What is the position plan for Wetherholt?

[ecleme22]

If he excels at short he enhances his value if his offense reaches its potential.

He can always be moved to 2nd or 3rd.

My thoughts exactly.

[imadangman]

Maybe Winn becomes trade bait? Could get a nice SP for him

No way. He was talked about by many as the single untouchable on the roster leading up to the season. Now after a slow first week we want to trade him?

[Shady]

Often in early minor league career teams prefer to play a slick infielder at SS as he gets a ton more ground balls than a 2nd baseman. Thus JJ get more fielding chances plus to work on his range.

They want him ti get the most defensive action of all the infielders.

Ding ding ding we have a winner. Similarly strong OF prospects may be placed at CF in the minors even though the longer term projection is corner OF.

That could be the case if the Cardinals draft OF slugger, Jace LaViolette, at #5.

[NYCardsFan]

Often in early minor league career teams prefer to play a slick infielder at SS as he gets a ton more ground balls than a 2nd baseman. Thus JJ get more fielding chances plus to work on his range.

They want him ti get the most defensive action of all the infielders.

Ding ding ding we have a winner. Similarly strong OF prospects may be placed at CF in the minors even though the longer term projection is corner OF.

That could be the case if the Cardinals draft OF slugger, Jace LaViolette, at #5.

Shady and his obsessions . . .

[Mort Gage]

Often in early minor league career teams prefer to play a slick infielder at SS as he gets a ton more ground balls than a 2nd baseman. Thus JJ get more fielding chances plus to work on his range.

They want him ti get the most defensive action of all the infielders.

Ding ding ding we have a winner. Similarly strong OF prospects may be placed at CF in the minors even though the longer term projection is corner OF.

That could be the case if the Cardinals draft OF slugger, Jace LaViolette, at #5.

I'll admit I don't know much about him. But I read he has some speed. At 6'6" 230 he could play some CF in the minors but profiles longer term as a corner.

[Cusecards]

Everyone has pointed out that if he can play SS at MLB level then transitioning to 2B/3B should be fine.
I think we also need to remember that JJ
has only been in the system 1 year.
So determining his max “ceiling” should be expected.
Playing SS better determines that ceiling!

[Shady]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

[ecleme22]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

What’s your data?

[Shady]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

What’s your data?

Saggese is in the MLB. Wetherholt is at AA.

[NYCardsFan]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

Based on what, specifically? Please elaborate, and provide some data and analysis to support your claim.

[Monsieur De Treville]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

What’s your data?

Saggese is in the MLB. Wetherholt is at AA.

Siani is in MLB. Is he much further along?

BTW...the word you wanted to use is "further". Farther relates to distance. You're welcome.

[Shady]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

What’s your data?

Saggese is in the MLB. Wetherholt is at AA.

Siani is in MLB. Is he much further along?

BTW...the word you wanted to use is "further". Farther relates to distance. You're welcome.

Saggese is also farther along than Wetherholt in the distance required to be a successfu MLB hitter. You're welcome. lol

[ecleme22]

Frankly, both being 22, Saggese seems much farther along as a hitter than Wetherholt.

What’s your data?

Saggese is in the MLB. Wetherholt is at AA.

That’s because he was just drafted.

They’re not going to put him in AAA right away.

[JuanAgosto]

I think he eventually settles in at 3b in StL. 2026 or 2027.

[CardsBest]

The organization keeps playing Wetherholt at SS. Isn't Winn pretty well assured to be the long range SS? Considering that both Winn and Wetherholt will likely be in the Cardinals' future lineup. Why not start to groom Wetherholt at 2B or 3B ?

It is good for Winn to see Wetherholt over his shoulder.
And it is good for STL to have depth at the position.
Zero downside in the current approach.

Good point. However, it seems prudent for the Cardinals to prepare Wetherholt at another position if they plan to have both in the lineup.

They should not move him off SS until he is about ready to come up which is not this year. 2nd or possibly even 3rd is where he will windup if both Winn and him are on the team. If Wetherholt hits good and plays good SS Winn could be expendable if he turns into a defense SS wothout much bat.

[Melville]

The organization keeps playing Wetherholt at SS. Isn't Winn pretty well assured to be the long range SS? Considering that both Winn and Wetherholt will likely be in the Cardinals' future lineup. Why not start to groom Wetherholt at 2B or 3B ?

It is good for Winn to see Wetherholt over his shoulder.
And it is good for STL to have depth at the position.
Zero downside in the current approach.

Good point. However, it seems prudent for the Cardinals to prepare Wetherholt at another position if they plan to have both in the lineup.

Respectfully disagree.
Both have far higher value at the SS position than anywhere else on the field.
That is too great of a strategic advantage to give up on.
Never intentionally diminish the value of any asset.

Melville, what is Saggese's future position ? From what I've seen and read, Saggese has very good upside as a MLB hitter. There are only so many infield positions to go around. Considering Donovan, Winn, Gorman, Wetherholt and Saggese.

As you correctly point out, there are an awful lot of variables - of whom Saggese is but one.
Too many to say how it will play out - or should.
But Wetherholt needs to remain at SS for the foreseeable future.
This season is going to help sort things out.