Scott Rolen for Troy Glaus (Update: Finalized!)

[Richie Allen]

The old smartass reply is so effective in making me care even less what your opinion is. Thanks (smartass thanks).

Don't care. But if you're so sure about Tony's omniscience while balking at numbers, perhaps you'd be willing to place a bet?

I love numbers. Document where "your method" has been more successful. And I'm not saying your record as a GM or manager, I mean your "method." Where is an example of this perfect way of building a roster that seems so obvious to you, as opposed to the ignorant way LaRussa has done it (always having the Gallego type). This isn't meant to be flippant...would you rather have a computer build our roster, with no regard to the actual human beings? I'm afraid I already know that answer to that and it frightens me.

[Richie Allen]

Some of the snarkiness needs to be toned down. Good humor in light of the Cards situation is invited, but mean spirited sarcasm towards other posters isn't.

I better head over to my Packers forum where the mood is much more jubilant.

[haltz]

I think I'd like to have a smart GM that uses computers, scouting, analysts, and coaching input to make informed and autonomous decisions. And a manager (this goes for all managers, IMO) that doesn't have too much say in roster construction. Mo should look for input, not instruction. I fear it's the latter.

There's a completely reasonable middle ground between, LaRussa builds the team, and using a computer.

[Richie Allen]

Last thing (at least I hope) I'll say in Tony's defense. Rather, it's a clarification of my earlier post. He's not perfect, obviously, and I've been a critic of his ever since he's been here. I wasn't arguing that he's beyond criticism. He' not. Just look at that All Star game, for God's sake. What I was defending was the accusation that he's always done these goofy things. In other words, he's always done things to make his team worse. And I was simply trying to point out that despite is idiosyncrasies, despite his willingness to go against the grain from time to time, he's been, for the most part, a very successful manager.

Besides, knowing Tony, don't you think he's probably very aware of the numbers?

[tenniseleven]

I'll be willing to make a bet with anyone (not sure how the bets work 'round these parts) that if Ryan is given 150+ at-bats that his OPS will be at least right around, if not higher than, the OPS Izturis had in his 'career year'...

Izturis put up a .288/.330/.381 line that year, 'good' for a .711 OPS...

I'd be willing to bet that Ryan posts an OPS at least over .695, and may be willing to bump that up a bit with some strong arguments...

just for FYI Izturis has a .629 career OPS....

also, Miles has a .680 career OPS, so I'd be betting that Ryan, in his second stint in the majors, posts an OPS higher than Miles has in his career...

I'd say that's quite bold, considering how many people in here don't think that Ryan can be good enough to play in the majors, whereas Miles and Izturis have practically been guaranteed jobs for several years now...


also, I don't even know where to start on the argument that Ryan isn't a MUCH better defender at 3B and SS than Miles b/c he lacks concentration...
he may indeed lack concentration, but that's something that can be worked on, whereas an extreme lack of range and arm-strength (the traits that Miles possesses) are pretty much impossible to change with any great degree...

[jim]

I'll be willing to make a bet with anyone (not sure how the bets work 'round these parts)

Agree on something to put in your signature for a period of time.

[Richie Allen]

There's a completely reasonable middle ground between, LaRussa builds the team, and using a computer.

I agree. But I don't think that LaRussa is going to be given the keys to the city as far as rebuilding the team. The $1.4 mil one year Miles deal doesn't really constitute "building the team." (to use those quotes I know you're so fond of)

[greenback44]

A nerve decompression implies he had a tarsal tunnel syndrome (the ankle equivalent of a carpal tunnel) because surgery for plantar fasciitis is not done much anymore.

Doc, am I on the right track here:

Link

In severe cases, the patient may not respond to conservative treatment and may need surgical treatment or tarsal tunnel release surgery...

Complications may include bleeding, infection, and unpredictable healing. The incision may open from swelling. There may be considerable pain and cramping.

Regenerating nerve fibers may create shooting pains. Patients may have hot or cold sensations and may feel worse than before surgery. Crutches are usually recommended for the first two weeks, as well as elevation to minimize swelling. The nerve will grow at about one inch per month. One can expect to continue the healing process over the course of about one year.

Many patients report good results. Some, however, experience no improvement or a worsening of symptoms. In the Pfeiffer article (Los Angeles, 1996), less than 50% of the patients reported improvement, and there was a 13 % complication rate. This is a staggering percentage of complications for what is a fairly superficial and minor surgical procedure.

Tarsal tunnel can greatly impact patients' quality of life. Depending on the severity, the ability to walk distances people normally take for granted (such as grocery shopping) may become compromised. Proper pain management and counselling is often required.

[haltz]

The $1.4 mil one year Miles deal doesn't really constitute "building the team." (to use those quotes I know you're so fond of)

I think there's almost $60 million worth of decisions that he's already influenced (to put it mildly). Good or bad.

[Richie Allen]

The $1.4 mil one year Miles deal doesn't really constitute "building the team." (to use those quotes I know you're so fond of)

I think there's almost $60 million worth of decisions that he's already influenced (to put it mildly). Good or bad.

Again, it's kind of tough to argue with the track record since 2000. I think perhaps Tony was probably given some leniency in comparison to other managers.

We talk about the rich tradition of winning in St. Louis. The Cardinals could justifiably not see the post season until around 2040 before breaking with the track record of the past. Not saying we shouldn't ever expect to win again. Just trying to point out why LaRuusa might have been given a little more control than most managers.