The Ignitor

I think it might just be difficult to have much interaction with a man currently employed by another Major League franchise in the Twins. I've heard Molly interviewed on XM a couple of times, and he always talks fondly of the Brewers. But that man also is clearly a Twins employee who does his job in promoting all things Twins. He probably is careful not to conflict with his current paying interest as a Twins employee.

I also am worried about Kennedy and the pitching match-ups in general with Grienke likely not going until Tuesday. Arizona just is not a great match for us. If we can get through AZ, I actually think we could give Philly a run for its money. I hate to be the pessimist, but here are my playoff predictions: Arizona 3, Milwaukee 2 on the back of two Kennedy wins in game 1 and 5.Philly 3, St. Louis 2. Cards take Phillies to the limit. Detroit 3, NYY 2. Verlander wins two classic games for Tigers over CC, as Yankee's other pitching falters.Texas 3, TB 1. Texas' experience comes through. Philly 4, Arizona 1. Kennedy and the Snakes run out of magic.Detroit 4, Texas 3. Verlander comes through again. Philly 4, Detroit 2. Philly's pitching reigns supreme

+1. I would have preferred K-Rod. I wonder if K-Rod really did get hurt the other night...

These comments are getting tiring. Kotsay has not been the problem tonight. If Kotsay is in the 3-hole every night, I would agree with the gripping. But for at least tonight, Kotsay has proven RR right. It is time to move on and watch the rest of game...

Even if we sweep tonight, this thing is far from over. Remember the Cards swept the Reds late last year, and the Reds still ended up winning the division going away. If Weeks and Narvy were healthy, I might start to think we could run away with it, but given our recent injuries, I will remain concerned to the very end. That being said, I would not trade our position in the NL with anyone but the Phillies at the moment.

He was out by a quarter to a half step on the replay.

I want a Prince walk-off with the bowling ball finish just for TLR and the classy Cards...

I also agree that Weeks should stay higher in the lineup. In fact, I would seriously consider having Weeks-Braun-Fielder be 1-2-3 in order to maximize at bats for those three, with Hart in cleanup. At the very least, I would make the lineup Morgan-Weeks-Braun-Fielder-Hart. I know Cory does not like the 5 hole, but it is what it is. If you don't think Prince is protected enough in the three hole, then I would do Morgan-Braun-Fielder-Weeks. All in effort to maximize Braun and Fielder's at-bats.

I think this is too much. Given his injury history, I don't think he'll get this much on the market (especially if you look at the last two seasons free agent market). Orlando Hudson can barely get a contract on a year to year basis given his injury history. Now, before you overreact, I agree that Ricky is better, has far more upside, but it does show that the 2nd base market is not all that strong. I would say 4 year, 24-mill (maybe with the 4th year as mutual option) would be a fair deal to both sides. Much more, and I would be concerned given the injury history.

I vote extend Weeks. There is certainly a risk with the injury history, but the price at this point should also be a relative bargain given that history. Plus, I like Weeks' attitude, leadership, and work ethic... I don't think the money will change any of that. How about a 3-4 year deal for about 15-20 million? Is that too high, or too low?

If we are in the dream stage, how about Fielder (& maybe Solome) to the Giants for Buster Posey, Baumgartner, and A-ball hot pitching prospect?

Living out of state and having XM, I got say there is small list of great radio broadcasters these days. Unquestionably, despite the whining on this board (talk about taking a legend in your own backyard for granted), Uecker is the best listen in our division, and among a select group in all of baseball for the best in radio along with John Gordon, John Stirling, Vin Scully, Pat Hughes (who irritates me, but always keeps me informed about the game), Joe Castiligione, and John Miller (and I know I'm leaving out 2-3 others). I dare anyone to listen to the Pirates radio team. Sometimes they mutter three words in an entire inning. And they both sound identical when they speak. I hate Milo Hamliton of the Astros (most overrated announcer in any sport). I can't stand the Redbird idiots, especially Shannon. I like Marty Brennaham, but all I can think of when I hear him speak is his annoying son Thom. Although I like Pat Hughes, I can't listen to him because of the Santo's snorts. If I want a dry recitation of the box score, pitch by pitch, I can use my iPhone/computer. But a good radio guy brings verve/life/personality to this great game. Uecker does those things in spades. Bash him all you want, but we will all miss him beyond measure when he is no longer with us.

It better be Bumgarner plus... An everyday superstar like Prince requires at least two pitching prospects (at least one of which must be major league ready) and probably one hitting prospect. Otherwise, I'd say just keep him through his free agent season (which I have a feeling he will totally rake) and take the draft picks. You don't trade the face of your franchise unless the other team can blow down the barn-door with an amazing offer.

No way Teddy was a worse signing at the time of the signing than Suppan. Sure, with 20/20 it was horrible. But he was nearly as dominant as the Rocket at such a young age. But for the injury (which are usually difficult to predict), it would have been a solid signing of a young pitcher. At the time of the signing, he had 4 solid+ years, and one year of injury/mediocrity (I don't think it was arm related).

From Haudicourt's blog: "Macha hates running into outs on the bases but insisted he will adapt to his differently-structured roster." I love Macha's enthusiasm on the issue... If he keeps up that attitude, I think Doug might quickly lose patience with this guy this year and turn the reigns over to Randolph. EDIT to add Haudicourt quote.