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."
Monday, February 28, 2005
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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