NLC race

[CorneliusWolfe]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

[sikeston bulldog2]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

[45s]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

If an all star outfielder is available, he is likely in his walk year…

Are you prepared to give up a quality young player or top prospect for a rental?

That move would seem contrary to a rebuild strategy.

[CorneliusWolfe]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

[Cusecards]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Yes....very good OP and leads to quality discussion.
To be brief....as we still have halfway to go but the NLC figures to be wide open moving forward in the near future.

[sikeston bulldog2]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

True. But that was not the plan. The plan was to expect heartache in the reset. We did just the opposite, kids flourishing, team winning, so everyone wants to take next big step. Too early.

A Sandy type works, makes this an elite young staff. The bat is an off season move, but it too would be considered if it presents itself. Timing is everything.

[CorneliusWolfe]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

True. But that was not the plan. The plan was to expect heartache in the reset. We did just the opposite, kids flourishing, team winning, so everyone wants to take next big step. Too early.

A Sandy type works, makes this an elite young staff. The bat is an off season move, but it too would be considered if it presents itself. Timing is everything.

Agree on timing, on pretty much everything in life. As far as "not the plan"...the plan was put out there as a PR move in case they sucked. Mo didn't know what he had. Not too late to revise, I hope.

[rockondlouie]

Just say "no" to Sandy A.

16 GS
6.98 ERA
4.69 FiP
1.48 WHiP

Perhaps he gets back on track in 2026 but he's NOT going to be of any help this season.

[45s]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

Winning what?

The NLC? whoppdi f ing doo

The goal is long term success at a W S level..

Your proposals delay that initiative

[kyace]

Cubs have most to lose not making playoffs with what they gave up for Tucker. They will overpay if needed to add to the team while Cards shouldn’t.

[CorneliusWolfe]

Cubs have most to lose not making playoffs with what they gave up for Tucker. They will overpay if needed to add to the team while Cards shouldn’t.

You are spot on about Cubs willingness to add aggressively to save face. Maybe the Cards could simultaneously add/block them? Especially in regards to the BP. What one team does could either motivate or demoralize the other to counter, despite many GMs claiming they don't operate that way.

How do we know what is overpayment when it comes to prospects? Even Wetherholt could be a bust. I don't think he will, but Walker was rated even higher. No one ever knows with prospects. Proven veteran talent was always TLRs first-choice. He'd trade anyone for a stud that offers a chance to win. His method was the last that resulted in actual WS wins. Or even a real run, except one of Matheny's years.

[CorneliusWolfe]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

Winning what?

The NLC? whoppdi f ing doo

The goal is long term success at a W S level..

Your proposals delay that initiative

Didn't even win the Central in 2006, glad they didn't hang their heads. Maybe the division isn't trash like some years past, and whoever wins it might actually be a little battle-hardened for once. In the most unpredictable sport ever, why throw in the towel so easily?

And I never suggested mortgaging the entire future for rentals. That's would be dumb. But to not look for moves to improve would be negligent and incompetent.

[Bad14]

I don't think they need to mortgage the future to take a shot at winning. It will be interesting to see what AZ does with Gallen and Suarez. Gallen is a UFA and erratic so he can't demand much. Maybe a change of scenery would help. Suarez would solve the RH power problem as a DH but I think he has a club option.

[scoutyjones2]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

Winning what?

The NLC? whoppdi f ing doo

The goal is long term success at a W S level..

Your proposals delay that initiative

Yes, go from not making the playoffs or winning the Central, to a WS

Holy [shirt] ...you can't make this [shirt] up

[CorneliusWolfe]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

Nice write. Let’s look at objective.

Play the young, see who can play. Wanted to move Goldie- Gone. Mik and Matz- expiring contracts- 30M. Still will move Mik and Matz.

They need to add in OFF-SEASON a bat. Then an arm. But….Right now Sandy type arm is available. I’d try for something like that. Then a bat in off season.

Then contend.

Really like the Alcantara suggestion. Someone is going to make that underrated move and I think it will pay off nicely.

But why stop ever so close to winning now? If there is an above average RH OFer to be had, he and SA could be truly transformative during the current race.

Winning what?

The NLC? whoppdi f ing doo

The goal is long term success at a W S level..

Your proposals delay that initiative

Yes, go from not making the playoffs or winning the Central, to a WS

Holy [shirt] ...you can't make this [shirt] up

You don't buy in to the worst-to-first approach?
Phase 1: Give up Phase 2: ... Phase 3: Champs!

[woofy25]

6 games separate the top 4 teams in the NL Central. It is a real race that many thought the Cards would not be a part of. Which team stands in the way the most?

1. The "over-rated" Cubs: Near-elite offense, good defense. Not a stranger to second half collapses, but plenty of talent in the lineup this season. Average bullpen, beat up rotation, and record possibly inflated a little from soft schedule. If not for beat up rotation, probably not a race.

2. The pesky Reds: Lead by a future HOF manager and have a true ace in Abbott and MVP contender in De La Cruz. More of an honorable mention, but hanging in well enough to not be written off.

3. The always under-rated Brewers: Defy expectations yearly all the way to the division title. Can always pitch and seem to always hit just well enough.

With no stellar numbers to really support their case, I say the Brewers. They stole the pixie dust, and seem to figure it out someway, somehow, even when the numbers don't support.

I'll go out on a limb and predict an inexplicable and epic Cubs second-half collapse, and not so much out on a limb to say the Reds are a non-factor.

The Cardinals are enigmatic. No real star power but often gets star performances from different guys on different days. Tough defense and no-quit offense. Against RHP anyway. Some young guys too inexperienced or below average combined with some vets in decline or underperforming.

A trade deadline upgrade could make them a strong front-runner. Team is winning but too much overcompensation for dead weight guys bringing them down. An All-Star level right-handed OFer and another Sonny Gray type starter and a reliable BP arm and this team would roll.

The cubs have played more games against >.500 teams than the cardinals. They’ve completed series against the dodgers, Phillies and padres. I don’t get why their schedule has been so weak.