Final point on 2015. Maddon is a genius.

[Duck_walk]

The Art of War
Know your enemy better than they know themselves.

The man knew that Mike Matheny would rather lose than be considered a dirty player or manager. What happened after he called Matheny a Soprano? The Cubs hit three Cardinals with no retribution.

Then we get to the playoffs and their rookies were so comfortable in the box they were swinging from their heals. The only Cardinals pitcher who threw inside was Lackey once against Castro. That was a sad display of competitiveness by the entire pitching staff. Are you telling me Carp wouldn't have undressed Soler with a pitch? STL pitching just kept trying to hit that outside corner. No fear inside. No respect from Cubs hitters.

He mentioned Siegeist's struggles against Lefties in an interview the day before Rizzo hit HRs off of him back to back games.

It was also reported the bunt attack against Garcia was planned weeks earlier, despite his acting like it wasn't in the post game interview.

 

[wccards21]

 

[Duck_walk]

I pay the manager a compliment so you post a video of someone crying? Are you a teenage girl or just stupid? When you can't refute what someone says you always post what amounts to a teenage response.

 

[Kenny56]

Right! Have you ever seen a person complain so much about a team that won a 100 games!?

 

[vbsideout]

You could turn into a Cubs fan also Ducky. You seem to be infatuated with Maddon and hate MM. I know you realize only 1 team wins a world series. That means everybody else will lose their last game. Maddon has yet to win a world series so he is not the God you make him out to be and I doubr he wins one this year. I have to admit that MM has to get better in the playoffs but if you can't admit that the injuries finally caught up with the Birds this year then you are not being realistic. I hope you meant the heading of your post. Final point

 

[Duck_walk]

You could turn into a Cubs fan also Ducky. You seem to be infatuated with Maddon and hate MM. I know you realize only 1 team wins a world series. That means everybody else will lose their last game. Maddon has yet to win a world series so he is not the God you make him out to be and I doubr he wins one this year. I have to admit that MM has to get better in the playoffs but if you can't admit that the injuries finally caught up with the Birds this year then you are not being realistic. I hope you meant the heading of your post. Final point

Try this, hit ignore on my ID or simply
don't read my threads. If you are satisfied losing to the Cubs or Giants in the playoffs every year and looking like sh!+ doing it, then you either have low standards or you are smoking your breakfast.

I know you want Matheny to be a hero..
Hell I touted the guy for the job.
I wish he was a hero.
He isn't. We won a lot of games
with excellent pitching. That pitching was shot by the playoffs. Why aren't the Mets or Cubs pitchers shot?

You have to admit, it was kind of
strange for Maddon to refer to Matheny
as a Soprano. He did it to get into Matheny's head. It worked.

A team as offensively challenged as STl this year needed to play small ball at times. And
we didn't. The Cubs got shut out in game
one and resorted to bunting in game 2 and it turned the series. On our side we are one of
the worst bunting teams I've ever seen. We
obviously haven't learned this fundamental skill from our brilliant manager.

 

[runyouover]

Chill out Ducky. Sideout is a Royals fan now.

 

[Kenny56]

Another classic sucky response. Bless his heart.

 

[3Rfan]

Try this, hit ignore on my ID or simply
don't read my threads. If you are satisfied losing to the Cubs or Giants in the playoffs every year and looking like sh!+ doing it, then you either have low standards or you are smoking your breakfast.

I know you want Matheny to be a hero..
Hell I touted the guy for the job.
I wish he was a hero.
He isn't. We won a lot of games
with excellent pitching. That pitching was shot by the playoffs. Why aren't the Mets or Cubs pitchers shot?

You have to admit, it was kind of
strange for Maddon to refer to Matheny
as a Soprano. He did it to get into Matheny's head. It worked.

A team as offensively challenged as STl this year needed to play small ball at times. And
we didn't. The Cubs got shut out in game
one and resorted to bunting in game 2 and it turned the series. On our side we are one of
the worst bunting teams I've ever seen. We
obviously haven't learned this fundamental skill from our brilliant manager.

But, but, but all the metrics folks say bunting or stealing bases doesn't do any team any good. And don't even mention that a strike out is NOT just another out or that moving runners up by making sure you hit the ball to the right side of the infield is a terrible thing to do.

 

[Duck_walk]

But, but, but all the metrics folks say bunting or stealing bases doesn't do any team any good. And don't even mention that a strike out is NOT just another out or that moving runners up by making sure you hit the ball to the right side of the infield is a terrible thing to do.

Exactly 3R. There is room for number crunchers in the game but there are times when small ball is needed for victory. The steal of third ignited the Cubs. The Cubs then squeezed in more runs in one inning than STL did the entire season. Absurd.

 

[Duck_walk]

Think about that for a second. We didn't squeeze two times in 166 games!!!!!

 

[3Rfan]

Think about that for a second. We didn't squeeze two times in 166 games!!!!!

I'll bet we didn't bunt to advance a runner to 2nd any more than that with anyone other than a pitcher. I remember many a time thinking Molina should be bunting rather than hit into a DP. This wasn't the season to think he should hit because he might go the other way and move a runner to 3rd with a hit and not give an up out.

 

[Duck_walk]

I'll bet we didn't bunt to advance a runner to 2nd any more than that with anyone other than a pitcher. I remember many a time thinking Molina should be bunting rather than hit into a DP. This wasn't the season to think he should hit because he might go the other way and move a runner to 3rd with a hit and not give an up out.

My buddy refers to Matheny as "The Robot".
That about wraps it up.

 

[3Rfan]

My buddy refers to Matheny as "The Robot".
That about wraps it up.

The Cardinal brass seem to big metrics guys, I guess Matheny feels like he should play it that way too. Not advancing runners is just plain dumb in a lot of situations, especially when your not a big 3 run homer team.

 

[vbsideout]

Birds won 100 games and sucked in the playoffs it's a crap shoot so I think I'll just look forward to next year and not be so bitter over this year. It is just a game and I think everyone shares in the end of season, but if you want to believe that it all lies on Matheny so be it! Go Royals!!

 

[Kenny56]

Birds won 100 games and sucked in the playoffs it's a crap shoot so I think I'll just look forward to next year and not be so bitter over this year. It is just a game and I think everyone shares in the end of season, but if you want to believe that it all lies on Matheny so be it! Go Royals!!

I don't get how anybody can enjoy the regular season if they expect a championship every year.

Cubs lost, joe must have lost his brilliance last night.

 

[vbsideout]

My buddy refers to MM as a genius for what he accomplished this year. That about sums it up.

 

[Duck_walk]

My buddy refers to MM as a genius for what he accomplished this year. That about sums it up.

Matheny's personalized license plate says
R2D2.

When he and his wife karaoke he loves to sing
Styx:

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto

 

[3Rfan]

Matheny's personalized license plate says
R2D2.

When he and his wife karaoke he loves to sing
Styx:

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto

It didn't take long for Maddon the genius to crawfish on his comment that his SS he moved to 2nd would stay at 2nd. He's pulled his backup SS twice already and guess who replaced him?

 

[WCS Coach]

There is more to managing and coaching than game strategy Duck. I think Matheny excels at dealing with his players and the day to day issues associated with professional athletics. He commands the respect of 20+ guys making millions and that isn't always easy.

That being said he could improve a lot on his game strategy. When you don't have a power lineup and had the pitching the Birds had this year, I do agree it makes a lot of sense to manufacture runs when you can.

To be honest he really didn't have a lefty in the pen he could call on to get a left handed hitter out. That is an issue that have to solve next year.

This team lost their CY Young caliber starter (Wainright) for the year, their best hitter (Holliday) for half the year, then Martinez and Molina right before the playoffs. Let's see genius Maddon overcome losing Arrieta all year and his top hitter 80 plus games, then another top SP and catcher right before the playoffs. Hurdle, Maddon, or anyone else would have been lucky to win 85 games this year had they had to deal with what the Cardinals dealt with.

 

[Kenny56]

There is more to managing and coaching than game strategy Duck. I think Matheny excels at dealing with his players and the day to day issues associated with professional athletics. He commands the respect of 20+ guys making millions and that isn't always easy.

That being said he could improve a lot on his game strategy. When you don't have a power lineup and had the pitching the Birds had this year, I do agree it makes a lot of sense to manufacture runs when you can.

To be honest he really didn't have a lefty in the pen he could call on to get a left handed hitter out. That is an issue that have to solve next year.

This team lost their CY Young caliber starter (Wainright) for the year, their best hitter (Holliday) for half the year, then Martinez and Molina right before the playoffs. Let's see genius Maddon overcome losing Arrieta all year and his top hitter 80 plus games, then another top SP and catcher right before the playoffs. Hurdle, Maddon, or anyone else would have been lucky to win 85 games this year had they had to deal with what the Cardinals dealt with.

That can't be right. Eagles and Duck both think anybody else could coach this team to a WS. You don't know what you're talking about.

 

[wccards21]

There is more to managing and coaching than game strategy Duck. I think Matheny excels at dealing with his players and the day to day issues associated with professional athletics. He commands the respect of 20+ guys making millions and that isn't always easy.

That being said he could improve a lot on his game strategy. When you don't have a power lineup and had the pitching the Birds had this year, I do agree it makes a lot of sense to manufacture runs when you can.

To be honest he really didn't have a lefty in the pen he could call on to get a left handed hitter out. That is an issue that have to solve next year.

This team lost their CY Young caliber starter (Wainright) for the year, their best hitter (Holliday) for half the year, then Martinez and Molina right before the playoffs. Let's see genius Maddon overcome losing Arrieta all year and his top hitter 80 plus games, then another top SP and catcher right before the playoffs. Hurdle, Maddon, or anyone else would have been lucky to win 85 games this year had they had to deal with what the Cardinals dealt with.

Quit whining about injuries. Soler, Montero,Ross, Fowler, Ramirez, Motte, Wada and now Russell.

Deadbirds weren't the only team with injuries

 

[Eagles_Ball]

There is more to managing and coaching than game strategy Duck. I think Matheny excels at dealing with his players and the day to day issues associated with professional athletics. He commands the respect of 20+ guys making millions and that isn't always easy.

That being said he could improve a lot on his game strategy. When you don't have a power lineup and had the pitching the Birds had this year, I do agree it makes a lot of sense to manufacture runs when you can.

To be honest he really didn't have a lefty in the pen he could call on to get a left handed hitter out. That is an issue that have to solve next year.

This team lost their CY Young caliber starter (Wainright) for the year, their best hitter (Holliday) for half the year, then Martinez and Molina right before the playoffs. Let's see genius Maddon overcome losing Arrieta all year and his top hitter 80 plus games, then another top SP and catcher right before the playoffs. Hurdle, Maddon, or anyone else would have been lucky to win 85 games this year had they had to deal with what the Cardinals dealt with.

Holliday hasn't been the best hitter for a few years. But agree with nearly everything else said...except the last sentence. Losing players to injuries and overcoming has more to do with organizational depth than it does managing.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

That can't be right. Eagles and Duck both think anybody else could coach this team to a WS. You don't know what you're talking about.

Disagreements are fine. I dig them. Putting words in my mouth is petty, while trying to make your argument look better. I don't think anyone could, but I certainly think Maddon or Hurdle could equal what has been done. But there are plenty of horrid managers out there that couldn't. Take Mattingly for example.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Quit whining about injuries. Soler, Montero,Ross, Fowler, Ramirez, Motte, Wada and now Russell.

Deadbirds weren't the only team with injuries

Quit whining about injuries. Soler, Montero,Ross, Fowler, Ramirez, Motte, Wada and now Russell.

Deadbirds weren't the only team with injuries

Shhhhhhhh...it ruins the BFIB narrative.

 

[Duck_walk]

In my highly important view, if the Cardinals sign Heyward and think that is a "big splash" that is BS. Heyward signing would be standing pat. They need to sign Heyward AND a power bat to compete with the Cubs and Pirates. The Cubs have a lot of cash and will add pitching.

If VB has to suffer thru another year without a clean up hitter, I fear for the man's well being. He has already lost it to the point where he is defending Matheny's playoff gaffes.

 

[Kenny56]

Disagreements are fine. I dig them. Putting words in my mouth is petty, while trying to make your argument look better. I don't think anyone could, but I certainly think Maddon or Hurdle could equal what has been done. But there are plenty of horrid managers out there that couldn't. Take Mattingly for example.

You mean, like, saying I was part of the TH crowd. That couldn't be further from the truth. As in reference here and then.

Again you THINK Maddon and Hurdle could, but that is not a fact. They have plenty of talent in Pittsburgh and Chitown, yet they were chasing a MASH unit all year.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

You mean, like, saying I was part of the TH crowd. That couldn't be further from the truth. As in reference here and then.

Again you THINK Maddon and Hurdle could, but that is not a fact. They have plenty of talent in Pittsburgh and Chitown, yet they were chasing a MASH unit all year.

Reading comprehension fail. I said you were LIKE those folks. Using it as a comparison.

True, it's something we can't prove. Just like we'd never be able to prove MM would lose 90 games this year in Oakland.

 

[wccards21]

And yet Texas did just as much as the Cardinals, with more injuries. So there is at least one manner

 

[Kenny56]

And yet Texas did just as much as the Cardinals, with more injuries. So there is at least one manner

Yeah, but was their roster stacked?

 

[Duck_walk]

Reading comprehension fail. I said you were LIKE those folks. Using it as a comparison.

True, it's something we can't prove. Just like we'd never be able to prove MM would lose 90 games this year in Oakland.

Not sure who you are arguing with because it's ignored content, but chances are it's with someone who seldom watches the games but still has an opinion on everything.
Those type people are clueless. Pseudo Cardinal fans. They couldn't name the middle infielders for the Cubs or the starting rotation for the Pirates yet they lecture us on Matheny's managerial skills.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Not sure who you are arguing with because it's ignored content, but chances are it's with someone who seldom watches the games but still has an opinion on everything.
Those type people are clueless. Pseudo Cardinal fans. They couldn't name the middle infielders for the Cubs or the starting rotation for the Pirates yet they lecture us on Matheny's managerial skills.

BFIBs

 

[Duck_walk]

BFIBs

Exactly. Biggest frauds in baseball.

 

[vbsideout]

In my highly important view, if the Cardinals sign Heyward and think that is a "big splash" that is BS. Heyward signing would be standing pat. They need to sign Heyward AND a power bat to compete with the Cubs and Pirates. The Cubs have a lot of cash and will add pitching.

If VB has to suffer thru another year without a clean up hitter, I fear for the man's well being. He has already lost it to the point where he is defending Matheny's playoff gaffes.

RISP we need a #4 hitter RISP we need a #4 hitter RISP we need a #4 hitter RISP we need a#4 hitter I gotta get out of here I gotta get out of here Somebody help me I feel I'm losing it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[3Rfan]

Exactly. Biggest frauds in baseball.

How does not knowing a bunch of other teams players make someone a Pseudo Cardinal fan? I don't watch all of baseball like some folks on here do. I don't know all the Cards best prospects at every level and I sure don't know all the other team's best prospects. I AM however a Cardinal fan and have been as long as I've know what the heck was going on the radio. You guys are much better MLB fans than I, and I don't care one bit.

 

[The Rumor]

Wasn't all that long ago it was really hard to know who even played in your minor league system. It's amazing what is out there now.

 

[WCS Coach]

Quit whining about injuries. Soler, Montero,Ross, Fowler, Ramirez, Motte, Wada and now Russell.

Deadbirds weren't the only team with injuries

Get real. Any of those guys were easy to replace. Walden was a bigger loss than Motte was. The point is simple.....If the Cubs or Pirates lose their number 1 pitcher and their number one hitter, they were both toast.

Case closed.

 

[Eagles_Ball]

Get real. Any of those guys were easy to replace. Walden was a bigger loss than Motte was. The point is simple.....If the Cubs or Pirates lose their number 1 pitcher and their number one hitter, they were both toast.

Case closed.

Dude, Holliday isn't the best hitter. But the Birds did lose more games to injury, in relation to WAR, than any team this season. But the Cubs certainly had significant injuries to big talents. Heck, just look what a healthy Soler is doing for them now.

 

[wccards21]

Get real. Any of those guys were easy to replace. Walden was a bigger loss than Motte was. The point is simple.....If the Cubs or Pirates lose their number 1 pitcher and their number one hitter, they were both toast.

Case closed.

You can't be this stupid. Yes, all easy to replace. When your starting RF, CF, both catchers and 2 key pen arms get hurt.....then one of the best defensive players in the league goes down for the LCS.

If you're claiming Holliday as your best hitter.....your organization is in a lot of trouble

 

[3Rfan]

You can't be this stupid. Yes, all easy to replace. When your starting RF, CF, both catchers and 2 key pen arms get hurt.....then one of the best defensive players in the league goes down for the LCS.

If you're claiming Holliday as your best hitter.....your organization is in a lot of trouble

Well it sure wasn't J-honny. Carp struck out 150 times and hit .260 to go with his power burst. Holliday was hitting quite well before he went down the first time and this was his first season in a LONG time that he didn't hit 20HR's. He was a legit #3 hitter.