Live Chats

Cards Game Day with Jeff Gordon

Before, during and after Game 7 of the NLCS between the Cardinals and Giants, bring your questions and opinions to a live chat with columnist Jeff Gordon.


by Mike Smithon Oct 22, 2012 at 10:41 AM


  • Sun isn out, flags blowing with some vigor to straight left. For moment, right-handers have advantage -- well once grounds crew leaves
  • Mike Matheny before the game chatting with reporters about Mark McGwire and John Mabry.

  • Counting down to Game 7. How is St. Louis feeling?
  • Here was Giants manager Bruce Bochy's chat before the game:
    Q. After all the talk about the rain forecast for today, to see the sunny skies, no worries, delays, is that a relief not to have that concern?
    BRUCE BOCHY: It is. I know it rained all night. And I think the field is in great shape. I'll check it out once we take batting practice. But it's good not to have that being an issue in a big game like this.

    Q. You said you had not been out there much today to check it out yet?
    BRUCE BOCHY: No, I haven't yet. But I'll check it out during batting practice. This ground crew, they do a great job. If there were any issues with water you'd hear the machines going. As far as I know it's in great shape and all set to go.

    Q. Might sound ridiculous at this point, have you allowed yourself at all, you and Dave, to think about how you might set up your rotation or go with Game 1 if things work out?
    BRUCE BOCHY: No, we're not even talking about that. This is a pretty big game tonight we're thinking about.

    Q. I think this is your first Game 7, if I'm correct. But you've had a lot of elimination games obviously this October. Just what's your personal mindset on days like this and games like this and what really do you want the team to be focusing on?
    BRUCE BOCHY: Well, I think that the guys, I do myself, I think you need to appreciate what's ahead of us here tonight and how hard you worked for it, how difficult it is to get to this point. You start in Spring Training and it's a lot of hard work and you're trying to get to postseason, and now you're playing for the pennant. So it should be an honor. It should be exciting for you.
    Sure, it's a big game, but you have to remember how hard that you did have to work to get here. And particularly this club, with what we have been facing here in the postseason. So we could really consider ourselves fortunate to bring it to this point. And I want these guys to enjoy it, savor it, and it's going to be intense out there. But you have to appreciate what you've done to get to this point.

    Q. Do you have a brief pregame meeting, perhaps relay the message that you just told us?
    BRUCE BOCHY: I may. We've had little meetings throughout the postseason. I'll get a feel, the mood, the tempo of the club and see where we're at. But I think they're all set to go.

    Q. When you see Hunter roll in and out of the clubhouse on his scooter, do you have any concerns that might not be the safest way to get to the ballpark day‑in and day‑out?
    BRUCE BOCHY: He's a pretty good athlete. I know Wilson does it, too. I really don't think about it, to be honest. I don't see him roll in. I've heard about it, but these guys are going to live their lives and you want them to have fun, as long as it's under control. I think he should be able to handle that.

    Q. What did you learn in 2010 that might be carrying over now? Do you reflect on those things when you make decisions now?
    BRUCE BOCHY: Hard question. I think you draw from all your experiences, whether it's during the season or postseason.
    What I've learned? It's a pitch at a time. And also I think, again, as I mentioned earlier, appreciate where you're at and have some fun with it. And that's what we're trying to do despite what's at stake every game we've been facing, including tonight's game.
    But as far as the game management, I really can't tell you.

    Q. As a player you had 84 fifth game down in San Diego, how much different is it as a manager to manage in one of these games as opposed to playing in it; is it anymore exciting, any different? The second is: In 2010 you clinched all these series on the road. This is the first time you get a chance to clinch at home.
    BRUCE BOCHY: Well, as a player, I was a role player, so I didn't have a lot of say what happened in those games.
    But as a manager you probably have a lot more going on as far as things you want to do. Of course, dealing with the media. Your mind is going constantly. You're trying to think of ways to help your ballclub, either before the game or during the game. And the games stay with you I think longer as a manager. I think all managers will tell you that.
    But ultimately it's up to the players. They deserve the credit with what's happened here. But I will say for me, there's a lot more time spent thinking about the game on this side than as a player. Once the game is over hopefully you wash it off and come out and play the next day, where we're thinking about lineups and things like that.
    The second part, I forgot.

    Q. As far as being able to win this at home.
    BRUCE BOCHY: Well, it's great to be in this situation, to be at home. That's where the record came in handy. We stumbled here at home in the first series, but we've been playing better here. We're excited about having our fans here and being at home in the 7th game here.

    Q. As you've gotten to know Pagan this year, have you considered him a classic change of scenery guy, or maybe a fresh start helped him rediscover that talent, after the year he had?
    BRUCE BOCHY: Yeah, I think it's always good for a player sometimes, a change of scenery can do them well. They occasionally will, I hate to say, get stale, but they seem to become a different player sometimes with a different club. Same with the player that could be with us that moves on. You see that happen a lot.
    With Angel, we really thought he was a really good player with the Mets and he did a good job over there. And we gave up a couple of good players for him. But we wanted a player like this to help us out in the lead‑off spot or even the 5, 6 hole where he was earlier in the season. I think he likes it here and he's enjoyed his time here and his play showed it.

    Q. After Game 3 you were talking about Pence being down on himself. You mentioned that you, yourself, maybe had some decisions that you looked back on and could have done better. Does that reflect the tightness of these series, maybe the razor's edge? Do you feel it a little more as a manager in these games than you've felt in some of the past ones?
    BRUCE BOCHY: I'll get back to the previous question, the difference between a player and a manager is that exact thing you're talking about here. As a manager you're always thinking something you could have done different to help win that ballgame. And you have a little bit more say in some of the things that could happen occasionally out there, whether it's a pitching change or you're putting a runner in motion, things like that.
    So that's what I take time to do occasionally is say: Well, what could I have done different to help the ballclub? I don't know if I would have done anything different as far as the postseason has gone so far, but I'm just telling Hunter, we all do this, but we don't just hold ourselves responsible for not winning that ballgame. We all need to try to do something to win the game, including the coaches or manager.

    Q. Brian Wilson in 2010 was such a big contributor on the field. This time around what's he been like during the playoffs, and in what ways is he finding to contribute?
    BRUCE BOCHY: I try not to watch Brian, to be honest (laughter), I've got enough to watch during the game, and he can distract you in the dugout. There's some things going on, I know, and sometimes ‑‑ you're better off turning your head and not watching him.
    But I'll say this, he's been there for the guys. He's pulling for them. He's been a great cheerleader. He does a great job of keeping the guys loose and having fun with this. So it's been nice to have him around despite what's happened with him, he's really pulling hard for his teammates.

    Q. Among other things you might not watch, the pregame huddle in the dugout with the players jumping up and down, Wilson and Pence are part of that. How have you seen that evolve and is it carrying over on the field?
    BRUCE BOCHY: Yeah, it's right there in front of you, or me, so you see it. Guys get together and have a little chat there. They have fun with it. It's a way of all of them getting together and letting each other know, hey, we're all here together, we're pulling for each other, and just getting themselves ready for the game. It started in that Cincinnati series and they have a ritual now, and it's been working.

    Q. You went into the season with so many disparate parts and you've got a starting lineup really that has only one guy in it from 2010 and your starting rotation was a lot different, no Wilson. How much different was it to manage this team and get to this point than it was two years ago?
    BRUCE BOCHY: Well, I'd say it's similar in some respects. Two years ago we made some changes. We tweaked the lineups, we brought Buster up. We had Pat Burrell help us out, Cody Ross, and similar with this year. We made some changes, tweaked the lineup, Pagan went from the 5 hole to the lead‑off spot. Blanco was in the lead‑off spot. We've gone with a set lineup, and that's made it easier than in 2010, where if you look at the World Series, I end up sitting Pat down, Schierholtz started, we tweaked it a little bit, where now it's pretty much the same lineup that we're writing down every day, and that's an easy thing to do.
  • MCCARVER IS SO BAD. CLAIMS CRAIG HAD BAD GRIP ON BALL SO HAD TO GO TO FIRSG AND SCUTARO SCORED WITHOUT A THROW HOME.SCUTARO RAN DOWN THE LINE AND ONLY THROW WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOB WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL ON A BANG BANG PLAY.WHAT A DUD IS MCCARVER
  • That was Freese. And many observed that David would have had a tough throwing angle even if he fielded the ball cleanly.
  • I know Holiday is in the lineup, but how healthy s he?
  • He's not 100 percent. There is no way that is possible. Is he well enough to perform at a high level? We shall see. Guys are used to playing hurt, especially at the end of a long grind.
  • Gordo, I know you're not in the prediction business, but how about you throw one out there for us just for fun?
  • San Francisco has everything going for it right now. I'd be surprised if the Cards reversed this series. But I've been surprised before.
  • RT @markmulder20: In my opinion, I really think whoever scores first will win. Bullpens have been great for both teams. Starters will pr ...
  • Jeff, with the development of Craig at 1b. and Travares probably making it up mid season next year, do you see Matt Adams (packaged with someone) as being major trade bait? Or, did his late season back people off?
  • Cards minimizing Holliday back condition but he was team's only position player not to take BP on field. Operative word: playable.
  • Adams had a sore elbow, caused by some debris. His value is good. It will only get better as he hits, either at Memphis or in St. Louis should somebody go down. Unless there is a team willing to trade a top young shortstop to the Cardinals, there would be no need to deal Adams any time soon.
  • Godo, didthe Giants give up anyone to get Scutaro from Col?
  • From Baseball Reference: July 27, 2012: Traded by the Colorado Rockies with cash to the San Francisco Giants for Charlie Culberson.
  • Would you be starting Holliday here? He's not 100% and Matt Carpenter has played well.
  • I'd play Carpenter and save Holliday for a big PH opportunity.
  • Bakery night. #Bueno RT @bendeclue: @JoeStrauss what's the special treat in the ATT press box tonight? #pressingmatters
  • Wondered why local TV's in SF: Less expensive than London. #RamsRemote
  • Nice setting for a ballpark.

  • @JoeStrauss I wish they had started Carpenter. Two gimpy outfielders leaves too many holes. Jay isn't Edmonds-esque just yet.
  • @JoeStrauss can do without that 0-4 donut hole in the middle of the order, huh? #brilliant
  • @JoeStrauss Just doesnt make sense...too much on the line and with Carpenter's history against Cain...bad call IMO
  • Please. RT @tylerhaynes23: @JoeStrauss Just doesnt make sense...too much on line and with Carpenter's history against Cain...bad call IMO
  • GM John Mozeliak chats with Fox Sports Midwest about the decision to play Matt Holliday.

  • I thought Candlestick was generally a hated ballpark?
  • It was. Cold, nasty and rundown at the end.
  • If Holliday is healthy enough to play and wants in the lineup, he deserves it. He's been a horse all year long and I think you stick to what got you here in my opinion.
  • Holliday's gonna step up and be our catalyst tonight - watch and see!!!
  • When I posited that Game 6 loss badly compromised Cards' chances v. Tigers, club employee admitted he couldn't disagree. #Pitching
  • ESPN crew already in STL I wonder who they are picking to win?
  • @JoeStrauss time for Holliday to step up and have a big postseason game
  • RT @SInow: Rainbow over AT&T park before tonight's game 7. (By @bradmangin / SI) #NLCS instagr.am

  • If Giants win, plan is to have Play Ball rally cry for Game 1 delivered by Stephen Hawking
  • Tonights OUR night, Go Cards!
  • hey jeff, r u at the game, or still in st louis
  • Still in St. Louis, recovering from all the excitement of the Rams loss at The Ed.
  • New at Bird Land. Scouting the Giants' Matt Cain: An elite pitcher has not always been at his best against the C... bit.ly
  • Jeff, you might need another week for that.
  • Scoring first tonight would be a big help. Time for a total team win. Go Cards.
  • thats cool, u will allready b there waiting on the boys 4 game 1 of the fall classic!
  • Cain is hittable. His numbers against Cards are not dominant.
  • Mike Matheny before the game:
    Q. Matt, is everything okay with him, is he good to go?
    MIKE MATHENY: He's good to go, but he's stilling going to go through batting practice. Probably do more in the cage than on the field. But they've been working on him nonstop. He feels much better and we're confident that he's not just going to be out there, but be able to be productive.

    Q. Tough to keep Matt Carpenter out of the lineup considering his history against Cain. Did you consider putting him in at all?
    MIKE MATHENY: A lot of places you can put him in the lineup. We've done this all season. He's been a great fill for whatever we need. But you started looking at him playing in the outfield in the corners and you've got Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran, and Allen Craig and David Freese on the corners in the infield. Those are guys that have all been valuable parts of our lineup.
    We don't deny what Matt's been able to do against Cain, but if anything does happen with any of our guys along the way, we've got a good option.

    Q. This organization has had two batting coaches for a few years now, and it seems that's a practice that's sort of catching on around the League. But at the same time there are differing philosophies about it. Why do you think it works here?
    MIKE MATHENY: Tony LaRussa was one that implemented that here and I think it's invaluable. There's so much work to be done, these hitters really start showing up five, six hours before the game starting to do their work. And it's usually too much for one coach to handle on his own. Plus you have the availability of a second set of eyes.
    For us, John Mabry has done a terrific job being the right‑hand man to Mark McGwire, they work so well together. The guys will go to each of them. Everybody is usually on the same page, sometimes a little differently. But I know it's made a big difference with our club this year.

    Q. What do you see from Allen Craig right now? If you could describe sort of what he's done this season to earn that cleanup spot and the challenge it is for a young player like that who last year had a big postseason but now has a real prominent role in the middle of your lineup?
    MIKE MATHENY: Allen Craig, you can statistically back this by the fact that this guy has been able to drive in runs and get big hits on a pace that not too many other people can keep. So you can't deny that. And he has been a clutch hitter. He's been a guy who seems to put together better at‑bats when there's guys in scoring position.
    So with that being said, he's found a nice home there batting cleanup. Right now he's getting pitched very well. He's getting pitched tough. He's starting to go outside of his zone, which to me he's done as good a job through a long season as anybody on our club of having a very mature approach at the plate and sticking with his strengths.
    Right now when you have guys with good stuff making good pitches you fight, and he's fighting. And sometimes you start making minor adjustments when you don't need to. So I know that he's got a real good feel of his swing. He's got a real good feel of his strengths, we just need to get him back there. And then he'll start making somebody pay when they do make mistakes.

    Q. In the past when Allen has been searching a little bit, rare that it was, and Carlos has been going, you flipped those two guys. Whether that's to get Allen in front of Matt Holliday or Beltran in a run‑producing role. Have you thought about that, toying with the middle of the lineup as this series goes on?
    MIKE MATHENY: Yeah, I think about 20 different lineups every night. But I keep coming back to what's been working for us. And there's a reason. And there was a reason that we were able to make the push that we did and it was people really finding their spot. It took us a lot longer than it took quite a few other teams to really find that formula in our lineup.
    But Allen does a real nice job in that cleanup spot. Carlos could, as well. But Carlos also brings us something there in that second spot. And he's had some production from that spot all season long, for whatever reason.
    It's just a matter of looking over the big picture and seeing what gives us the best chance. Today is not the time to start rewriting anything.

    Q. Obviously this is an enormous game for everyone. Do you sense that it's something even more for Beltran, given that he's been on the brink a couple of times getting to the World Series in Game 7 and hasn't been able to push it over the top?
    MIKE MATHENY: Do I sense that? No. This is one laid‑back guy. Sometimes you've got to look out there to see if he's awake. And then the next thing you know he just silently makes a very nice play or does something big at the plate. Not that the effort is not there. That's just how he is. That's his makeup.
    Now, I know without question he's excited about this opportunity. He made a statement after we won Game 5 in Washington about how much it means for him to get to the World Series. So he's said that, but as far as how he shows up, today he looked like the same guy and so does everybody else who walked through the doors. And I think that's part of the magic of this club. They just show up the same every day. Carlos is no different. He knows that that sets him up, sets himself up for a more likelihood of success.

    Q. Is there anything on Holliday's stats, or is he written in pen or pencil now in the lineup? Do you have to see him more in BP?
    A.No, it's etched in there. If something happened we'd change it. But I talked to him most of the day and going back and forth and feel completely comfortable that he's going to be in there and do something to help us win. Now, if we did need to make an adjustment we all know that Matt Carpenter is there and ready to go, but right now everything is pointing towards Matt Holliday is ready.

    Q. Wainwright has been the guy most specifically asked about. But as far as your starters, who's available, who's not, if you need somebody in relief tonight?
    MIKE MATHENY: Yeah, Wainwright would be available and so would Lance Lynn. The two of them would definitely be ready to go. It's all handson deck right now.
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