How do you spell talent? "R-A-S-M-U-S!"
I'm wishy washy, I have to admit to it. One day I want Rasmus in St. Louis, the next he needs to be in Memphis. I can't make up my mind. Today, and I think I'll stand by this from now on...Yes, I really will...Rasmus needs to be a St. Louis Cardinal on opening day. Leading off, playing center field. He's batting .310 so far, and his OBP is higher than anyone else on the team (.500). Today in the Cards' 10-3 win over the New York Mets (and Johan Santana to boot), Rasmus was 1-for-1 with a run scored as a pinch hitter. Put him on the team. Yeah, throw him in the fire. He'll learn. He'll have a steep learning curve, but get him in there early and let him start learning. He'll get all the playing time he needs and start adjusting as the seasons goes on and will start establishing himself as a star by the end of the season. I believe that. I really do. So, I now begin my "START RASMUS" campaign. He's the real deal, so Tony, LET HIM PLAY.
Anyway, I have come up with a revised lineup I love.
1. Colby Rasmus (CF)
2. Rick Ankiel (RF)
3. Albert Pujols (1b)
4. Troy Glaus (3b)
5. Brian Barton (LF)
6. Brendan Ryan (SS)
7. Yadier Molina (C)
8. Pitcher (I hate the pitcher being here but it's going to be that way regardless of how I feel)
9. Adam Kennedy (2b)
BENCH: Skip Schumaker (OF), Chris Duncan (OF, 1b), Cezar Izturis (SS) Ryan Ludwick (OF), Aaron Miles (2b)
And yes, by the way, I AM excited about signing Kyle Lohse. I think he'll be a big time help...despite his lack of great performances in the past seasons, I just feel optimistic about this signing. Gut feeling, I guess.
-Brady
Id go along with that lineup only i might have Izturis at SS instead of Ryan. Barton is really starting to play well and as you said Rasmus is also - i just can't help but feel TLR will opt for something else come April though, i do hope he doesnt send Rasmus back down to AAA, we could really use him
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Tom
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Brady,
I share your Rasmus sentiments. I feel like it is a win-win situation though. If he starts in AAA he may have more time to develop and really be ready in the Bigs later in the summer whereas if he starts in the Bigs he may feel pressure that could possibly impact his performance. Either way, I think we have a good thing going.
I too like the Lohse pickup. I saw him throw a 2 hitter against the Cubs at Wrigley last year on Jackie Robinson Day. It was a splendid performance--one that he didn't repeat the rest of the season--that showed what he was truly capable of. I believe playing in St. Louis will give his career the boost, the confidence, he needs.
As for the pitcher batting eighth, I kind of like the idea myself. Having listened fully to TLR's explanation of how it works, I have a hard time arguing against it. I believe that the main thing people don't like about it is that it is different. From a sabermetrics point of view, it makes absolute sense: Generate more RBI opportunities for our Pujols, or essentially, allow AP to bat in the first inning and from then on act as a clean-up hitter. It worked well with McGwire. I think it will work again.
Cheers,
Jeff
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I'd support the lineup you listed. Just got back from a week in Spring Training. The hurt arms worry me. I think Cezar Izturis is a little over rated, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for the first part of the season. But besides Rasmus, I was really impressed with Barton. Great talent, and was gracious off the field with the fans down in Jupiter. If we can keep the pitchers healthy - I like our chances for Cardinal Nation !!!!!
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