Let’s catch up with the goings on…

• First, I wanted to take another opportunity to publicize the debut and continuing development of United Cardinal Bloggers’ Radio, currently being hosted by Tom from over at CardinalsGM. I had an opportunity to be on the November 12th show with Tom and thoroughly enjoyed my time, even if I did get a little long winded.

• The Gold Gloves were announced, and Yadier Molina finally got his due. No surprise, it comes in a year that was statistically deficient to his 2007 defensively, but far superior offensively. The Gold Gloves are getting to be a bit of a beauty contest in my opinion, a way to give an award to a guy for a good season that doesn’t really deserve any other award…almost like an All-Star nomination, but without the game. How else can you explain Albert Pujols finishing third in the voting for the NL First Base Gold Glove? Is Adrian Gonzalez really a better defender, or just had no shot at any other award but had a good season? I’ll let you decide.

• Pujols came out on top this time in another widely debated NL MVP race. Basically, Albert and Ryan Howard found their roles reversed from the 2006 MVP vote. Many sportswriters across the country are proceeding to make themselves look foolish by writing drivel for anyone who cares to read it about how undeserving Pujols was, and how Howard or someone from another playoff team was more deserving of the award, but the writers have spoken. To Phil Sheridan, Tom Haudricourt, and others…you have to ask yourself this question. Where would the Cardinals have been this season without Pujols? Similarly, where would Pujols have been statistically with guys like Chase Utley, or Jose Reyes, or Rafael Furcal hitting in front of him (just to name a few)? Pujols was already heads and shoulders above all other candidates statistically. Nevermind Howard’s gaudy RBI total - look at the OPS numbers. Look at the on-base percentage. Look at the consistency. Then tell me who the Most Valuable Player in the National League was for 2008. I, for one, am looking forward to a few more in the next several years.

• The ones who got away:
  • Scott Eyre, Jeremy Affeldt, Damaso Marte - So the left-handed relief market has already taken off…Affeldt to the Giants, Eyre re-upped with the Philles, Marte with the Yankees. It’s looking like the average market for a lefty is going to be around $4 million per season, with Will Ohman and Brian Fuentes likely to command much more than that as the ‘premier’ names. I’ve read lots saying the Cards and GM John Mozeliak are still in the hunt for Ohman, I’ve also seen a couple places indicating he figures to remain with the Braves. I don’t see the Cards ponying up for Fuentes, and probably for good reason. That leaves Mo with guys like Joe Beimel, Arthur Rhodes, Trever Miller, et al. Beimel seems the most likely candidate, not being terribly long in the tooth and probably falling into that $4m or less per season range.
  • The Jake Peavy Sweepstakes are supposedly still going on, although it seems increasingly likely that he might remain with the Padres. Despite comments indicating the “ship has sailed” on Peavy’s time with the Padres, San Diego GM Kevin Towers appears to be looking for a king’s ransom for the oft-injured righty, and perhaps with good reason. It will be interesting to see if Towers holds on, waiting for the {{b/burneaj|AJ Burnett}}, CC Sabathia, and Ben Sheets’ of the world to be signed and drive the market before commanding a maximum price for Peavy. Mozeliak has indicated that there is little room for the Cards to make a Peavy deal, and I tend to agree with him. Plenty of Cardinal fans are clamoring for a deal to be made at any cost, but I don’t think they fully understand the parameters. I will gladly jump on the bandwagon that disagrees with the ‘wait and see’ approach Cardinal management is apparently prepared to take with Chris Carpenter before making a deal (and admittedly, it could all be an elaborate smokescreen). But jumping to make a deal for Peavy when you already have Adam Wainwright ready to assume the top slot in the rotation and could reasonably sign a 3-4 type starter seems reflexive. I say that because I believe, and I don’t have this on any sort of authority, that San Diego is looking for a package somewhere in the sorts of Colby Rasmus, Jess Todd, Jason Motte and say a Tyler Greene. I know, some folks would make that trade in a heartbeat. Fact is, that trade is just 100% counter-intuitive to the Cardinals’ team-building philosophy now. They have finally managed to build up a semblance of a farm system, and they’re not ready to start mortgaging that again for an older, more expensive, albeit proven commodity, at pitcher. Remember where that got them with Mark Mulder? Sure, the Padres are saying that Peavy is just a payroll trimming casualty, but with his already extensive injury history, don’t you think it’s possible that the Pads know something other teams don’t know about Peavy’s arm and continuing health?
  • Matt Holliday is another name that was floated where I could probably just copy and paste everything I just wrote about Peavy. In Holliday’s case, the price may not have been as high (especially when evaluating what the Rockies got from Oakland in the trade that was eventually made), but you also have to consider 2009’s roster makeup logically in this case. Supposedly the Cards could’ve gotten away with sending Ryan Ludwick and say a Jess Todd again in this case and maybe had enough for Holliday. And sure, there were a lot of underlying factors…Mozeliak’s disgust with what he perceived as unacceptable negotiating tactics from Rockies GM Dan O’Dowd (whatever that means…I think it was leaks, etc), they would have wanted to finalize an extension with Holliday before agreeing to a trade, not to mention some modicum of concern over Holliday’s home and away splits and how he would perform away from Coors Field - whether they would admit it or not. So take all of that as the reasons why a deal wasn’t made, but then also consider my point of view. So you trade Ludwick from a position of strength, outfield. Fine. But in doing so, you’re trading for ANOTHER OUTFIELDER. The Cardinals have glaring needs at both middle infield positions, in the bullpen, and probably another mid-range to back-end starting pitcher. They have, by Derrick Goold’s estimation, about $17m-$21m to spend this off-season on upgrading the roster. For arguments sake, let’s say Ludwick gets a raise to somewhere between $2m and $4m in arbitration after his career year in 2008. Holliday is due $13.5m in 2009. That takes $10m out of the coffers for 2009, and all of a sudden Mozeliak is trying to sign a second baseman, a shortstop, a reliever (or two), and a starting pitcher for $7m-$11m. Strangely enough (although it’s no real surprise to me), all of the same fans clamoring for making the Holliday trade are the same ones who are ‘fed up with all of the bargain bin signings.’ Well, picture trying to get an entire middle infield, a reliever, and a starter - all for an average salary of $2.75m. I’d bet you couldn’t even get Cesar Izturis back at that price. If Mo wants to go out and trade Luddy for a second baseman or a shortstop that makes sense, I’m all about it. Sure, Holliday is that big ‘protection bat’ that Tony LaRussa seeks, but I don’t think he’s worth it, with so many other holes needing a fill.

• The Mariners hired Don Wakamatsu to be their new manager, leaving Jose Oquendo still with the Cardinals, for now. Expect Oquendo to continue to get looks for managerial openings throughout the league. I still have the Secret Weapon down as my top candidate to replace LaRussa when he decides to give it up, but for now, only Tony knows when that will be. Congratulations to Wakamatsu, the first Asian-American manager hired in MLB history.

• The ones still available (I won’t get too deep into these just now, I have more to say in future posts):
  • Joe Beimel
  • Orlando Hudson
  • Braden Looper
  • Derek Lowe
  • Felipe Lopez
  • Will Ohman
  • Oliver Perez
  • Edgar Renteria
  • Kerry Wood
  • Randy Wolf
  • Rafael Furcal
  • Arthur Rhodes
  • ANY LEFT-HANDED RELIEVER WITH AN ATTACHED LEFT ARM

• Finally, I want to publicize another UCB event taking place this week.  The Second Annual Cardinal Blogger Awards vote is taking place, with ballots to be posted on a whole bunch of UCB blogs this Friday.  Go over to C70 at the Bat at the link above to check out the ballot.  Even if you’re not a blogger making a post, go post your own ballot at C70!

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Categories: Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, Baseball Writers, Braden Looper, Cardinal Blogs, Cesar Izturis, Chris Carpenter, Colby Rasmus, Felipe Lopez, Former Cardinals, Free Agents, Jason Motte, Jess Todd, John Mozeliak, Jose Oquendo, Mark Mulder, NL Awards, Non-Cardinals, Offseason, Ryan Ludwick, Tony LaRussa, Tyler Greene, UCB Radio, United Cardinal Bloggers, Yadier Molina

Highlights : Elbow is doing good :)  Will be cleared to do weight lifting soon, but can’t push too much.

Other questions surrounded the fact that the Cardinals didn’t make the playoffs. Was he surprised to win?

Good point made by a Milwaukee reporter that Albert doesn’t strike out like other power hitters. Work hard, patience, trust your hands.  Always learning.

AP reporter asks what does most valuable mean? Not his decision, laughs.

Albert most proud of his batting average. Keeping up all year with these hard throwing pitchers is tough. Hit conistently and the other numbers will follow. Tony set him straight on that importance in 2001. Walks are ok, can’t think about it, try not to expand strike zone.

Elbow pain question, had some pain, tingling later in the year really bothered him, couldn’t feel pinky, concerned about. Surgery was to prevent that from getting worse. 75% of pain was from nerve and not ligament. Still a chance for TJ surgery, but for now things look good.

What should happen to make team better? Bullpen, starting, hitting.  Cards will always put out a team that won’t embarrass you. Give credit to Cubs and Milw.  Didn’t really expect much of an answer on that lol.

Will celebrate with family and kids tonight. Maybe a good night to go to Pujols5!

I think Harold Reynolds says it really well here.

Congrats to Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals.  Certainly earning a MVP award takes a nice surrounding cast of players.

Will be very interesting to see who that cast is in 2009

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Categories: Albert Pujols, National League, Tony LaRussa

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Here is the link to the show, it will be broadcast live at 9pm CT tonight. An archive will remain up after the show for you to listen if you can’t be around tonight.

UCB Radio

Please tune in if you can, and give me some feedback on my ‘radio voice’.

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Categories: Cardinal Blogs, Media Appearances, UCB Radio, United Cardinal Bloggers

—–

Last week amidst all the Jake Peavy rumblings I came across a headline that basically indicated the Rockies were now ready to accept less for Holliday. I instantly started writing a post, but unfortunately by the end of a busy work day that post was left unfinished, so I will start anew.

Today I see many headlines indicating a few things, among them that Peavy is almost certainly going to be moved “The train has kind of left the station”, that Manny is still in play, that Cashman is pursuing pitching, that CC is still available, etc. The teams with the big money, ie Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Angels, seem to be pursuing pitching. I’m not sure what the Red Sox are doing right now, although they seem to be pursuing pitching as well in Lowe and japan free agent Junichi Tazawa. What this says to me is, STRIKE NOW for Holliday!

The Rockies want to trade Holliday, Atkins, and Fuentes. That would actually make a nice trio to add if you think about, although the key is to for sure get Holliday. Holliday only has 1 year so we would need to make sure he really wants to stay a Cardinal and get him signed to a quick extension. He would provide an everyday left fielder (Duncan would strictly back up Pujols and be a pinch hitter), provide the much needed protection for Pujols, and would be a huge draw for fans. I’ve dreamed of the day when the Cardinals had a 1-2 punch like that.

Taking a look at the other two Fuentes needs no explanation. Atkins on the other hand, well, we move the versatile Glaus to SS and put Atkins at 3rd. We then sign Orlando Hudson to play 2nd, or how about forgetting infield speed althogether and signing veteran Jeff Kent? How about a lineup of Schumaker, Rasmus, Pujols, Holliday, Glaus, Molina, Kent, Pitcher, Atkins? Wow, do I ever like the sound of that. Kent isn’t an everyday player and Glaus could use some time off as well, so it gives lots of playing time for whichever MI are left. Ludwick and Ankiel and Duncan or whoever else could be traded away. That could be too much money but if they could get something along those lines I’d be very happy. We still have Lopez that can play a variety of positions so Atkins isn’t a requirement to get, and either a power hitting 2B or speed 2B could work. Lots of possibilities once we add Holliday.

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Categories: Albert Pujols, Chris Duncan, Colby Rasmus, Felipe Lopez, Free Agents, Non-Cardinals, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker, Troy Glaus, Yadier Molina

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C70 asked us which young player in MLB (fewer than three years service time) we would love to have with the Cardinals.

Check out the answers over at C70!

Thanks to all who have been keeping tabs on the UCB, and thanks to Daniel for organizing!

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Categories: Cardinal Blogs, United Cardinal Bloggers

He wanted to know the group’s thoughts on whether or not agents have become too powerful in the wake of the recent Manny Ramirez saga and the accusations that Scott Boras orchestrated his exit from the Boston Red Sox.

Cruise over to SMS to check out the responses!

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Categories: Agents, Cardinal Blogs, Non-Cardinals, United Cardinal Bloggers

I’ve obviously (if you read the transcript) taken a strong position on this issue that may be unpopular with most Card fans, including some of you loyal readers here, all three of you.

Check out Daniel’s setup over there at Redbirds Fun, and please keep reading here too.

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Categories: Cardinal Blogs, Non-Cardinals, United Cardinal Bloggers

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No, I don’t have tickets, nor will I be in town once the game starts. Quick day trip, had hoped to cruise past the Trop but didn’t have the chance. Needless to say, I think the area is stoked. Many years of being denied a team, followed by several years of being mocked as an area that should’ve been denied a team, culminates tonight in the beginning of a World Series no one could have predicted prior to the start of the 2008 season.

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Categories: Non-Cardinals, World Series

Albert Pujols is due to receive $16m for 2009 and another $16m for 2010.  2011 is a club option for $16m.  If you’re John Mozeliak, when do you start renegotiating El Hombre’s contract?  Albert’s never really seemed one to be greedy, but his current contract is clearly beginning to lag behind some arguably inferior hitters.  How much would you be willing to pay annually for his next deal, knowing that the Cards’ ownership seems stuck around the $100m payroll mark?

Most of the answers were not terribly surprising in general terms.  There was a good variety, however, of opinions on when and how much.

Don Daniel - The Redbird Blog

Albert is one of those unique players who means a lot more to a franchise than simply his statistics.  He has been, and will be, the face of the St. Louis Cardinals for an entire generation of Cardinal fans.  So, that being said, I believe the Cardinals’ front office has to do everything they can to ensure that Pujols is a Cardinal for his entire career.

First off, I’m assuming the Cardinals have every intention of exercising the 2011 club option.  So if I were John Mozeliak, I would seek authority from ownership to approach Albert after the 2009 season (or early in the 2010 season) regarding a contract extension. I would not wait until Albert reaches the final year of his deal.  I think approaching Albert early accomplishes two things:  (1) shows loyalty to the player on the part of ownership, and (2) allows the team to budget for its future (i.e., “cost certainty”).  I think, as part of that negotiation, the team should expect to perhaps offer a “raise” for the final two years of Albert’s current deal (even if the money is deferred).

In terms of dollars offered for Albert’s next contract, I think you’d have to use A-Rod as a guidepost.  It’s a crapload of money to be sure, but Albert will be in his early 30s when his current contract expires.  I’d expect he’d want at least a 7-8 year deal (maybe $150-$165M)?  One would hope he’d be willing to offer somce concessions to the Redbirds in order to allow them to remain competitive (e.g., backloading of the contract, deferring money over a 20-year period, etc.).

Scott Deaner - Cardinal Nation Globe

You’re right, Albert has never really seemed one to be greedy, however, he needs to be paid like one of the best hitters in the game and a franchise player. I say, pay him whatever will keep him in St. Louis for the rest of his (productive) career. Also, his personality and work ethic should not be overlooked - he is the epitome of a player to build a team around. I say give him a 7-8 year contract in the mid-$20 million range. Ownership might just have to get over the $100 million mark.

Mike Metzger - Stan Musial’s Stance

I have been a vocal fiscal responsibility voice (”$36 million for Fuentes?!  Are you crazy!?!) in these threads, but in AP’s case, I agree with Deaner.  Pay the man.  Future first-ballot Hall of Famers should play their entire careers for one team.

However, I’m not sure when the appropriate time is to start negotiating his next contract.  I wouldn’t start now; I’b probably wait until the next off-season to initiate discussions, and try to get something done in earnest after they pick up his 2011 option.

Haedar Abuirqeba - Redbird Ramblings

If I could, I’d give AP a blank check and blank number of years and let him fill it out as he wishes because I trust his judgement; he is el hombre after all. that, however, is not very realistic. you gotta have enough money left over to put a decent team on the field day in and day out.

so, I would let things play out for the next two seasons (09 and 10). then, I would start negotiating with AP on an extension late in the ‘10 season or that offseason. if nothing gets done, you pick up the option and negotiate during that final year until you reach a deal. with albert, nothing really concerns me except that elbow. in 2010, he will be 30 years old (only!). so, I would say the cards can give him a six to seven year deal to keep him in a cards uniform for the rest of his career.

now, how much cash are they gonna be dishing out? one has to think that it will be at least 20 million a year; probably around 25 million. if anyone in baseball is worth that money, albert is (when healthy of course).

Daniel Shoptaw - C70 At The Bat

Of course, the longer you wait, the higher the market goes, and inferior hitters start pushing up the prices of the stars.

I’d start now, honestly.  It’s not like Carpenter, where if he does have surgery the whole extension bit is considered a dismal failure.  Even if AP missed all of ‘09, does anyone think management wouldn’t want to extend him anyway?  He is easily the face of the franchise and some days the only thing that keeps many in the fanbase from storming the gates.

How much?  I agree, I don’t think you have to set contract records with AP.  An average of $22-$25 million, though, would probably be reasonable.  He’d still be a bargain.

Scott Deaner - Cardinal Nation Globe (in response to Haedar)

I enjoyed reading your comment about the blank check and trusting Albert’s judgement. I read a biography of Honus Wagner a few years back and apparently the Pirates used to do that with him. Wagner would never ask for a raise, he always wanted, “same as last year.” Honus, like Albert, was a good, honorable man. FYI - That’s why Honus Wagner’s baseball card is so rare and valueable. The card was given out with tobacco products and Wagner didn’t want his name/picture associated with that because he knew that kids looked up to him, so he asked for them to be destroyed. I could see Albert doing something similar.

Mike West - Mike on the Cards

Albert is one of those rarest of rare baseball players.  One that puts up ridiculous numbers year in and year out, but is always striving to get better.  He’s a leader, both on and off the field, making everyone around him better in the process.  Alberts don’t grow on trees, so we should be thankful we get to see him play everyday.

So, I do think it’s very important to keep him around for the rest of his career, and for whatever kind of money it takes.  I’d guess close to $25 million a year, average.  I don’t, however, think it’s necessary to start extension talks with him anytime soon.  I’d say get a deal done before the start of the 2011 season.  I would hope that by then the Cards will have a few more minimum salary guys making major contributions to the club.

John Shelton - The Cardinal Virtue

Pujols = Legend. It is more fiscally responsible to pay him premium. The thing is: Albert is smart too. He knows that moving to another franchise does not help your status. It’s worth several million to stay where you are and be worshipped. I also think he is also aware that the no doubt Hall of Famers–the legends–tend to have spent almost all their career with one team. The team is also aware of the revenue of having a legend play for only them. There are two trains of thought regarding when to renegotiate. If you do it now, you avoid the general inflation and you show that you are appreciative of his top level talent and want to show him that you are willing to pay him accordingly. However, since he is having surgery, you could say that next year is the time to do that so that you can see how that all pans out. Personally, I believe he is more than worth the risk. In summary: It is fiscally MORE RESPONSIBLE to make him one of the highest paid players NOW than to mess around and low-ball.

Eric Ferguson - Bert Flex

I’m not going to get into specific dollars/years, but I agree with the general sentiment that you don’t let him hit the market. Do it quietly in the next 18 months — ideally, we won’t even know about the negotiations until they are already complete.

See you all in Cooperstown for the Albert induction.

Matthew Philip - Fungoes

I’m sure Albert appreciates all the love expressed in your sentiments so far, so I hope I don’t bring everyone down with a little dissent. Albert just finished his age-28 season; he’ll be 29 when the season starts. As amazing as his 2008 campaign was, it probably won’t get any better than that. Remember Bill James’s warning: “Ballplayers, as a group, reach their peak value much earlier and decline much more rapidly than people believe.” True, Albert is an individual and not a group, but he is still mortal and subject to the same laws as everyone else. So here’s what the Cardinals have at minimum: Albert signed at below-market cost for the next three years. He will have played his age-29 -30 and -31 seasons. One thing that I don’t think I’ve seen anyone address is how long an extension should be. One year? Five? At that point, the Cardinals will be dealing with Albert at age 32 onward. That’s not usually a good time to invest (it’s called “buying high”). On one hand, if anyone seems capable of still producing at high levels late in his career, it’s Pujols. On the other, it’s interesting how quickly we forget our lessons of history, namely of Chris Carpenter (extended for his age-34-37 seasons), Mark Mulder and Jim Edmonds (and, though it wasn’t an extension, Scott Rolen). The guy still has three years on his existing deal; I know that the Cardinals have lately tried to leverage their position with players under contract, but let’s let the guy play another year or two before we throw more guaranteed money his way. I’m not arguing that the team shouldn’t try to tack on three more years to Pujols’s present contract, but I don’t think that the Giants-Bonds model (losing team, one aging superstar) is what we want.

Tom Knuppel - Cardinals GM

Albert can and should write his own contract. I know that the money spent can be spread out over many players but none as special as  Pujols. I would give him $25 million a year for another 7-10 years.

Goodness that’s a lot to digest!  Some excellent points, most talking about Albert’s long-term value as a ‘Cardinal Legend’.

My take

While Pip tries to throw water on the fire, I’m going to agree with everyone else that you give this man many years, and you give him many dollars.

In a free agent class that will get Mark Teixeira at least a five year deal that will approach $200mm dollars total, imagine what Pujols would fetch.  Believe it or not, Mang and Tex are the same age, 28.  Anyone think Teixeira is the better player?  The better hitter?  The better fielder?  A better team leader?  Didn’t think so.

I believe that you give Pujols 2009 to see if this recent procedure on his elbow helped matters any.  If it didn’t, he still puts up another MVP-type season.  If it did, who knows what he could do?  Obviously the prospects of putting another fearsome hitter behind Albert in the lineup are slim, but if Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel and even muster cheap impressions of their 2008 seasons, Pujols should be no worse for wear in the protection department.

After the 2009 season, you quietly (I liked the suggestion above to get the deal done with no attention, then quietly announce it) re-up with Pujols, say - six years, $130-150mm.  We could only assume Albert will take it, while likely deferring most of it (as in his previous contract), and finishing his career as a Cardinal.  He is a major buyer of ‘The Cardinal Way’.

Concerned about early decline?  Pujols is a relentless worker, always trying to improve.  It is my opinion that he will last long into his thirties.  Still not convinced?  Structure his deal like the late years with Ozzie Smith.  Basically a lifetime deal, renegotiated year-in and year-out, ultimately ending with a personal services contract that will allow the club to gain some benefit from their paid-out cash on the back end of the deal.

Bottom line, I don’t think you can lose inking this guy to another long-term deal, and the sooner the more reasonable per year cost, I think.  The Cardinals are obviously looking to become more self-sufficient, perhaps even with an eye on what it is going to cost them to retain Pujols for the remainder of his career.  So why not try to cost-control that as soon as possible?

Thanks for reading folks!  Check out all the other great blogs in the United Cardinal Bloggers’ Roundtable, and stay tuned here for links to the rest of the questions and discussions!

UPDATE: Added another response from Tom over at Cardinals GM!

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Categories: Albert Pujols, Cardinal Blogs, Chris Carpenter, Former Cardinals, John Mozeliak, Mark Mulder, Non-Cardinals, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, United Cardinal Bloggers

Haedar at Redbird Ramblings asked about the Cards’ 2009 bullpen.

Bert Flex addressed the potential of the Cardinal outfield in 2009.

Pip at Fungoes brought up one of the more interesting topics of the round, wanting input on the ‘fan experience’ at Busch III.

I’m next!

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Categories: Bullpen, Busch Stadium, Cardinal Blogs, United Cardinal Bloggers

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Cardinal Nation Globe - A great question about the recently passed George Kissell and ‘The Cardinal Way’

The Rundown - Giving the business to Mozeliak about making some moves to shore up the team

I’m due to post my question and following responses on October 21, so stay tuned!

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Categories: Cardinal Blogs, George Kissell, John Mozeliak, United Cardinal Bloggers

Because I just read two statements that make me cringe in the same article about the procedure Albert Pujols had on his elbow today.  The first:

Pujols has elbow surgery

Ok, not terribly surprising - and it sounds like it was a lesser surgery, one intended to minimize down time for El Hombre and maximize his ability to avoid Tommy John surgery going forward.

The second statement?

Paletta performed the surgery, according to the team release.

Puke.  I hope Pujols doesn’t wake up with a baboon heart in his shoulder.

(Ok, I know this isn’t really fair, but I don’t trust George Paletta as far as I can throw him.)

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Categories: Albert Pujols, Dr. George Paletta

The Cardinal Virtue

Rockin’ The Red

The Redbird Blog

Mike On The Cards

Do you agree or disagree with my opinions on those items?  Comment at those blogs - or leave one here.  Here’s to a busy off-season and a Rays-Dodgers World Series.  Cheers!

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Categories: Cardinal Blogs, Non-Cardinals, United Cardinal Bloggers

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Longtime Cardinal player, coach, and teacher George Kissell passed away yesterday from injuries sustained in a car accident Monday night in St Petersburg FL.

Kissell has been a long-time instructor with the Cardinals, teaching scores of players young and old, how to play the game of baseball.

Derrick Goold recounted a great story he wrote from Spring Training in 2005 in a post over at Bird Land yesterday, that pretty much captured Kissell and what he meant to the organization.

The story told of the first day of that year’s camp, when the Jupiter FL compound’s clubhouse was named for Kissell with a plaque that partially reads:

“Every player in the Cardinals’ Organization since 1940 has had contact with George Kissell and they have all been better for it. … Well known for his emphasis on fundamentals, George taught several generations of Redbirds how to play baseball.”

Kissell’s response?

“I’ve always been known as a hard-nosed guy, but today you really touched me to my heart,” Kissell told the players and gathered ownership and management. “I’ll never take the bird off my chest. When I take them off, that’s my last day in baseball.”

“I’ll never take the bird off my chest.”  What dedication this man had, what profound commitment not only to the Cardinal organization, but to teaching others the game he loved.

“There’s only one way to play baseball,” Kissell once said, “the Cardinals’ way.”

The Cards, and baseball as a whole, will miss you George.

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Categories: Cardinal Blogs, George Kissell, Spring Training