Weaver put a fourth runner on in the inning and, even though that runner was out at home on a grounder, it wasn't as if he was rubbed out trying to steal. There was another runner that merely took his place on the bases and still another runner moved up on the infield out. That second runner was the one who scored. Ergo, all four runs charged to Weaver.
I would not be surprised if Hicks was sent out, especially if Holland and Gregerson find themselves and when Tuivailala comes off the injured list. If Hicks is going to be used in high leverage spots, he can't be walking so many people. If he's not going to be used in those spots, then he needs to pitch in the minors. Keep an eye on the next couple of weeks.
Don't know about that. But the batsmen didn't seem to have much of an idea Sunday.
Mercado will be a big-league outfielder, either this year or next. His ability to steal bases and perhaps hit leadoff is an intriguing one. Let's see how he hits in Triple-A a while longer because he hadn't been that level before. I don't want to put a ceiling on him because he and Adolis Garcia both could be very good players.
Thanks, and, yes, let's give this two to three weeks before anything substantive is done. For the moment, I would play Jedd Gyorko more. He hit 50 home runs the last two years and is their best defender at third and they don't have eight players better than him. I also would play Carpenter more at first, where he was quite good yesterday, and also not play him every day until he can provide more than the walk or hard-hit ball. He is playing at 32 but that's not 27, I know. Weather will be warmer in the next couple of weeks and we'll have a better gauge to evaluate hitters. Carpenter probably is on notice now, but I'm sure he knows that.
Let's not wait so long. He is the new Bud Norris, right?
Carpenter hasn't said anything about his shoulder but it does make you wonder. No need to look at Triple-A yet when you have Gyorko just sitting there, for the most part. Voit has been hurt and not hitting much at Triple-A. Schrock seems to be only a second baseman. We've seen Mejia and Tovar. .
Yes, that would be a legitimate question. But, let's not all pile on Carpenter. There are two other regulars hitting under .200. Anthony Rizzo hitting .170 for Cubs and he's still playing. Now, I'm not comparing Carpenter to Rizzo but everybody assumes Rizzo will get better and I assume Carpenter will, too. How much better remains to be seen.
Bader was one of their most productive players during the winning streak and I am confident he will see action against some lefthanders while playing in right field. Not ready to say it should be a platoon just yet but he should _ and will _ play more.
Adopting the old hockey plus-minus theory, Martinez still has driven in more runs than he's let in, but I would be inclined to take him our late in games for defense. Carpenter is not strong at third, especially with his arm, but he is good at first. Perhaps more starts there for him and fewer at third.
I would say Hicks, if he's not being used or if his command doesn't improve. Weaver actually was quite good yesterday.
If Martinez is gong to play first every day, you have to live with his defense. But he doesn't have to play it every day, ideally. Ideally, means more production from Carpenter, Fowler, Wong. Then you can spot Martinez more and play Carpenter, who is a better defender, at first base with Gyorko going to third and now you have the good enough defense you need to win.
I would say one more month would be the most rope some of these players would get. The Cardinals have too good a bench and Memphis has too good a team to not think about changes a month from now _ if some things stay the same. And, no, the front office doesn't want highly paid players sitting on the bench but you have to pay them anyway. i
Waino makes Waino's next start, unless it is Gant. Gomber is needed as a second lefthander in the bullpen until Sherriff and/or Cecil are ready.
I thought Weaver was very good yesterday. That two-run single to right was well done by Pirates' Diaz on a pretty good pitch. The Cardinals could have played until dawn and not scored yesterday.
In retrospect, no question that was a mistake. Holland had been throwing on his own but that isn't the same as spring training and the Florida State League isn't the same as the majors. At the time, though, nobody knew how good Norris was going to be, or Hicks either.
There's no great mystery here, or magical potion. Carpenter, Fowler and Wong have to hit and Ozuna has to hit with more authority. The hitting coach can only do so much.
Thank you and I actually think DeJong has improved a lot defensively. The pitchers may well want some better defense at first but they have to remember how Martinez carried much of the offense for the first few weeks. I do not think he should play every day at first, however. It is Mike Matheny's task to find the right mix among Martinez, Carpenter and Gyorko at first and third. All I know is that Gyorko needs to be more involved.
Greetings to everyone,After a lost weekend (three of them) in Pittsburgh, Cardinals are back home for seven, including three with the resurgent Cubs and four interleagues games, which haven't exactly been their strength in the last few years.Fire away with your questions and comments. And, yes, Matt Carpenter is hitting .155.
Good Morning Mr Hummel, I hope your day is a great one! What is it going to take to get this offense moving??? There are way too many offensice pieces not working at all and now in addition we have wooden glove defense by our 1B that pretty much cost us 2 games over the weekend and when Carp is at 3B we have arm over there. Persoanlly I think we are giving up too much on defense, if we had a potent offense it might get by but not with this team, at leasy not so far. Your thoughts???