Strauss Of the Post-Dispatch
03/09/2005
There will be few at-bats this spring for Rick Ankiel. "I can't give them to him because he's not going to make our team," manager Tony La Russa said.
===
Misc Quotes
- "You're not going to able to walk into a big league camp and win a spot," La Russa said. "But he has talent and I wouldn't put anything past him."
- Joe McEwing of the New York Mets, who played with Ankiel in the Cardinals organization in 1998 and 1999, had a bit of advice. "Just work," McEwing said. "It's going to take a lot of hard work and repetitions, but one thing about it is that he's a good athlete."
- "He's said he's not going to pitch," Jocketty said. "If somebody claims him to be a pitcher, it'll be a costly error."
- "It's a shame, all his talent, not that it's wasted because he's a great athlete and who knows what he can do," said pitcher Matt Morris, perhaps Ankiel's closest friend on the team. "But I hope one day he gets back to pitching."
===
There's a precedent here.
In 1957, Cardinals rookie Von McDaniel pitched a two-hit shutout in his major league debut. He wound up the season with a 7-5 record and a 3.22 ERA. Oh, one more thing: he was 18 years old.
McDaniel never won another game in the majors. He missed most of 1958 with an injury, and spent 1959 in the Florida State League. He pitched well that season, going 13-5 ... and he also played in the field, and batted .313 with 10 homers and 71 RBI. That basically ended McDaniel's career as a pitcher, but he spent six more seasons in the minors as a power-hitting infielder.
That's about what I think will happen to Rick Ankiel. He's immensely talented, but almost certainly not talented enough to hit major league pitching with any sort of consistency. He's the new Von McDaniel. -- Rob Neyer
By Bernie Miklasz of the Post-Dispatch
03/09/2005
If for some inexplicable reason Ankiel went unclaimed, then the Cardinals would have nothing to lose by letting Ankiel learn a new trade in the minors. But it would be a travesty to carry Ankiel all summer in St. Louis, on a veteran team that wants to redeem itself in the World Series, swaddling him in a big-league uniform that he didn't deserve at this point. It's time to let Ankiel move on with his life. The Cardinals did their part. Now they need to get out of the day-care business.
===
No longer a freak show, Ankiel could find new life in outfield
BY JEFF GORDON, Post-Dispatch Online Sports Columnist
03/09/2005
Rather than setting himself up for another Big Fall in a game environment, Ankiel chose a new course. Scouts always told him he has the arm, the bat and the athletic tools to become a fine major league outfielder. So he decided to change jobs.
Can the Cards afford to keep him on the big league roster as an outfielder?
That’s doubtful, since he needs to go someplace -– we’d suggested extended spring training, then high Class A ball, moving up to Class AA in July -- and start succeeding as a hitter. More than anything, Ankiel needs to regain his athletic confidence.
Will the Cards lose him on waivers?
Maybe, because some team may try to claim him and convince him to give pitching another try. Other baseball folks may believe a change of scenery, not a change of position, is all Ankiel needs.
Let’s hope that is not the case.
===
Ankiel's days as a Card numbered?
By Joe Strauss Of the Post-Dispatch
03/09/2005
There will be few at-bats this spring for Rick Ankiel. "I can't give them to him because he's not going to make our team," manager Tony La Russa said.
===
Misc Quotes
- "You're not going to able to walk into a big league camp and win a spot," La Russa said. "But he has talent and I wouldn't put anything past him."
- Joe McEwing of the New York Mets, who played with Ankiel in the Cardinals organization in 1998 and 1999, had a bit of advice. "Just work," McEwing said. "It's going to take a lot of hard work and repetitions, but one thing about it is that he's a good athlete."
- "He's said he's not going to pitch," Jocketty said. "If somebody claims him to be a pitcher, it'll be a costly error."
- "It's a shame, all his talent, not that it's wasted because he's a great athlete and who knows what he can do," said pitcher Matt Morris, perhaps Ankiel's closest friend on the team. "But I hope one day he gets back to pitching."
===
There's a precedent here.
In 1957, Cardinals rookie Von McDaniel pitched a two-hit shutout in his major league debut. He wound up the season with a 7-5 record and a 3.22 ERA. Oh, one more thing: he was 18 years old.
McDaniel never won another game in the majors. He missed most of 1958 with an injury, and spent 1959 in the Florida State League. He pitched well that season, going 13-5 ... and he also played in the field, and batted .313 with 10 homers and 71 RBI. That basically ended McDaniel's career as a pitcher, but he spent six more seasons in the minors as a power-hitting infielder.
That's about what I think will happen to Rick Ankiel. He's immensely talented, but almost certainly not talented enough to hit major league pitching with any sort of consistency. He's the new Von McDaniel. -- Rob Neyer
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
March 9th: Ankiel to Outfield
Editors note: Unbelievable!!
Cards move Ankiel to outfield
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/09/2005
JUPITER, Fla. -- Cardinals lefthander Rick Ankiel, once deemed the game's most promising young arm, will convert from pitcher to outfielder, effective immediately.
The Cardinals confirmed the move Wednesday morning shortly after rain washed out what was scheduled to be Ankiel's spring debut in a B game against the Florida Marlins.
"We are fully supportive of Rick's decision to convert to an everyday outfielder," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said in a prepared statement. "Rick will continue to train with the major league club this spring, and we look forward to seeing his development as a full-time batter and outfielder."
The unexpected announcement comes after Ankiel, 25, gave a promising September showing in the Redbirds bullpen followed by a credible performance as a starter in the Puerto Rican winter league. The winter league stint was cut short by elbow tenderness.
This spring, Ankiel has struggled with command and had been pulled from pitchers field drills before experiencing erratic command in batting practice.
"I just felt like after Puerto Rico, coming back when I was hurt there, I changed mechanically. Just coming back, I couldn't really replicate it," Ankiel said. "This whole time, that frustration has built up. I just really felt like it was eroding my spirits and starting to affect my personality off the field as well.
"The frustration . . . it just became apparent it was time for me to move on and pursue becoming an outfielder."
"... Not being able to go out there and be effective, not being able to replicate my mechanics, the frustration and the way it effects me off the field -- it just wasn’t worth it. I feel relieved now and I’m happy to move on."
Ankiel won 11 games for the Cardinals as a 20-year-old rookie in 2000 before suffering a loss of command during the postseason. Hindered by elbow reconstruction surgery, he took nearly three seasons to make his return to the major leagues.
Ankiel hit .250 with two homers and nine RBIs for the Cards in 2000. After being sent to Johnson City of the Appalachian League in 2001, he got 105 at-bats as a designated hitter and hit .286 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs. In 134 minor-league at-bats since 2001, Ankiel has a .575 slugging percentage.
The Cardinals plan to immediately integrate Ankiel into their outfield. In the "players" database on Major League Baseball's official web site (mlb.com), Ankiel already is listed as a left fielder.
Because he is out of options, Ankiel must either make the club or be put through waivers.
Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this story. STLtoday.com will have more later as this story develops.
Cards move Ankiel to outfield
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/09/2005
JUPITER, Fla. -- Cardinals lefthander Rick Ankiel, once deemed the game's most promising young arm, will convert from pitcher to outfielder, effective immediately.
The Cardinals confirmed the move Wednesday morning shortly after rain washed out what was scheduled to be Ankiel's spring debut in a B game against the Florida Marlins.
"We are fully supportive of Rick's decision to convert to an everyday outfielder," Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty said in a prepared statement. "Rick will continue to train with the major league club this spring, and we look forward to seeing his development as a full-time batter and outfielder."
The unexpected announcement comes after Ankiel, 25, gave a promising September showing in the Redbirds bullpen followed by a credible performance as a starter in the Puerto Rican winter league. The winter league stint was cut short by elbow tenderness.
This spring, Ankiel has struggled with command and had been pulled from pitchers field drills before experiencing erratic command in batting practice.
"I just felt like after Puerto Rico, coming back when I was hurt there, I changed mechanically. Just coming back, I couldn't really replicate it," Ankiel said. "This whole time, that frustration has built up. I just really felt like it was eroding my spirits and starting to affect my personality off the field as well.
"The frustration . . . it just became apparent it was time for me to move on and pursue becoming an outfielder."
"... Not being able to go out there and be effective, not being able to replicate my mechanics, the frustration and the way it effects me off the field -- it just wasn’t worth it. I feel relieved now and I’m happy to move on."
Ankiel won 11 games for the Cardinals as a 20-year-old rookie in 2000 before suffering a loss of command during the postseason. Hindered by elbow reconstruction surgery, he took nearly three seasons to make his return to the major leagues.
Ankiel hit .250 with two homers and nine RBIs for the Cards in 2000. After being sent to Johnson City of the Appalachian League in 2001, he got 105 at-bats as a designated hitter and hit .286 with 10 homers and 35 RBIs. In 134 minor-league at-bats since 2001, Ankiel has a .575 slugging percentage.
The Cardinals plan to immediately integrate Ankiel into their outfield. In the "players" database on Major League Baseball's official web site (mlb.com), Ankiel already is listed as a left fielder.
Because he is out of options, Ankiel must either make the club or be put through waivers.
Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this story. STLtoday.com will have more later as this story develops.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
March 8th: Pujo, Marquis, Izzy, Mabry & Ankiel
Pujols gets into swing of things with 2 HRs
By Derrick Goold 0f the Post-Dispatch
03/07/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - His swing, he says, is not ready for the regular season, but Albert Pujols hit his second and third home runs of the exhibition season and already has five extra-base hits in eight at-bats this spring.
"What's new?" manager Tony La Russa said.
Pujols was three for three with two homers and a double in the Cardinals' 6-1 victory against the Dodgers on Monday. In three games, he has had eight at-bats and hasn't hit a single, producing instead 16 total bases in five extra-base hits for a tidy 2.000 slugging percentage.
===
Marquis unveils curve
Crafting a curve this spring, Marquis threw it to the second batter Monday, dropping it past a frozen Dodger, Jason Repko.
Matt Morris called that curve nasty.
"That was a Matty Mo curveball," said Marquis, who threw 41 pitches over three innings Monday. "I have to get to that point where I'm doing that 100 percent of the time."
The last time he got a looking K with a curve?
"Probably high school," he said.
===
Izzy works into, gets out of trouble
Closer Jason Isringhausen threw his first game inning of spring. Coming off hip surgery in the offseason, Isringhausen tossed one inning - but what an inning.
"Couple hits. A walk. A couple strikeouts," he said. "About normal."
===
Injury updates
Einar Diaz and John Mabry, both coming off injuries, might get game at-bats today. Diaz has missed time with pain in his side that limited his ability to bat, not catch. Mabry, just two days removed from hearing a pop in his right elbow, said he had only mild discomfort and was cleared for full batting practice Monday.
===
Ankiel, etc.
The Cardinals were able to schedule a second game for Wednesday, and lefty Rick Ankiel is scheduled to make his spring debut against the Marlins in the B-lot game at the teams' spring training facility. Suppan will start the Cardinals' scheduled game against the Mets at Port St. Lucie. ... Former Cardinal Drew had a double for the Dodgers in Monday's exhibition game against the Cards.
By Derrick Goold 0f the Post-Dispatch
03/07/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - His swing, he says, is not ready for the regular season, but Albert Pujols hit his second and third home runs of the exhibition season and already has five extra-base hits in eight at-bats this spring.
"What's new?" manager Tony La Russa said.
Pujols was three for three with two homers and a double in the Cardinals' 6-1 victory against the Dodgers on Monday. In three games, he has had eight at-bats and hasn't hit a single, producing instead 16 total bases in five extra-base hits for a tidy 2.000 slugging percentage.
===
Marquis unveils curve
Crafting a curve this spring, Marquis threw it to the second batter Monday, dropping it past a frozen Dodger, Jason Repko.
Matt Morris called that curve nasty.
"That was a Matty Mo curveball," said Marquis, who threw 41 pitches over three innings Monday. "I have to get to that point where I'm doing that 100 percent of the time."
The last time he got a looking K with a curve?
"Probably high school," he said.
===
Izzy works into, gets out of trouble
Closer Jason Isringhausen threw his first game inning of spring. Coming off hip surgery in the offseason, Isringhausen tossed one inning - but what an inning.
"Couple hits. A walk. A couple strikeouts," he said. "About normal."
===
Injury updates
Einar Diaz and John Mabry, both coming off injuries, might get game at-bats today. Diaz has missed time with pain in his side that limited his ability to bat, not catch. Mabry, just two days removed from hearing a pop in his right elbow, said he had only mild discomfort and was cleared for full batting practice Monday.
===
Ankiel, etc.
The Cardinals were able to schedule a second game for Wednesday, and lefty Rick Ankiel is scheduled to make his spring debut against the Marlins in the B-lot game at the teams' spring training facility. Suppan will start the Cardinals' scheduled game against the Mets at Port St. Lucie. ... Former Cardinal Drew had a double for the Dodgers in Monday's exhibition game against the Cards.
Thursday, March 03, 2005
March 3rd: Molina, Walker, Pujo
Molina ready to take No. 1 job
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
03/02/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - The only thing that whizzed through the Cardinals' minor-league system quicker than Yadier Molina in the past four years was word on how good this catching prodigy with rich pedigree was going to be.
"For me, when you hear people talk about him - and you've got (scouts) you trust and you hear what they are saying - you develop a certain opinion about him," Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "Our expectations were very high for Yadi before we ever saw him play. ... During the championship season, he played as if he's played in the big leagues for many years, as if he was experienced.
"He's a very smart kid with great instincts for the game."
===
Walker relapses in recovery from back injury
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/02/2005
Right fielder Larry Walker probably will miss the next several days' workouts after aggravating what trainers describe as a sprained back.
Head trainer Barry Weinberg described Walker as taking a "three-quarter step back" after prematurely pushing himself through a Monday workout. Walker arrived in camp complaining of back spasms and has undergone treatment daily.
"I think you have to be a little concerned," La Russa said before Wednesday's workout. "It's bad enough that he can't get out there."
===
Pujols' defense gets rave reviews
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/01/2005
On a brisk Tuesday, Pujols serves as hitting coach Hal McRae's righthanded model, demonstrating a level swing through the zone by smashing balls off a waist-high tee.
The sky is bright but Pujols produces a thunderclap.
Outfielder John Mabry listens to a passerby's cliche about how pitchers are supposedly light years ahead of hitters, thinks about Pujols, and laughs.
"Those rules don't apply to him. He's a freak. Incredible," Mabry said.
===
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
03/02/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - The only thing that whizzed through the Cardinals' minor-league system quicker than Yadier Molina in the past four years was word on how good this catching prodigy with rich pedigree was going to be.
"For me, when you hear people talk about him - and you've got (scouts) you trust and you hear what they are saying - you develop a certain opinion about him," Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "Our expectations were very high for Yadi before we ever saw him play. ... During the championship season, he played as if he's played in the big leagues for many years, as if he was experienced.
"He's a very smart kid with great instincts for the game."
===
Walker relapses in recovery from back injury
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/02/2005
Right fielder Larry Walker probably will miss the next several days' workouts after aggravating what trainers describe as a sprained back.
Head trainer Barry Weinberg described Walker as taking a "three-quarter step back" after prematurely pushing himself through a Monday workout. Walker arrived in camp complaining of back spasms and has undergone treatment daily.
"I think you have to be a little concerned," La Russa said before Wednesday's workout. "It's bad enough that he can't get out there."
===
Pujols' defense gets rave reviews
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
03/01/2005
On a brisk Tuesday, Pujols serves as hitting coach Hal McRae's righthanded model, demonstrating a level swing through the zone by smashing balls off a waist-high tee.
The sky is bright but Pujols produces a thunderclap.
Outfielder John Mabry listens to a passerby's cliche about how pitchers are supposedly light years ahead of hitters, thinks about Pujols, and laughs.
"Those rules don't apply to him. He's a freak. Incredible," Mabry said.
===
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
March 1st: Ankiel, Williams, Walker, Tavarez, Rolen
Wild pitching earns Ankiel a quick hook
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
02/28/2005
Ankiel threw 23 pitches. Several thudded into the dirt ahead of the plate, one sailed wildly to the back of the cage and only three were strikes. In simulated at-bats, he walked five of the six batters he faced. Three were four-pitch walks.
"It's just disappointing," Ankiel said. "You go out there and don't execute the way you want to execute. ... I feel like I just didn't have a rhythm. My mechanics were out of whack there. You try to stay mechanically sound, and hopefully you catch it pitch to pitch. Unfortunately I wasn't able to."
The outing was, at most, disconcerting, not alarming.
===
Team hopes veteran Williams will be father figure
By Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
02/28/2005
Williams acknowledged that management wanted him to be a leader, and though he's not exactly sure how that will play out, Williams said he welcomes the opportunity.
"Of course," he said. "That's part of my personality. And it doesn't take anything away from what I do.
"Sometimes guys don't ask (for help) and you have to tell them. If there's one guy in here that I can make a better player or a better pitcher, then that's what I'll set out to do."
Bochy, who managed Williams in his previous stint with the Padres, called Williams a "father figure."
===
Larry Walker was sidelined with back...
CBS Sportsline
RF Larry Walker was sidelined with back spasms although he didn't consider them significant. Walker worked out on a limited basis after missing the first two full-squad drills. "Much better today, much better," Walker said. "If there's a game today, I'm playing." A year ago, Walker arrived three weeks early to Colorado's camp. He played in three spring training games before feeling a pop while tracking a flyball -- and he missed 68 games because of a strained groin. (02/28/2005)
===
Sportsline VIP: NOTES
--The left pinkie finger RHP Julian Tavarez broke when punching a dugout telephone in Houston during last year's National League Championship Series still hasn't healed.
"He probably thinks it's a conversation piece," La Russa said. "When he retires he might get it fixed. Right now, it's something he enjoys looking at. It reminds him to keep his temper."
--3B Scott Rolen didn't have offseason surgery on his occasionally troublesome left knee, but Dr. George Paletta, head of the club's medical staff, concedes that Rolen's knee condition isn't going away. Should the cartilage continue to erode, surgery may one day become inevitable.
Said Paletta, "The knee is potentially the bigger issue. Without some intervention, it's highly unlikely this is going to heal itself. Once it's worn away, it's gone. We can keep our eye on whether it progresses. Right now, the symptoms are pretty minimal."
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
02/28/2005
Ankiel threw 23 pitches. Several thudded into the dirt ahead of the plate, one sailed wildly to the back of the cage and only three were strikes. In simulated at-bats, he walked five of the six batters he faced. Three were four-pitch walks.
"It's just disappointing," Ankiel said. "You go out there and don't execute the way you want to execute. ... I feel like I just didn't have a rhythm. My mechanics were out of whack there. You try to stay mechanically sound, and hopefully you catch it pitch to pitch. Unfortunately I wasn't able to."
The outing was, at most, disconcerting, not alarming.
===
Team hopes veteran Williams will be father figure
By Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
02/28/2005
Williams acknowledged that management wanted him to be a leader, and though he's not exactly sure how that will play out, Williams said he welcomes the opportunity.
"Of course," he said. "That's part of my personality. And it doesn't take anything away from what I do.
"Sometimes guys don't ask (for help) and you have to tell them. If there's one guy in here that I can make a better player or a better pitcher, then that's what I'll set out to do."
Bochy, who managed Williams in his previous stint with the Padres, called Williams a "father figure."
===
Larry Walker was sidelined with back...
CBS Sportsline
RF Larry Walker was sidelined with back spasms although he didn't consider them significant. Walker worked out on a limited basis after missing the first two full-squad drills. "Much better today, much better," Walker said. "If there's a game today, I'm playing." A year ago, Walker arrived three weeks early to Colorado's camp. He played in three spring training games before feeling a pop while tracking a flyball -- and he missed 68 games because of a strained groin. (02/28/2005)
===
Sportsline VIP: NOTES
--The left pinkie finger RHP Julian Tavarez broke when punching a dugout telephone in Houston during last year's National League Championship Series still hasn't healed.
"He probably thinks it's a conversation piece," La Russa said. "When he retires he might get it fixed. Right now, it's something he enjoys looking at. It reminds him to keep his temper."
--3B Scott Rolen didn't have offseason surgery on his occasionally troublesome left knee, but Dr. George Paletta, head of the club's medical staff, concedes that Rolen's knee condition isn't going away. Should the cartilage continue to erode, surgery may one day become inevitable.
Said Paletta, "The knee is potentially the bigger issue. Without some intervention, it's highly unlikely this is going to heal itself. Once it's worn away, it's gone. We can keep our eye on whether it progresses. Right now, the symptoms are pretty minimal."
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Feb 28th: Morris, Pulsipher, Pujo vs Reyes, Journell, Ankiel
Morris is mending at rapid rate
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
JUPITER, Fla. - The Cardinals have made official their optimism regarding Matt Morris.
"He's ahead of schedule because he hasn't had any setbacks," Duncan said after watching Morris' session.
"He hasn't had a day where he was stiff and didn't think he should throw. He's been able to follow the rehab program without missing a beat."
===
Road back leads to Jupiter
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
02/27/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - Tattered, emotionally worn and derailed by anxiety attacks and injury, Bill Pulsipher made a surprise visit several years ago to the New York Mets' spring training facility to ask for a job - on the grounds crew.
Once among the Mets' gleaming young pitchers, Pulsipher appeared to heads groundskeeper Tommy Bowes as a man "down and out," rudderless without baseball. So Bowes made him a deal.
There were outfields to mow, infields to rake, chores to do, but Pulsipher had to pledge to spend just as much time working out as well. Bowes offered the lefthanded pitcher a chance to rebuild his career.
Starting at ground level.
A lefthander with 101 major-league appearances, Pulsipher is the most intriguing of the Cardinals' nonroster invitees. The 31-year-old lefty is coming off his best 12 months of pitching since two operations and a battle with severe anxiety eroded the ability he showed as a rookie. On three teams, from the independent Atlantic League to the Caribbean Series, Pulsipher was a combined 18-10 in 33 appearances (32 starts) this past year, throwing for a 3.75 ERA in 216 total innings.
He curtails his anxiety with medicine.
"Every day," he said. "Every morning."
===
Sunday in Camp: Pujols vs. Reyes
BY DERRICK GOOLD Post-Dispatch Baseball Writer
02/27/2005
With games just a few days away, some pitchers -– like Thursday’s scheduled starter Mark Mulder -– graduated to simulated innings Sunday. Rookie Anthony Reyes -– he of the straight brim and percolating fastball -– was among the pitchers working innings. But, where Mulder faced a handful of middle infielders, Reyes faced the following group:
John Mabry. So Taguchi. Scott Rolen. And, Albert Pujols.
This is what many gathered to see: Pujols vs. Reyes.
Pujols was the first batter to face the Cardinals’ top-rated prospect. Reyes, a 23-year-old righthander, fired the first pitched for a looking-strike fastball. Pujols fouled off the second pitch. A slider hooked low for the third pitch. The at-bat went five pitches and ended with Pujols popping up to right.
Mabry worked an 0-2 count into an eight-pitch “walk” in his first shot against Reyes.
During Pujols' second trip, Reyes got a fastball up for a ball. The second pitch was over the heart of the plate -– for just a moment.
Plenty of time for Pujols to crush it over the fence in left-center.
Reyes, who pitched on the same University of Southern California team as Mark Prior and even shares some of the same warmup routines, has some cut to his fastball and can follow with a changeup. He fired a breaking ball to Pujols in a third at-bat that stayed low and tempting.
Pujols held off, but yelled to the prospect: “Good pitch right there.”
Two of the batters Reyes faced struck out looking.
===
Journell displays a strong arm a year after injury
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
02/26/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - It's been less than a year, yet pitcher Jimmy Journell says it feels "like 10 years" since he last threw to a hitter. But what he's done so far in spring training was summed up in one word by Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan.
"Impressed," Duncan said.
===
Duncan on Ankiel: "He looked good"
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
02/25/2005
Ankiel struck out 23 and walked only two batters during last season's three stops. His success translated to the Puerto Rican winter league until an elbow "twinge" cut short his stay.
"I'm excited, but who has a crystal ball?" La Russa asked. "He pitched a lot last year, his arm got sore; he's just got to stay healthy. We'll take it day by day."
"I'm going to do the same thing I did last year - take the ball, go out and pitch," Ankiel said.
As for limitations, La Russa added, "He could start the game or come in the middle of an inning. I just know whenever he comes into the game the opposition isn't going to be too happy to see him."
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
JUPITER, Fla. - The Cardinals have made official their optimism regarding Matt Morris.
"He's ahead of schedule because he hasn't had any setbacks," Duncan said after watching Morris' session.
"He hasn't had a day where he was stiff and didn't think he should throw. He's been able to follow the rehab program without missing a beat."
===
Road back leads to Jupiter
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
02/27/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - Tattered, emotionally worn and derailed by anxiety attacks and injury, Bill Pulsipher made a surprise visit several years ago to the New York Mets' spring training facility to ask for a job - on the grounds crew.
Once among the Mets' gleaming young pitchers, Pulsipher appeared to heads groundskeeper Tommy Bowes as a man "down and out," rudderless without baseball. So Bowes made him a deal.
There were outfields to mow, infields to rake, chores to do, but Pulsipher had to pledge to spend just as much time working out as well. Bowes offered the lefthanded pitcher a chance to rebuild his career.
Starting at ground level.
A lefthander with 101 major-league appearances, Pulsipher is the most intriguing of the Cardinals' nonroster invitees. The 31-year-old lefty is coming off his best 12 months of pitching since two operations and a battle with severe anxiety eroded the ability he showed as a rookie. On three teams, from the independent Atlantic League to the Caribbean Series, Pulsipher was a combined 18-10 in 33 appearances (32 starts) this past year, throwing for a 3.75 ERA in 216 total innings.
He curtails his anxiety with medicine.
"Every day," he said. "Every morning."
===
Sunday in Camp: Pujols vs. Reyes
BY DERRICK GOOLD Post-Dispatch Baseball Writer
02/27/2005
With games just a few days away, some pitchers -– like Thursday’s scheduled starter Mark Mulder -– graduated to simulated innings Sunday. Rookie Anthony Reyes -– he of the straight brim and percolating fastball -– was among the pitchers working innings. But, where Mulder faced a handful of middle infielders, Reyes faced the following group:
John Mabry. So Taguchi. Scott Rolen. And, Albert Pujols.
This is what many gathered to see: Pujols vs. Reyes.
Pujols was the first batter to face the Cardinals’ top-rated prospect. Reyes, a 23-year-old righthander, fired the first pitched for a looking-strike fastball. Pujols fouled off the second pitch. A slider hooked low for the third pitch. The at-bat went five pitches and ended with Pujols popping up to right.
Mabry worked an 0-2 count into an eight-pitch “walk” in his first shot against Reyes.
During Pujols' second trip, Reyes got a fastball up for a ball. The second pitch was over the heart of the plate -– for just a moment.
Plenty of time for Pujols to crush it over the fence in left-center.
Reyes, who pitched on the same University of Southern California team as Mark Prior and even shares some of the same warmup routines, has some cut to his fastball and can follow with a changeup. He fired a breaking ball to Pujols in a third at-bat that stayed low and tempting.
Pujols held off, but yelled to the prospect: “Good pitch right there.”
Two of the batters Reyes faced struck out looking.
===
Journell displays a strong arm a year after injury
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
02/26/2005
JUPITER, Fla. - It's been less than a year, yet pitcher Jimmy Journell says it feels "like 10 years" since he last threw to a hitter. But what he's done so far in spring training was summed up in one word by Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan.
"Impressed," Duncan said.
===
Duncan on Ankiel: "He looked good"
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
02/25/2005
Ankiel struck out 23 and walked only two batters during last season's three stops. His success translated to the Puerto Rican winter league until an elbow "twinge" cut short his stay.
"I'm excited, but who has a crystal ball?" La Russa asked. "He pitched a lot last year, his arm got sore; he's just got to stay healthy. We'll take it day by day."
"I'm going to do the same thing I did last year - take the ball, go out and pitch," Ankiel said.
As for limitations, La Russa added, "He could start the game or come in the middle of an inning. I just know whenever he comes into the game the opposition isn't going to be too happy to see him."
Friday, February 25, 2005
February 25th: Marquis, Duncan, McGwire, Sosa
Marquis breaks out curveball in batting practice
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
Jason Marquis is developing a curve, which will offer him an opportunity to change speeds. He said he was pleased with half of the curves he threw Thursday in batting practice.
Continuing his spring schooling to hone and harness a curveball, Marquis threw 40 pitches to batters Thursday in Day 2 of the Cardinals' full-squad workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. The sinkerballer, primarily a power pitcher, said he was pleased with 50 percent of the curves he threw.
"It's somewhat of a luxury to be able to work on a few things," Marquis said. "In the past (spring trainings), I've had to come out with my best stuff and try to get the batters out anyway possible just to get the position I wanted. I have some time to work on things (this spring)."
===
Cardinals report: Inside pitch
Feb. 21, 2005
The Sports Xchange
"If we have problems along the way, if we lose guys, then there's no way to know. But going in we expect to have a good pitching staff."
Duncan said having a new middle infield and a first-year starting catcher wouldn't be impediments to his staff.
Regarding SS David Eckstein and 2B Mark Grudzielanek replacing Edgar Renteria and Tony Womack, Duncan said: "I think our middle-infield defense is going to be OK. Is it going to be Gold Glove? I don't know. But I think it's going to be good."
Duncan also doesn't have concern about 22-year-old C Yadier Molina.
"If he hadn't been with us before, it would be a real concern, but with the time he spent with us last year he convinced me he's ready to catch in the big leagues," said Duncan. "Mechanically, he does everything well except he still needs to work on his technique for blocking balls."
Molina hit .267 in 135 at-bats for the Cardinals after batting .302 in 37 games at Memphis. His .356 slugging and .329 on-base percentages exceed the career numbers of the Gold Glove defender he replaces, Mike Matheny.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
LHP Rick Ankiel. Ankiel hasn't started a season as an active big leaguer since 2001, in the height of his control trauma. Now, his control issues are behind him and the only concern is how his surgically repaired elbow would hold up under regular duty. He will start the season in the rotation but might go to the bullpen when RHP Matt Morris is recovered from shoulder surgery.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
RHP Jason Marquis. Is he the 15-game winner he was last year or the pitcher who struggled in his other big-league seasons with Atlanta? He faded in the second half of last season and was inconsistent in the postseason play.
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
===
La Russa: McGwire could be hitting instructor for Cardinals
Feb. 24, 2005
SportsLine.com wire reports
JUPITER, Fla. -- St. Louis manager Tony La Russa thinks Mark McGwire will become a hitting instructor with the Cardinals at some point.
McGwire mostly has stayed away from ballparks since his retirement after the 2001 season.
"I just know he's another year away from playing, and in conversations I had with him, he knows he has something to offer hitters," La Russa said Thursday. "I don't know that it got that close (this year), but there's no doubt that at some point he wants to share with the guys."
Half-jokingly, La Russa said he'd make it easier for McGwire to return by keeping him out of the spotlight.
"I'd love to see him here," La Russa said. "I told him, 'You come here and we'll hide you in the back. No interviews, nothing, just for the baseball."'
Former Oakland teammate Jose Canseco has accused McGwire of using steroids. McGwire issued a statement denying the accusations but has refused requests for interviews.
===
More dirty laundry in Sosa-Cubs tiff
San Jose Mercury News
Feb. 25, 2005
As it turns out, baseball's Pants-On-Fire debate rages beyond Barry Bonds vs. the media. It has engulfed Sammy Sosa and the Cubs, too.
"They lie," the new Oriole said Wednesday of Cubs who have said, at least in Sosa's interpretation, the team is better off without him.
By Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch
Jason Marquis is developing a curve, which will offer him an opportunity to change speeds. He said he was pleased with half of the curves he threw Thursday in batting practice.
Continuing his spring schooling to hone and harness a curveball, Marquis threw 40 pitches to batters Thursday in Day 2 of the Cardinals' full-squad workouts at Roger Dean Stadium. The sinkerballer, primarily a power pitcher, said he was pleased with 50 percent of the curves he threw.
"It's somewhat of a luxury to be able to work on a few things," Marquis said. "In the past (spring trainings), I've had to come out with my best stuff and try to get the batters out anyway possible just to get the position I wanted. I have some time to work on things (this spring)."
===
Cardinals report: Inside pitch
Feb. 21, 2005
The Sports Xchange
"If we have problems along the way, if we lose guys, then there's no way to know. But going in we expect to have a good pitching staff."
Duncan said having a new middle infield and a first-year starting catcher wouldn't be impediments to his staff.
Regarding SS David Eckstein and 2B Mark Grudzielanek replacing Edgar Renteria and Tony Womack, Duncan said: "I think our middle-infield defense is going to be OK. Is it going to be Gold Glove? I don't know. But I think it's going to be good."
Duncan also doesn't have concern about 22-year-old C Yadier Molina.
"If he hadn't been with us before, it would be a real concern, but with the time he spent with us last year he convinced me he's ready to catch in the big leagues," said Duncan. "Mechanically, he does everything well except he still needs to work on his technique for blocking balls."
Molina hit .267 in 135 at-bats for the Cardinals after batting .302 in 37 games at Memphis. His .356 slugging and .329 on-base percentages exceed the career numbers of the Gold Glove defender he replaces, Mike Matheny.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE
LHP Rick Ankiel. Ankiel hasn't started a season as an active big leaguer since 2001, in the height of his control trauma. Now, his control issues are behind him and the only concern is how his surgically repaired elbow would hold up under regular duty. He will start the season in the rotation but might go to the bullpen when RHP Matt Morris is recovered from shoulder surgery.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT
RHP Jason Marquis. Is he the 15-game winner he was last year or the pitcher who struggled in his other big-league seasons with Atlanta? He faded in the second half of last season and was inconsistent in the postseason play.
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
===
La Russa: McGwire could be hitting instructor for Cardinals
Feb. 24, 2005
SportsLine.com wire reports
JUPITER, Fla. -- St. Louis manager Tony La Russa thinks Mark McGwire will become a hitting instructor with the Cardinals at some point.
McGwire mostly has stayed away from ballparks since his retirement after the 2001 season.
"I just know he's another year away from playing, and in conversations I had with him, he knows he has something to offer hitters," La Russa said Thursday. "I don't know that it got that close (this year), but there's no doubt that at some point he wants to share with the guys."
Half-jokingly, La Russa said he'd make it easier for McGwire to return by keeping him out of the spotlight.
"I'd love to see him here," La Russa said. "I told him, 'You come here and we'll hide you in the back. No interviews, nothing, just for the baseball."'
Former Oakland teammate Jose Canseco has accused McGwire of using steroids. McGwire issued a statement denying the accusations but has refused requests for interviews.
===
More dirty laundry in Sosa-Cubs tiff
San Jose Mercury News
Feb. 25, 2005
As it turns out, baseball's Pants-On-Fire debate rages beyond Barry Bonds vs. the media. It has engulfed Sammy Sosa and the Cubs, too.
"They lie," the new Oriole said Wednesday of Cubs who have said, at least in Sosa's interpretation, the team is better off without him.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
February 24th: Rolen, Matheny, Hart, Sosa
Playing With Pain: Rolen's knee will remain a problem
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
Rolen has had aches and pains that have limited him in each of his three seasons with the Cardinals. "I've been hurt, but I haven't been injured. I've been able to go out and do more or less what I needed to do," he said.
People concede that Rolen's knee condition isn't going away. Should the cartilage continue to erode, surgery may one day become inevitable.
Said Paletta, "The knee is potentially the bigger issue. Without some intervention, it's highly unlikely this is going to heal itself. Once it's worn away, it's gone. We can keep our eye on whether it progresses. Right now, the symptoms are pretty minimal."
Manager Tony La Russa said that Rolen's knee is a maintenance issue, adding, "He's a big guy. He plays hard. He runs hard. But I think as far as his problem goes, he comes into camp 100 percent."
===
Giants like Matheny for emphasizing catching
By Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
Matheny, 34, acknowledged there had been several times when he thought he would finish his career with the team he was on. First, it was Milwaukee, then Toronto and then the Cardinals. "I couldn't imagine being away from St. Louis," he said.
Until late last season, that is, and then as the postseason wound down. Matheny sat on the bench in his last game as a Cardinal, watching as Molina caught Game 4 of the World Series.
"Wouldn't you want to be playing in Game 4 of the World Series?" Matheny said. "But, yes, as it pretty much got out of hand, it crept into my mind that that probably would be my last game as a Cardinal."
Matheny was honored for his 2004 season as a Cardinal at the St. Louis Baseball Writers' Dinner in January. There was a standing ovation from the crowd. There was high praise from all sides of the dais.
"That was the most moving part of my professional career," Matheny said. "To hear guys say some of the things they did ... long-term beyond the game, that stuff is so much more important than just the statistical things."
Matheny left the Cardinals with disappointment but not bitterness. "I have nothing but fond memories of being with the Cardinals," he said. "I couldn't have been treated any better.
"I certainly learned a lot about catching from (pitching coach) Dave Duncan, who was an unbelievable resource, and (bullpen coach) Marty Mason."
===
Hart is trying to switch-hit
Bo Hart has begun learning how to hit lefthanded. Hart, who hit .299 at Class AAA Memphis last season, is experimenting with hitting from the left side. He said La Russa, who lobbied for a lefthanded-hitting infielder to be signed in the offseason, suggested he try it.
At 28, Hart is making the switch late. Some coaches have told him it will be difficult, especially if lefthanded at-bats detract from the work he could do to win the job hitting righthanded.
"He's trying to learn, but it's real trial and error right now," said new hitting coach Hal McRae. "It's very difficult. Very difficult."
===
JUST A SOSA PLAYER?
Gordo's Tipsheet: Thursday Edition
By Jeff Gordon
The Chicago Cubs won’t be the same without Sammy Sosa, no matter what Mark Prior, Kerry Wood or any of the incumbent players say.
“I understand that they are saying right now that they don't need me,” Sosa told reporters after his first work day with the Baltimore Orioles. “They lie. I understand they want to move forward and they feel they have a competitive team, but I don't think nobody can replace me. They can say whatever they want to say, but it is going to be hard, my friend, to duplicate me.”
Especially with Jeromy Burnitz playing right field.
Sosa was philosophical about the demise of his notorious boom box, which was beaten into submission by a Cubs teammate after Sammy went home during the 2004 season finale.
“I don't really care,” Sosa said. “You know why? Because when the man is not in the house, the chickens are jumping around.”
Words to live by, indeed.
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
Rolen has had aches and pains that have limited him in each of his three seasons with the Cardinals. "I've been hurt, but I haven't been injured. I've been able to go out and do more or less what I needed to do," he said.
People concede that Rolen's knee condition isn't going away. Should the cartilage continue to erode, surgery may one day become inevitable.
Said Paletta, "The knee is potentially the bigger issue. Without some intervention, it's highly unlikely this is going to heal itself. Once it's worn away, it's gone. We can keep our eye on whether it progresses. Right now, the symptoms are pretty minimal."
Manager Tony La Russa said that Rolen's knee is a maintenance issue, adding, "He's a big guy. He plays hard. He runs hard. But I think as far as his problem goes, he comes into camp 100 percent."
===
Giants like Matheny for emphasizing catching
By Rick Hummel of the Post-Dispatch
Matheny, 34, acknowledged there had been several times when he thought he would finish his career with the team he was on. First, it was Milwaukee, then Toronto and then the Cardinals. "I couldn't imagine being away from St. Louis," he said.
Until late last season, that is, and then as the postseason wound down. Matheny sat on the bench in his last game as a Cardinal, watching as Molina caught Game 4 of the World Series.
"Wouldn't you want to be playing in Game 4 of the World Series?" Matheny said. "But, yes, as it pretty much got out of hand, it crept into my mind that that probably would be my last game as a Cardinal."
Matheny was honored for his 2004 season as a Cardinal at the St. Louis Baseball Writers' Dinner in January. There was a standing ovation from the crowd. There was high praise from all sides of the dais.
"That was the most moving part of my professional career," Matheny said. "To hear guys say some of the things they did ... long-term beyond the game, that stuff is so much more important than just the statistical things."
Matheny left the Cardinals with disappointment but not bitterness. "I have nothing but fond memories of being with the Cardinals," he said. "I couldn't have been treated any better.
"I certainly learned a lot about catching from (pitching coach) Dave Duncan, who was an unbelievable resource, and (bullpen coach) Marty Mason."
===
Hart is trying to switch-hit
Bo Hart has begun learning how to hit lefthanded. Hart, who hit .299 at Class AAA Memphis last season, is experimenting with hitting from the left side. He said La Russa, who lobbied for a lefthanded-hitting infielder to be signed in the offseason, suggested he try it.
At 28, Hart is making the switch late. Some coaches have told him it will be difficult, especially if lefthanded at-bats detract from the work he could do to win the job hitting righthanded.
"He's trying to learn, but it's real trial and error right now," said new hitting coach Hal McRae. "It's very difficult. Very difficult."
===
JUST A SOSA PLAYER?
Gordo's Tipsheet: Thursday Edition
By Jeff Gordon
The Chicago Cubs won’t be the same without Sammy Sosa, no matter what Mark Prior, Kerry Wood or any of the incumbent players say.
“I understand that they are saying right now that they don't need me,” Sosa told reporters after his first work day with the Baltimore Orioles. “They lie. I understand they want to move forward and they feel they have a competitive team, but I don't think nobody can replace me. They can say whatever they want to say, but it is going to be hard, my friend, to duplicate me.”
Especially with Jeromy Burnitz playing right field.
Sosa was philosophical about the demise of his notorious boom box, which was beaten into submission by a Cubs teammate after Sammy went home during the 2004 season finale.
“I don't really care,” Sosa said. “You know why? Because when the man is not in the house, the chickens are jumping around.”
Words to live by, indeed.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
February 22nd: Tavarez, Bullpen, LaRussa
Cards' man of many faces
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
02/21/2005
None other than manager Tony La Russa says there is a "dramatic difference" in how he perceives Tavarez compared with before the club signed him to a two-year contract in January 2004.
"You knew him as a talented competitor who could get emotional out there," La Russa said. "Sometimes he was emotional against us. After being with him a year, he's a very bright man who has an outstanding sense of humor. When I talk about bright, I mean on and off the field. But on the field he has a very good knowledge of what he's doing. He remembers hitters."
He won't soon forget 2004, the year of his mellowing.
In addition to going 7-4 with a 2.38 ERA in 77 appearances, Tavarez was fined twice and suspended once after being accused of offenses ranging from doctoring his cap with a foreign substance to throwing at Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell in the National League Championship Series.
Tavarez's left little finger remains gnarled from his assault on a dugout phone in Houston during Game 4 of the NLCS.
He drilled six hitters last season, most by any Cardinals reliever.
The spindly righthander's 10-day suspension in August for applying a "foreign substance" to his cap was reduced to eight days, a number that still enraged general manager Walt Jocketty and La Russa. It was Tavarez's fifth suspension in pieces of 12 major-league seasons.
And this was in supposedly a turnaround year for Tavarez's reputation.
===
Cardinals report: Notes, quotes
Feb. 21, 2005
The Sports Xchange
-- RHP Matt Morris is ahead of schedule in recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and pitching coach Dave Duncan forecast he would pitch in games late in spring training.
-- Pitching coach Dave Duncan said that LHP Rick Ankiel, who is out of options, appears the most likely candidate to assume RHP Matt Morris' spot in the rotation early on but pointed out the schedule necessitates a fifth starter only twice in April.
-- Duncan admitted being intrigued by RHP Anthony Reyes, a former college teammate of Chicago Cubs RHP Mark Prior who has needed only 19 minor league starts below Triple-A to become the club's most prized pitching prospect. Many believe Reyes will make his major league debut this season and could become an early option should the rotation take a hit.
"Realistically, he's still a developing pitcher," Duncan said. "He needs to go out and pitch innings."
-- RHP Adam Wainwright and non-roster RHP Chris Gissell are also contingencies. Wainwright, 23, was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in December 2003 and made 12 starts at Memphis before being sidelined by an injury.
"It's hard to say where that (depth) will come from right now," Duncan said. "But when you start talking about that, you indicate that certain guys are not going to be here. I think there are some quality arms in the organization. I think there will be some quality arms at Triple-A."
-- LHP Ray King, normally a portly sort, appeared much more streamlined this spring after losing eight pounds. Morris also appears about 10 pounds lighter than last year and is in much better shape than he was then.
BY THE NUMBERS
6 -- Number of errors committed last year by new Cardinals SS David Eckstein for Anaheim. That number was the lowest among regular American League shortstops.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"This is what I believe: I did everything I should have done as a manager. That's my answer." -- Manager Tony La Russa, asked if Jose Canseco's performance as a star player entered into how he handled the situation regarding possible steroid use by Canseco in the 1990s.
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
By Joe Strauss of the Post-Dispatch
02/21/2005
None other than manager Tony La Russa says there is a "dramatic difference" in how he perceives Tavarez compared with before the club signed him to a two-year contract in January 2004.
"You knew him as a talented competitor who could get emotional out there," La Russa said. "Sometimes he was emotional against us. After being with him a year, he's a very bright man who has an outstanding sense of humor. When I talk about bright, I mean on and off the field. But on the field he has a very good knowledge of what he's doing. He remembers hitters."
He won't soon forget 2004, the year of his mellowing.
In addition to going 7-4 with a 2.38 ERA in 77 appearances, Tavarez was fined twice and suspended once after being accused of offenses ranging from doctoring his cap with a foreign substance to throwing at Houston Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell in the National League Championship Series.
Tavarez's left little finger remains gnarled from his assault on a dugout phone in Houston during Game 4 of the NLCS.
He drilled six hitters last season, most by any Cardinals reliever.
The spindly righthander's 10-day suspension in August for applying a "foreign substance" to his cap was reduced to eight days, a number that still enraged general manager Walt Jocketty and La Russa. It was Tavarez's fifth suspension in pieces of 12 major-league seasons.
And this was in supposedly a turnaround year for Tavarez's reputation.
===
Cardinals report: Notes, quotes
Feb. 21, 2005
The Sports Xchange
-- RHP Matt Morris is ahead of schedule in recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, and pitching coach Dave Duncan forecast he would pitch in games late in spring training.
-- Pitching coach Dave Duncan said that LHP Rick Ankiel, who is out of options, appears the most likely candidate to assume RHP Matt Morris' spot in the rotation early on but pointed out the schedule necessitates a fifth starter only twice in April.
-- Duncan admitted being intrigued by RHP Anthony Reyes, a former college teammate of Chicago Cubs RHP Mark Prior who has needed only 19 minor league starts below Triple-A to become the club's most prized pitching prospect. Many believe Reyes will make his major league debut this season and could become an early option should the rotation take a hit.
"Realistically, he's still a developing pitcher," Duncan said. "He needs to go out and pitch innings."
-- RHP Adam Wainwright and non-roster RHP Chris Gissell are also contingencies. Wainwright, 23, was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in December 2003 and made 12 starts at Memphis before being sidelined by an injury.
"It's hard to say where that (depth) will come from right now," Duncan said. "But when you start talking about that, you indicate that certain guys are not going to be here. I think there are some quality arms in the organization. I think there will be some quality arms at Triple-A."
-- LHP Ray King, normally a portly sort, appeared much more streamlined this spring after losing eight pounds. Morris also appears about 10 pounds lighter than last year and is in much better shape than he was then.
BY THE NUMBERS
6 -- Number of errors committed last year by new Cardinals SS David Eckstein for Anaheim. That number was the lowest among regular American League shortstops.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"This is what I believe: I did everything I should have done as a manager. That's my answer." -- Manager Tony La Russa, asked if Jose Canseco's performance as a star player entered into how he handled the situation regarding possible steroid use by Canseco in the 1990s.
Copyright (C) 2005 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, February 21, 2005
February 21st: Carpenter, Morris, Walker, Pujo, Mulder
Carpenter bounces back
By Joe Strauss
JUPITER, Fla. - Forget the overwritten babble about spring's sweet sounds of ball meeting leather and ash. Friday, as pitchers and catchers reported to Roger Dean Stadium, early arrival Chris Carpenter provided the best possible welcome of all when he cursed a misplaced fastball.
Twelve months ago Carpenter held his breath every time he let loose a pitch.
Now, one season after winning a career-high 15 games but only four months after missing the playoffs and World Series with a bruised nerve near his right biceps, Carpenter holds higher expectations.
Recognized as the Players' Choice recipient for comeback of the year, he feels well enough to cut himself little slack even during a bullpen session two weeks before the team's first exhibition.
"Ever since I got down here and started throwing, I've basically felt like I did at the end of last season before I had that stupid injury," he said.
===
Saturday in Camp: Morris turns heads
BY DERRICK GOOLD
Bearded Matt Morris threw off the mound for the first time this spring -– sock-less, that is. And he promptly provided folks something else to ask him about besides his new gray-flecked grizzly look.
Earlier this week he took the mound with a sock over his right pitching hand. The sock allowed him to go through his full motion and fire off a pitch without the full strain.
On Day 1 of camp, he was zipping the ball, feeling loose and looking smoother than he did most of last season. He made 40 “heaves” today and several Cardinals’ brass took note. He’s eager to see how his right shoulder feels Sunday.
While hesitant to let him accelerate his return from shoulder surgery -– as detailed by Rick Hummel in Saturday’s Post-Dispatch -- the Cardinals were struck by how he looked on his first trip up to the mound.
“I feel loose,” Morris said. “I can feel the difference. It’s amazing that people can see the difference.”
===
Walker arrives early in camp
By Derrick Goold And Joe Strauss
JUPITER, Fla. - Before reporting early, though not quite as early as he usually does, Cardinals outfielder Larry Walker winged his family off to the Bahamas.
"For six days," he said. "It's the last time with Dad before I turn into an ogre for eight months."
Walker, who lives about a half-hour drive from the Cardinals' spring training camp, arrived Saturday morning and said he wasn't sure how many days early that is.
"At least they know I'm here," he said.
The only player in camp born before 1967, Walker, 38, altered his offseason training somewhat and plans to ease into April, all while looking for the right blend and a healthy season.
"(I'm) just going to try and pace myself through this," he said. "When we do running exercises, you're not going to see me leading the pack to try and show the young guys this is what you've got to do. I'm going to pace myself. I'm smart enough to know I'm not here to win a job. I don't need to turn heads in the first couple weeks of spring training."
===
Still nursing foot, Pujols eases into camp
By Derrick Goold
JUPITER, Fla. - Pujols targeted the ball atop the tee, tapped the plate twice, took a tomahawk whack at it, watched the ball sail to the opposite side of the cage and then sprinted after it.
All while his dad watched.
A.J. Pujols, 4, was at his father's aching heels as the Cardinals' All-Star slugger took his first spring cuts Sunday at the Cardinals' practice facility at Roger Dean Stadium. In a cage alongside his father, A.J. did as much to mimic his father as possible. And it was a close impersonation.
All except for the running after the ball.
His pop will measure his running carefully this spring.
"One thing that I need to take easy - that I have to have in the back of my mind - is running," Pujols said.
The Cardinals' annual MVP candidate played through foot pain half of last season. It continues to be nettlesome and will take continued attention this season. "At least for the first two weeks, be careful what I do with running," he said.
===
Mulder takes aim at return to top form
By Joe Strauss
General manager Walt Jocketty had approached A's general manager Billy Beane about Hudson and Mulder before December's winter meetings. While Hudson was perceived by some in baseball as the larger catch, Jocketty was equally pleased with obtaining Mulder.
"Actually, Mulder was more appealing to us for a number of reasons," Jocketty said. "He's signed through the end of this year with an option for next season. Plus, he's lefthanded. And he's been as good as anybody in the game for the past several years."
"I don't think he has to think about dominating," La Russa said. "If he takes the ball 30-plus times, what he's shown throughout his career will be enough."
Mulder's 72 wins the last four years trail only Boston's Curt Schilling. Johnson is the second-most prolific lefthander in that span with 67 wins. In the 78 major-league starts in which Mulder has received at least four runs from his lineup, he is 65-4.
"He'd be the perfect guy for any team, but it should really work well here because we score runs," Isringhausen says. "It's a great fit."
Checking things out
The Cardinals were concerned enough to have their medical staff pore over Mulder's medical records before approving the deal. Concern was raised by stat-based consultants retained by the organization, citing Mulder's heavy workload and increased walks. Jocketty even phoned Isringhausen for his opinion.
"Everybody was talking about his hip or this or that, but look at the innings he's thrown," Isringhausen said. "At some point it's going to catch up to you. He doesn't come out of games (early) very often. He's fine. We're lucky to have him."
Jocketty said there now are no concerns about Mulder's health.
"We were very satisfied with what the doctors had to say about all the physical issues," he said. "Everything was fine."
Mulder says he stopped reading newspapers last September but no longer feels a sense of dread every time a reporter approaches. Just as he has left behind a franchise, he has left behind the uncertainty that chased him from last season.
"I can honestly say I couldn't be happier," Mulder says. "I'm going to a better team. I'm going to a better organization. I'm going to a better city. Everything is better, and that's how I'm looking forward to it."
===
Game of baseball is strong enough to survive steroids
By Bernie Miklasz
... The new policy includes year-round random testing and a 10-day suspension for first-time offenders. The latest version still doesn't go far enough - a violator isn't suspended for a year until his fourth offense - but progress is being made. This incremental crackdown on steroids, plus the fallout from the BALCO scandal, should continue to normalize home-run totals.
And just wait until the first few cheaters are caught in the new testing web; the public shame and humiliation will serve to scare other potential 'roidheads straight.
Sorry if my optimism goes against the grain. I realize the trendy thing to do is to grandstand from a column space or talk-show desk and screech that the sky is falling and that baseball as we know it will perish from the face of the earth because steroids have ruined the game.
But baseball is tackling the problem. And that's the crucial first phase in the counterattack. A larger concern is the lack of trust. Those who hit long, frequent home runs will be viewed with suspicion.
"We have to make sure that when a fan brings his kid to the game, they feel good about what they're seeing," said Phillies first baseman Jim Thome, to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "When a guy hits a 500-foot homer, you don't want a kid asking his dad, 'Do you think he uses steroids?' It's unfair to the ones who have busted their butts to achieve. It's unfair to the guys who are in the gym all winter grinding."
Baseball eventually will overcome the Steroids Era. Baseball has survived so many defects: doctored pitches, the DH rule, erratic strike zones, shrunken ballparks, deadball eras, liveball eras, the Black Sox scandal, the advent of free agency, the 1980s cocaine binge, expansion, and institutional racism and segregation. Through it all, baseball remains a strong and resilient game.
By Joe Strauss
JUPITER, Fla. - Forget the overwritten babble about spring's sweet sounds of ball meeting leather and ash. Friday, as pitchers and catchers reported to Roger Dean Stadium, early arrival Chris Carpenter provided the best possible welcome of all when he cursed a misplaced fastball.
Twelve months ago Carpenter held his breath every time he let loose a pitch.
Now, one season after winning a career-high 15 games but only four months after missing the playoffs and World Series with a bruised nerve near his right biceps, Carpenter holds higher expectations.
Recognized as the Players' Choice recipient for comeback of the year, he feels well enough to cut himself little slack even during a bullpen session two weeks before the team's first exhibition.
"Ever since I got down here and started throwing, I've basically felt like I did at the end of last season before I had that stupid injury," he said.
===
Saturday in Camp: Morris turns heads
BY DERRICK GOOLD
Bearded Matt Morris threw off the mound for the first time this spring -– sock-less, that is. And he promptly provided folks something else to ask him about besides his new gray-flecked grizzly look.
Earlier this week he took the mound with a sock over his right pitching hand. The sock allowed him to go through his full motion and fire off a pitch without the full strain.
On Day 1 of camp, he was zipping the ball, feeling loose and looking smoother than he did most of last season. He made 40 “heaves” today and several Cardinals’ brass took note. He’s eager to see how his right shoulder feels Sunday.
While hesitant to let him accelerate his return from shoulder surgery -– as detailed by Rick Hummel in Saturday’s Post-Dispatch -- the Cardinals were struck by how he looked on his first trip up to the mound.
“I feel loose,” Morris said. “I can feel the difference. It’s amazing that people can see the difference.”
===
Walker arrives early in camp
By Derrick Goold And Joe Strauss
JUPITER, Fla. - Before reporting early, though not quite as early as he usually does, Cardinals outfielder Larry Walker winged his family off to the Bahamas.
"For six days," he said. "It's the last time with Dad before I turn into an ogre for eight months."
Walker, who lives about a half-hour drive from the Cardinals' spring training camp, arrived Saturday morning and said he wasn't sure how many days early that is.
"At least they know I'm here," he said.
The only player in camp born before 1967, Walker, 38, altered his offseason training somewhat and plans to ease into April, all while looking for the right blend and a healthy season.
"(I'm) just going to try and pace myself through this," he said. "When we do running exercises, you're not going to see me leading the pack to try and show the young guys this is what you've got to do. I'm going to pace myself. I'm smart enough to know I'm not here to win a job. I don't need to turn heads in the first couple weeks of spring training."
===
Still nursing foot, Pujols eases into camp
By Derrick Goold
JUPITER, Fla. - Pujols targeted the ball atop the tee, tapped the plate twice, took a tomahawk whack at it, watched the ball sail to the opposite side of the cage and then sprinted after it.
All while his dad watched.
A.J. Pujols, 4, was at his father's aching heels as the Cardinals' All-Star slugger took his first spring cuts Sunday at the Cardinals' practice facility at Roger Dean Stadium. In a cage alongside his father, A.J. did as much to mimic his father as possible. And it was a close impersonation.
All except for the running after the ball.
His pop will measure his running carefully this spring.
"One thing that I need to take easy - that I have to have in the back of my mind - is running," Pujols said.
The Cardinals' annual MVP candidate played through foot pain half of last season. It continues to be nettlesome and will take continued attention this season. "At least for the first two weeks, be careful what I do with running," he said.
===
Mulder takes aim at return to top form
By Joe Strauss
General manager Walt Jocketty had approached A's general manager Billy Beane about Hudson and Mulder before December's winter meetings. While Hudson was perceived by some in baseball as the larger catch, Jocketty was equally pleased with obtaining Mulder.
"Actually, Mulder was more appealing to us for a number of reasons," Jocketty said. "He's signed through the end of this year with an option for next season. Plus, he's lefthanded. And he's been as good as anybody in the game for the past several years."
"I don't think he has to think about dominating," La Russa said. "If he takes the ball 30-plus times, what he's shown throughout his career will be enough."
Mulder's 72 wins the last four years trail only Boston's Curt Schilling. Johnson is the second-most prolific lefthander in that span with 67 wins. In the 78 major-league starts in which Mulder has received at least four runs from his lineup, he is 65-4.
"He'd be the perfect guy for any team, but it should really work well here because we score runs," Isringhausen says. "It's a great fit."
Checking things out
The Cardinals were concerned enough to have their medical staff pore over Mulder's medical records before approving the deal. Concern was raised by stat-based consultants retained by the organization, citing Mulder's heavy workload and increased walks. Jocketty even phoned Isringhausen for his opinion.
"Everybody was talking about his hip or this or that, but look at the innings he's thrown," Isringhausen said. "At some point it's going to catch up to you. He doesn't come out of games (early) very often. He's fine. We're lucky to have him."
Jocketty said there now are no concerns about Mulder's health.
"We were very satisfied with what the doctors had to say about all the physical issues," he said. "Everything was fine."
Mulder says he stopped reading newspapers last September but no longer feels a sense of dread every time a reporter approaches. Just as he has left behind a franchise, he has left behind the uncertainty that chased him from last season.
"I can honestly say I couldn't be happier," Mulder says. "I'm going to a better team. I'm going to a better organization. I'm going to a better city. Everything is better, and that's how I'm looking forward to it."
===
Game of baseball is strong enough to survive steroids
By Bernie Miklasz
... The new policy includes year-round random testing and a 10-day suspension for first-time offenders. The latest version still doesn't go far enough - a violator isn't suspended for a year until his fourth offense - but progress is being made. This incremental crackdown on steroids, plus the fallout from the BALCO scandal, should continue to normalize home-run totals.
And just wait until the first few cheaters are caught in the new testing web; the public shame and humiliation will serve to scare other potential 'roidheads straight.
Sorry if my optimism goes against the grain. I realize the trendy thing to do is to grandstand from a column space or talk-show desk and screech that the sky is falling and that baseball as we know it will perish from the face of the earth because steroids have ruined the game.
But baseball is tackling the problem. And that's the crucial first phase in the counterattack. A larger concern is the lack of trust. Those who hit long, frequent home runs will be viewed with suspicion.
"We have to make sure that when a fan brings his kid to the game, they feel good about what they're seeing," said Phillies first baseman Jim Thome, to the Philadelphia Inquirer. "When a guy hits a 500-foot homer, you don't want a kid asking his dad, 'Do you think he uses steroids?' It's unfair to the ones who have busted their butts to achieve. It's unfair to the guys who are in the gym all winter grinding."
Baseball eventually will overcome the Steroids Era. Baseball has survived so many defects: doctored pitches, the DH rule, erratic strike zones, shrunken ballparks, deadball eras, liveball eras, the Black Sox scandal, the advent of free agency, the 1980s cocaine binge, expansion, and institutional racism and segregation. Through it all, baseball remains a strong and resilient game.
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