Our trades won't yield much and if we don't buy any free agents: How does this lineup play?

[Talkin' Baseball]

Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.

How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.

Starting lineup

2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements


Rotation

Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy

Bull Pen

Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

[ecleme22]

Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.

How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.

Starting lineup

2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements


Rotation

Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy

Bull Pen

Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

Rejecting the results would be to approach NG as if 2025 never happened.

[JuanAgosto]

I dont think Gorman or Walker are even tradable at this time.
I believe either (or both), Donovan and Nootbaar are dealt.
The 3 NTCs, I think are shopped with Arenado, Gray, then Contreras going in that order.
I do not see Burleson being traded.

[Ozziesfan41]

Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.

How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.

Starting lineup

2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements


Rotation

Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy

Bull Pen

Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

Rejecting the results would be to approach NG as if 2025 never happened.

If they keep him they will play him which is rejecting the results of 2024 and 2025 and we will see Another season of wasted at bats on him and futility. But you are probably right they will keep him like they did Dylan Carlson and we watch him suck and suck until they finally trade him

[Talkin' Baseball]

Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.

How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.

Starting lineup

2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements


Rotation

Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy

Bull Pen

Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

Rejecting the results would be to approach NG as if 2025 never happened.

When you look at the totality of his season, what part of his game do you want to continue with? People talk about his power- in over 400 plate appearances last year he had 14 HR and 14 doubles. If this is his carrying trait, is it enough to carry the other things that come with the player?

[Ozziesfan41]

Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.

How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.

Starting lineup

2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements


Rotation

Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy

Bull Pen

Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

Rejecting the results would be to approach NG as if 2025 never happened.

When you look at the totality of his season, what part of his game do you want to continue with? People talk about his power- in over 400 plate appearances last year he had 14 HR and 14 doubles. If this is his carrying trait, is it enough to carry the other things that come with the player?

No kidding when you have one tool you had better be great at that one tool and he is not. It’s hilarious he’s a .218 .300 OBP .719 OPS hitter in close to 1600 at bats and people say let’s give him another year and see what we have in him. This was his runway season and he crashed and burned

[Talkin' Baseball]

Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.

How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.

Starting lineup

2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements


Rotation

Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy

Bull Pen

Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

Rejecting the results would be to approach NG as if 2025 never happened.

When you look at the totality of his season, what part of his game do you want to continue with? People talk about his power- in over 400 plate appearances last year he had 14 HR and 14 doubles. If this is his carrying trait, is it enough to carry the other things that come with the player?

No kidding when you have one tool you had better be great at that one tool and he is not

Although, he was the 4th leading home run hitter on the 29th best home run hitting team in MLB this season. We could build around that.

[Ozziesfan41]

I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.

I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.

I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.

If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.

Why do people think that Arenado is the only person on earth who can play 3B?

BLOOM NEEDS TO TRADE ARENADO.

I don't care if the team signs an ALL GLOVE infielder for 1mil to play 3b, NA needs to be gone.

Agree. Gorman isn’t the answer either he sucks at hitting and fielding

To me, NG isn't as big of a deal.

I really like WC, but I'm down for trading him. I'm down for trading AB too since his trade value is high.

Does that mean NG can play a little 1B? Sure.

True Gorman is versatile he can suck at several positions as well as suck at hitting. I would look forward to another sub .700 ops .200 batting average and lots of strike outs season. That level of futility is mesmerizing to watch

Well, obviously the last thing you saw was Gorman struggling like crazy in September.

Unlike you though, I'm not fixated on Gorman.

1. I don't think the org is high on him now.
2. He has little trade value.
3. Especially if the Cards clear out the roster in the offseason, he definitely won't be blocking anyone.
4. He has power.

Obviously, like most of us, you saw his final 38 PAs (37 AB, 4 hits, 1 walk, 20 Ks). But like most of us, you probably saw his productivity before that.

I saw the last two seasons and his career yes. And like I said when he was having his usual brief hot streak and Mel was patting himself on the back saying he was right and people were saying he looks like a completely different hitter and he’s finally figured it out I said he has them but will crash and burn and his numbers will suck at the end of the year and I was right again about him just like I was right about him the season before

I know, right? Why have a runway season to explore questions and see what we have if we are just going to reject the results?

Rejecting the results would be to approach NG as if 2025 never happened.

When you look at the totality of his season, what part of his game do you want to continue with? People talk about his power- in over 400 plate appearances last year he had 14 HR and 14 doubles. If this is his carrying trait, is it enough to carry the other things that come with the player?

No kidding when you have one tool you had better be great at that one tool and he is not

Although, he was the 4th leading home run hitter on the 29th best home run hitting team in MLB this season. We could build around that.

lol yea and he’s a .719 ops hitter in almost 1600 career at bats that screams core piece to me

[ICCFIM2]

The play is to trade BD, SG, NA and maybe WC and AB.

If you are low on players, sign some vets to one year deals and flip them at the deadline.

What do you mean “if” we are low on players? If we trade Gray, we have no starting pitchers that have pitched a complete season.

No matter if Gray is traded or not, they will most likely have to pick up one or two starters via FA. Prob one year deals.

If they trade Gray, they will have to pick up one more.

They will definitely be short on players and will have to acquire some talent. I'm guessing they may also grab a flippable OFer too.

I have to assume that they will trade for at least 1 ML ready young SP this offseason. Then pick up one veteran on a 1 year deal. But unlike in 2025 where the sole SP prospect that was ML ready, McGreevy, the Cards should have several minor league pitchers that are ML ready in 2026. Leaving Doyle aside, whom I hope they let develop all year in Memphis or Springfield, they will have Hansen, Mautz, Henderson and Mathews at Memphis. At least 1 or 2 of those guys should be ready to be the next man up in 2026. They shouldn't have to suffer through 20 starts of someone like Fedde before trying the next guy.

The team might be terrible in 2026. But at least they have the next group of SPs getting closer to the MLs.

[JuanAgosto]

Let's say they trade Arenado and Contreras.

Nootbaar
Winn
Donovan
Herrera
Burleson
Saggese
Wetherholt
Pages
Scott

If they trade Contreras and Donovan

Wetherholt
Herrera
Burleson
Arenado
Nootbaar
Winn
Gorman
Pages
Scott