mattmitchl44 wrote: ↑17 May 2025 06:27 am
The bottom line is that, to this point, the Cardinals have a number of players who are:
1) exceeding rather modest expectations, or
2) confirming that they can meet some pretty high expectations.
Donovan, Winn, Nootbaar, Herrera, Scott, Saggese, Pozo, Liberatore, Matz, etc. are all probably in one of those two categories.
This year has been about wanting to see that development show on the field from a lot of the younger players, and so far that are seeing that. But they hope to see more of it out of Walker and Gorman as well.
Meanwhile, this is the big leagues and the point is to win championships. Getting close to time to stop-over-analizying every speck of prospect progress or lack thereof and just go for it.
We'll see where they are nearing the end of July before even thinking about "going for it."
The Cardinals have been playing exceptionally well - and they are still only 6th in run differential and 7th in winning pct. in the NL. As of today, the Cardinals would actually miss the playoffs.
In two months, we may find that the gap between them and the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Padres, Yankees, etc. seems far too large to overcome this year.
Bully4you wrote: ↑17 May 2025 04:27 am
How did we all get it so wrong?
Is Marmol actually a baseball genius?
Not one person or pundit predicted this.
Including me. I have to admit that.
But I am happy to have been wrong.
Others not so much.
They'd rather be correct and have the team suffer.
WOW
GO CARDS GO!!!
MARMOL 2026 and beyond!!!
There were many people on this board who said the Cardinals would contend for the Central. Nothing is at all surprising about the position they find themselves in.
I don't recall many that said that.
I remember maybe 75-80% of the board
believing this was a loser of a year.
I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Even in this statement both can exist
People did predict 87-88 wins which puts them in
NLC contention.
Some consider that as a losing season. Add that to those who predicted less wins then yes, you. might be correct in that 75% calling them a losing team.
Oli is improving to average. The players are currently playing well and producing, so he looks good. As soon as SP only go 4 IPs and other players stop producing he'll return to looking bad. Same with the FO.
Still plenty of time. and no real injuries have occurred.
I'll stay with them at 87-88 wins and hopefully miss it by a few games.
mattmitchl44 wrote: ↑17 May 2025 06:27 am
The bottom line is that, to this point, the Cardinals have a number of players who are:
1) exceeding rather modest expectations, or
2) confirming that they can meet some pretty high expectations.
Donovan, Winn, Nootbaar, Herrera, Scott, Saggese, Pozo, Liberatore, Matz, etc. are all probably in one of those two categories.
This year has been about wanting to see that development show on the field from a lot of the younger players, and so far that are seeing that. But they hope to see more of it out of Walker and Gorman as well.
Meanwhile, this is the big leagues and the point is to win championships. Getting close to time to stop-over-analizying every speck of prospect progress or lack thereof and just go for it.
We'll see where they are nearing the end of July before even thinking about "going for it."
The Cardinals have been playing exceptionally well - and they are still only 6th in run differential and 7th in winning pct. in the NL. As of today, the Cardinals would actually miss the playoffs.
In two months, we may find that the gap between them and the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Padres, Yankees, etc. seems far too large to overcome this year.
We do not need any position players for the next couple of years. We would have to get a minor league starting pitcher to be called up in the future years.
mattmitchl44 wrote: ↑17 May 2025 06:27 am
The bottom line is that, to this point, the Cardinals have a number of players who are:
1) exceeding rather modest expectations, or
2) confirming that they can meet some pretty high expectations.
Donovan, Winn, Nootbaar, Herrera, Scott, Saggese, Pozo, Liberatore, Matz, etc. are all probably in one of those two categories.
This year has been about wanting to see that development show on the field from a lot of the younger players, and so far that are seeing that. But they hope to see more of it out of Walker and Gorman as well.
Meanwhile, this is the big leagues and the point is to win championships. Getting close to time to stop-over-analizying every speck of prospect progress or lack thereof and just go for it.
We'll see where they are nearing the end of July before even thinking about "going for it."
The Cardinals have been playing exceptionally well - and they are still only 6th in run differential and 7th in winning pct. in the NL. As of today, the Cardinals would actually miss the playoffs.
In two months, we may find that the gap between them and the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Padres, Yankees, etc. seems far too large to overcome this year.
We do not need any position players for the next couple of years. We would have to get a minor league starting pitcher to be called up in the future years.
In other words no tanking.
Oh, we could definitely use a position upgrade or two. Which position player is an All-Star this year?
We have to change our thinking from just good enough to be a starter on some teams to We want the very best at that position at least a couple places
I predicted 78 wins pre-season. I'm not going to change that yet. But I HOPE they blow right past that number and I'll be happy to be wrong. There is both intellect and emotion to these predictions. I use intellect based on roster predictions and emotion hoping they play better.
So far there have been several players surpass my expectations and very few significant injuries. The proof will be when/if they have significant injuries like Gray, Noot, etc for an extended period.
I'm not ready to anoint this a playoff team. Hopeful but not convinced. But if they get to the Allstar break within a few games in the NLC then they have to change course and add players not sell. You can't sell when you are in contention and with a winning record.
