2)
I wonder if C. Bloom, who was w/Tampa when they drafted Libby, see's the obvious fact that he has way more value as a starter and feels he's now ready for that role?
Matz has been ver good out of the pen' and using him there and as that 6th spot starter could keep him off the IL.
Rock...Libby's value always relied on Spin Rate and Velocity of his fastball. Something he could NEVER maintain as a starter.
I know there's a lot of Libby fans out there....I'm not trying to trigger them. But this is the same old "Square Peg/Round Hole" nonsense this FO/Coaching staff has been trying to ram down our throats the last 5 seasons
True
And we're in total agreement McG deserved that #5 spot.
But Libby's a more mature pitcher now duce w/some quality major league success (re: confidence) under his belt.
His real issue starting was his inability to get out RHH'er, something that could still hurt him as a starter when a Manager stacks his lineup w/RHH'ers.
I don't like it either, McG should've got that slot.
mattmitchl44 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2025 10:53 am
Barring an injury, Winn should make 155+ starts at SS, so a backup SS is probably not a big concern right now.
It is if it means keeping a redundant M. Siani over a backup SS since I could say the same for VSII playing 155+ starts in CF.
Yeah, that wasn't intended as any defense of Siani.
Oli's loyalty to a fringe major leaguer (of course great glove but no bat) is baffling.
craviduce wrote: ↑23 Mar 2025 10:34 am
Katie Woo
@katiejwoo
·
48s
Victor Scott II will be the Opening Day center fielder. Matthew Liberatore is the fifth starter. Steven Matz will be in long relief. Cardinals will go a six-man rotation beginning April 16.
Cusecards wrote: ↑23 Mar 2025 10:53 am
Huh....a bit surprising so all I can gather is:
*This is the one FINAL chance for Liberatore to make the rotation? Up until now he has struggled with command as a starter but been very good in relief.
*Matz(and Mikolas) are on borrowed time. Ideally they will show enough to garner trade interest at the deadline. Doubtful either is back next season.
Unfortunately you can’t send them down and releasing them at the start of the season and eating up to $30M makes zero sense.
*McGreevy is the future(throw Mathews in there also). I would expect both to be in the rotation no later than the start of 2026.
So you have:
Gray- NTC. Under contract for 2026. Of course he could be dealt along the way if he consents.
Fedde- FA after 2025. So of course he could be dealt. Could go either way.
Pallante- Under team control so his cost is minimal. Might also have Options left??
Matz/Mikolas- Figure to be gone after 2025. Preferably sooner at the deadline.
McGreevy/Mathews- The future. I’m sure they’ve been told this. If their future starts in April 2025, July/September 2025, or ST 2026 what difference does it make as long as they continue to progress/impress???? Toss in Roby, Graceffo, Hence, etc etc to that list.
I don't mind Libby getting the chance...it makes sense. What I do mind is Mikolas, Matz taking up space. I mind 1 of Fedde or Gray not being traded.
What the hell?? McGreevy and Libby should be in the 5 man. Cut ties with Matz and Mikolas.
I hear you!
We’d all rather see the future guys out there!
But.....I get that you have to showcase Matz/Mikolas somewhat to garner interest at the deadline.
I’ve accepted this as an “Audition” Year.
Libby gets his shot.
McGreevy can still excel.
I feel for McGreevy, he deserved a shot in the rotation.
I hope Liberatore breaks out and becomes a big part of the rotation though, still have hope for him. IF he did and you still then have McGreevy, Mathews, and Hence it could really improve our chances in the near future.
Cusecards wrote: ↑23 Mar 2025 10:53 am
Huh....a bit surprising so all I can gather is:
*This is the one FINAL chance for Liberatore to make the rotation? Up until now he has struggled with command as a starter but been very good in relief.
*Matz(and Mikolas) are on borrowed time. Ideally they will show enough to garner trade interest at the deadline. Doubtful either is back next season.
Unfortunately you can’t send them down and releasing them at the start of the season and eating up to $30M makes zero sense.
*McGreevy is the future(throw Mathews in there also). I would expect both to be in the rotation no later than the start of 2026.
So you have:
Gray- NTC. Under contract for 2026. Of course he could be dealt along the way if he consents.
Fedde- FA after 2025. So of course he could be dealt. Could go either way.
Pallante- Under team control so his cost is minimal. Might also have Options left??
Matz/Mikolas- Figure to be gone after 2025. Preferably sooner at the deadline.
McGreevy/Mathews- The future. I’m sure they’ve been told this. If their future starts in April 2025, July/September 2025, or ST 2026 what difference does it make as long as they continue to progress/impress???? Toss in Roby, Graceffo, Hence, etc etc to that list.
I don't mind Libby getting the chance...it makes sense. What I do mind is Mikolas, Matz taking up space. I mind 1 of Fedde or Gray not being traded.
What the hell?? McGreevy and Libby should be in the 5 man. Cut ties with Matz and Mikolas.
imadangman wrote: ↑23 Mar 2025 10:47 am
So what's the point of this season? Is it just to make more impulse decisions? Or is there an objective to all this.
What's the plan with Walker? Are they going to keep Donovan at 2B and allow an everyday outfield of Nootbaar-Scott-Walker? And then Gorman can ride the bench and get in where he can.
I was pushing for Barrero. I wonder who the backup SS will be. With Scott II inline for centerfield there is NO benefit having Siani here especially over Barrero who can play several infield/outfield positions and at least has a little bit of intrigue with the bat.
Only reason I see for keeping Siani around is if they are planning for incase they have to send Scott back down. And that goes back to my opening statement about impulse decisions. I've been asking all along what difference it makes for Scott's overall development to have him on the opening day roster.
Backup ss is donovan they said. If scott was sent down they could recall siani anyway. He has option years.
Barrero hasnt shown any intrigue with bat in majors or even minors last year. Fermin hit way better in minors last year and fermin is a year younger than barrero. Evidently barrero was once a higher prospect, but he isnt on the 40man and require dfaing someone. If he hits well in memphis, maybe he forces that issue.
