GatewaySnayke wrote:Jesus, why is it that every time someone launches into a discussion questioning La Russa's moves, 10 people stand up and defend the guy and act like he invented baseball?
Well gee Gateway, because maybe we believe that the squeeze play isn't a desperate late inning move but has actually been a very consistent run producer for teh Cards.
It was an unnecessary play at that point last night. That's all there is to it. You will get burned nearly every time if you leave it up to the pitcher to get home a run.
I doubt you have ANY statistical analysis that supports your claim. I know last year the Cards were very successful using the squeeze including when they had the pitcher do it.
O'quendo sending Eck with Pujols on deck and less than 2 outs was the worst move of the night, by far.
cardfaninfla wrote:
O'quendo sending Eck with Pujols on deck and less than 2 outs was the worst move of the night, by far.
Agreed. And bringing Adam to third, while a "good gamble" with one out, is still not a good play if he gets nailed, which it appeared a more accurate throw might have done. I suppose third base coaches take some time to get in their grooves as well.
Nevertheless, I have no issue with aggressive play on opening day.
cardfaninfla wrote:
O'quendo sending Eck with Pujols on deck and less than 2 outs was the worst move of the night, by far.
Agreed. And bringing Adam to third, while a "good gamble" with one out, is still not a good play if he gets nailed, which it appeared a more accurate throw might have done. I suppose third base coaches take some time to get in their grooves as well.
Nevertheless, I have no issue with aggressive play on opening day.
Actually with one out and the pitcher coming up next having him try for third isn't a bad play, especially when it takes an almost perfect throw to get him. But getting thrown out at hte plate with 1 out and by holding him you get a 1st and 3rd situaiton for the best hitter in baseball vice a runner on second and two outs is just about inexcusable.
But O'quendo is a popular guy and not many here will get on him. I like his aggressiveness but you also have to think about who you have coming up.
I didn't think it was that bad Oquendo sending Eck--I was surprised Beltran even made a throw to the plate and a cut off man couldn't have had a chance on that throw.
Kyle wrote:Honestly, though, it was the first of 162 games. This isn't news to anyone (in fact, it has been stated repeatedly throughout this very topic).
My only real complaint is So Taguchi. I really don't like the guy anymore. I stopped about midway through last year. I really hope they cut him and bring up J-Rod.
I guess the only problem with that is that it's yet another lefty... that kind of limits our bench.
You make a good point on too many lefties.
Honestly, what they'll probably do is just send down Taguchi when Encar comes back, and forget about Jrod, unless they swap him with Schumaker.
Bottom 6th: St. Louis
- A. Kennedy flied out to left
- S. Schumaker hit for C. Carpenter
- S. Schumaker singled to left
- D. Eckstein doubled to left, S. Schumaker scored
- P. Wilson singled to shallow center, D. Eckstein out at home, P. Wilson to second advancing on throw
- A. Pujols walked
- S. Rolen hit by pitch, P. Wilson to third, A. Pujols to second
- Y. Molina popped out to shortstop
