Un-bloopin'-believable

RockintheRed · June 12th, 2008, 08:11 AM

That was an incredible start by Braden Looper, but it doesn't seem like many people are talking about it. By the second inning, something seemed different about Braden that signaled that this wouldn't be an ordinary start. His delivery was effortless, despite the appearance that he was almost throwing flat-footed (an illusion, I suppose, from having a tall pitcher and a different camera angle behind him). The secret to his success was the same formula that brought Mitch Boggs success the day before in his first major league start - movement. The only real trouble spot Looper encountered was in the 6th inning, with two on and Griffey Jr. batting, only to end after 3 pitches and a ball hit to the right fielder. Looper's start was the definition of dealing last night, a much-needed performance that hopefully can be replicated by Braden in the future.

Looper has probably been the scariest pitcher on the team, not including his resemblance to a with-hair Peter Garrett of Oil Midnight (below). But for one night, one night of pitching excellence, Braden may have just put himself back on good terms in my mind. If he can keep his ERA at a 4.50 level, there'll be absolutely no complaining from me or the rest of Cardinal Nation. Great job, Braden.

Chris Duncan also had a good night at the ballpark, getting on base twice and making a Pujols-ian play to his right to get Ken Griffey Jr. and save at least a run. Even though I believe Chris would be best suited as a trading chip, we might as well use him while we have him and allow him to boost his value a bit. It's clear that first base should be his first position - he looks far more elegant and natural there. That's probably the first time ever anyone has used "elegant" and "Chris Duncan" in the same sentence. First for everything, I guess. I fully expect him to do something ridiculous tonight like slipping on his tobacco spit to force me to retract that statement, but for now I'll stick by it. Good job, Chris.

Everyone's talking about Jess Todd today and why shouldn't they? Todd has been unstoppable at Double-A Springfield. Of course, he was following up a start by Jason Isringhausen, who'll probably be making his way up to the big club soon. Pardon me while I don't jump for joy. Izzy could prove to be an asset to this team yet, as long as he stays out of save situations for a while. I guess it could be a good thing.

Joel Pineiro is starting tonight, but it doesn't feel like it. Here's hoping he makes it to the mound between now and then.

More...

AutobodyCAD · June 12th, 2008, 10:01 AM

I believe the band's name is "Midnight Oil" as opposed to "Oil Midnight". They're from Australia, IIRC.

RockintheRed · June 12th, 2008, 10:47 AM

Oops. Thanks for the correction. And, yes, they are from Australia.

June 12th, 2008, 08:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
RockintheRed Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 210	Un-bloopin'-believable That was an incredible start by Braden Looper, but it doesn't seem like many people are talking about it. By the second inning, something seemed different about Braden that signaled that this wouldn't be an ordinary start. His delivery was effortless, despite the appearance that he was almost throwing flat-footed (an illusion, I suppose, from having a tall pitcher and a different camera angle behind him). The secret to his success was the same formula that brought Mitch Boggs success the day before in his first major league start - movement. The only real trouble spot Looper encountered was in the 6th inning, with two on and Griffey Jr. batting, only to end after 3 pitches and a ball hit to the right fielder. Looper's start was the definition of dealing last night, a much-needed performance that hopefully can be replicated by Braden in the future. Looper has probably been the scariest pitcher on the team, not including his resemblance to a with-hair Peter Garrett of Oil Midnight (below). But for one night, one night of pitching excellence, Braden may have just put himself back on good terms in my mind. If he can keep his ERA at a 4.50 level, there'll be absolutely no complaining from me or the rest of Cardinal Nation. Great job, Braden. Chris Duncan also had a good night at the ballpark, getting on base twice and making a Pujols-ian play to his right to get Ken Griffey Jr. and save at least a run. Even though I believe Chris would be best suited as a trading chip, we might as well use him while we have him and allow him to boost his value a bit. It's clear that first base should be his first position - he looks far more elegant and natural there. That's probably the first time ever anyone has used "elegant" and "Chris Duncan" in the same sentence. First for everything, I guess. I fully expect him to do something ridiculous tonight like slipping on his tobacco spit to force me to retract that statement, but for now I'll stick by it. Good job, Chris. Everyone's talking about Jess Todd today and why shouldn't they? Todd has been unstoppable at Double-A Springfield. Of course, he was following up a start by Jason Isringhausen, who'll probably be making his way up to the big club soon. Pardon me while I don't jump for joy. Izzy could prove to be an asset to this team yet, as long as he stays out of save situations for a while. I guess it could be a good thing. Joel Pineiro is starting tonight, but it doesn't feel like it. Here's hoping he makes it to the mound between now and then. More...

June 12th, 2008, 10:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
RockintheRed Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 210	Oops. Thanks for the correction. And, yes, they are from Australia. __________________

June 12th, 2008, 10:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
AutobodyCAD Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 376	I believe the band's name is "Midnight Oil" as opposed to "Oil Midnight". They're from Australia, IIRC.