Chief_Cardinal

It wasn't really a move by the Cards. He just up and left for Washington, which really surprised the organization. So they hired Wayne Hagin to replace him. Which was good because he shouldn't of been let go in the first place. I liked Carpenter all right (really think Horton not being very good is what makes him not good IMO), but Hagin is an upgrade over him. Everytime I hear that story about McLaughlin, it makes me like him less more and more!

I personally loved it. I would never compare it to the Cell, but unfortuneltly I have never been to PNC, Citizens Bank,or whatever the heck the one in SF is being called this year, so I can't really compare from personally experience on those since those are the most commonly stadium compared to it. I liked the Ford Plaza (the area in the outfield that is opened up). And I also like the area on top of the stadium where there is plenty of room to roam around) if you choose to do that. There is a lot of places for SRO, but you better stay within those areas or they will run you out. No problem with that.....but some of the areas where no standing is allowed, there didn't seem to be any reason why that area could not be used. I love the brick pavers. I looked all over last Tuesday for mine but never found it, but luckily I got the map for it on Friday so it was easy to find. We had walked in the stadium right about where it was last Tuesday. The View is fantastic, but that will really become more of a factor when the Ballpark Village goes in. It was kind of neat, at the beginning of the game, there was no sign on the old Marriot, but during the game, the new Hilton sign went up, so you could see the progress of the sign going up during the game. OK maybe thats not exciting really, but its symbolic of whats going on down there. I've got several more trips coming, so I am sure I will have more to add later. Really the only problem I have with it at this point is the huge foul poles. There is one seat directly behind it. I feel really sorry for that poor soul.

The grass in Wrigley is too long! :) I'm not worried about the Cards pen yet, but I am worried about how much the Cubs pen has improved

Someone mentioned on the Cards Talk thread that with the open outfield, they would probably have to completely shut down the Stadium East Garage. I don't know, I just think it is more appropiate to have Stan throw a pitch to Albert or something like that for the stadiums first pitch

There is a rumor going around STL that the President may once again throw out the first pitch. Its going to be terrible dealing with figureing out how to get around the new stadium anyway...this certainly won't help much

Actually there is a lot of speculation that the Cards have used this technique in the handling of Rick Ankiel.

Agree with you. I remember someone here last year laughing because Ensberg was the cleanup hitter.....turns out, that worked out OK for them to.

Hey now, its 16 NL pennants! :D

LOL I just thought to myself that you should be posting a similar reference soon! :lol:

To me, the only park that the Nationals new one looks even close to is Shea Stadium. I see no similarities to Busch III at all (other than the field itself obviously). The LF UD will have seats, probably by opening day. But those sections will probably still be closed off for a while. It sounds like that part of the stadium will be opened by the middle of May or so. Not crazy about seeing a few sections of empty seats of opening day, but until everything checks out, I understand why it has to be that way. I'm sure there will be a lot of crying about all the empty seats on opening day though by people who think that jsut because the seats are there, they should sell them.

I don't see why they are "just now" putting the sod in is a problem or concern. Teams replace sod all the time during the season and its never a problem. Why would putting it in less than 4 weeks before the opener be a problem? I still can't believe just how quickly they got the stadium put together. Its quite remarkable really.

I don't think the 5 hole will be a concern. I was just noting that the people worried about DLee getting walked all the time due to the #2 guy moving the runner over shouldn't be concerned about DLee getting walked all the time. Those walks are a good thing for the team, as long as the guy hitting behind Lee is producing. Granted its not exciting to see DLee getting walked all the time (heck I even want to see him hit), but thats a plus for the team, not a minus. Then if ARam is tearing it up behind him....even better. And if ARam is tearing it up behind him, then thats eventually going to lead to more chances for DLee.

If this is true, then all the worry about Walker not starting shouldn't be a concern! :wink: Sorry, I still don't understand the love Walker gets on here, he certainly doesn't get that kind of love around MLB and the non NSBB Cubs fans (to an extent). While he may be the best available option at this time, I understand completely that 2B would be a position up for grabs for the Cubs. As for the 2 hole, I would think having someone who can move the runners over would be a must. If DLee is having another year like last year, the concern should be more about the guy batting behind him in the order than in front of him. If they keep walking DLee and ARam is driving them in a lot, then teams won't be so anxious to walk DLee everytime 1st base is open. Putting DLee on first should be viewed as a positive, rather than a negative...its one more chance to score!

The last time that Robin Yount won MVP he wasn't an all star..don't remember the year though. I'm thinking 92ish

Sammy could get a job with several ML teams right now! The problem is, Sammy isn't the player that Sammy thinks he is, so he won't accept a job doing what he is best fitted for right now. Not that I can blame a guy who should be a HOFer for not wanted to be anything other than an everyday player, but if he really wants to play another year, there are plenty of teams who could find a role for him.

To me, it is a no brainer that he should be a 1st time inductee. I think his fate though may depend on things go with McGwire in the years prior to his eligibility. If Mac makes it in on his first or second try, then I think Sosa will be in on his first try. If McGwire's inductions lingers for a few years, it may cost Sosa a year or two as well. I also think that no one outside of the Cubs fanbase will even remember him leaving early from the game.

Actually what the owners said was that a new stadium is the reason that the team was able to raise the payroll the past few years. Nothing was actually said that payroll would increase when the stadium got here. If there was no new stadium, there would be no triple threat of Pujols, Rolen and Edmonds most likely this year. As for the diminsions, although the power alleys are listed officially at 372, part of the power alley area actually will go to about 390 around the corners of the bullpens.

I'm under the impression that the LF bleachers will be ready by opening day. It would be the LF patio and the seating above that, that wouldn't be completly finished till about the all star break.

I got one of the Cardinal bricks. They send you a replica copy of it. Can't wait to see the actual brick when they start put the actual bricks in around the new stadium. Mine was $160 I think and I got 3 lines of writing on it.

Man its going to be hard not being a Juan Pierre fan this year! :lol: J/K I like Eck but I would take Pierre anyday over Eck...mainly due to the speed factor

I'm just the opposite. I prefer the road grays to the blue top. I absolutely abhor the blue jersey with the home pinstripe pants. I think only the pinstripes should be worn at home. I agree that when Cubs are at home, they should only where the pinstripes....Like the Cards, The Cubs have one of baseball's classic uniforms and should stick to that on thier home games.

MLB.com: Sutter going in with Cardinal cap.

From the baseball HOF webpage. And since Sutter is pretty much set the standard for the modern closer, Sutter most "indelible" mark came as a member of the Cubs. No disrespect to the Cards, after reading...Sutter has to go in as Cubs. Hate to disagree, but saving a 7th game of a World Series game is by far his most "indelible" moment. When ever a Bruce Sutter highlight is shown, that is usually the one chosen. And I am sure he himself would rank that over winning a Cy Young award as well. I'm very happy to finally see him get in, no matter what team he goes in as. You can't go wrong with either team....sure it gives more to have fun with your fellow cubs/cards friends. But it really doesn't matter which team he goes in as...he played a major role in both clubs when he was with them. There isn't really a wrong choice here....as long as its not the Braves. Someone mentioned that he has said he wanted to go in as a Cardinal. From what I understand, he said on radio today that he hadn't decided on a preference and that the HOF had asked him about his preference and that he would get back to them about it (from the accounts I have read). It sounds like the Hall thought that it was pretty even between the 2 teams and that they would honor his preference.

Spivey is still an option! Although I don't understand why everyone is so down on Miles..I think he could be alright in STL. Encarnacion is younger than Sanders, I don't see that hurting them much either as JE could match Sanders output batting in the 6th hole of the Cards lineup. The guy does well with RISP and with Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen in front of him, there will be plenty of opportunity. Plus he puts the ball into play more than Sanders.

As a Cards fan I do not feel lied to by the ownership. They made it clear that the rise in payroll the past few years was a result of a new stadium coming. We still have one of the best GM's in MLB and I am sure he will put a good team on the field. I think there is a lot of overreacting right now. I do think resigning Sanders should of been a priority, especially once Giles came off the market. For a small market team, STL still has a pretty good sized payroll, so to me the complaining is unnecessary. They still have the core of the team, they are still the team to beat in the central. The question was asked about when the new stadium plans began. They orginally announced the plans for it in April of 2000, but I don't think the financial part got close to settled till the summer of 03.