How aggressive should Cards be with Wetherholt?

[OldRed]

He looks like another Brendan Donovan. Where do we fit him in at?

I'd be happy with a Brendan Donovan type player at every position.

[Monsieur De Treville]

No rush.

Walker is proof of that.

Let him rake and gain work habits at the lower levels.

Skipping steps in his development is not needed.

I would respectfully point out...Walker came up as a high school kid whereas JJ played College baseball. JJ is 22. It's not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but I usually agree with you. Kids need time to develop.

[Monsieur De Treville]

He seems light on power for a world class 3rd baseman

Fair enough, but how much power did Brett or Boggs or Molitor have? If he hits 40 doubles with 15-20 HR would that work?

[3dender]

I’d say wait and see how he does rest of May and June. If he really starts raking (like .900+ OPS during that time) then promote to AAA.

This... but also I defer to cravi's expertise here.

[scoutyjones2]

No rush.

Walker is proof of that.

Let him rake and gain work habits at the lower levels.

Skipping steps in his development is not needed.

So what are Argo and Winn proof of? Not every prospect/suspect is JW. JJ was a potential #1 pick if not for his hammies. Successful college career. JW have any of that?

He needs to bring AAA.

[rockondlouie]

If he's still raking at the MLB all-star break, then move him up and don't fear success.

The comps to Walker are wrong, apples to oranges.

JJ's a college player, he doesn't need two-three years in minor league baseball if he's hitting at every level.

It will be interesting to see how C. Bloom handles young players and their movement thru the system.

[Cusecards]

Not saying I’m right....and just my opinion....but I’m not as big on power as others.
We didn’t lose yesterday because of lack of power as much as lack of timely hitting.
12 hits and only one run.
Cards are winning with:
Good pitching
Very strong defense
Timely hitting
Look I love a 3 run HR as much as anyone but how about not popping up in the clutch?
Or striking out?
Or hitting into a DP.
As for Wetherholt? If he turns into Donovan+ I’ll be ecstatic!
15 HR’s with lots of doubles and high RISP works all day for me.
Watching Gorman hit an occasional bomb but whiff half the time does not.

[sikeston bulldog2]

I’d say wait and see how he does rest of May and June. If he really starts raking (like .900+ OPS during that time) then promote to AAA.

Yea. The key point you make is- if he really takes off, no need to keep there.

[jrgocards]

Keep him in AA until after June 8th so i can see him in Frisco.

JR

[JDW]

Keep him in AA until after June 8th so i can see him in Frisco.

JR

Fair enough, June 9th then.
Seriously though ..................... yeah, June 9th-ish.
There's nothing to fear here except fear itself.
From everything we've heard, he already has a polished, mature approach. Oli was impressed with his demeanor in ST.
He either has the mental makeup to succeed or he doesn't. If failure derails him, he wasn't going to be what you're hoping for anyway.

[StlMike1969]

Not saying I’m right....and just my opinion....but I’m not as big on power as others.
We didn’t lose yesterday because of lack of power as much as lack of timely hitting.
12 hits and only one run.
Cards are winning with:
Good pitching
Very strong defense
Timely hitting
Look I love a 3 run HR as much as anyone but how about not popping up in the clutch?
Or striking out?
Or hitting into a DP.
As for Wetherholt? If he turns into Donovan+ I’ll be ecstatic!
15 HR’s with lots of doubles and high RISP works all day for me.
Watching Gorman hit an occasional bomb but whiff half the time does not.

This x10. 30+ HR hitters are rare and few and far between these days. I am okay with a high average, doubles hitter all day long. There is no such thing as a power position. There are the 9 best guys available to play, period. Timely hitting is more important than 15 solo shots over the fence a year that rarely make a difference, but pad a players payday.

[3dender]

Keep him in AA until after June 8th so i can see him in Frisco.

JR

An important factor to be sure

[craviduce]

he was the best hitter in college in 2023, followed up with a really good 2024. He was 1-1, 1-2 with Bazanna for much of the season in most Mocks. Most every scout called him the best hitter they've seen in a long time.

Hopefully, the above puts the Walker comps to bed.

When should he be promoted? He was on fire when he got the Flu 3 weeks ago. Came back 1 1/2 weeks later and needed to get his energy back...now he's hitting again.

Let's wait for the Whooping Cough and Pneumonia scares to pass before we promote him....that should get him to Frisco for 6 games.



He's playing a little 2B now...2 games last week. It gives Moore and Rivas, natural SS's bread crumbs each week at SS....and it helps Wetherholt reacclimate to a position he played a lot in College.

[JaseMan]

I think for development purposes he should stay in AA unless he's going to get AAA playoff AB's otherwise don't rush him.

[StlMike1969]

To add to the conversation I think it should be at least explored with him that his Immediate future is in the outfield. If he can acclimate to all 3 or at least the corner positions, he should get playing time immediately when he has shown he can hit AAA pitching solidly enough. He can always fill a need at the infield if the chance arises in the future. Right now if someone came along in our system capable of hitting a hard .300 average for 40+ doubles a year and 25 HR's in the outfield I do not think anyone should consider themselves safe on the MLB team. Nootbar is okay in some areas but I just don't see him hitting the .300 average consistently moving forward. He needs to be more aggressive at times. Walker, Scott and others are not exactly running away with their positions either. Until Arenado moves on and it opens a spot for JJ or Donovan and JJ at 2nd it is at the least an opportunity.

[craviduce]

they're not putting JJ in the OF...not anytime soon.

He can play SS, 2B really, really well...and he has good footwork at 3B, but it's been a few years since he played the position.

stay the course with his defensive assignments for now...don't put him in the OF. It's a waste of a good fielder if you do.