Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Welcome to STLtoday.com's forum for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Moderators: STLtoday Forum Moderators, Cards Talk Moderators

ecleme22
Forum User
Posts: 3036
Joined: 23 May 2024 21:17 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by ecleme22 »

I feel like I haven't said this a while about the coaching staff, but I would ask Brant Brown what should be done. And do what he says.

Maybe he sees improvements we don't. Or he's taking a long-game approach.
Talkin' Baseball
Forum User
Posts: 954
Joined: 11 Feb 2018 12:39 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Talkin' Baseball »

D, C (not trade) if it is necessary for him, not because I have run out of patience. I don't think the organization can send him down in May for a third straight year and expect a different result. They said they were going to do something different and that is correct, something different is needed. You don't always get the answers you want, but one of the benefits you can get from seeing something through is that you get your questions answered and it allows you to move forward (one way or another). We've come this far, answer the questions.
Talkin' Baseball
Forum User
Posts: 954
Joined: 11 Feb 2018 12:39 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Talkin' Baseball »

ecleme22 wrote: 13 May 2025 07:50 am I feel like I haven't said this a while about the coaching staff, but I would ask Brant Brown what should be done. And do what he says.

Maybe he sees improvements we don't. Or he's taking a long-game approach.
Good take.
blackinkbiz
Forum User
Posts: 3806
Joined: 05 May 2020 14:17 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by blackinkbiz »

Talkin' Baseball wrote: 13 May 2025 07:57 am D, C (not trade) if it is necessary for him, not because I have run out of patience. I don't think the organization can send him down in May for a third straight year and expect a different result. They said they were going to do something different and that is correct, something different is needed. You don't always get the answers you want, but one of the benefits you can get from seeing something through is that you get your questions answered and it allows you to move forward (one way or another). We've come this far, answer the questions.
Except that .263 avg with a .753 OPS are the best numbers he's ever posted at AAA. I'd send him down and make him hit his way back into MLB, meaning close to a .300 avg with an OPS near or above .900 for at least 4-8 weeks straight, just like the majority of AAA players have to hit to make the big league squad.

This guy has been coddled endlessly for the last 3 years and it's clearly not having the desired effect. At some point, every man realizes if he's going to succeed in his field, you either find your ability to excel in that field or you don't. You want to play at MLB, EARN it!

He doesn't turn 23 until next month so he's still got years to figure it out down there. You'd think the thought of languishing in AAA for the next few years would light a fire under his *ss to start producing asap.

EDIT- I'd also give him a choice or ultimatum or whatever you want to call before sending him down. I'd tell him straight up, you've got 2 weeks to start showing you're on the right track, lay it out in black and white, constant hard contact, very few K's, or whatever they'd deem necessary. Just end the F'n coddling. It's not working!
ramfandan
Forum User
Posts: 4210
Joined: 27 May 2024 19:52 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by ramfandan »

blackinkbiz wrote: 13 May 2025 08:06 am
Talkin' Baseball wrote: 13 May 2025 07:57 am D, C (not trade) if it is necessary for him, not because I have run out of patience. I don't think the organization can send him down in May for a third straight year and expect a different result. They said they were going to do something different and that is correct, something different is needed. You don't always get the answers you want, but one of the benefits you can get from seeing something through is that you get your questions answered and it allows you to move forward (one way or another). We've come this far, answer the questions.
Except that .263 avg with a .753 OPS are the best numbers he's ever posted at AAA. I'd send him down and make him hit his way back into MLB, meaning close to a .300 avg with an OPS near or above .900 for at least 4-8 weeks straight, just like the majority of AAA players have to hit to make the big league squad.

This guy has been coddled endlessly for the last 3 years and it's clearly not having the desired effect. At some point, every man realizes if he's going to succeed in his field, you either find your ability to excel in that field or you don't. You want to play at MLB, EARN it!

He doesn't turn 23 until next month so he's still got years to figure it out down there. You'd think the thought of languishing in AAA for the next few years would light a fire under his *ss to start producing asap.

EDIT- I'd also give him a choice or ultimatum or whatever you want to call before sending him down. I'd tell him straight up, you've got 2 weeks to start showing you're on the right track, lay it out in black and white, constant hard contact, very few K's, or whatever they'd deem necessary. Just end the (Ef'En) coddling. It's not working!
Reference was made to AAA .263 numbers but many forget Walker has done better than that in the majors.
In 2023 as a rookie, Walker hit .276 . He was 20 years old and hit higher BA than both Goldy and Nado. He had 17 HRs too.
Then 2024 disaster thru now.
So it’s not like he has never batted well with big club.
woofy25
Forum User
Posts: 1176
Joined: 23 May 2024 14:44 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by woofy25 »

ramfandan wrote: 13 May 2025 08:16 am
blackinkbiz wrote: 13 May 2025 08:06 am
Talkin' Baseball wrote: 13 May 2025 07:57 am D, C (not trade) if it is necessary for him, not because I have run out of patience. I don't think the organization can send him down in May for a third straight year and expect a different result. They said they were going to do something different and that is correct, something different is needed. You don't always get the answers you want, but one of the benefits you can get from seeing something through is that you get your questions answered and it allows you to move forward (one way or another). We've come this far, answer the questions.
Except that .263 avg with a .753 OPS are the best numbers he's ever posted at AAA. I'd send him down and make him hit his way back into MLB, meaning close to a .300 avg with an OPS near or above .900 for at least 4-8 weeks straight, just like the majority of AAA players have to hit to make the big league squad.

This guy has been coddled endlessly for the last 3 years and it's clearly not having the desired effect. At some point, every man realizes if he's going to succeed in his field, you either find your ability to excel in that field or you don't. You want to play at MLB, EARN it!

He doesn't turn 23 until next month so he's still got years to figure it out down there. You'd think the thought of languishing in AAA for the next few years would light a fire under his *ss to start producing asap.

EDIT- I'd also give him a choice or ultimatum or whatever you want to call before sending him down. I'd tell him straight up, you've got 2 weeks to start showing you're on the right track, lay it out in black and white, constant hard contact, very few K's, or whatever they'd deem necessary. Just end the (Ef'En) coddling. It's not working!
Reference was made to AAA .263 numbers but many forget Walker has done better than that in the majors.
In 2023 as a rookie, Walker hit .276 . He was 20 years old and hit higher BA than both Goldy and Nado. He had 17 HRs too.
Then 2024 disaster thru now.
So it’s not like he has never batted well with big club.
Exactly right. The cardinals cannot send him down in May three years in a row. He’s had success at the mlb level. 2025 is the year of runway, supposedly. Things are different. Yet, those who want to send him to AAA are going down the same road which hasn’t worked. Why? I know guys on here are excited about the winning streak. That cannot change the point of the season. The cardinals cannot get sidetracked. They need to know whether or not he’s locked in as the 2026 RFer and beyond but won’t get the answer from Memphis.
Talkin' Baseball
Forum User
Posts: 954
Joined: 11 Feb 2018 12:39 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Talkin' Baseball »

woofy25 wrote: 13 May 2025 08:25 am
ramfandan wrote: 13 May 2025 08:16 am
blackinkbiz wrote: 13 May 2025 08:06 am
Talkin' Baseball wrote: 13 May 2025 07:57 am D, C (not trade) if it is necessary for him, not because I have run out of patience. I don't think the organization can send him down in May for a third straight year and expect a different result. They said they were going to do something different and that is correct, something different is needed. You don't always get the answers you want, but one of the benefits you can get from seeing something through is that you get your questions answered and it allows you to move forward (one way or another). We've come this far, answer the questions.
Except that .263 avg with a .753 OPS are the best numbers he's ever posted at AAA. I'd send him down and make him hit his way back into MLB, meaning close to a .300 avg with an OPS near or above .900 for at least 4-8 weeks straight, just like the majority of AAA players have to hit to make the big league squad.

This guy has been coddled endlessly for the last 3 years and it's clearly not having the desired effect. At some point, every man realizes if he's going to succeed in his field, you either find your ability to excel in that field or you don't. You want to play at MLB, EARN it!

He doesn't turn 23 until next month so he's still got years to figure it out down there. You'd think the thought of languishing in AAA for the next few years would light a fire under his *ss to start producing asap.

EDIT- I'd also give him a choice or ultimatum or whatever you want to call before sending him down. I'd tell him straight up, you've got 2 weeks to start showing you're on the right track, lay it out in black and white, constant hard contact, very few K's, or whatever they'd deem necessary. Just end the (Ef'En) coddling. It's not working!
Reference was made to AAA .263 numbers but many forget Walker has done better than that in the majors.
In 2023 as a rookie, Walker hit .276 . He was 20 years old and hit higher BA than both Goldy and Nado. He had 17 HRs too.
Then 2024 disaster thru now.
So it’s not like he has never batted well with big club.
Exactly right. The cardinals cannot send him down in May three years in a row. He’s had success at the mlb level. 2025 is the year of runway, supposedly. Things are different. Yet, those who want to send him to AAA are going down the same road which hasn’t worked. Why? I know guys on here are excited about the winning streak. That cannot change the point of the season. The cardinals cannot get sidetracked. They need to know whether or not he’s locked in as the 2026 RFer and beyond but won’t get the answer from Memphis.
It would be nice to know after the last pitch is thrown this year whether they have a RF'er, or are looking for one.
Cusecards
Forum User
Posts: 9293
Joined: 16 Apr 2022 08:59 am

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Cusecards »

Between C and D and there is NO WAY you trade him!
1) His value is low. You won’t get anywhere near his value in return!
2) He makes peanuts in salary and is nowhere near free agency.
3) He can be sent down and isn’t blocking anyone.

I know that he is frustrating to watch but without “inside info” on what he is working on it’s hard to say if he should be demoted or not?
If Brant Brown is the guy to work with him then he stays.
If they have someone better in the minors to work with him then do that.
You don’t want to ruin the kid.
On a side note I’ve been impressed with his defense.
If he stays my guess is they will limit his exposure to tough RH pitching so as not to bury him.
Goldfan
Forum User
Posts: 11218
Joined: 30 Mar 2019 07:58 am

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Goldfan »

Patience for what? If hes not hitting here, hes not helping the club. This isnt some Walker hitting clinic…..exclusively for Walker
A starting spot should be for production….not to carry a “maybe or what if”….
If a player cant sustain .200….with no power…hes useless
82birds
Forum User
Posts: 12734
Joined: 23 May 2024 18:17 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by 82birds »

Cusecards wrote: 13 May 2025 08:40 am Between C and D and there is NO WAY you trade him!
1) His value is low. You won’t get anywhere near his value in return!
2) He makes peanuts in salary and is nowhere near free agency.
3) He can be sent down and isn’t blocking anyone.

I know that he is frustrating to watch but without “inside info” on what he is working on it’s hard to say if he should be demoted or not?
If Brant Brown is the guy to work with him then he stays.
If they have someone better in the minors to work with him then do that.
You don’t want to ruin the kid.
On a side note I’ve been impressed with his defense.
If he stays my guess is they will limit his exposure to tough RH pitching so as not to bury him.
good points
Cusecards
Forum User
Posts: 9293
Joined: 16 Apr 2022 08:59 am

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Cusecards »

82birds wrote: 13 May 2025 08:46 am
Cusecards wrote: 13 May 2025 08:40 am Between C and D and there is NO WAY you trade him!
1) His value is low. You won’t get anywhere near his value in return!
2) He makes peanuts in salary and is nowhere near free agency.
3) He can be sent down and isn’t blocking anyone.

I know that he is frustrating to watch but without “inside info” on what he is working on it’s hard to say if he should be demoted or not?
If Brant Brown is the guy to work with him then he stays.
If they have someone better in the minors to work with him then do that.
You don’t want to ruin the kid.
On a side note I’ve been impressed with his defense.
If he stays my guess is they will limit his exposure to tough RH pitching so as not to bury him.
good points
I know we’ve won nine in a row but it is May 13th and getting late!!!
Need to capitalize and make moves before the season runs out!!!
SMH
rockondlouie
Forum User
Posts: 9763
Joined: 23 May 2024 12:41 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by rockondlouie »

He plays (maybe 4 games a week?) and either improves or you start prepping to move on (perhaps sometime in 2026 if he's not any better).
slimjay63801
Forum User
Posts: 513
Joined: 13 Jun 2024 09:45 am

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by slimjay63801 »

I'm stuck between B and C. He didn't even hit well last year at AAA when he was sent down. Heck, I'm a patient guy. I'll go with C.
JDW
Forum User
Posts: 901
Joined: 23 May 2024 13:42 pm

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by JDW »

Hinted at this in the off season, but would have traded Walker last offseason while his value was still decent.
Now, I would stick with him thru the middle of June or so before sending him down to Memphis. That's a fair runway.
Great to see his defense finally improve, and would give credit to Jay for working on the more important things with the OF'ers.
Swuhgen
Forum User
Posts: 2291
Joined: 21 Aug 2019 09:33 am

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Swuhgen »

It's clear he doesn't have the skill at the moment to make adjustments.
He's not just bad right now. He's quite possibly the worst offensive player in baseball.
He's not even competitive.

I'm not sure what benefit to him on the team there is keeping him on the big club.
I think the sending him down is the best option.
Swuhgen
Forum User
Posts: 2291
Joined: 21 Aug 2019 09:33 am

Re: Where is your 'patience level' with Walker ?

Post by Swuhgen »

woofy25 wrote: 13 May 2025 08:25 am
ramfandan wrote: 13 May 2025 08:16 am
blackinkbiz wrote: 13 May 2025 08:06 am
Talkin' Baseball wrote: 13 May 2025 07:57 am D, C (not trade) if it is necessary for him, not because I have run out of patience. I don't think the organization can send him down in May for a third straight year and expect a different result. They said they were going to do something different and that is correct, something different is needed. You don't always get the answers you want, but one of the benefits you can get from seeing something through is that you get your questions answered and it allows you to move forward (one way or another). We've come this far, answer the questions.
Except that .263 avg with a .753 OPS are the best numbers he's ever posted at AAA. I'd send him down and make him hit his way back into MLB, meaning close to a .300 avg with an OPS near or above .900 for at least 4-8 weeks straight, just like the majority of AAA players have to hit to make the big league squad.

This guy has been coddled endlessly for the last 3 years and it's clearly not having the desired effect. At some point, every man realizes if he's going to succeed in his field, you either find your ability to excel in that field or you don't. You want to play at MLB, EARN it!

He doesn't turn 23 until next month so he's still got years to figure it out down there. You'd think the thought of languishing in AAA for the next few years would light a fire under his *ss to start producing asap.

EDIT- I'd also give him a choice or ultimatum or whatever you want to call before sending him down. I'd tell him straight up, you've got 2 weeks to start showing you're on the right track, lay it out in black and white, constant hard contact, very few K's, or whatever they'd deem necessary. Just end the (Ef'En) coddling. It's not working!
Reference was made to AAA .263 numbers but many forget Walker has done better than that in the majors.
In 2023 as a rookie, Walker hit .276 . He was 20 years old and hit higher BA than both Goldy and Nado. He had 17 HRs too.
Then 2024 disaster thru now.
So it’s not like he has never batted well with big club.
Exactly right. The cardinals cannot send him down in May three years in a row. He’s had success at the mlb level. 2025 is the year of runway, supposedly. Things are different. Yet, those who want to send him to AAA are going down the same road which hasn’t worked. Why? I know guys on here are excited about the winning streak. That cannot change the point of the season. The cardinals cannot get sidetracked. They need to know whether or not he’s locked in as the 2026 RFer and beyond but won’t get the answer from Memphis.
I was all about keeping him on the roster the entire season.
But you can't keep a guy who is literally offering nothing but some above average defense.
He has to hit better than this to justify being on the roster.
Post Reply