No game to talk about from yesterday, so just a few random topics for discussion.
First off, Rick Ankiel notched a 83.7 percent approval rating from 56 voters, sliding him right in between Mike Shannon and Tony La Russa. I gave him a 90 percent, because I've been a big fan of Rick's since his original time in the minors.
Hopefully this year he makes a step toward improving his clutch numbers. It also makes me quite sad that this is probably his last year in Cardinal red.
Today's subject for the approval ratings is Kyle Lohse. Lohse probably doesn't endear the same kind of support as our other topics since he's only been a Cardinal for one year.
He took a cheap contract to come here and pitched well above that last year, which is a plus. He signed a contract that now looks overpriced, which could be a minus. Lots of different variables, so leave your rating (between zero and 100) in the comments.
Another UCB roundtable transcript is up! Whiteyball asked us about Colby Rasmus and the different issues surrounding him. Take a look or check out the roundtable index for ones you might have missed.
Along those lines, the UCB Radio Hour is back tomorrow night. Nick from Pitchers Hit Eighth is hosting and is hoping for a panel-like discussion, which means we need callers.
Maybe you think you don't want to be on the radio. This is perfect for you, because all you have do is call up, ask your question, and hang up. No need to stay and discuss if you don't want to.
The panel hasn't been completely decided upon yet, so you might be stuck with yours truly, but don't let that run you off.
OK, housekeeping out of the way, let's see what's on the Web sites this morning for news.
Every day, Tyler Greene seems to get closer to going north with the Cardinals and getting to ride in one of those convertibles on Opening Day. When you think that the only reason they took Colby Rasmus instead of Greene was a strategic one, it makes you wonder just how good he could be.
Tony La Russa is doing a lot to try to get all the middle infield options at bat, putting them in the outfield if necessary. (Which is good, because you know he'll be doing that during the season anyway, no matter how many outfielders the Cards may have.)
While Brian Barden, Joe Thurston and Brendan Ryan all have possibilities, it is Greene that's firing imaginations.
I'd love to see him make the big squad and, with Skip Schumaker's still-shaky defense, having him around would likely make a lot of sense. It'd be a big surprise to me if he wasn't on the Opening Day roster.
The closer role seems to be still up in the air. I wouldn't put it past La Russa to go with a mix and match type of thing, at least in the early going. Which might be a better use of the pen than sticking one guy into the closer role.
Also, it'll let TLR use the best relievers at the most important times of the game instead of holding Pitcher X back for the ninth. If Chris Perez matches up better with guys in the eighth, use him there. It might make for a very interesting season, but in a good way.
Are you watching the World Baseball Classic? I got to see some of it this weekend and it's great to see some baseball on the TV again. I wish I got MLB Network so I could watch more of these games.
I think the Netherlands has had their time in the sun. The rematch with the Dominican won't be pleasant for them, I don't think.
And how about Yadier Molina winning the game for Puerto Rico last night? There are only two Cardinals in the WBC, with Adam Ottovino being the other as a pitcher for Italy, so it's nice to see him make an impact. Italy's a pretty surprising team so far as well.
I didn't expect them to knock out Canada like that.
You can find more WBC info at their web page. I hope to be able to see the last few innings of the games today and tomorrow on ESPN2.
While it's not big-time baseball news, it is to me. Today is my son's first-ever tee-ball practice. It's supposed to be a get-to-know-you type of thing, not a real practice, but it's still the first, which is a big thing for him (and me)!
Today's game for the Cardinals is against the Tigers. Not sure of the pitching or the lineup yet, though.
(EDIT: Kyle Lohse is going today, in a nice blend of synergy. Try not to let today's start influence your approval rating too much!)
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