Cards pull to within 2 1/2 games of the Cubs.

[CorneliusWolfe]

It is a "buy" / "stand pat" / "sell" decision.

They won't sell if they are still in the race.

The reason to buy would be to fix some of the weakest links or add a crazy strong link.

IMHO, the pitching staff is the weakest link. Maybe add a reliever or two to upgrade King and/or O'Brien?

3.36 2.96 Gray
3.70 3.05 Liberatore
4.76 3.96 Mikolas
4.11 4.49 Fedde
4.43 4.53 Pallante
4.22 3.37 McGreevy - depth / insurance

1.69 2.09 Maton
3.38 2.65 Matz (LH)
2.82 3.81 Leahy
3.41 3.88 Helsley
2.81 3.91 Romero (LH)
4.50 4.26 King
3.24 3.75 Svanson
2.25 4.59 O'Brien
1.35 2.94 Granillo - depth / insurance
6.62 2.81 Graceffo - depth / insurance
6.92 3.78 Roycroft - depth / insurance

Or they could go big and trade Walker and valuables to add a starting pitcher to replace Mikolas.

One current hitter with an 800 OPS on the entire team, and it's 804.

Nobody should be untouchable to trade

No untouchables on entire roster. Though I wouldn't be too eager to deal Winn or Liberatore. Unless they looked at me funny...
I'd be a ruthless, and terrible GM.

[CorneliusWolfe]

They are making the buy/sell decision rather difficult.

I hope they trade Roby, Sagesse and Burlseon for a stud RFer. Could you survive such a turn of events?

I don't know why you would trade Burleson he's one of the best hitters on the team and he's improving on defense.

Just yanking Shady’s chain a little bit. Burleson is alright.

[Eyelids64]

Donovan, Burleson, Arenado, Contreras, Herrera are the frontline bats. Winn, Noot, Walker, Pages, Gorman win games occasionally. Hot at the exact time can produce multiple playoff wins. Cards have the pitching to make a deep run. Need some luck like happened in 2006, 2011.

[STL Cardinal Fan 24]

This team is truly a team. Its sum is greater than its parts. Synergy.

[jw0595]

They are making the buy/sell decision rather difficult.

I hope they trade Roby, Sagesse and Burlseon for a stud RFer. Could you survive such a turn of events?

I don't know why you would trade Burleson he's one of the best hitters on the team and he's improving on defense.

I haven't verified this, but I think Burly is damned cheap for what he brings to the table and I believe he has put forth a lot of effort & improved with the glove.

[CorneliusWolfe]

I think I make my decisions based on improving the team next year and beyond. For example can you really justify holding on to Helsley. I don’t think you want to make the financial commitment to sign him beyond this year. You have to maximize his value by trading him.

I don’t think this is a World Series team. That’s the goal and I’m making moves with that goal in mind. That means I’m selling any player on expiring contract I’m not willing to sign for 2026. I’m still trying to push Arenado out the door.

Could not agree more…

but the allure of a National League Central title seems to have lowered the bar for success with many of our friends…

The allure of the playoffs might have me wearing blinders, but better than what we’ve had last few years. The best regular season teams don’t always win and life is short. And I was spoiled and miss it lol. Do your best to win anytime you can without completely mortgaging the future. It’s the prudent and responsible thing to do. Otherwise, why even watch until you see a roster on paper that looks satisfactory? Still won’t go the way you think.

[Bad14]

I think I make my decisions based on improving the team next year and beyond. For example can you really justify holding on to Helsley. I don’t think you want to make the financial commitment to sign him beyond this year. You have to maximize his value by trading him.

I don’t think this is a World Series team. That’s the goal and I’m making moves with that goal in mind. That means I’m selling any player on expiring contract I’m not willing to sign for 2026. I’m still trying to push Arenado out the door.

Could not agree more…

but the allure of a National League Central title seems to have lowered the bar for success with many of our friends…

The allure of the playoffs might have me wearing blinders, but better than what we’ve had last few years. The best regular season teams don’t always win and life is short. And I was spoiled and miss it lol. Do your best to win anytime you can without completely mortgaging the future. It’s the prudent and responsible thing to do. Otherwise, why even watch until you see a roster on paper that looks satisfactory? Still won’t go the way you think.

Since 1995 the team with the season's best record has only won the World Series 24% of the time. As you said, anytime a team can improve its chances of making the playoffs without mortgaging the future, they should do it.

[scoutyjones2]

I think I make my decisions based on improving the team next year and beyond. For example can you really justify holding on to Helsley. I don’t think you want to make the financial commitment to sign him beyond this year. You have to maximize his value by trading him.

I don’t think this is a World Series team. That’s the goal and I’m making moves with that goal in mind. That means I’m selling any player on expiring contract I’m not willing to sign for 2026. I’m still trying to push Arenado out the door.

Could not agree more…

but the allure of a National League Central title seems to have lowered the bar for success with many of our friends…

How do you guarantee a WS built team? 30 club's want to know

It starts with three "lights out" starting pitchers.

[fork] off

Your constant obscene responses need some attention from the moderators. IMO I'll see if I can arrange that. You are a trouble-maker on this message board. Reported. If you continue your unsavory conduct, I'll continue to report it.

[fork] off

[CorneliusWolfe]

This team is truly a team. Its sum is greater than its parts. Synergy.

That’s why I think they might be for real.

[45s]

It is a "buy" / "stand pat" / "sell" decision.

They won't sell if they are still in the race.

The reason to buy would be to fix some of the weakest links or add a crazy strong link.

IMHO, the pitching staff is the weakest link. Maybe add a reliever or two to upgrade King and/or O'Brien?

3.36 2.96 Gray
3.70 3.05 Liberatore
4.76 3.96 Mikolas
4.11 4.49 Fedde
4.43 4.53 Pallante
4.22 3.37 McGreevy - depth / insurance

1.69 2.09 Maton
3.38 2.65 Matz (LH)
2.82 3.81 Leahy
3.41 3.88 Helsley
2.81 3.91 Romero (LH)
4.50 4.26 King
3.24 3.75 Svanson
2.25 4.59 O'Brien
1.35 2.94 Granillo - depth / insurance
6.62 2.81 Graceffo - depth / insurance
6.92 3.78 Roycroft - depth / insurance

Or they could go big and trade Walker and valuables to add a starting pitcher to replace Mikolas.

One current hitter with an 800 OPS on the entire team, and it's 804.

Nobody should be untouchable to trade

No untouchables on entire roster. Though I wouldn't be too eager to deal Winn or Liberatore. Unless they looked at me funny...
I'd be a ruthless, and terrible GM.

And that is what is needed …particularly in stl

This is professional sports….produce, or C ya later

There is no place for an emphasis on personal stats, legacy, or farewell tours…

Every roster spot and dollar is important.. not a rocking chair for over paid non productive players

[Mr Buttercup]

They are making the buy/sell decision rather difficult. If within five at the deadline. I look for Mo to stand pat.

Thanks Shady, I am glad someone has a firm grasp of the situation.

[Honky Tonk Man]

They are making the buy/sell decision rather difficult. If within five at the deadline. I look for Mo to stand pat.

Thanks Shady, I am glad someone has a firm grasp of the situation.

Good post Mr Buttercup