Bloom definately has his work cut out for him

[Talkin' Baseball]

The opportunity to rebuild a franchise is probably what enticed Bloom. Hopefully, DeWitt gives him the freedom (in decision making and cash), to build a roster to fit his plan. I suspect Bloom has a vision for the type of offensive and defensive philosophy he wants. And I am confident he will acquire the players that fit those philosophies. Unlike his predecessor whose philosophy was to hope his roster of mostly average players had career years. What a putz.

"Hopefully, DeWitt gives him the freedom (in decision making and cash)". With an emphasis on "cash".

The first big cash move to be made isn't to bring someone in- it will be to send some people out- not just to clear the contract, or to create roster spots, but to bring back better players in return. Speaking only for myself, if I see this happen it will do much to alleviate my concerns about whether they will spend in the future. It will represent to me an investment in the future product.

The more they pay toward the contracts the better the prospect you get in return. So I agree with what you say. It's a big "tell" on what they will spend going forward on players.

Right. These are the first players they will "buy".

[Othawhitemeat]

He does, but being honest, I think he has many opportunities to do so. One, we are coming off the (bleep) Mozo experiment for the last decade or so of bad moves. Two, if he makes the right moves and there is no lockout, if Bill is willing to spend a tad, I think 2027 or 2028, we are primed to do so.

1) We do have some young talent that is already established - Winn, Herrera, Burly offensively, Pages defensively that improved offense, maybe VSII?, Libby/McGreevy, some young relievers too.

2) We have some possible young talent in the minors with maybe our best prospect in a long time in JJ, our best hitting prospect in years in Raniel, hopefully continued improvement in 5 tool player in Baez (at least 4), etc. Pitching, have Doyle, Mautz, Matthews, Henderson, and Tanner Franklin.

3) We have some talent to trade too if wanted (some unfortunately did not show enough to probably get much value, but never know). Donny is probably our best chip and we need to decide if we trade him or extend him. However, if we trade him, with low costs right now and 2 years before free agency, I do think we could land a nice package. Noot might get you someone that could be a solid, mid-young pitcher if that is your tea or some solid prospects that might be worth something in return. Gorman/Walker have not lived up to hype, but may return a chance player or hold on and see if they can by small chance re-gain any value.

4) Players that have not produced, but have talent to do so - as mentioned, Walker, Gorman, Scott. If one of them pan out talent wise, they are are all pretty gifted and could increase our possibilities.

5) Other trade chips - Arenado may not get much in return, but there is a chance you could catch lightning in bottle prospect and/or Gray may get a little more, but at least offload salaries.

6) Other prospects may emerge - It seems like every year or 2, someone emerges - Donny was a solid prospect but turned into something, Noot was nothing to write home about, Burly is the same as Noot as a so-so prospect, etc.

7) If at least half of our talent in number 2 works out, we get some production in return from any trades, and spend a little after the year 2026 to mix with our young talent, do think we can be pretty good for a long-time if stay healthy - just IMO as we are not bare like some teams start off in rebuilding.

[NYCardsFan]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

You have a firm grasp of the obvious.

And you've already done this thread topic: viewtopic.php?t=1516566&hilit=bloom

[ScotchMIrish]

After this season I have little confidence in Marmol's ability to use a pitching staff competently. He seems wedded to the idea of a pitcher needing to throw a certain number of pitches regardless.

[Adam2]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

dynamite take. how had i not thought of this?

[rockondlouie]

The first big cash move to be made isn't to bring someone in- it will be to send some people out- not just to clear the contract, or to create roster spots, but to bring back better players in return. Speaking only for myself, if I see this happen it will do much to alleviate my concerns about whether they will spend in the future. It will represent to me an investment in the future product.

Bingo!

I don't see BDWJr spending any "real" money until 2027 and only after the new CBA is ratified.

2026 is for C. Bloom to accumulate as many prospects as he can dealing veterans (NADO, Gray and possibly WillyC) w/BDWJr being willing to eat some of their contract for a better return and possibly also dealing Donovan and/or Noot too.

He'll also be weeding out the deadweight, re-shaping the dreadfully constructed roster Mo left him and integrating his philosophy into the entire system.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the deals he makes, especially if he deals Willy and/or Donny, brings back a (young) major league ready player or two who can help the 2026 team and beyond.

Should be a fun winter, I can't wait for the WS to be over to see what Bloom has up his sleeves!

[ramfandan]

The first big cash move to be made isn't to bring someone in- it will be to send some people out- not just to clear the contract, or to create roster spots, but to bring back better players in return. Speaking only for myself, if I see this happen it will do much to alleviate my concerns about whether they will spend in the future. It will represent to me an investment in the future product.

Bingo!

I don't see BDWJr spending any "real" money until 2027 and only after the new CBA is ratified.

2026 is for C. Bloom to accumulate as many prospects as he can dealing veterans (NADO, Gray and possibly WillyC) w/BDWJr being willing to eat some of their contract for a better return and possibly also dealing Donovan and/or Noot too.

He'll also be weeding out the deadweight, re-shaping the dreadfully constructed roster Mo left him and integrating his philosophy into the entire system.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the deals he makes, especially if he deals Willy and/or Donny, brings back a (young) major league ready player or two who can help the 2026 team and beyond.

Should be a fun winter, I can't wait for the WS to be over to see what Bloom has up his sleeves!

Same here , my question is 'will Bloom be wearing long sleeves vs. short sleeves ? you can pull off many more tricks with the long sleeves

[dugoutrex]

The first big cash move to be made isn't to bring someone in- it will be to send some people out- not just to clear the contract, or to create roster spots, but to bring back better players in return. Speaking only for myself, if I see this happen it will do much to alleviate my concerns about whether they will spend in the future. It will represent to me an investment in the future product.

Bingo!

I don't see BDWJr spending any "real" money until 2027 and only after the new CBA is ratified.

2026 is for C. Bloom to accumulate as many prospects as he can dealing veterans (NADO, Gray and possibly WillyC) w/BDWJr being willing to eat some of their contract for a better return and possibly also dealing Donovan and/or Noot too.

He'll also be weeding out the deadweight, re-shaping the dreadfully constructed roster Mo left him and integrating his philosophy into the entire system.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the deals he makes, especially if he deals Willy and/or Donny, brings back a (young) major league ready player or two who can help the 2026 team and beyond.

Should be a fun winter, I can't wait for the WS to be over to see what Bloom has up his sleeves!

Same here , my question is 'will Bloom be wearing long sleeves vs. short sleeves ? you can pull off many more tricks with the long sleeves

Bloom is a sweater man, khakis and loafers

[rockondlouie]

The first big cash move to be made isn't to bring someone in- it will be to send some people out- not just to clear the contract, or to create roster spots, but to bring back better players in return. Speaking only for myself, if I see this happen it will do much to alleviate my concerns about whether they will spend in the future. It will represent to me an investment in the future product.

Bingo!

I don't see BDWJr spending any "real" money until 2027 and only after the new CBA is ratified.

2026 is for C. Bloom to accumulate as many prospects as he can dealing veterans (NADO, Gray and possibly WillyC) w/BDWJr being willing to eat some of their contract for a better return and possibly also dealing Donovan and/or Noot too.

He'll also be weeding out the deadweight, re-shaping the dreadfully constructed roster Mo left him and integrating his philosophy into the entire system.

I wouldn't be surprised if some of the deals he makes, especially if he deals Willy and/or Donny, brings back a (young) major league ready player or two who can help the 2026 team and beyond.

Should be a fun winter, I can't wait for the WS to be over to see what Bloom has up his sleeves!

Same here , my question is 'will Bloom be wearing long sleeves vs. short sleeves ? you can pull off many more tricks with the long sleeves

He's definitely a "long sleeve" guy rfd!

His list of "tricks" is impressive:

-Traded Aldo Ramirez for Kyle Schwarber

-Traded Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree to Philadelphia for Connor Seabold and Nick Pivetta

-Traded Christian Vazquez to the Houston Astros for Wilyer Abreu and Enmanuel Valdez

And after he left the Sox used three of his draft picks to land G. Crochet!

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

You realize Blooms goal isn’t the 2026 post season, right?

Just the same. He needs to put a very competitive product on the field in '26. Ex. ticket sales.

No he doesn't. Something similar to '24-25 should be expected.

It’s like the fans didnt watch the 9/30 press conference? It was clear as day their direction. Compete now but long term roadmap first and foremost.

[KeeptheRamsinSTL]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

I predict that by August the starting pitchers will be McGreevy, Liberatore, Leahy, Doyle and Mathews. Bloom will please the boss by going young and cheap.

[Shady]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

I predict that by August the starting pitchers will be McGreevy, Liberatore, Leahy, Doyle and Mathews. Bloom will please the boss by going young and cheap.

Now that would be an interesting starting rotation for '26.

[craviduce]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

I predict that by August the starting pitchers will be McGreevy, Liberatore, Leahy, Doyle and Mathews. Bloom will please the boss by going young and cheap.

Now that would be an interesting starting rotation for '26.

"LOL"

seriously, though...you're this easy to please???? But come next week/later this week it'll be more of "Trade Walker for the Pirates #2 pitcher". And "Stubby Clapp should be the Manager or "whatever Broadcaster said 'Burley was good' the most should be manager"

And "that rotation" won't compete well next year....it's not supposed to. Listen to ARCY words in his post above...."you don't listen nor read information that comes out"....we're not looking to compete.


"LOL"

"Peas and Carrots"

[Shady]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

I predict that by August the starting pitchers will be McGreevy, Liberatore, Leahy, Doyle and Mathews. Bloom will please the boss by going young and cheap.

Now that would be an interesting starting rotation for '26.

"LOL"

seriously, though...you're this easy to please???? But come next week/later this week it'll be more of "Trade Walker for the Pirates #2 pitcher". And "Stubby Clapp should be the Manager or "whatever Broadcaster said 'Burley was good' the most should be manager"

And "that rotation" won't compete well next year....it's not supposed to. Listen to ARCY words in his post above...."you don't listen nor read information that comes out"....we're not looking to compete.


"LOL"

"Peas and Carrots"

It seems the great craviduce's primary off season function is to constantly berate ole' Shady. Strange behavior for such an esteemed poster.

[ecleme22]

In regards to putting together the kind of starting pitching staff needed to compete for post season play. Especially, if Gray is traded.

You realize Blooms goal isn’t the 2026 post season, right?

Just the same. He needs to put a very competitive product on the field in '26. Ex. ticket sales.

No he doesn't. Something similar to '24-25 should be expected.

It’s like the fans didnt watch the 9/30 press conference? It was clear as day their direction. Compete now but long term roadmap first and foremost.

It's definitely weird.

Bloom: "We are going to trade some players, probably Gray, and reset/rebuild in 2026."
Some CTers: "Hmmm....I wonder if Bloom will grab two pitchers. Then those pitchers plus Gray can help the Cards maybe make the playoffs!"

Or you have other CTers claiming trading Donovan suddenly means we are the Pirates.

It's either denial or a Damoclean sword.

[JuanAgosto]

The opportunity to rebuild a franchise is probably what enticed Bloom. Hopefully, DeWitt gives him the freedom (in decision making and cash), to build a roster to fit his plan. I suspect Bloom has a vision for the type of offensive and defensive philosophy he wants. And I am confident he will acquire the players that fit those philosophies. Unlike his predecessor whose philosophy was to hope his roster of mostly average players had career years. What a putz.

"Hopefully, DeWitt gives him the freedom (in decision making and cash)". With an emphasis on "cash".

Hopefully Bloom has a good offseason and earns DeWitt's trust to open the wallet. I understand why BDW cut Mo off. I would too after he squandered millions on Cecil, Fowler, Leake, etc. Just think what this would look like if Heyward and Price had taken Mo's offers.