NLCentral is starting to look winnable

[VegasVinny]

Losing Steele for the year brought the Cubs back to the rest of pack. But if they can beat the Padres today, they will have gone 3-3 against that brutal LAD/SD road corridor.

Aside from a three-game series with Oakland/Vegas/Sacramento/Athletics, they're in the midst of easily the toughest stretch of schedule with a 12-8 record to boot. Milwaukee always seems to find their way toward the top. Cincy is okay. Cards are playing better than expected. Pittsburgh remains out to lunch.

If the Cubs can swing a trade for a decent starting pitcher, I think it'd push them over the edge.

Push them over the edge or raise them to the top?

They aren't going to replace Steele, but they could return stability to the rotation. Maybe they can talk Lynn out of retirement.

It's not the craziest idea. Not Lynn per se, but if I were a Cubs fan, I'd be wanting my FO to reach out to Baltimore about Kyle Gibson. The Cubs could certainly take on his contract as they really just need a quality start guy/innings eater - even if that pitcher is added in June. You're right in that they're not going to replace Steele's expected production, but if they can add an arm that'll preserve their bullpen, their offense appears capable of making up the difference.

As a Cardinals fan I will gleefully hope that the Cubs trade for Gibson. His career ERA in the 2nd half is 5.03 with a 1.45 WHIP.

There's some risk for sure since Gibson didn't have a traditional spring training. But Gibson's overall body of work combined with his contract and intangibles should make him pretty desirable pickup for a team like the Cubs.

[YNWA2016]

no the Central is not winnable for the Cards. dont' be fooled by early season numbers. the Cards will be fighting it out with the Pirates for last by seasons end.

[11WSChamps]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

[hugeCardfan]

Losing Steele for the year brought the Cubs back to the rest of pack. But if they can beat the Padres today, they will have gone 3-3 against that brutal LAD/SD road corridor.

Aside from a three-game series with Oakland/Vegas/Sacramento/Athletics, they're in the midst of easily the toughest stretch of schedule with a 12-8 record to boot. Milwaukee always seems to find their way toward the top. Cincy is okay. Cards are playing better than expected. Pittsburgh remains out to lunch.

If the Cubs can swing a trade for a decent starting pitcher, I think it'd push them over the edge.

It will probably be decided at the deadline and Mo usually takes those off

My expectation is that the Cardinals will acquire nothing of real value to this year's parent club. A reliever with a 0.2 WAR is my ceiling of hope.

If the deadline goes by and Helsley and Fedde are on the team, and they aren't extended in the offseason, those series of events will represent willful negligence on the part of the front office.

I think the Cards will find a solid reliever around TD. If we're in the mix in July, which I think we will be, then Helsley and Fedde will rightfully not be traded. I expect an effort to keep both pitchers beyond this year, to include, a QO. Both pitchers will likely be worth it, if healthy. Proffering QO's makes them a little more within the Cards reach for extension... The worst outcome would be a draft pick.

[hugeCardfan]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

[BrockFloodMaris]

no the Central is not winnable for the Cards. dont' be fooled by early season numbers. the Cards will be fighting it out with the Pirates for last by seasons end.

I’m afraid you may be right. Any division with Francona, Murphy and Counsell in it is going to be tough for the Cards to win. Those managers get the most out of their teams. Oli? Meh.

[11WSChamps]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

[hugeCardfan]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

I read fine and that's exactly what you said on 17 March:

The direction this team has taken to be at the bottom of this division arguably the worst in baseball is embarrassing and if you can't admit you've been wrong about gaslighing this forum for years than you're stupider than even I could have imagined.

You have a right to be wrong, just as soon as you stop thinking you know everything and others are stupid. And, you need to quit denying you say things you actually said.

[11WSChamps]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

I read fine and that's exactly what you said on 17 March:

The direction this team has taken to be at the bottom of this division arguably the worst in baseball is embarrassing and if you can't admit you've been wrong about gaslighing this forum for years than you're stupider than even I could have imagined.

You have a right to be wrong, just as soon as you stop thinking you know everything and others are stupid. And, you need to quit denying you say things you actually said.

And you need to stop denying things you actually said.

You actually deny talking up prospects for years that never panned out and saying you didn't?

Those posts were wiped out long ago so they can't be retrieved and you know that.

Never said I know everything just know you were dead wrong about all those off-seasons talking up how good the pitching and some of these prospects and how well the organization was developing these guys and then not owning up to it later.

We both know you did that for years.

And this season is far from over and where the ballclub goes from here. If you're going to nitpick about whether the team finishes last or third in a division they should finish first then bully for you.

[hugeCardfan]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

I read fine and that's exactly what you said on 17 March:

The direction this team has taken to be at the bottom of this division arguably the worst in baseball is embarrassing and if you can't admit you've been wrong about gaslighing this forum for years than you're stupider than even I could have imagined.

You have a right to be wrong, just as soon as you stop thinking you know everything and others are stupid. And, you need to quit denying you say things you actually said.

And you need to stop denying things you actually said.

You actually deny talking up prospects for years that never panned out and saying you didn't?

Those posts were wiped out long ago so they can't be retrieved and you know that.

Never said I know everything just know you were dead wrong about all those off-seasons talking up how good the pitching and some of these prospects and how well the organization was developing these guys and then not owning up to it later.

We both know you did that for years.

And this season is far from over and where the ballclub goes from here. If you're going to nitpick about whether the team finishes last or third in a division they should finish first then bully for you.

You couldn't even remember something you said on 17 March but generalize what I have purportedly said over the past few years. That's pure bullchit. I have gotten excited about players over the years; I readily admit it. I was over the moon about Taveras. That it didn't pan out due to death is a shame but I am unrepentant. I liked Helsley and feel very vindicated. I like some of the choices that Flores has made the past couple years but don't pretend to speak to the organizations training or decisions; nor about the luck of good health. I was on record to not like the trade of Alcantara and Gallen for Ozuna. I didn't think we gave Arozarena a chance to prove himself...which doesn't mean I thought Liberatore was a bust. I was glad to have him.

We share opinions on this forum and are not stupid just because we disagree with you. You have made despicable comments about me, to me and around me for a couple years. Of course, I will call you out for that.

I'm pretty easy to get along with until belittled. I doubt that is an uncommon trait on CT. I'd be happy to leave you alone, but, it's a two way street.

[ecleme22]

If my math is right, the Cards will play their 31st game on April 30th.

If the can be 16-15 or 17-14, I will be happy. 18-13? Nice.

This team has some growing pains. Not a ton. If they can just keep competing and winning while they work those out, it could be a fun summer.

[11WSChamps]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

I read fine and that's exactly what you said on 17 March:

The direction this team has taken to be at the bottom of this division arguably the worst in baseball is embarrassing and if you can't admit you've been wrong about gaslighing this forum for years than you're stupider than even I could have imagined.

You have a right to be wrong, just as soon as you stop thinking you know everything and others are stupid. And, you need to quit denying you say things you actually said.

And you need to stop denying things you actually said.

You actually deny talking up prospects for years that never panned out and saying you didn't?

Those posts were wiped out long ago so they can't be retrieved and you know that.

Never said I know everything just know you were dead wrong about all those off-seasons talking up how good the pitching and some of these prospects and how well the organization was developing these guys and then not owning up to it later.

We both know you did that for years.

And this season is far from over and where the ballclub goes from here. If you're going to nitpick about whether the team finishes last or third in a division they should finish first then bully for you.

You couldn't even remember something you said on 17 March but generalize what I have purportedly said over the past few years. That's pure bullchit. I have gotten excited about players over the years; I readily admit it. I was over the moon about Taveras. That it didn't pan out due to death is a shame but I am unrepentant. I liked Helsley and feel very vindicated. I like some of the choices that Flores has made the past couple years but don't pretend to speak to the organizations training or decisions; nor about the luck of good health. I was on record to not like the trade of Alcantara and Gallen for Ozuna. I didn't think we gave Arozarena a chance to prove himself...which doesn't mean I thought Liberatore was a bust. I was glad to have him.

We share opinions on this forum and are not stupid just because we disagree with you. You have made despicable comments about me, to me and around me for a couple years. Of course, I will call you out for that.

I'm pretty easy to get along with until belittled. I doubt that is an uncommon trait on CT. I'd be happy to leave you alone, but, it's a two way street.

Its a two way street alright.

So in your way of thinking its ok if you don't remember saying something but its not ok if someone else doesn't?

You accuse yet you don't see any fault of your own doing.

And you haven't given insults as well.....just because you're called out for being wrong and simply don't just admit it and move on. Everybody is wrong here at one time or another.

Opinions can be right or wrong only time can tell and when they are so what..it doesn't mean anyone is "stupid".

Respond to me in any baseball discussion you want and we can agree to disagree or maybe even see eye to eye but if I think you're wrong I'm going to say so and give reason why and you can do the same.

[hugeCardfan]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

I read fine and that's exactly what you said on 17 March:

The direction this team has taken to be at the bottom of this division arguably the worst in baseball is embarrassing and if you can't admit you've been wrong about gaslighing this forum for years than you're stupider than even I could have imagined.

You have a right to be wrong, just as soon as you stop thinking you know everything and others are stupid. And, you need to quit denying you say things you actually said.

And you need to stop denying things you actually said.

You actually deny talking up prospects for years that never panned out and saying you didn't?

Those posts were wiped out long ago so they can't be retrieved and you know that.

Never said I know everything just know you were dead wrong about all those off-seasons talking up how good the pitching and some of these prospects and how well the organization was developing these guys and then not owning up to it later.

We both know you did that for years.

And this season is far from over and where the ballclub goes from here. If you're going to nitpick about whether the team finishes last or third in a division they should finish first then bully for you.

You couldn't even remember something you said on 17 March but generalize what I have purportedly said over the past few years. That's pure bullchit. I have gotten excited about players over the years; I readily admit it. I was over the moon about Taveras. That it didn't pan out due to death is a shame but I am unrepentant. I liked Helsley and feel very vindicated. I like some of the choices that Flores has made the past couple years but don't pretend to speak to the organizations training or decisions; nor about the luck of good health. I was on record to not like the trade of Alcantara and Gallen for Ozuna. I didn't think we gave Arozarena a chance to prove himself...which doesn't mean I thought Liberatore was a bust. I was glad to have him.

We share opinions on this forum and are not stupid just because we disagree with you. You have made despicable comments about me, to me and around me for a couple years. Of course, I will call you out for that.

I'm pretty easy to get along with until belittled. I doubt that is an uncommon trait on CT. I'd be happy to leave you alone, but, it's a two way street.

Its a two way street alright.

So in your way of thinking its ok if you don't remember saying something but its not ok if someone else doesn't?

You accuse yet you don't see any fault of your own doing.

And you haven't given insults as well.....just because you're called out for being wrong and simply don't just admit it and move on. Everybody is wrong here at one time or another.

Opinions can be right or wrong only time can tell and when they are so what..it doesn't mean anyone is "stupid".

Respond to me in any baseball discussion you want and we can agree to disagree or maybe even see eye to eye but if I think you're wrong I'm going to say so and give reason why and you can do the same.

I don't even know why we became CT enemies. I've always felt that folks could disagree about things in a cordial way. It's not really about winning. I called Wetherholt Wentworth the other day. It was just a brain fart. I admitted I was wrong, because it didn't mean anything. I talk baseball because I like it. Not to be right. I'll share opinions and not be insulted when someone disagrees with me unless they intended to insult me.

I agree with many of the things you say when not said in a condescending way. It's when chit like this is said that irks me:

I've proven that idiot wrong for so many seasons it's become a rite of spring.

Nothing but a troll shining Mo's desk apples.

There's no call for that.

On the other hand, I agree that we can disagree when we don't see eye to eye without trading insults. That's the only way I want to do this.

[11WSChamps]

By holding onto Arenado, Helsley, and Fedde the NL Central certainly is up for grabs.

That's not the question.

The rift is legitimately competing beyond that.

Stranger things have happened.

. What has changed since the 17 March assertion that the Cards were the worst team in the worst division in baseball?

You're either obsessed with me or totally insecure.

I never said they were the worst..I said the division was the worst.

Can't you read?

Why do you keep making things up?

I also said in numerous posts that in this division anything is possible prior to the season. I also said that competing in this sorry division doesn't give the organization a pass at being a legitimate contender for a pennant but of course your feeble mind can't digest that.

I read fine and that's exactly what you said on 17 March:

The direction this team has taken to be at the bottom of this division arguably the worst in baseball is embarrassing and if you can't admit you've been wrong about gaslighing this forum for years than you're stupider than even I could have imagined.

You have a right to be wrong, just as soon as you stop thinking you know everything and others are stupid. And, you need to quit denying you say things you actually said.

And you need to stop denying things you actually said.

You actually deny talking up prospects for years that never panned out and saying you didn't?

Those posts were wiped out long ago so they can't be retrieved and you know that.

Never said I know everything just know you were dead wrong about all those off-seasons talking up how good the pitching and some of these prospects and how well the organization was developing these guys and then not owning up to it later.

We both know you did that for years.

And this season is far from over and where the ballclub goes from here. If you're going to nitpick about whether the team finishes last or third in a division they should finish first then bully for you.

You couldn't even remember something you said on 17 March but generalize what I have purportedly said over the past few years. That's pure bullchit. I have gotten excited about players over the years; I readily admit it. I was over the moon about Taveras. That it didn't pan out due to death is a shame but I am unrepentant. I liked Helsley and feel very vindicated. I like some of the choices that Flores has made the past couple years but don't pretend to speak to the organizations training or decisions; nor about the luck of good health. I was on record to not like the trade of Alcantara and Gallen for Ozuna. I didn't think we gave Arozarena a chance to prove himself...which doesn't mean I thought Liberatore was a bust. I was glad to have him.

We share opinions on this forum and are not stupid just because we disagree with you. You have made despicable comments about me, to me and around me for a couple years. Of course, I will call you out for that.

I'm pretty easy to get along with until belittled. I doubt that is an uncommon trait on CT. I'd be happy to leave you alone, but, it's a two way street.

Its a two way street alright.

So in your way of thinking its ok if you don't remember saying something but its not ok if someone else doesn't?

You accuse yet you don't see any fault of your own doing.

And you haven't given insults as well.....just because you're called out for being wrong and simply don't just admit it and move on. Everybody is wrong here at one time or another.

Opinions can be right or wrong only time can tell and when they are so what..it doesn't mean anyone is "stupid".

Respond to me in any baseball discussion you want and we can agree to disagree or maybe even see eye to eye but if I think you're wrong I'm going to say so and give reason why and you can do the same.

I don't even know why we became CT enemies. I've always felt that folks could disagree about things in a cordial way. It's not really about winning. I called Wetherholt Wentworth the other day. It was just a brain fart. I admitted I was wrong, because it didn't mean anything. I talk baseball because I like it. Not to be right. I'll share opinions and not be insulted when someone disagrees with me unless they intended to insult me.

I agree with many of the things you say when not said in a condescending way. It's when chit like this is said that irks me:

I've proven that idiot wrong for so many seasons it's become a rite of spring.

Nothing but a troll shining Mo's desk apples.

There's no call for that.

On the other hand, I agree that we can disagree when we don't see eye to eye without trading insults. That's the only way I want to do this.

Message received.

I'm willing to bury it as well.

Have a good night.

[CardinalInNC]

The Cubs lost again today, so their lead will be reigned in Im feeling at 12-9

Brewers won, unfortunately but they have been wildly inconsistent so far so I doubt they're going to stay a major threat (though hard to say with those jokers sometimes), and currently are at 10-9 along with the Reds

All that to say nobody so far is running away with the central, and it's very possible for us to be in the mix

Now our only drawback so far has been that while we've now won 3 out of 4 home series, we've been bad on the road and starting this weekend in NY, that's going to have to be fixed. If we can go 2-2 there, and then sweep the now awful ATL Braves, that's something that could get us going.

Also feel like this roster is almost complete but we got two players who are the lead reaky millstones dragging us down, and those are Fernandez and Contreras. I don't get overly picky about this or that player because nearly all of them including Burleson, Walker, Saggese, Cyani and even Baker, yes even Baker are almost certain to contribute in some way to success at some point. But Wilson Contreras and Ryan Fernandez are complete garbage and the worst DH and RP guys I've ever seen. We sent that joker Roycroft down, so I say send both Fernandez and Contreras down and this roster is upgraded instantly by the guys they are swapped for.