Yardbarker: Adam Wainwright

Jocketty Taking Cardinal Approach With Reds

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:39:55 -0500

According to the Columbus Dispatch, the Reds may attempt to pluck a couple of the arbitration eligibles players away from the Marlins. The Marlins have expressed a desire to stay at the same payroll and will have to trade several players to keep it there. Among those names, Josh Willingham and Jeremy Hermida, two players nearing their prime that would really help the Reds. GM Walt Jocketty has always gone after the big deal. He did it with Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Mark McGuire, and Mark Mulder, but also made small moves that turned out to be more significant that the big names. Players like Edgar Renteria, Jason Marquis, and Adam Wainwright all have come over through trades to help the Cardinals achieve their goals.

There are several players around the league that are doing well, but do not have a spot on their team: Shin Soo-Choo, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Spilborghs, to name a few. Going after guys like this along with arbitration eligibles should make the Reds, already stocked with a pair of power hitters and decent pitching, to the playoffs.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Game 152 Thread / Cardinals @ Cubs

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:29:58 -0500

Game Chat | Press Pass | BR Preview

SP	Adam Wainwright	SP	Carlos Zambrano
	9-3, 3.20, 84 K, 26 BB, 121 IP		14-5, 3.41, 127 K, 65 BB, 182.1 IP

CF	*Skip Schumaker	LF	Alfonso Soriano
LF	Ryan Ludwick	SS	Ryan Theriot
1B	Albert Pujols	1B	Derrek Lee
2B	Felipe Lopez	3B	Aramis Ramirez
3B	Troy Glaus	CF	*Jim Edmonds
RF	*Adam Kennedy	RF	Mark DeRosa
SS	*Aaron Miles	2B	*Mike Fontenot
P	Adam Wainwright	C	Henry Blanco
C	Jason Larue	P	#Carlos Zambrano

In his post-game press conference Thursday, a giggly Lou Piniella implied he was planning to go out last night to tie one on in celebration of the spectacular comeback victory. (I believe the exact quote was, "This is going to be a bad night for me.") It's a relief then, looking at today's lineup, to see Lou didn't stumble into the lockerroom still drunk and blindly pencil Koyie Hill into the leadoff spot as his second baseman or give a spot start to Michael Wuertz.

Geovany Soto gets the day off owing to irritation of a joint in his left hand. He is listed as day-to-day.

Our man Zambrano makes his first start since last Sunday's no-no at Milwaukee. I took a look at the last ten National Leaguers to throw complete game no-hitters before Zambrano to see how they fared in their very next outing.

First of all, the ten pitchers constitute a fairly motley crew, with luminaries like Randy Johnson, A.J. Burnett, and Kevin Brown mixed in with much lesser lights like Bud Smith and Jose Jimenez. In other words, the ten are hardly are a perfect list of comparables for Zambrano.

Anyway, in their first, post-no-hitter starts, these pitchers averaged a little over 6 IP, with about 6 hits and 3 ER allowed, for a cumulative ERA of 4.18. Combined they won 5, lost 3, and had a couple of ND's. Also, these 10 NL pitchers, who averaged 112 pitches in their respective no-hit games, averaged about 104 pitches in their first games following.

I'm not sure how instructive any of this is—as I said, it's not a great list of comps for Zambrano. What's more I don't know that any of these pitchers was fresh off a bout with rotator cuff tendinitis, which raises what is probably the most important aspect of this afternoon's game as it relates to the Cubs' World Series-winning prospects: gauging how well Zambrano has bounced back after a 110-pitch start.

One other thing to keep your eye on in this series: whether or not Tony LaRussa, who strikes me as being insane, decides to exact "revenge" on the Cubs and Ted Lilly, Saturday's scheduled starter, for Lilly's clean takedown of Cards catcher Yadier Molina last week in St. Louis. (I put revenge in quotes because I don't personally understand why a completely fair home plate collision would beg for some sort of vengeance, but I believe in TLR's world, it just will.)

Maine might be filling in for Billy.....

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:33:05 -0500

Last month, John Maine stood at his locker here at Nationals Park and reluctantly spoke about possibly filling in at closer for the injured Billy Wagner. But now Maine would gladly join the bullpen ranks, and he suggested yesterday that he might pitch in relief as soon as next week.

That seems to be a long shot. Maine was excited after playing catch yesterday, when he reported no discomfort in the back of his shoulder after 30 to 35 throws from 60 feet. Maine has been on the disabled list since Aug. 25 because of a bone spur in his right shoulder, and it was the first time he picked up a baseball since then.

"I hope to be back by the homestand," Maine said. "Whether it's an inning or two out of the pen, I just want to pitch. That's what I'm going to tell them."

Maine plans to play catch again today, but it's still a little early to be predicting a return date. The Mets believed there was a chance he could help them in the playoffs - if they get that far - and he's headed for surgery immediately after the season.

As for next year, with the Mets in the market for a closer, Maine said he'd listen if the team asked him to give it a shot.

"I want to start," Maine said. "But if they say something to me during the spring and they want me to do it, I'll try it."

Source:Newsday

This said, can be a experiment which many teams have tried before. Remember Adam Wainwright?

The Monday Football Column :: Week 2

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:41:40 -0500

"Not sure if you saw me on Best Damn Sports Show Period last week, but I was there. I think right now, John Sally is one of the best, IF NOT THE BEST alternative sports talk show co-hosts going. I still think Rob Dibble is the most valuable, though." - Sean Salisbury

Experts agree: Aaron Rodgers has some Scott Hunter in him

With 328 yards passing and three touchdowns, Rodgers improved his season totals to 42 of 60 for 506 yards and four touchdowns. He also has 12 rushes for 60 yards and a score. He's 2-0 as a starter, and the first Packers quarterback to begin his starting career at 2-0 since Scott Hunter in 1971. Scott was the successor to the legendary Bart Starr and thankfully did not name any of his children Stuart. For obvious reasons, I hope Rodgers' success continues. He has some Scott Hunter in him and that can only lead to more big things down the road. All four of Aaron's touchdown passes this year have been Hunter-like throws, Hunter-esque, if you will.

While Aaron Rodgers has some Scott Hunter in him, he also has a little bit of Adam Wainwright and Joe Mather in him as well.

The team Rodgers tore apart has the worst defense this side of St. Louis. The Lions have been out-rushed 441-111 and have been out-attempted in rushes 72-33. On average, opponents gain six yards every time they run the ball. That damn Mike Martz and his hatred for the running game. Detroit has also yielded eight sacks and allowed 12 3rd down conversions in 25 attempts.

Desperate Eli Manning makes left-handed throw, looks "special"

That St. Louis team fell to 0-2 on the season and 7-22 in their last 29 under Scott Linehan. The good news for St. Louis is that Josh Brown connected on a 54 yard field goal -- two of them, in fact.

That's right Scooter. Three points are better than two, and definitely better than one. Without question, three is better than zero.

Anyway, the Rams have been outscored 79-16, out-gained 963-367 and the defense allows 7.4 yards PER PLAY. I JUST WROTE IN CAPS TO ADD EMPHASIS. THAT MEANS TEAMS, ON AVERAGE, GET A FIRST DOWN EVERY TWO PLAYS. STILL WRITING IN CAPS BECAUSE THAT IS AN EMPHATIC STATISTIC. (Note: later today Josh Bacott will continue the very neat trend of describing what it's like to be a fan of the worst team in the world.)

As for the Giants, they've won 12 straight games on the road, including the Super Bowl. At one point Sunday, Elisha Manning was in the grasp of a Rams player and was forced to throw a completion left-handed. Joe Buck was quick to point out that it was a "Favre-esque" throw and the highlight shows repeated as much. Essentially, if you throw the ball and look retarded, you look like Brett Favre.

Marc Bulger promises to see out of helmet in Week 3

Intelligent Panthers realize DeAngelo Williams sucks, change it up a little

In a day filled with comebacks, Carolina rebounded from a 17-3 third quarter deficit after giving the ball to rookie Jonathan Stewart 13 times in the 2nd half. Stewart finished with 77 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries, while Williams had less than half that on 11 rushes. Stewart only The Panthers are 2-0 for the first time since 2003, the year they went to the Super Bowl.

After the game, an ecstatic Jake Delhomme voiced his pleasure about the return of Steve Smith for Week 3, "I'm excited to have our rocket back!" The funny thing is, Delhomme had just removed his jock in the locker room and was holding his penis in his hand.

The non-Rex Grossman, Kyle Orton, had a Bears quarterback syndrome lapse when he was called for intentional grounding in the 4th quarter and constantly overthrew open receivers. It was vintage Grossman, Jim Miller, Cade McNown, Craig Krenzel, Mike Tomczak, Steve Walsh, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Rick Mirer, Moses Moreno and Shane Matthews.

Titans flawlessly execute ceremonial ass-sniffing ritual

Super-intelligent Raiders realize Darren McFadden is real good

Had it not been for an injury to the normally solid Justin Fargas, the Raiders wouldn't have gotten 164 yards and a touchdown from Darren McFadden. Not to be forgotten was Michael Bush's 90 yards and a touchdown, which helped the Raiders to 300+ yards rushing. Kansas City has lost 11 games in a row and is 0-2 for the third straight season under Herm Edwards. They also had three pass attempts from wide receiver Marques Hagans, who was cut by the Rams at the end of preseason. Jesus, the Chiefs are terrible.

In response to the rift between Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and head coach Lane Kiffin, the Monday Football Column has obtained a written transcript of the conversation between the two following Sunday's victory:

"F**k you, Lane."

Coked-up Nick Saban found wondering on Redskins sideline

Gunsling too much for Laveraneus Coles in Jets loss

Through two games, Coles has four catches for 77 yards. I think part of the problem is that he's not accustomed to Favre gunslings after spending years catching soggy Chad Pennington throws. This theory was put on display during the Jets' opening drive when Coles let a first down catch slip right through his hands. Going from Pennington to Favre is akin to Jason Varitek catching Tim Wakefield and then Josh Beckett ... ... ...

Inner monologue: I wish people would compare online writers with other online writers, just as the media does for the athletes they cover. If that happened, we'd all agree that the previous paragraph was a "King-like" synopsis and "Peter King-esque".

Seahawks play very little Seafence in loss to 49ers

The upset special of Sunday was the 49ers overtime victory in Seattle, where the Seahawks normally dominate. JT O'Sullivan had the first 300 yard passing day for San Francisco since Tim Rattay in 2004 and Isaac Bruce had the first 100 yard receiving day since Antonio Bryant in Week 2 of 2006. The victory had Martzian imprints throughout and not just the positives: O'Sullivan was sacked eight times. Sometimes I think Mike Martz is so hard on quarterbacks and leaves them out to dry because he never succeeded as one in high school and college. Unfortunately for Seattle, they didn't "get the ball and score" in overtime.

Hey, you, you remember that? You remember the time Matt Hasselbeck said that in the playoff game and they, and they lost. That was, that was awesome.

Norv Turner vows to egg Ed Hochuli's house; not intimidated by muscles

The bush-league moment of Sunday occurred twice over in Denver. First, Chris Chambers had the ball stripped by Champ Bailey in the opening quarter, even though replays showed Chambers' elbow was clearly down. The replay booth was "malfunctioning" at the time, so the call couldn't be overturned. In the final minute of the game, Jay Cutler fumbled the ball in what was originally ruled an incomplete pass. Replays showed Susan Sarandon's husband Tim Dobbins recovered the fumble, but because Ed Hochuli blew the whistle, the Broncos retained possession.

What, I ask, is the point of instant replay of you can't overturn a blown whistle? Isn't that the point of instant replay? Norv Turner does not approve, "It was clearly a fumble. Ed came over, the official, and said he blew it. And that's not acceptable to me. This is a high-level performance game and that's not acceptable to have a game decided on that play."

Two plays later, Cutler threw a touchdown pass to Eddie Royal and converted a two point conversion for the win. The tan one gambled and it paid off. Said he, "Sometimes you have to go with your gut. I just felt like it was a chance for us to put them away. I didn't want to count on the coin flip. I wanted to do it then, and obviously it worked out."

Translation: "Our defense played like crap and I knew we had no right to win that game anyway. Ed Hochuli gave us that game. It's clear he's intimidated by the artificial bronze radiating from my insides."

Despondent Romeo Crennel tears ACL and MCL just to fit in

At 0-2, the Browns have played below expectations and Clevelanders are starting to worry that 2007 was a fluke. I don't think to be the case because Cleveland's defense was pretty bad last season the team didn't make the playoffs. The offense will surely improve with time, but I wouldn't count on a playoff appearance in '08.

That said, I think Romeo Crennel needs to stop being a pansy and let one of his players hit him in the knee. Tom Brady tears his ACL and MCL and what happens? The Patriots go 2-0. Charlie Weis tears his ACL and MCL and what happens? Notre Dame destroys Michigan and improves to 2-0. Romeo Crennel has two healthy knees and what do you know, the Browns are 0-2.

I realize there aren't too many things healthy about Romeo, but he needs to sack up and quit being a ninny-poo. If nobody wants to injure you, may I suggest fasting for three days. Your leg will be jacked in no time.

The Monday Football Column is written by Patrick Imig. He had no idea Crennel's leg was white. Email him at patrick@joesportsfan.com

GameDay #148 vs. Cardinals

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 19:16:59 -0500

Cardinals (78-69) at Pirates (61-86)
7:05--PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Adam Wainwright (9-3, 2.85) vs. Ian Snell (6-11, 5.54)
[Preview]
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A great viewing alternative to USC/Ohio State, right? You can't get a Pirates Military Cap by sitting at home and watching that!
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Ian Snell is starting in place of Jeff Karstens, who was pushed back a day due to a "dental procedure." He can be added to the long list of injured Pirates: Tom Gorzelanny was pronounced out for the year yesterday, capping off a miserable year for him. Jimmy Barthmaier will come up, keeping the 6-man rotation intact.
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Adam Wainwright is a lot better than any of the above, and the Cardinals absolutely cannot afford to throw away another game like last night. Expect them to come out motivated.
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It's rainy in Pittsburgh today (again). We may have to suffer through some more delays tonight.
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[Box]

MLB Punchlines: Will Joba Remain in the Bullpen in '09?

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 19:40:12 -0500

Hey, Bay Area baseball fans have you had enough for one season? (San Fran Chronicle)

This is not what you want to hear from one of your top pitchers heading down the stretch: "I don't know if it's a confidence thing, but I'm not trusting myself right now." (Philly Inquirer)

Tampa might be winning games, but you would not be able to tell by the numbers at the gate. Cliff Floyd is not impressed. (New York Times)

Is it good news or bad news to Brian Cashman that the Steinbrenner's want him back as GM next year? (NY Post)

Depending on free agent moves the Yankees make this offseason Joba Chamberlain could start the 2009 season in the bullpen. (NY Daily News)

Ben Sheets' groin is a little sore, but he expects to make his next scheduled start vs the Padres on Saturday. (Journal Sentinel)

Adam Wainwright is fully aware that chicks dig the long ball. (Miami Herald)

Kaz Matsui was activated off of the DL yesterday and no he did not have anal fissures again. Your gross. (Houston Chronicle)

Jim Leyland thinks Justin Verlander needs to be more accountable for bad outings. (Detroit Free Press)

Diamondbacks drop another to Cards

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 02:16:50 -0500

The Skinny: Troy Glaus and Yadier Molina both hit 2-run home runs, and Felipe Lopez added a solo shot as the St. Louis Cardinals trounced the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-2 at Chase Field. St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright pitched very well, allowing only 1 run and 3 hits in 5 and a third innings for [...

Wainwright wins as Cards pound D'backs

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:29:03 -0500

Never count out the Cards, not even when the St. Louis media does.

Cardinals Moving Carpenter To Bullpen?

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 12:39:34 -0500

In hopes of getting Chris Carpenter back with the team before the season ends, the Cardinals would like to bring him back as a reliever. "It is important for him to pitch before the season ends. He doesn't care what role that is. He just wants to pitch as much as he can before the season ends so that he's comfortable going into spring training," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. Carpenter looked good in his last bullpen session, but they will wait a day or two more to see how his shoulder feels after a couple days rest. In three games this season, Carpenter is 0-1 with a 1.88 ERA, and has only pitched in four games since 2006.

The Cardinals plan is not bring him back as a closer, but as a long reliever, to get the team into the seventh or eight inning for the set up man and closer. One could say that Carpenter's injury has kept the Cardinals from being a contender in the playoffs, and this is possible. However, the Cardinals have failed to go out and get an ace to help the rotation, so the blame is on them. Yes, Adam Wainwright is a great pitcher, but they should have pursued an experienced ace.

Singular Sensation

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:19:55 -0500

The Cardinals and the Braves met up at a singles dance last night and the boys in red were a big hit. Adam Wainwright's first night back on the hill led to not only a dominant pitching performance, but an offensive explosion unmatched by a Cardinal team since 1930. The Redbird lineup feasted [...]

Singular Sensation

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 14:19:55 -0500

Support Fredbird!

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:57:18 -0500

Coming off an 11-2 whomping of the Pirates last night, I am excited to find over at Home Run Derby (via my boys at Cardinals Diaspora) that Fredbird is facing off with Pirate Parrot in HRD's Mascot Bracket. I'm really delighted with the way they've set this up. They have the Primate, Mammal, Feather, Furrie [...]

AccuScore Closer Report - 8/19

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:57:50 -0500

The landscape of bullpens continues to change. St. Louis has an intriguing decision to make soon between a rookie and a playoff hero. Both Cleveland and Oakland have found new closers while Pittsburgh is on the verge of getting its own stopper back from injury.

Changes are in the cards for the Cards.

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:14:05 -0500

With Chris Carpenter headed to the DL, possibly out for the year for the Cardinals, Adam Wainwright, speculated to return as a closer, will now return as a starter. With Chris Perez succeeding as the closer, and showing up big in big pressure situations, the Cardinals are going with him down the stretch.

MLB Punchlines: Women in Boston Rejoice

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:40:24 -0500

The Giants signed their first round draft pick, #5 overall, catcher Buster Posey to a $6.2 million contract. (San Fran Chronicle)

Angels SS Maicer Izturis will miss the rest of the season with an injured thumb. Erick Aybar will be his replacement. (OC Register)

Melky Cabrera -the guy who the Yanks would not give up for Santana - has been sent down to the minors. Robinson Cano is probably devastated. (NY Daily News)

Ryan Church played yesterday in A-ball and could be back towards the end of this month. (NY Post)

Is their a bigger roller coaster bullpen in MLB than the Mets? (Newsday)

Instead of baggies the new Twins' stadium will feature a huge rock! Catch Twins fever! (Star Tribune)

Brewers merchandise sales are up 30% from the same point last year. Does this mean CC could possibly re-sign with them? (Journal Sentinel)

Chris Carpenter is back on the DL joining fellow Cards pitchers Adam Wainwright and Mark Mulder. (Sun-Times)

Ladies in Boston will love this. Jason Varitek is splitting with is wife. (AJC)