The CORRECT plan to win 85 games next year and 90+ following.

[Melville]

How can any plan about turning this team around (especially quickly) not include anything about fixing the rotation?

As I have said, that is Part 2 of my analysis.
Hopefully available this evening.

[Melville]

I don't know about everyone else here, but I have been waiting for someone to post something just like this for a long time.
Call Mel whatever you like, but this thread is legit.
He makes excellent points, and his solution is spot on.
One thing I noted is he now wants to keep Herrera?
That's a change on his part...He must like Herrera much more now.
Remember this is just to address the hitting, his pitching plan is yet to come.
Also, I assume he wants Marmol gone as well? Not sure.
I completely agree with this plan though.
Revamping that outfield would only take 1 solid RH bat.
We have the other pieces such as Donovan, Scott and Herrera to work with.
So, instead of a depressing rebuild, we'd have a chance to compete.
Obviously, that would depend on what is acquired in the way of pitching.
But make no mistake, this is a solid plan.
And I bet the organization is considering it.
Well done, Mel.
Seeing the simplicity of future roster construction can bring optimism to this entire board.

Thank you for your kind, thoughtful, and highly informed post above.
Allow me to address your Herrera comment.
I have made no changes in my analysis of him.
I have said correctly for 4 years that the team needed to find him a new position - his defense, arm, and game calling ability at catcher simply is not good enough.
Also, I have noted his BA and OBP upside many times.
I have long questioned his power potential.
Still do - since there are only 4 weeks of HR power demonstrated over the past 4 years.
But data is data.
He did show enough power to merit a longer look next season.
A team with very little power simply cannot afford to trade away any right now.
Data says give him more time.

[imetsatchelpaige]

I would like to respectfully request people STOP QUOTING MELVILLE'S FULL POST.
We know what the thread is about and you are cluttering the world.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!

Yes, sir, Mr. Forum Monitor, sir! Thank you for your assholishness in this matter!

In the dictionary under Dikweed, it says CU.

[imetsatchelpaige]

I would like to respectfully request people STOP QUOTING MELVILLE'S FULL POST.
We know what the thread is about and you are cluttering the world.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!

In turn, thank you for reading my posts.
All of them.
Twice.
While taking notes.

I understand that seeing your admittedly interesting post in print is a very big deal to you, but I might suggest you accept my counsel on this one. I think you do a full dose of ego flexing as it is. Thank you.

[CorneliusWolfe]

How can any plan about turning this team around (especially quickly) not include anything about fixing the rotation?

As I have said, that is Part 2 of my analysis.
Hopefully available this evening.

Sorry, overlooked. On another note, I do think your analysis is accurate, but not exactly ingenious because as you like to say, the flaws are…obvious.

Even Mo’s plans to remain competitive and aim for the playoffs (same as Bloom’s stated strategy) could’ve worked had he simply kept the right personnel. It wasn’t so much his plans, but the forks in the road on personnel choices that derailed him.

Your plan is basically keep what little power we have, trade the poor performers, and go get a RH OF bat that can anchor the middle of the order. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff.

Though I will admit many are too blinded by prospect hyperventilation to see it and think we need to tank for several years.

[12xu]

I would like to respectfully request people STOP QUOTING MELVILLE'S FULL POST.
We know what the thread is about and you are cluttering the world.
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!

Yes, sir, Mr. Forum Monitor, sir! Thank you for your assholishness in this matter!

In the dictionary under Dikweed, it says CU.

When you looked that word up, it indicated U fit the bill.

[Melville]

How can any plan about turning this team around (especially quickly) not include anything about fixing the rotation?

As I have said, that is Part 2 of my analysis.
Hopefully available this evening.

Sorry, overlooked. On another note, I do think your analysis is accurate, but not exactly ingenious because as you like to say, the flaws are…obvious.

Even Mo’s plans to remain competitive and aim for the playoffs (same as Bloom’s stated strategy) could’ve worked had he simply kept the right personnel. It wasn’t so much his plans, but the forks in the road on personnel choices that derailed him.

Your plan is basically keep what little power we have, trade the poor performers, and go get a RH OF bat that can anchor the middle of the order. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff.

Though I will admit many are too blinded by prospect hyperventilation to see it and think we need to tank for several years.

Appreciate the very well thought out post.
I do not believe Mo's plans would have ever worked.
For too many years he has repeated a very clear pattern.
1. The contract plays.
Absolutely toxic way to run a team.
2. When Mo falls in love, he falls hard - and he simply never possessed the absolutely critical ability all high performing leaders have.
And that essential ingredient is having the ability to challenge your own assumptions.
3. Seeking sustained and repeatable mediocrity.
Attempting to be just good enough - and then get lucky late - is not a true plan for success.
4. Caution, fear, timidity defined Super Slo Mo.
Success requires calculated risk taking and by his own admission Mo was risk averse.
Fortunately, I do not suffer from any of those limitations, and I am hopeful Bloom does not either.
As for Mo, he would never have the guts to do what I have proposed in this thread - nor the things I will post concerning the pitching staff.

[hmoss859]

What about the owner meddling too much with Mo and Bloom, that’s a true source of Toxic Culture

When the owner stinks what does your consulting expertise recommend?

[Melville]

What about the owner meddling too much with Mo and Bloom, that’s a true source of Toxic Culture

When the owner stinks what does your consulting expertise recommend?

Find a new client.

[CorneliusWolfe]

How can any plan about turning this team around (especially quickly) not include anything about fixing the rotation?

As I have said, that is Part 2 of my analysis.
Hopefully available this evening.

Sorry, overlooked. On another note, I do think your analysis is accurate, but not exactly ingenious because as you like to say, the flaws are…obvious.

Even Mo’s plans to remain competitive and aim for the playoffs (same as Bloom’s stated strategy) could’ve worked had he simply kept the right personnel. It wasn’t so much his plans, but the forks in the road on personnel choices that derailed him.

Your plan is basically keep what little power we have, trade the poor performers, and go get a RH OF bat that can anchor the middle of the order. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff.

Though I will admit many are too blinded by prospect hyperventilation to see it and think we need to tank for several years.

Appreciate the very well thought out post.
I do not believe Mo's plans would have ever worked.
For too many years he has repeated a very clear pattern.
1. The contract plays.
Absolutely toxic way to run a team.
2. When Mo falls in love, he falls hard - and he simply never possessed the absolutely critical ability all high performing leaders have.
And that essential ingredient is having the ability to challenge your own assumptions.
3. Seeking sustained and repeatable mediocrity.
Attempting to be just good enough - and then get lucky late - is not a true plan for success.
4. Caution, fear, timidity defined Super Slo Mo.
Success requires calculated risk taking and by his own admission Mo was risk averse.
Fortunately, I do not suffer from any of those limitations, and I am hopeful Bloom does not either.
As for Mo, he would never have the guts to do what I have proposed in this thread - nor the things I will post concerning the pitching staff.

Fair assessment in why you don’t believe his plans could’ve worked. I think the reasons you cite (all 1-4) informed and drove him to those poor choices so I don’t think we’re in much disagreement considering the end result. Good stuff.

[Bomber1]

Any plan that includes Nolan Gorman as a regular is a bad plan
Simply put, he sucks.

[Melville]

Part 2 - the pitching staff.
Keep in mind I am providing the accurate roadmap to 85 wins next year, and more following.
The timeline is important in understanding how this perfect plan works.
As with everything, analysis must begin with data.
There were a few positives.
Allowed 5th fewest walks, and 7th fewest HR – both of which are important and are directly responsible for things not being even worse than they were.
Surprisingly, they ranked 8th in shutouts (13) and 11th in saves despite trading 3 relievers at the deadline.
There were significant negatives.
Unfortunately, the staff was 28th worst in allowing hits, 29th worst in gaining strikeouts, and tied for 27th worst in surrendering a .259 BA.
Obviously, far too much contact.
Now, it can be correctly argued that the removal of Fedde in July and the exit of Mikolas are positive developments (staff strikeout rate automatically improves with them gone) - but it is also true the team has just 3 rotation spots filled for 2026 and of those 3 just one has established long term success at the MLB level (and that one has been asked to waives his NTC).
If Gray ghosts the Cardinals, they will have exactly zero proven starters on the roster.
Pitching is clearly a huge issue.
So what are the solutions?
Fortunately, and predictably, I have them.
First, the easy part.
They can’t change everything all at once – and the bullpen might be something to put on the back burner in prepping for 2026 (and may already possess the elements for a long-term solution as well).
Svanson (.88 whip and 68K's in 60 innings) should be heir to the closing role with O’Reilly best suited for 8th inning work (too many walks for a closer).
Romeros should return and Graceffo, with 40 K’s / 13 BB’s in 43 innings should get another look.
That is 4 BP arms and it easy always easy to grab another FA middle reliever.
Most teams use the shuttle system to fill out the BP behind their top 5.
BP does not need to be a priority for Bloom.
Now the rotation.
Gray must stay - it would be unbelievably stupid for a team which struggles to strike out the opponent to trade the only starter who has the consistent ability to do so at a high rate.
Liberatore and McGreevy can be penciled in - but realistically should be slotted in the 3/4 roles or 4/5 roles until they consistently show better than they have.
Leahy is going to be looked at as a starter and he has earned that - but it should be within the context of competing against Liberatore / McGreevy, and NOT as possibly joining both of them in the rotation.
Pallante, obviously, must be traded, non-tendered, or returned to the BP as the blow-out long reliever.
Which means 2 starters must be acquired.
Bloom has already hinted at the FA market - which would be fine if looking for a #3 or a #5 on a 1-year deal with a team option for 2027.
But I recommend not rushing into that decision.
I suggest adding the other by trade - with Alcantara being an intriguing target.
Not expensive and controlled for 2 years - which is exactly the timeline the team needs.
Is that a risky play?
Yes - but the upside is worth that risk.
(Alcantara is just one example of a quality target - there are others).
Then AFTER making that acquisition, recalibrate.
Would it still make sense to sign a FA as Bloom hinted?
Or with Gray, Alcantara, McGreev, and Liberatore lined up, would it be a better strategy to think long term and trade for a young, albeit unproven, starter with a higher ceiling than a #5 veteran FA?
Yes, it would.
This excellent plan would then provide a 2026 bridge (and the ability to win 85 games) to 2027 when names including Doyle, Henderson, a recovered Roby may be ready to compete for rotation spots - with Mautz, Franklin, and others also on the horizon.
Finally, this would make Mathews and Hence expendable as trade pieces - and both have very real trade value.
That is the correct pitching plan for 2026 and beyond.
I will tie together Part 1 and Part 2 in a following post.

[imetsatchelpaige]

Interesting.
But I do not get trading Matthews, who has huge upside at a position we must get better at.
Pls explain why and what a projected return looks like.

[brock118]

Part 2 - the pitching staff.
Keep in mind I am providing the accurate roadmap to 85 wins next year, and more following.
The timeline is important in understanding how this perfect plan works.
As with everything, analysis must begin with data.
There were a few positives.
Allowed 5th fewest walks, and 7th fewest HR – both of which are important and are directly responsible for things not being even worse than they were.
Surprisingly, they ranked 8th in shutouts (13) and 11th in saves despite trading 3 relievers at the deadline.
There were significant negatives.
Unfortunately, the staff was 28th worst in allowing hits, 29th worst in gaining strikeouts, and tied for 27th worst in surrendering a .259 BA.
Obviously, far too much contact.
Now, it can be correctly argued that the removal of Fedde in July and the exit of Mikolas are positive developments (staff strikeout rate automatically improves with them gone) - but it is also true the team has just 3 rotation spots filled for 2026 and of those 3 just one has established long term success at the MLB level (and that one has been asked to waives his NTC).
If Gray ghosts the Cardinals, they will have exactly zero proven starters on the roster.
Pitching is clearly a huge issue.
So what are the solutions?
Fortunately, and predictably, I have them.
First, the easy part.
They can’t change everything all at once – and the bullpen might be something to put on the back burner in prepping for 2026 (and may already possess the elements for a long-term solution as well).
Svanson (.88 whip and 68K's in 60 innings) should be heir to the closing role with O’Reilly best suited for 8th inning work (too many walks for a closer).
Romeros should return and Graceffo, with 40 K’s / 13 BB’s in 43 innings should get another look.
That is 4 BP arms and it easy always easy to grab another FA middle reliever.
Most teams use the shuttle system to fill out the BP behind their top 5.
BP does not need to be a priority for Bloom.
Now the rotation.
Gray must stay - it would be unbelievably stupid for a team which struggles to strike out the opponent to trade the only starter who has the consistent ability to do so at a high rate.
Liberatore and McGreevy can be penciled in - but realistically should be slotted in the 3/4 roles or 4/5 roles until they consistently show better than they have.
Leahy is going to be looked at as a starter and he has earned that - but it should be within the context of competing against Liberatore / McGreevy, and NOT as possibly joining both of them in the rotation.
Pallante, obviously, must be traded, non-tendered, or returned to the BP as the blow-out long reliever.
Which means 2 starters must be acquired.
Bloom has already hinted at the FA market - which would be fine if looking for a #3 or a #5 on a 1-year deal with a team option for 2027.
But I recommend not rushing into that decision.
I suggest adding the other by trade - with Alcantara being an intriguing target.
Not expensive and controlled for 2 years - which is exactly the timeline the team needs.
Is that a risky play?
Yes - but the upside is worth that risk.
(Alcantara is just one example of a quality target - there are others).
Then AFTER making that acquisition, recalibrate.
Would it still make sense to sign a FA as Bloom hinted?
Or with Gray, Alcantara, McGreev, and Liberatore lined up, would it be a better strategy to think long term and trade for a young, albeit unproven, starter with a higher ceiling than a #5 veteran FA?
Yes, it would.
This excellent plan would then provide a 2026 bridge (and the ability to win 85 games) to 2027 when names including Doyle, Henderson, a recovered Roby may be ready to compete for rotation spots - with Mautz, Franklin, and others also on the horizon.
Finally, this would make Mathews and Hence expendable as trade pieces - and both have very real trade value.
That is the correct pitching plan for 2026 and beyond.
I will tie together Part 1 and Part 2 in a following post.

We don't have the prospects to trade for Alcantara and even if we did, other teams would easily outbid us for his services. Only thing we have would be Wetherholt and Doyle and we probably aren't trading them, if we did we would have nothing in the minors but fodder.

[ClassicO]

You’re childishly simplistic.

1. A productive offense is not gauged by batting average! They were 19th in runs scored at 4.25/game, well below league average of 4.45. Are you 90 years old?
2. Your observations on the OF is deserving of a “Champion of the Obvious” award. Nothing new or of any substance.
3. As always, you simplistically suggest trades without any indication of the return thereon. Laughable. (I can only guess you want them to trade for your long-heralded “star” Dylan Carlson or “irreplaceable” Dakota Hudson.)

Last, I’m surprised your unicorn Gorman is not mentioned as playing a significant role other than a “must retain” player.

[butsir01]

Just sell, II and III, just sell.