CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
Not ideal, but maybe. I don't assume every supposed top prospect is quality. I wouldn't trade JJW or QM for a walk year guy though. Anyone would be on the table for a trade and extend opportunity for a good one though. I'd give up any prospect they want for kid playing RF in Washington.
I also don't care about commitment to the rebuild strategy because I don't think the Cardinals are 100% commited to it. It was PR lip service to cut payroll, open up a few spots and temper expectations. They didn't know what they had, which isn't very surprising really.
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
You don't get it? They've played 25 games vs the bottom 7 teams. We have only played 15 games. The Brewers after today have played 19 games. That's a big advantage the Cubs have had.
Also the Cardinals have completed series against the Phillies, Mets, and have half of the Dodgers out of the way.
The Cubs are in jeopardy of losing their 7th series out of their last 11 vs teams above .500. They've split 2 and won 2 (both were the Reds). They are down 2-0 to the Astros right now with 2 outs in the 8th inning.
rockondlouie wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:52 am
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.
Someone cited stats for his last month and they looked good, like he was getting back to his old self. But..when referencing just now, I see he got rocked pretty badly yesterday, momentarily derailing mine and BDs argument. Need more sample I guess, but time is running short.
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
Oh.
So all we need at the trade deadline are two All-Stars, including another #1 starter, and a strong bullpen arm. Got it.
How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus?
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
You don't get it? They've played 25 games vs the bottom 7 teams. We have only played 15 games. The Brewers after today have played 19 games. That's a big advantage the Cubs have had.
Also the Cardinals have completed series against the Phillies, Mets, and have half of the Dodgers out of the way.
The Cubs are in jeopardy of losing their 7th series out of their last 11 vs teams above .500. They've split 2 and won 2 (both were the Reds). They are down 2-0 to the Astros right now with 2 outs in the 8th inning.
Where are you getting the 25 games from? If it’s Bernie, he said they’ve played 25 games with a record of 15-5. Both cant be true. Not sure which one is.
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
You don't get it? They've played 25 games vs the bottom 7 teams. We have only played 15 games. The Brewers after today have played 19 games. That's a big advantage the Cubs have had.
Also the Cardinals have completed series against the Phillies, Mets, and have half of the Dodgers out of the way.
The Cubs are in jeopardy of losing their 7th series out of their last 11 vs teams above .500. They've split 2 and won 2 (both were the Reds). They are down 2-0 to the Astros right now with 2 outs in the 8th inning.
Where are you getting the 25 games from? If it’s Bernie, he said they’ve played 25 games with a record of 15-5. Both cant be true. Not sure which one is.
He said .800 winning% so he meant 20-5, which is correct.
Cubs
3-0 vs Athletics
0-0 vs Orioles
3-0 vs White Sox
3-0 vs Rockies
4-2 vs Marlins
5-2 vs Pitt
2-1 vs Nationals
Total: 20-5
Cardinals
0-0 vs Athletics
2-1 vs Orioles
3-0 vs White Sox
0-0 vs Rockies
0-0 vs Marlins
4-2 vs Pitt
3-0 vs Wash
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
Oh.
So all we need at the trade deadline are two All-Stars, including another #1 starter, and a strong bullpen arm. Got it.
How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa Claus?
Yes, it is a big ask but I didn't mean MVP or CY Young level. I should've said "Solid"...so fair enough and point taken. There's always some good BP arms at selloff time, and I didn't say it couldn't come internally. How old were you when you stopped dreaming a little and started embracing losing to avoid the bigger letdown?
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
You don't get it? They've played 25 games vs the bottom 7 teams. We have only played 15 games. The Brewers after today have played 19 games. That's a big advantage the Cubs have had.
Also the Cardinals have completed series against the Phillies, Mets, and have half of the Dodgers out of the way.
The Cubs are in jeopardy of losing their 7th series out of their last 11 vs teams above .500. They've split 2 and won 2 (both were the Reds). They are down 2-0 to the Astros right now with 2 outs in the 8th inning.
Where are you getting the 25 games from? If it’s Bernie, he said they’ve played 25 games with a record of 15-5. Both cant be true. Not sure which one is.
He said .800 winning% so he meant 20-5, which is correct.
Cubs
3-0 vs Athletics
0-0 vs Orioles
3-0 vs White Sox
3-0 vs Rockies
4-2 vs Marlins
5-2 vs Pitt
2-1 vs Nationals
Total: 20-5
Cardinals
0-0 vs Athletics
2-1 vs Orioles
3-0 vs White Sox
0-0 vs Rockies
0-0 vs Marlins
4-2 vs Pitt
3-0 vs Wash
Total: 12-3
That is a significant difference. One that is in the cardinals favor. The cubs, imo, are still a better team. Sonny gray would be the #3 on the cubs and any of Tucker, Suzuki, Busch and pca would be the cardinals best hitter on
Bad14 wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 14:46 pm
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.
These moves could fit the mold of what I'm talking about. Not necessarily MVP/CY Young acquisitions. Risky, but interesting suggestions.
CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 10:30 am
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.
You don't get it? They've played 25 games vs the bottom 7 teams. We have only played 15 games. The Brewers after today have played 19 games. That's a big advantage the Cubs have had.
Also the Cardinals have completed series against the Phillies, Mets, and have half of the Dodgers out of the way.
The Cubs are in jeopardy of losing their 7th series out of their last 11 vs teams above .500. They've split 2 and won 2 (both were the Reds). They are down 2-0 to the Astros right now with 2 outs in the 8th inning.
Where are you getting the 25 games from? If it’s Bernie, he said they’ve played 25 games with a record of 15-5. Both cant be true. Not sure which one is.
He said .800 winning% so he meant 20-5, which is correct.
Cubs
3-0 vs Athletics
0-0 vs Orioles
3-0 vs White Sox
3-0 vs Rockies
4-2 vs Marlins
5-2 vs Pitt
2-1 vs Nationals
Total: 20-5
Cardinals
0-0 vs Athletics
2-1 vs Orioles
3-0 vs White Sox
0-0 vs Rockies
0-0 vs Marlins
4-2 vs Pitt
3-0 vs Wash
Total: 12-3
That is a significant difference. One that is in the cardinals favor. The cubs, imo, are still a better team. Sonny gray would be the #3 on the cubs and any of Tucker, Suzuki, Busch and pca would be the cardinals best hitter on
It is, you take away the records vs the 7 really bad teams and the Cardinals are a .500 team while the Cubs are 1 game below .500.
Talent wise perhaps they are. But we'll see, I still think we're definitely in the division race. I had us winning 90 games and the Cubs winning 89 games, so none of it really surprises me right now.
blackinkbiz wrote: ↑29 Jun 2025 16:08 pm
Rocks take the lead in the 10th!
Announcer literally just used the word "phenomenal" to describe the Rockies' recent late-inning scoring. lmao
Bottom 10th, Rockies being Rockies. Pitcher didn't cover on infield grounder, then wild pitch tied the game and moved winning run in scoring position with no outs.
