I hear you. They may have improved there Starting Pitching and Defense but, That Batting Lineup looks pretty tame compared to years past.
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They are also very weak behind the plate on defense. Big Papi is a huge question mark, Beltre is a big chance for them at 3rd.
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"No pitching" That's the song I seem to sing every year about our Cards. Even with Carp and Wayno, I'm am probably still singing it ... force of habit I guess. This time, I wish I felt more comfortable with the bullpen ... expecially uneasy about our "closer." He seemed to fade at the end of last year and no one seems to be talking much about it. Sure hate to give all those games away in the 9th inning.

(The wife was just reading over my shoulder and said, "Yep that sounds like you.")

But, I have the give the ownership some credit for coughing up some cash. Big change from the final years when the brewery owed em.
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They are putting up some serious money for a couple players. Hopefully they don't turn into the Marlins and have a fire sale in a year or two.
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I hope Motte can find some movement on his fastball and work out a decent second pitch. I am exited about a couple of the young arms in the system, especially Samuel.
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Were I a Card fan - and I don't hate them, believe me - my big worry would not be signing big-time pitching, nor would I be celebrating overmuch the longterm contract to Matt. Consider this: Pujols has two years left on his contract. If Holliday is worth $17M a year, what the hell is Albert worth - and from whence will it come?
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I am just tickled to death to know that Izzy is finally gone.... no question.

Sure, he was a good closer.... at some point in time. But, when someone loses it, DO NOT continue to put them on the mound because you paid for them and feel the need to 'get your money's worth':-)

OK, I know he's been gone for a while.... but It still bothers me.:-)
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The concensus I see on most boards is that it will take 25-30 a yr to sign Albert. Dewitt has said he will stretch the budget for fim. The Cardinals have also been fairly creative with defered money, althought that will catch up one day. Holiday gets 1.4-1.6m(depending on option) from 2020-2029 from the Cards.
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The Mets are talking with John Smoltz.

The Rangers are in negotiations with Vlad.
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Smoltz, just don't know when to give it up?
Wow much money does he need? He can't get out big league hitters.:-)
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He pitched pretty good after he left the Red Sox last year.
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Can a Phillies fan chime in on what my Astros' can expect of Brett Myers this season?
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Hopefully he wont get drunk and beat up his wife again.
he is not a good human being :-)
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NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! No more over the hill free agents for my beloved Mets. haven't we learned our lesson yet? :-) :-) :-)
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Wow! Thanks for the info. Astros sure signed a real man. :-)
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On a happier note:
McGwire finally admitted what we all knew!:-)
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The reds signed Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman today:

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story...YiaUkYKFA.cspx

Here's his stats:

Cuban stats:
GS IP BB K ERA
15 54 54 56 4.52
12 81.1 50 100 2.90
16 74 37 79 3.49
20 118.1 62 130 3.18
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As long as Griffey is never linked to them.
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Griffey never struck me as a roid user.
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10-4 TX. His swing is fluid power, not ape armed.
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