Future position player group

[imadangman]

Here's what I think. This may be a tough season to watch but I like that there are about 4 players on the current team that appear to be in their correct position on the field longterm.

C:
1B:
2B:
SS: Winn
3B:
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

So whatever happens, I think those 4 players need to get as much time at those positions as they can.

Let's take it a step further. I'm going to look to 2026-27 and fill in some more positions.

C: Crooks or Bernal (Pages a solid backup)
1B: Herrera
2B: Wetherholt
SS: Winn
3B: (Arenado)
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

These seem like pretty good possibilities at this point. Does anyone think otherwise? It seems like a good thing that we can fill in 7 or 8 positions for the 2026-27 team, and say, that really doesn't look that bad.

Leftover, there's Donovan, Gorman, Burleson, and Saggese. Donovan surely will be in it. Saggese seems like a good utility piece. The others may fit in on the roster or may be traded. Others like Chase Davis may show up.

And let me tell you something. I looked back at some team stats on Fangraphs. What were the markers of the best Cardinal teams we've watched?

From 2000-2006, we would think of the teams as being led by their hitting. It's true, the team was 4th in offensive WAR and 4th in team wRC+ during that span. But what stood apart was the defense. 2nd highest (and very close to the 1st place ATL defense) defensive WAR during that time span. A total of 482.0 defensive runs. All of that helped what was the 20th ranked pitching staff during that time (we know the defense and Dave Duncan got a lot out of a mostly ground ball type of staff). Overall, it seems Jim Edmonds in CF and Scott Rolen at 3B made huge differences. Having players at premium positions that brought both MVP level offense an GG defense. Also Renteria at SS. The team had several cornerstone players that were great on both sides of the ball.

Again from 2019-2022. The team was around 10th best in terms of offensive WAR. But again, they were #1 in defensive WAR during that period. And the pitching staff ranked 16th in pitching WAR.

The other times, when things were rough, off the top of my head, were characterized by too many players not having set positions. Not a cohesive defensive team (like from 2016-2018). Too much "the bat plays" thinking.

So with the current group, you have the opportunity to let a pretty good defensive unit to take shape. As stated, the goal of this season should be to allow this group to take shape rather than overreacting to performances over a short time frame. You don't need to be moving everyone around in the batting order, sending guys down, etc. They made the choice to carry Winn and Scott II on opening day. They should be playing those two (and for the most part, batting them low in the lineup like they are now) every day. They should be allowed to grow into the position offensively, based on their defense (the same way players like Ozzie and Yadi Molina bought a lot of time early based on their defense, allowing their hitting to develop).

So it looks pretty good up the middle with Winn and Wetherholt up the middle, Scott II in CF, and Crooks or Bernal as the catching options.

There's been a lot of discussion about what will happen "on the corners." I guess the main questions for the future center around 1) where Donovan and Wetherholt would play. 2) what will be the condition of Nolan Arenado at age 35-36, and 3) whether Saggese represents an everyday player or more of a utility type (I've thrown out Jed Gyorko as a comp).

3B is a tough position. There don't seem to be a lot of all-star level players at the position that aren't already locked up. Props to SF for nailing down Chapman, and Arizona for sticking Eugenio Suarez at the position. Those seem like pretty good moves in the landscape of today's game.

What is Saggese like defensively at 3B? Maybe look out for Dakota Harris also. Or is Wetherholt at 3B and Donovan staying at 2B a better option? Seems to me like Wetherholt at 2B projects to be the best defense for that position, and probably Wetherholt's best position as well.

So maybe you'd pencil in Donovan as the DH with Wetherholt at 2B, but I imagine the DH would be more of a rotating type of position.

It'll be interesting to see. But I like the makings of the group going forward. I think it has the potential to be very solid defensively. And I think 2025 should be considered a building year to let these guys develop at their future positions with minimal disturbance.

And then after the lockout we will get to see what Bloom can do to enhance this group, as well as on the pitching side what he can get to go along with Mathews, McGreevy, Pallante, Hence (I hope), Roby (I hope), Hjerpe (I hope) among others.

We are going to have to develop a LOT of good young arms, to cover the ~1400 innings that make up MLB season.

[Cranny]

Here's what I think. This may be a tough season to watch but I like that there are about 4 players on the current team that appear to be in their correct position on the field longterm.

C:
1B:
2B:
SS: Winn
3B:
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

So whatever happens, I think those 4 players need to get as much time at those positions as they can.

Let's take it a step further. I'm going to look to 2026-27 and fill in some more positions.

C: Crooks or Bernal (Pages a solid backup)
1B: Herrera
2B: Wetherholt
SS: Winn
3B: (Arenado)
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

These seem like pretty good possibilities at this point. Does anyone think otherwise? It seems like a good thing that we can fill in 7 or 8 positions for the 2026-27 team, and say, that really doesn't look that bad.

Leftover, there's Donovan, Gorman, Burleson, and Saggese. Donovan surely will be in it. Saggese seems like a good utility piece. The others may fit in on the roster or may be traded. Others like Chase Davis may show up.

And let me tell you something. I looked back at some team stats on Fangraphs. What were the markers of the best Cardinal teams we've watched?

From 2000-2006, we would think of the teams as being led by their hitting. It's true, the team was 4th in offensive WAR and 4th in team wRC+ during that span. But what stood apart was the defense. 2nd highest (and very close to the 1st place ATL defense) defensive WAR during that time span. A total of 482.0 defensive runs. All of that helped what was the 20th ranked pitching staff during that time (we know the defense and Dave Duncan got a lot out of a mostly ground ball type of staff). Overall, it seems Jim Edmonds in CF and Scott Rolen at 3B made huge differences. Having players at premium positions that brought both MVP level offense an GG defense. Also Renteria at SS. The team had several cornerstone players that were great on both sides of the ball.

Again from 2019-2022. The team was around 10th best in terms of offensive WAR. But again, they were #1 in defensive WAR during that period. And the pitching staff ranked 16th in pitching WAR.

The other times, when things were rough, off the top of my head, were characterized by too many players not having set positions. Not a cohesive defensive team (like from 2016-2018). Too much "the bat plays" thinking.

So with the current group, you have the opportunity to let a pretty good defensive unit to take shape. As stated, the goal of this season should be to allow this group to take shape rather than overreacting to performances over a short time frame. You don't need to be moving everyone around in the batting order, sending guys down, etc. They made the choice to carry Winn and Scott II on opening day. They should be playing those two (and for the most part, batting them low in the lineup like they are now) every day. They should be allowed to grow into the position offensively, based on their defense (the same way players like Ozzie and Yadi Molina bought a lot of time early based on their defense, allowing their hitting to develop).

So it looks pretty good up the middle with Winn and Wetherholt up the middle, Scott II in CF, and Crooks or Bernal as the catching options.

There's been a lot of discussion about what will happen "on the corners." I guess the main questions for the future center around 1) where Donovan and Wetherholt would play. 2) what will be the condition of Nolan Arenado at age 35-36, and 3) whether Saggese represents an everyday player or more of a utility type (I've thrown out Jed Gyorko as a comp).

3B is a tough position. There don't seem to be a lot of all-star level players at the position that aren't already locked up. Props to SF for nailing down Chapman, and Arizona for sticking Eugenio Suarez at the position. Those seem like pretty good moves in the landscape of today's game.

What is Saggese like defensively at 3B? Maybe look out for Dakota Harris also. Or is Wetherholt at 3B and Donovan staying at 2B a better option? Seems to me like Wetherholt at 2B projects to be the best defense for that position, and probably Wetherholt's best position as well.

So maybe you'd pencil in Donovan as the DH with Wetherholt at 2B, but I imagine the DH would be more of a rotating type of position.

It'll be interesting to see. But I like the makings of the group going forward. I think it has the potential to be very solid defensively. And I think 2025 should be considered a building year to let these guys develop at their future positions with minimal disturbance.

And then after the lockout we will get to see what Bloom can do to enhance this group, as well as on the pitching side what he can get to go along with Mathews, McGreevy, Pallante, Hence (I hope), Roby (I hope), Hjerpe (I hope) among others.

We are going to have to develop a LOT of good young arms, to cover the ~1400 innings that make up MLB season.

All existing position players are under control for at least the next 2 years.

[imadangman]

Here's what I think. This may be a tough season to watch but I like that there are about 4 players on the current team that appear to be in their correct position on the field longterm.

C:
1B:
2B:
SS: Winn
3B:
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

So whatever happens, I think those 4 players need to get as much time at those positions as they can.

Let's take it a step further. I'm going to look to 2026-27 and fill in some more positions.

C: Crooks or Bernal (Pages a solid backup)
1B: Herrera
2B: Wetherholt
SS: Winn
3B: (Arenado)
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

These seem like pretty good possibilities at this point. Does anyone think otherwise? It seems like a good thing that we can fill in 7 or 8 positions for the 2026-27 team, and say, that really doesn't look that bad.

Leftover, there's Donovan, Gorman, Burleson, and Saggese. Donovan surely will be in it. Saggese seems like a good utility piece. The others may fit in on the roster or may be traded. Others like Chase Davis may show up.

And let me tell you something. I looked back at some team stats on Fangraphs. What were the markers of the best Cardinal teams we've watched?

From 2000-2006, we would think of the teams as being led by their hitting. It's true, the team was 4th in offensive WAR and 4th in team wRC+ during that span. But what stood apart was the defense. 2nd highest (and very close to the 1st place ATL defense) defensive WAR during that time span. A total of 482.0 defensive runs. All of that helped what was the 20th ranked pitching staff during that time (we know the defense and Dave Duncan got a lot out of a mostly ground ball type of staff). Overall, it seems Jim Edmonds in CF and Scott Rolen at 3B made huge differences. Having players at premium positions that brought both MVP level offense an GG defense. Also Renteria at SS. The team had several cornerstone players that were great on both sides of the ball.

Again from 2019-2022. The team was around 10th best in terms of offensive WAR. But again, they were #1 in defensive WAR during that period. And the pitching staff ranked 16th in pitching WAR.

The other times, when things were rough, off the top of my head, were characterized by too many players not having set positions. Not a cohesive defensive team (like from 2016-2018). Too much "the bat plays" thinking.

So with the current group, you have the opportunity to let a pretty good defensive unit to take shape. As stated, the goal of this season should be to allow this group to take shape rather than overreacting to performances over a short time frame. You don't need to be moving everyone around in the batting order, sending guys down, etc. They made the choice to carry Winn and Scott II on opening day. They should be playing those two (and for the most part, batting them low in the lineup like they are now) every day. They should be allowed to grow into the position offensively, based on their defense (the same way players like Ozzie and Yadi Molina bought a lot of time early based on their defense, allowing their hitting to develop).

So it looks pretty good up the middle with Winn and Wetherholt up the middle, Scott II in CF, and Crooks or Bernal as the catching options.

There's been a lot of discussion about what will happen "on the corners." I guess the main questions for the future center around 1) where Donovan and Wetherholt would play. 2) what will be the condition of Nolan Arenado at age 35-36, and 3) whether Saggese represents an everyday player or more of a utility type (I've thrown out Jed Gyorko as a comp).

3B is a tough position. There don't seem to be a lot of all-star level players at the position that aren't already locked up. Props to SF for nailing down Chapman, and Arizona for sticking Eugenio Suarez at the position. Those seem like pretty good moves in the landscape of today's game.

What is Saggese like defensively at 3B? Maybe look out for Dakota Harris also. Or is Wetherholt at 3B and Donovan staying at 2B a better option? Seems to me like Wetherholt at 2B projects to be the best defense for that position, and probably Wetherholt's best position as well.

So maybe you'd pencil in Donovan as the DH with Wetherholt at 2B, but I imagine the DH would be more of a rotating type of position.

It'll be interesting to see. But I like the makings of the group going forward. I think it has the potential to be very solid defensively. And I think 2025 should be considered a building year to let these guys develop at their future positions with minimal disturbance.

And then after the lockout we will get to see what Bloom can do to enhance this group, as well as on the pitching side what he can get to go along with Mathews, McGreevy, Pallante, Hence (I hope), Roby (I hope), Hjerpe (I hope) among others.

We are going to have to develop a LOT of good young arms, to cover the ~1400 innings that make up MLB season.

All existing position players are under control for at least the next 2 years.

What we want to do next is concern ourselves with which of those are going to be above average position players. And then those ones we would like to have under control a lot longer than 2 years. Winn, Walker, Donovan, Nootbaar, Scott II, Herrera, and the catchers are the primary ones at this point that I'd have my eyes on.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I agree with your general premise. We do have some pretty decent position players to work with and we will be pretty strong defensively up the middle. You don't make mention of Contreras. It's hard to see a world where he isn't the 1B for the seasons you mention. That leaves Herrera without a clear spot. With his bat, a spot will be made. That may leave one of the other position players you list as "extra". Some combination of Burleson, Gorman, a catcher, and the "extra" could be used to acquire pitching.

[hugeCardfan]

Here's what I think. This may be a tough season to watch but I like that there are about 4 players on the current team that appear to be in their correct position on the field longterm.

C:
1B:
2B:
SS: Winn
3B:
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

So whatever happens, I think those 4 players need to get as much time at those positions as they can.

Let's take it a step further. I'm going to look to 2026-27 and fill in some more positions.

C: Crooks or Bernal (Pages a solid backup)
1B: Herrera
2B: Wetherholt
SS: Winn
3B: (Arenado)
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

These seem like pretty good possibilities at this point. Does anyone think otherwise? It seems like a good thing that we can fill in 7 or 8 positions for the 2026-27 team, and say, that really doesn't look that bad.

Leftover, there's Donovan, Gorman, Burleson, and Saggese. Donovan surely will be in it. Saggese seems like a good utility piece. The others may fit in on the roster or may be traded. Others like Chase Davis may show up.

And let me tell you something. I looked back at some team stats on Fangraphs. What were the markers of the best Cardinal teams we've watched?

From 2000-2006, we would think of the teams as being led by their hitting. It's true, the team was 4th in offensive WAR and 4th in team wRC+ during that span. But what stood apart was the defense. 2nd highest (and very close to the 1st place ATL defense) defensive WAR during that time span. A total of 482.0 defensive runs. All of that helped what was the 20th ranked pitching staff during that time (we know the defense and Dave Duncan got a lot out of a mostly ground ball type of staff). Overall, it seems Jim Edmonds in CF and Scott Rolen at 3B made huge differences. Having players at premium positions that brought both MVP level offense an GG defense. Also Renteria at SS. The team had several cornerstone players that were great on both sides of the ball.

Again from 2019-2022. The team was around 10th best in terms of offensive WAR. But again, they were #1 in defensive WAR during that period. And the pitching staff ranked 16th in pitching WAR.

The other times, when things were rough, off the top of my head, were characterized by too many players not having set positions. Not a cohesive defensive team (like from 2016-2018). Too much "the bat plays" thinking.

So with the current group, you have the opportunity to let a pretty good defensive unit to take shape. As stated, the goal of this season should be to allow this group to take shape rather than overreacting to performances over a short time frame. You don't need to be moving everyone around in the batting order, sending guys down, etc. They made the choice to carry Winn and Scott II on opening day. They should be playing those two (and for the most part, batting them low in the lineup like they are now) every day. They should be allowed to grow into the position offensively, based on their defense (the same way players like Ozzie and Yadi Molina bought a lot of time early based on their defense, allowing their hitting to develop).

So it looks pretty good up the middle with Winn and Wetherholt up the middle, Scott II in CF, and Crooks or Bernal as the catching options.

There's been a lot of discussion about what will happen "on the corners." I guess the main questions for the future center around 1) where Donovan and Wetherholt would play. 2) what will be the condition of Nolan Arenado at age 35-36, and 3) whether Saggese represents an everyday player or more of a utility type (I've thrown out Jed Gyorko as a comp).

3B is a tough position. There don't seem to be a lot of all-star level players at the position that aren't already locked up. Props to SF for nailing down Chapman, and Arizona for sticking Eugenio Suarez at the position. Those seem like pretty good moves in the landscape of today's game.

What is Saggese like defensively at 3B? Maybe look out for Dakota Harris also. Or is Wetherholt at 3B and Donovan staying at 2B a better option? Seems to me like Wetherholt at 2B projects to be the best defense for that position, and probably Wetherholt's best position as well.

So maybe you'd pencil in Donovan as the DH with Wetherholt at 2B, but I imagine the DH would be more of a rotating type of position.

It'll be interesting to see. But I like the makings of the group going forward. I think it has the potential to be very solid defensively. And I think 2025 should be considered a building year to let these guys develop at their future positions with minimal disturbance.

And then after the lockout we will get to see what Bloom can do to enhance this group, as well as on the pitching side what he can get to go along with Mathews, McGreevy, Pallante, Hence (I hope), Roby (I hope), Hjerpe (I hope) among others.

We are going to have to develop a LOT of good young arms, to cover the ~1400 innings that make up MLB season.

All existing position players are under control for at least the next 2 years.

What we want to do next is concern ourselves with which of those are going to be above average position players. And then those ones we would like to have under control a lot longer than 2 years. Winn, Walker, Donovan, Nootbaar, Scott II, Herrera, and the catchers are the primary ones at this point that I'd have my eyes on.

Not sure what Wetherholt has done in the minors to secure consideration for 2B.

Davis, on the other hand, looks to be both a defensive and offensive juggernaut in the outfield...capable of CF and both corners. He may be 4th outfielder for now, but looks to take someone's position when he makes the majors.

We aren't getting rid of Arenado for the next 2 years, so he is likely our 26-27 3B unless he falls off a cliff. He looks good this year.

We need to continue to work with Gorman and give him time at 3B/DH...perhaps even in Memphis. The bat seemingly was coming around this year....but, health is an issue.

Funny how Willson Contreras fell off your radar but he certainly has had an atrocious beginning this year.

[rockondlouie]

Good legwork dangman

But we're in trouble if that's even close to our everyday roster.

[Cranny]

Here's what I think. This may be a tough season to watch but I like that there are about 4 players on the current team that appear to be in their correct position on the field longterm.

C:
1B:
2B:
SS: Winn
3B:
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

So whatever happens, I think those 4 players need to get as much time at those positions as they can.

Let's take it a step further. I'm going to look to 2026-27 and fill in some more positions.

C: Crooks or Bernal (Pages a solid backup)
1B: Herrera
2B: Wetherholt
SS: Winn
3B: (Arenado)
LF: Nootbaar
CF: Scott II
RF: Walker
DH:

These seem like pretty good possibilities at this point. Does anyone think otherwise? It seems like a good thing that we can fill in 7 or 8 positions for the 2026-27 team, and say, that really doesn't look that bad.

Leftover, there's Donovan, Gorman, Burleson, and Saggese. Donovan surely will be in it. Saggese seems like a good utility piece. The others may fit in on the roster or may be traded. Others like Chase Davis may show up.

And let me tell you something. I looked back at some team stats on Fangraphs. What were the markers of the best Cardinal teams we've watched?

From 2000-2006, we would think of the teams as being led by their hitting. It's true, the team was 4th in offensive WAR and 4th in team wRC+ during that span. But what stood apart was the defense. 2nd highest (and very close to the 1st place ATL defense) defensive WAR during that time span. A total of 482.0 defensive runs. All of that helped what was the 20th ranked pitching staff during that time (we know the defense and Dave Duncan got a lot out of a mostly ground ball type of staff). Overall, it seems Jim Edmonds in CF and Scott Rolen at 3B made huge differences. Having players at premium positions that brought both MVP level offense an GG defense. Also Renteria at SS. The team had several cornerstone players that were great on both sides of the ball.

Again from 2019-2022. The team was around 10th best in terms of offensive WAR. But again, they were #1 in defensive WAR during that period. And the pitching staff ranked 16th in pitching WAR.

The other times, when things were rough, off the top of my head, were characterized by too many players not having set positions. Not a cohesive defensive team (like from 2016-2018). Too much "the bat plays" thinking.

So with the current group, you have the opportunity to let a pretty good defensive unit to take shape. As stated, the goal of this season should be to allow this group to take shape rather than overreacting to performances over a short time frame. You don't need to be moving everyone around in the batting order, sending guys down, etc. They made the choice to carry Winn and Scott II on opening day. They should be playing those two (and for the most part, batting them low in the lineup like they are now) every day. They should be allowed to grow into the position offensively, based on their defense (the same way players like Ozzie and Yadi Molina bought a lot of time early based on their defense, allowing their hitting to develop).

So it looks pretty good up the middle with Winn and Wetherholt up the middle, Scott II in CF, and Crooks or Bernal as the catching options.

There's been a lot of discussion about what will happen "on the corners." I guess the main questions for the future center around 1) where Donovan and Wetherholt would play. 2) what will be the condition of Nolan Arenado at age 35-36, and 3) whether Saggese represents an everyday player or more of a utility type (I've thrown out Jed Gyorko as a comp).

3B is a tough position. There don't seem to be a lot of all-star level players at the position that aren't already locked up. Props to SF for nailing down Chapman, and Arizona for sticking Eugenio Suarez at the position. Those seem like pretty good moves in the landscape of today's game.

What is Saggese like defensively at 3B? Maybe look out for Dakota Harris also. Or is Wetherholt at 3B and Donovan staying at 2B a better option? Seems to me like Wetherholt at 2B projects to be the best defense for that position, and probably Wetherholt's best position as well.

So maybe you'd pencil in Donovan as the DH with Wetherholt at 2B, but I imagine the DH would be more of a rotating type of position.

It'll be interesting to see. But I like the makings of the group going forward. I think it has the potential to be very solid defensively. And I think 2025 should be considered a building year to let these guys develop at their future positions with minimal disturbance.

And then after the lockout we will get to see what Bloom can do to enhance this group, as well as on the pitching side what he can get to go along with Mathews, McGreevy, Pallante, Hence (I hope), Roby (I hope), Hjerpe (I hope) among others.

We are going to have to develop a LOT of good young arms, to cover the ~1400 innings that make up MLB season.

All existing position players are under control for at least the next 2 years.

What we want to do next is concern ourselves with which of those are going to be above average position players. And then those ones we would like to have under control a lot longer than 2 years. Winn, Walker, Donovan, Nootbaar, Scott II, Herrera, and the catchers are the primary ones at this point that I'd have my eyes on.

C - Herrera (Earliest FA 2030)
1B - Conteras (Earliest FA 2028)
2B - Donovan (Earliest FA 2028)
SS - Winn (Earliest FA 2030)
3B - Arenado (Earliest FA 2028)
LF - Nootbaar (Earliest FA 2028)
CF - Scott (Earliest FA 2031)
RF - Walker (Earliest FA FA 2030)
DH - Gorman (Earliest FA 2029)
DH - Burleson (Earliest FA 2029)
DH - Saggese (Earliest FA 2030)

Crooks, Wetherholt, Davis, and Bernal are coming on strong.

Right now the Cards rank #3 in runs scored and #4 in OPS in MLB.

Let’s work on the pitching.

[Futuregm2]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

[rockondlouie]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

"Catchers for Sale"

"Who needs a Catcher"

"Middle infielders too"

Bloom is going to be busy for sure, has some assets to flip for pitching.

Like you said, just please be a better talent evaluator (both of his own and there's) than Mo.

[Cranny]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

Does he trade, or go with Pallante, Liberatore, Mathews, McGreevy, Roby, Robberse, Hence (if healthy), Hjerpe, etc.?

[82birds]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

"Catchers for Sale"

"Who needs a Catcher"

"Middle infielders too"

Bloom is going to be busy for sure, has some assets to flip for pitching.

Like you said, just please be a better talent evaluator (both of his own and there's) than Mo.

just by getting out of bed in the morning he'll be better than MO

[Futuregm2]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

Does he trade, or go with Pallante, Liberatore, Mathews, McGreevy, Roby, Robberse, Hence (if healthy), Hjerpe, etc.?

I wouldn’t even consider Robberse in the picture. Hence/Hjerpe still have major healthy question marks, ditto for Roby. The first 4 are quite possible though. But none of these seem like slam dunks at this point, albeit the first 4 have pretty good odds to be a part of Bloom’s first rotation. He still will likely want to make his own mark on things I would think. And there’s so many hitters for too few positions that there will be some deals made.

[NYCardsFan]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

Does he trade, or go with Pallante, Liberatore, Mathews, McGreevy, Roby, Robberse, Hence (if healthy), Hjerpe, etc.?

It will depend on both evaluation and price (in the trade and/or FA markets). There's a price for all of these guys, the challenge is getting the underwriting right.

[rockondlouie]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

Does he trade, or go with Pallante, Liberatore, Mathews, McGreevy, Roby, Robberse, Hence (if healthy), Hjerpe, etc.?

Honestly if even one ("Q"?) of them becomes a #2 quality major league starter, then we should be happy.

Pallante has a #3 ceiling
Libby may be better suited for the bullpen
McGreevy could be a solid #4
Roby injured all the time
Hence future closer (IMO)
Robberse and Hjerpe are JAG's

[Talkin' Baseball]

Chaim Bloom is going to have an interesting group of hitters and ones that he can deal for pitching. Hopefully he will be better at talent evaluation than Mo on which ones to deal and which ones to keep.

Does he trade, or go with Pallante, Liberatore, Mathews, McGreevy, Roby, Robberse, Hence (if healthy), Hjerpe, etc.?

I wouldn’t even consider Robberse in the picture. Hence/Hjerpe still have major healthy question marks, ditto for Roby. The first 4 are quite possible though. But none of these seem like slam dunks at this point, albeit the first 4 have pretty good odds to be a part of Bloom’s first rotation. He still will likely want to make his own mark on things I would think. And there’s so many hitters for too few positions that there will be some deals made.

I desperately want Hence, Roby, and Hjerpe to be starting pitchers, and we should continue to develop them that way, but we're getting to a place where years are going by and they just can't stay healthy. They usually don't even get half a season of starts in. At some point they may have to go to the bullpen (if they can even stay healthy enough for that). I like them all as pitchers. I think they all have high ceiling stuff. The three of them in a bullpen could be fierce.

[imadangman]

I agree with your general premise. We do have some pretty decent position players to work with and we will be pretty strong defensively up the middle. You don't make mention of Contreras. It's hard to see a world where he isn't the 1B for the seasons you mention. That leaves Herrera without a clear spot. With his bat, a spot will be made. That may leave one of the other position players you list as "extra". Some combination of Burleson, Gorman, a catcher, and the "extra" could be used to acquire pitching.

I suppose with Contreras, we will learn some things by the end of this season. We will learn whether he is a consistent hitter who is an even more productive hitter as a 1B, and who is just a slow starter. Or we will learn that he is inconsistent and aging and taking up a roster spot. Herrera has shown us that he can hit. For the purpose of future planning I want to nail down Herrera with a preemptive position.

So I guess I'd put Contreras in the "extra" category. Between Contreras and Herrera, you'd have a viable tandem that can swap DH/1B for 2026. I don't like viewing Herrera as an OF, beyond minimally necessary, because I want the current 3 to play together because that's our best overall unit offense and defense.

So the "other" category will have Contreras (splitting time with Herrera at 1B/DH), Arenado (aging), Saggese(can fill in all over the field), Gorman(can fill in 1B, 2B, 3B) as a group that can be mixed and matched at 1B/3B/DH among other positions.

I guess the premise of the post is that we are in a pretty good spot with position players. Of course, you need more than 9 to fill out a roster (you need like 13). So we should have about 13 with all of these "other" players. And, it looks like my premise is that there might be 6 or 7 positions where we can go ahead and project an above average starting player at each position, offense and defense considered.