IlliniAmy

Better defense, and provides more value offensively over the average SS/3B than Pujols does over the average 1B. From the Hardball Times: I think A-Rod's defensive abilities are all about perception and what the media has tried to sell us.

I thought some of you might appreciate this picture that I posted on another forum. FYI (for those who don't already know): I'm a Cardinal fan, but my husband is a Cub fan. The boy in the photo is our son. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/IlliniAmy/PrestonMad.jpg

You're too cute, gus_dog. 8)

1. The Astros are playing these games under a "must-win" situation. 2. The Cardinals are playing these games under a "must-we-play-these" situation. 3. Although Carpenter is making me nervous, it's true that he's not going to show the Astros his best stuff shortly before the Cards might play them in the post-season. 4. Anyone who thinks Tony La Russa, a man who wouldn't back off a checkers match with his 3-year old daughter, would "lay down" for another MLB team loses credibility. 5. The Cardinals can't afford any more injuries. Even Larry Walker admitted to being hesitant to dive for a ball right now. 6. The 2004 Cardinals were 2-5 the last 7 games of the regular season....and went on to the World Series. 7. The 2000 Yankees were 0-7 the last 7 games of the regular season....and went on to win the World Series. 8. Although as a Cardinal fan, it sucks to watch my favorite team get swept at home, I refuse to panic.

How many starters did the Cardinals use in 2002?

My hubby (Cub fan) said he would go camping in Alaska if it's a White Sox/Cardinal World Series. (I'll be happy to pack his bags) :D

Buehrle's consective streak was "at least 6 innings pitched", not necessarily quality starts.

That's an easy one...yes. However, I think that a certain other pitcher, who is also producing one of the most dominating pitching performances of modern times, who just doesn't happen to have the career clout, also deserves the Cy Young.

I take wins out of the equation, no problem. It's still not clear to me.

1. If the Cubs had the same winning percentage against every team that they played as they do against the Cardinals, they'd not only be in first place, they'd have the best record in all of baseball. 2. Anyone else find it ironic that now that the Cubs have finally figured out how to win a series at Busch Stadium (II), the Cardinals are going to implode the place?

Thank you. That's been my point all along. I realize I haven't contributed to this thread at all, but after 41 pages, this is the conclusion? :wink: 8) I like your style. I'm just defending against the "Carpenter doesn't deserve it" theories. Either candidate could justifiably win it....which means either candidate "should" win it.

Thank you. That's been my point all along.

Once again, A SURPLUS OF RUN SUPPORT IN NO WAY DIMINISHES CARPENTER'S VALUE!

Um, no. You can't win if you don't score. You can pitch 50 straight scoreless innings, but it means nothing if you're team can't score. You cannot win without scoring at least one run. (Negatives are impossible in baseball, even if Ditka is on the mound) I think her point with the "game of chicken" is that if Clemens can hold the other team for another inning or two, then he puts his team in a better position to win in the late innings. In other words, if Clemens holds the other team scoreless into the 9th, then Houston might be able to "play for a run", by bunting a guy over or something, and win the game with one run. As it stands, Houston's bullpen gives up a couple of runs, and Houston is forced to play for a big inning late in the game, sometimes. It's nitpicking a little, but it's not completely irrelevant. No, it's nitpicking alot, and the fact that such scenarios are even brought into the argument illustrates how tenuous the argument is. I'm done too. Have a nice day, everyone. :D nitpicking? With that empty accusation, it's no wonder you're done. Have a nice afternoon.

But that logic is flawed, in eight of Clemens starts he got ZERO runs of suport. I dont care how many shutout innings you throw simple rule, if your team doesnt score you CANT win. Yes you can....if you force the other team to go to their bullpen first, you've got a better chance of winning. It's like a game of chicken and Carpenter is much better at it than Clemens (this year). By the way, your comment works in the reverse. The other team can't beat you if you don't allow them to score any runs. :wink: