How aggressive should Cards be with Wetherholt?

[Goldfan]

Could he hit better than Walker? Bring him up and stick him in LF

Or play him at 2B and move Donovan to LF.

Why would you bring Weterholt up instead of Saggese? Saggese had better numbers at AA and at a younger age.

Wetherholt hasn’t even played 30 games there. He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese (caveat - Saggese is showing better discipline this season, clearly a focus).

Let's see if Wetherholt becomes the Texas League MVP like Saggese was at 21 years old.

Why?

AOF, is Wetherholt ready to hit ML pitching? If so, stick at 2nd move Donny to 3rd dump NA for a bag of resin. Time to move on

[Shady]

Could he hit better than Walker? Bring him up and stick him in LF

Or play him at 2B and move Donovan to LF.

Why would you bring Weterholt up instead of Saggese? Saggese had better numbers at AA and at a younger age.

Wetherholt hasn’t even played 30 games there. He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese (caveat - Saggese is showing better discipline this season, clearly a focus).

Let's see if Wetherholt becomes the Texas League MVP like Saggese was at 21 years old.

Why?

"He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese". He may have. But let's see the production that Saggese had.

[An Old Friend]

Could he hit better than Walker? Bring him up and stick him in LF

Or play him at 2B and move Donovan to LF.

Why would you bring Weterholt up instead of Saggese? Saggese had better numbers at AA and at a younger age.

Wetherholt hasn’t even played 30 games there. He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese (caveat - Saggese is showing better discipline this season, clearly a focus).

Let's see if Wetherholt becomes the Texas League MVP like Saggese was at 21 years old.

Why?

AOF, is Wetherholt ready to hit ML pitching? If so, stick at 2nd move Donny to 3rd dump NA for a bag of resin. Time to move on

There’s really no reason to consider the question. They have no urgent needs at his position so they can afford to allow him proper development time and plate appearances in the minors.

[An Old Friend]

Could he hit better than Walker? Bring him up and stick him in LF

Or play him at 2B and move Donovan to LF.

Why would you bring Weterholt up instead of Saggese? Saggese had better numbers at AA and at a younger age.

Wetherholt hasn’t even played 30 games there. He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese (caveat - Saggese is showing better discipline this season, clearly a focus).

Let's see if Wetherholt becomes the Texas League MVP like Saggese was at 21 years old.

Why?

"He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese". He may have. But let's see the production that Saggese had.

Why?

They profile very differently. No one should expect that their production would look similarly, so why are you wanting to see that? What would it change?

[BrummerStealsHome]

It's been said that the most difficult jump for ballplayers to make is from AA to AAA. When the coaches and player development staff think he's ready to get exposed to AAA pitching then send him up.

[Goldfan]

Could he hit better than Walker? Bring him up and stick him in LF

Or play him at 2B and move Donovan to LF.

Why would you bring Weterholt up instead of Saggese? Saggese had better numbers at AA and at a younger age.

Wetherholt hasn’t even played 30 games there. He’s got an immensely better profile in the batters box than does Saggese (caveat - Saggese is showing better discipline this season, clearly a focus).

Let's see if Wetherholt becomes the Texas League MVP like Saggese was at 21 years old.

Why?

AOF, is Wetherholt ready to hit ML pitching? If so, stick at 2nd move Donny to 3rd dump NA for a bag of resin. Time to move on

There’s really no reason to consider the question. They have no urgent needs at his position so they can afford to allow him proper development time and plate appearances in the minors.

So he’s not ready? Players are all different, if this one can handle ML pitching now….then he’s ready. Quite a few hitters didn’t need programmed minor league ascension schedule.

[imyourhuckleberry]

Force him to dominate AA the rest of this season. Tell him he's ticketed to start at AAA next season and dare him to change your mind.

If he forces your hand, great. Otherwise, he remains on development target for a 'some time in 2026' call-up.

[jw0595]

Wetherholt is now hitting .296 with an .832 OPS in Springfield. A beautiful .383 OBP. Takes walks and doesn't K often. Six doubles & three homers.

So how aggressive should the Cards be with this kid?

1. Promote him to Memphis today?
2. Wait until July 1st to promote?
3. No real rush..let him play most of year in AA ball?

I believe in player development...but I would have no problem if the Cards decide to aggressively promote the kid throughout this season.

You?

Some can handle fast-tracking, and others can’t

So, ask his mother.

Is she hot?

Once he gets that big deal, she will be ever so much hotter.

[Cusecards]

I can’t believe I’m reading posts suggesting we promote JJ now!
LMFAO

[cardstatman]

After Adams, Wong, Taveras, Kelly, Munoz, Carlson, Gorman, Walker, Winn were moved up aggressively and struggled early, I hope they take their time with Wetherholt.

Not many were successful right away... maybe Grichuk and DeJong?

Winn turned it around quickly but many others struggled a long time.