Mailbag: Lack of Cards in Classic
03/13/2006
Why are more of the Cardinal players not participating in the World Baseball Classic, especially Chris Carpenter?-- Mike W., St. Louis
Carpenter specifically discussed that very topic with reporters this week, so you can check out what he had to say.
As for others, there were a variety of reasons. Jason Isringhausen was interested until he realized the schedule. He decided that such a dramatic change to his routine didn't make sense. Remember, Izzy doesn't pitch in games at all for the first week of Grapefruit League contests, so it would be quite a shock to his system.
So Taguchi was never formally invited to play for Japan, but even if he had been, he would have prioritized his quest for a starting job with the Cardinals. Jim Edmonds apparently was never invited, which is downright bizarre. Scott Rolen, obviously, has physical issues to deal with.
For each guy there's a different reason, but rest assured the club isn't too distressed about the small number.
If Chris Duncan continues to hit the ball well and proves he can be more versatile in the field, will he have a legitimate shot at making the team?-- Sam R., St. Louis
When camp opened, I thought Duncan was a very long shot. Then again, I thought the same about John Gall, and he's looked very good, too. But now, I think there's a way for Duncan to force his way onto the roster. It would almost have to be as a 14th position player, because he's still a little rough at first base and in the outfield.
But as a hitter, he's really caught a lot of eyes this spring. His raw power is eye-popping -- the homer he hit in Viera was an absolute rocket. Duncan's power production hasn't always matched the distance he can hit a ball; if he's learning to bridge that gap, he's a very interesting player indeed.
I see a lot of athletes with tattoos but can't see any on Cardinals players. Is this happenstance or team policy?-- Brent B., Jefferson City, Mo.
You just haven't seen them, Brent. Believe me, they're there. Scott Spiezio has a famous tattoo of his wife on his arm. Tyler Johnson has some serious ones. They're far from the only ones. They may not be publicized a lot, but they're there.
I was wondering what you thought about Aaron Miles' chance of clinching the starting second base spot. He's hitting well this spring and thus far Junior Spivey has looked like the Spivey of 2005.-- Daniel K., Indianapolis
I still think Miles is the third horse in a three-horse race, but he could pass the other two. His early-camp injury didn't help matters at all, because he needs to be playing to compete. He could do it, though.
Be patient with Spivey, however. He's started to show some signs of coming around, both offensively and defensively. I believe he is the favorite, and additionally, it's clear that Tony La Russa is deeply fascinated by Hector Luna's potential.
Oh, also, I'm sorry your Butler Bulldogs didn't win the Horizon League, Daniel. I was pulling for them against Milwaukee.
Just wondering what you think the bullpen will look like on Opening Day. I know the Cards have five of them in good shape -- Jason Isringhausen, Braden Looper, Ricardo Rincon, Brad Thompson and Randy Flores. Who do you think will nab the last two spots? Go Cards!-- Mark C., Benton, Ky.
We were just discussing the topic in the media workroom the other day, and there were some differences of opinion. First, there's no guarantee the Cardinals will take 12 pitchers. It could be 11, which would mean six relievers -- which would mean the last spot would almost certainly be a long man, likely one of the guys who lost out in the fifth-starter race.
My guess as of right now is that Sidney Ponson will win the fifth spot, and Anthony Reyes will be in the bullpen. I'd guess Jeff Nelson is also there, with a 12-man staff. I also think Tyler Johnson has something of a spot, as does Alan Benes. Brian Falkenborg and Brad Voyles shouldn't be ruled out.
I'm a big Jose Oquendo fan. Do you think he will ever become a Major League manager, and do you know if he has had any offers?-- Tom B. Peoria, Ill.
I think Oquendo will manage, and I think his experience managing Team Puerto Rico this week can only help. He's exceptionally knowledgeable and players really seem to respond to him. I don't think it will be next year, but I think it will happen.
I've been hearing that Miguel Cabrera is going to be on the trading block at midseason's trading deadline. I was just wondering, what are the chances the Cardinals will try to trade for him? I know it's a little early to talk about it but I think he would fit in well with the Cardinals.-- Ricky B., St. Louis
I was hoping to avoid this topic, because I think it's really idle speculation at this point, but a lot of y'all asked. So here goes.
First, Cabrera would be a good fit anywhere. He's simply an incredible hitter, a great ballplayer. There aren't five guys in baseball that I would trade him for straight-up.
Second, I guarantee Walt Jocketty will call Larry Beinfest. He'd have to be a fool not to at least find out the asking price, and even if you don't like every move Walt makes, he's quite clearly not a fool.
Third is the hard part, though. Every GM is going to be calling about Cabrera. And what the Marlins are going to want is young talent -- something the Cardinals don't have in nearly the supply that teams like the Angels, Dodgers and Diamondbacks do.
Finally, though I think there's a good chance Cabrera opens the 2007 season for someone other than the Marlins, I'm not sure a move will happen as soon as this offseason. If I'm the Marlins, I would wait and see how potential relocation works out. You never know -- in a year they might have something set up that would allow them to afford him.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
Why are more of the Cardinal players not participating in the World Baseball Classic, especially Chris Carpenter?-- Mike W., St. Louis
Carpenter specifically discussed that very topic with reporters this week, so you can check out what he had to say.
As for others, there were a variety of reasons. Jason Isringhausen was interested until he realized the schedule. He decided that such a dramatic change to his routine didn't make sense. Remember, Izzy doesn't pitch in games at all for the first week of Grapefruit League contests, so it would be quite a shock to his system.
So Taguchi was never formally invited to play for Japan, but even if he had been, he would have prioritized his quest for a starting job with the Cardinals. Jim Edmonds apparently was never invited, which is downright bizarre. Scott Rolen, obviously, has physical issues to deal with.
For each guy there's a different reason, but rest assured the club isn't too distressed about the small number.
If Chris Duncan continues to hit the ball well and proves he can be more versatile in the field, will he have a legitimate shot at making the team?-- Sam R., St. Louis
When camp opened, I thought Duncan was a very long shot. Then again, I thought the same about John Gall, and he's looked very good, too. But now, I think there's a way for Duncan to force his way onto the roster. It would almost have to be as a 14th position player, because he's still a little rough at first base and in the outfield.
But as a hitter, he's really caught a lot of eyes this spring. His raw power is eye-popping -- the homer he hit in Viera was an absolute rocket. Duncan's power production hasn't always matched the distance he can hit a ball; if he's learning to bridge that gap, he's a very interesting player indeed.
I see a lot of athletes with tattoos but can't see any on Cardinals players. Is this happenstance or team policy?-- Brent B., Jefferson City, Mo.
You just haven't seen them, Brent. Believe me, they're there. Scott Spiezio has a famous tattoo of his wife on his arm. Tyler Johnson has some serious ones. They're far from the only ones. They may not be publicized a lot, but they're there.
I was wondering what you thought about Aaron Miles' chance of clinching the starting second base spot. He's hitting well this spring and thus far Junior Spivey has looked like the Spivey of 2005.-- Daniel K., Indianapolis
I still think Miles is the third horse in a three-horse race, but he could pass the other two. His early-camp injury didn't help matters at all, because he needs to be playing to compete. He could do it, though.
Be patient with Spivey, however. He's started to show some signs of coming around, both offensively and defensively. I believe he is the favorite, and additionally, it's clear that Tony La Russa is deeply fascinated by Hector Luna's potential.
Oh, also, I'm sorry your Butler Bulldogs didn't win the Horizon League, Daniel. I was pulling for them against Milwaukee.
Just wondering what you think the bullpen will look like on Opening Day. I know the Cards have five of them in good shape -- Jason Isringhausen, Braden Looper, Ricardo Rincon, Brad Thompson and Randy Flores. Who do you think will nab the last two spots? Go Cards!-- Mark C., Benton, Ky.
We were just discussing the topic in the media workroom the other day, and there were some differences of opinion. First, there's no guarantee the Cardinals will take 12 pitchers. It could be 11, which would mean six relievers -- which would mean the last spot would almost certainly be a long man, likely one of the guys who lost out in the fifth-starter race.
My guess as of right now is that Sidney Ponson will win the fifth spot, and Anthony Reyes will be in the bullpen. I'd guess Jeff Nelson is also there, with a 12-man staff. I also think Tyler Johnson has something of a spot, as does Alan Benes. Brian Falkenborg and Brad Voyles shouldn't be ruled out.
I'm a big Jose Oquendo fan. Do you think he will ever become a Major League manager, and do you know if he has had any offers?-- Tom B. Peoria, Ill.
I think Oquendo will manage, and I think his experience managing Team Puerto Rico this week can only help. He's exceptionally knowledgeable and players really seem to respond to him. I don't think it will be next year, but I think it will happen.
I've been hearing that Miguel Cabrera is going to be on the trading block at midseason's trading deadline. I was just wondering, what are the chances the Cardinals will try to trade for him? I know it's a little early to talk about it but I think he would fit in well with the Cardinals.-- Ricky B., St. Louis
I was hoping to avoid this topic, because I think it's really idle speculation at this point, but a lot of y'all asked. So here goes.
First, Cabrera would be a good fit anywhere. He's simply an incredible hitter, a great ballplayer. There aren't five guys in baseball that I would trade him for straight-up.
Second, I guarantee Walt Jocketty will call Larry Beinfest. He'd have to be a fool not to at least find out the asking price, and even if you don't like every move Walt makes, he's quite clearly not a fool.
Third is the hard part, though. Every GM is going to be calling about Cabrera. And what the Marlins are going to want is young talent -- something the Cardinals don't have in nearly the supply that teams like the Angels, Dodgers and Diamondbacks do.
Finally, though I think there's a good chance Cabrera opens the 2007 season for someone other than the Marlins, I'm not sure a move will happen as soon as this offseason. If I'm the Marlins, I would wait and see how potential relocation works out. You never know -- in a year they might have something set up that would allow them to afford him.
Source: http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/
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