The season is over and let the bidding begin

[Daniel My Brother]

I'll take Sup ANYDAY in high pressure situations

I can't argue with that, but I think Suppan is going to be way overpaid because of his post season and I just don't see the cards keeping him. I read something in SI a few weeks back that Suppan's ERA would have been a half a run higher per game if not for the Cardinal's defense. A lot of guys do well in St. Louis, that wouldn't succeed elsewhere. The fans are more supportive and forgiving, the media seldom rips into you, and the coaches put you in positions to succeed.  Let's hope Wells benefits from that.

Also, I love the thought of getting Gonzo for one season. The Cards have a good track record with signing big name guys in the twilight of their careers. LaRussa likes veterans and veterans like him....except maybe Ozzie Smith  

Is this turning into a Cardinals blog? Sorry.

[RiskKid.]

How many red bird fans does it take to make a bass fishing forum?  

Just kidding Card fans.....but you certainly are in the majority.....all good....rest of us all wish we had the rings!

[Panamoka_Bassin]

There are a lot of peeps I think that suspect Roger Clemens is on something. He is going to be 44, is in great shape for being 44, he is the BIGGEST in size that I have ever seen him, and he seems to bounce back awful fast for a 44 year old from injury. Something doesn't smell right, I am not saying he is using for sure, but it looks fishy. I don't know if he has been tested recently or not, but even if he has and something came up, I am not so sure MLB would do anything publicly about it. I don't think they can afford another big name player who is perceived as a Golden Boy in the sport and one of the all time greats in the sport to be involved in a banned substance scandal.

I'm not so sure about Clemmens being on the juice.  Though I don't personally care for him, it is widely known that Clemmens has one of the most brutal workout regimens of any ball player.  Every article about him, especially where they interview other players regarding him, says he is constantly working out in one way or another to keep in shape.

If I'm not mistaken, there was a small amount of buzz surrounding him and Pettite using 'roids when they were on the Yankees together ( I can't remember who came out with it, but it was a big thing this summer).  Only a few days later, the allegation was withdrawn and no one has impugned him or his abilities since.  I'm not saying he is above scrutiny, but I do doubt that he ever used any illegal susbatnces.

And now, for the latest Yankees report:  Moose has been signed for 2 years more on the hill.  A great signing, as it gives the Yanks 2 starters locked up for the upcoming season.  Johnson is still iffy due to yet another back surgery, and the others, well, maybe they'll be able to help AAA Columbus, but I don't think much will happen on a major league level.

The winter meetings are coming up in a couple weeks, lets see how things shape up then...

[Daniel My Brother]

Clemmens has one of the most brutal workout regimens of any ball player.

I've heard this about Clemens as well, but that may only help prove the point. The way I understand steroids is that they actually help your muscles recover faster after a workout, allowing you to workout harder and more often. This would also explain why so many relief pitchers have been busted using steroids. A relief pitcher may pitch 3 nights in a row and needs to recover fast.

When Jason Grimsley was busted by the feds with HGH, it's been reported that one of the people he named was Clemens. HGH is undetectable using current methods, so we'll probably never know.

A better question is can we use HGH on bass? Maybe dump it in your favorite farm pond and see what happens. That might help even out the playing field with those California guys and their trout fed monsters.

[senile1]

Clemmens has one of the most brutal workout regimens of any ball player.

I've heard this about Clemens as well, but that may only help prove the point.  The way I understand steroids is that they actually help your muscles recover faster after a workout, allowing you to workout harder and more often. This would also explain why so many relief pitchers have been busted using steroids. A relief pitcher may pitch 3 nights in a row and needs to recover fast.

When Jason Grimsley was busted by the feds with HGH, it's been reported that one of the people he named was Clemens. HGH is undetectable using current methods, so we'll probably never know.

A better question is can we use HGH on bass? Maybe dump it in your favorite farm pond and see what happens. That might help even out the playing field with those California guys and their trout fed monsters.  

I agree with DMB.  A good rule of thumb for gains in muscle mass, using a split bodybuilding workout, 6 days a week, without steroids is 10 lbs maximum per year.   The human body is genetically incapable of surpassing this by much.  (Of course you have to eat like a horse to do this and some guys will gain more but part of their gain is fat, not muscle mass.)  I have my doubts that baseball players can stick with the 6 day a week regimen during a 162 game season, which is all the more reason to suspect some of these guys are using steroids.  Bonds was gaining 18 - 20 lbs a year and went from around 180 to 230 in just two or three years.  I have never seen a bodybuilder gain that much working out constantly, doing it the natural way.  Many professional bodybuilders using steriods have done this, though.  So, check out the weight gains that Clemens made and how many years it took and you should be able to get a good idea of whether he was on the juice or not.  

[Valascus]

With Bonds there is no doubt. He used, period. He himself on the stand came out and said he "accidently used it" thinking is was flaxseed oil or something like that. I honestly think that MLB will let Clemens slide due to the experience they had at the end of Raphael Palmeiro's career and the fallout that occured. I don't think they will touch Clemens publicly for fear of ruining what they consider an ambassador of the sports career and bringing to light just how many players do use. Like I said beofre though...I don't know if he is using or not. He could be completely innocent, but this constant suspiscion is the sad reality of the game today. The players themselves, MLB, and the Players Association all have a piece of the blame in this.

Anyways...As far as the Yanks go with resigning Moose, I think that is a good idea. There have been rumors abound that some teams have actually inquired about Carl Pavano on the trade market. It would be wise for the Yanks to keep their ears to the ground for any credible offers and jump at it. As far as Johnson goes...well...if I were part of the organization I can't honestly say I would feel comfortable anymore giving him a roster spot. He is just not very consistent anymore and seems to have a lot of injury issues. The amount of money he commands just isn't worth what you get out of him in return anymore. So far it looks to me like the Yanks will end up with Moose, Igawa, Wang. That much seems to be known.

On another note concerning the Cubbies and their GM, Jim Spendry...er Hendry, it is rumored that they ahve offered free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt a 3 year 44 mil dollar contract. It has not been said whether or not it has been accepted. I doubt it will be. The market for starting pitching has not been set yet, and I think Schmidt and his agent will wait to see what the market doesn before saying much of anything to any deal.

[bassmasta7]

Here is a short article about Albert Pujols. It talks about how he thinks he got snubbed and should of won the MVP since the cards made the playoffs and the phils didnt. He also says they made a good effort at getting Alfonso Soriano. He says that they also tried hard to get him during the season with a trade. He thought we would get him. I couldnt even imagine having speed/power in the lineup. Also a good defender that could solve our LF/2nd base problem either way.

[bassmasta7]

my mistake I didnt give the link. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2680495

[Daniel My Brother]

I'm in awe of Albert's talent, but he should just keep his mouth shut about the MVP thing. Nothing he says is gonna change anything and it only makes him sound like a sore loser.  If he played in New York and made those comments, the press would be all over him.

C'mon Albert, you're better than that.

[Valascus]

I agree with DMB here...Pujols may be a great player and all, but he needs to keep his mouth shut here. He is not currying any favor with the sportswriters by publicly blasting their decision and it does make him look like a sore loser. I mean, dude, you just won a WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP...and you are gonna whine cuz you didn't win the MVP?! He is better than that, at least I hope he is. Shut up, enjoy your offseason, and take your rediculous amount of cash you make to the bank and laugh all the way. Geez...

And as far as Soriano goes, the Cubs can have him. Yes he swings a good bat and has great speed, but his defense is THE MOST HORRENDOUS OF ANY BIG NAME PLAYER. It's bad...and I mean bad. He is also a club cancer. He whines and complains when things aren't going his way...I give you two examples: 1) When he got traded from the Yanks to the Rangers he whined and complained about it, then in his entire tenure with the Rangers put up mediocre numbers cuz he didn't feel he was getting paid enough and didn't want to play there. 2) Last offseason when he ended up with the Nats and they wanted him to switch positions, he literally threatened to NOT PLAY AT ALL if he didn't get to play his "natural" position...yeah...he plays that position about as natural as a monkey going into outer space. He held out all offseason and whined and complained for a trade to somewhere he could play 2nd, then finally caved and played LF and only put up decent numbers during his unhappy stay with the Nats cuz he knew it was a contract year and had to work to get a good free agency contract. He appears happy with the Cubs...amazing how money can "cure" his attitude problem. Not the kind of player I associate with the pride, integrity, and professionalism St. Louis baseball is played with. Let him become disenchanted with the Cubs in the middle of that giant 8 year contract...I bet his numbers will start declining and won't be nearly as nice around the clubhouse.

[senile1]

Pujols has had a couple of situations where he would have been better off saying nothing.  But he only makes one statement here and it echoes the sentiments of many sportwriters and pundits:  "I see it this way: Someone who doesn't take his team to the playoffs doesn't deserve to win the MVP."  I know people will look at him as a sore loser because of this statement.  That was my first impression as well, but the more I thought about it the more I realize that I have heard this statement from many others.  Pujols just needs to think about how his comments will be perceived before he speaks.  

[nboucher]

I could be wrong, but isn't the MVP voting done before the playoffs anyway?

[senile1]

I could be wrong, but isn't the MVP voting done before the playoffs anyway?

You are correct, nboucher.  I may be wrong as well, but I believe they vote at the end of the regular season but before the playoffs begin.  So they should know who made the playoffs.  Even so, I don't necessarily agree that the MVP should always be on a playoff team.  I just don't have a problem with someone expressing that idea.  

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I think Albert made a good point, tht everyone just doesn't agree with. I have said it in past posts guys like Ernie Banks deserved MVP w/o going all the way.

This is very much like in boxing a lot of older boxing fans believe the only way to get the heavyweight title is to knockout the current champ Its just an opion and Albert has the right to his.

[Valascus]

I could be wrong, but isn't the MVP voting done before the playoffs anyway?

MVP voting is done at the end of the 162 game regular season. So the teams that are going to the playoffs are known to the voters and usually does make a difference in the vote. I agree that the Baseball Writers Association of America blew the call on BOTH MVP results. If anyone really truly got robbed it was Derek Jeter...and you don't hear him complaining about it.

[K_Mac]

I've gone on the record many times that I am a BIG pujols fan. I believe he is a good man both on and off the field. He does get frustrated at times and says things that don't need said, even if true. I can't throw too many rocks, I am often guilty of the same. I think when you compare him to some others with less talent who are always whining, he looks pretty good. There is a fine line between arrogance and confidence. I think Albert walks it better than most. Just my .02

[senile1]

I agree K_Mac.  I think we often forget that Albert is still only 26 years old.  He's just a pup and he's handling probably the most successful first six years of a baseball career in a mature fashion for the most part.  Like any young person, he sometimes doesn't think before he speaks.  Heck, I'm 46, and I often don't think before I speak.  

[RiskKid.]

Hey red bird fans, Alberts a good man, he's just a bit young. A little more maturity and his future free agency will no doubt make him a Yankee (we'll be needin a 1st baseman) at which time (along with Derek's help) he'll have learned how to handle the press......I like this dream....

[K_Mac]

Hey red bird fans, Alberts a good man, he's just a bit young. A little more maturity and his future free agency will no doubt make him a Yankee (we'll be needin a 1st baseman) at which time (along with Derek's help) he'll have learned how to handle the press......I like this dream....

Risky, that is a very disturbing thought. : One man's dream is another man's nightmare. :-?

[Daniel My Brother]

A little more maturity and his future free agency will no doubt make him a Yankee

Pujols would implode in New York. He just doesn't take criticism well, and he also doesn't always hustle down the baseline on routine grounders and fly balls.  You guys already ruined A-rod, please don't ruin our superstar, too.

[nboucher]

Albert Pujols as a Yankee would morph into Gary Sheffield.

[Daniel My Brother]

Baseball is messed up.

Adam Eaton just signed a 3 year, 24.5 million dollar deal to pitch for the Phillies next season. Adam Eaton has never won more than 11 games in a season. His ERA in 2006 was 5.12. He's been on the DL six times in his career. And for THAT, the Phillies are going to pay him roughly $4,060 PER PITCH for 3 years.  Ball, strike, hit batter, doesn't matter. $4,060 per pitch.

He could pay off the remainder of my mortgage in 12 pitches!  

I really should have tried harder in little league.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Hey DMB could be worse, the Mets once sold the farm to get us DOOMSDAY DOUG Risk

[bassmasta7]

A little more maturity and his future free agency will no doubt make him a Yankee

Pujols would implode in New York. He just doesn't take criticism well, and he also doesn't always hustle down the baseline on routine grounders and fly balls. You guys already ruined A-rod, please don't ruin our superstar, too.

Pujols doesnt speak much but when he does, I usually wish he hadnt said anything. I think he doesnt hustle down the line because of his foot and oblique. He has been kinda hurt through most of the year and it is doctor's and Tony's orders to not sprint down the line. Like Val said you might not have won the MVP (which he has already won) but you did win the World Series. I guarantee Ryan Howard would trade him his MVP for a World Series. DMB, I agree with you on the imploding part in NY. For being the best player in baseball and possibly one of the greatest of all time, he doesnt get much media coverage. It's probably because he is such a good person that there are no bad stories for them to report that they love. I dont think he could handle all the stuff that AROD goes through. He still has like 4 or 5 years left on his contract Risk so your going to have to suffer with AROD for now. Albert earns $14 million a year, what a deal!

[senile1]

I disagree but then again, I am somewhat biased when it comes to Albert.  Have you heard how Albert practices?  I hear he is extremely intense with his concentration in batting practice.  I think Albert would handle the pressure better than ARod.  I guess we'll never know until he is in New York, which I hope never happens.