What infield position is more critical to team success.

[sikeston bulldog2]

As to 2nd base vs 3rd base

-2nd base requires great range and above average arm strength.

-3rd base requires a quick first step and cat like reflexes along w/a great arm.

Which position causes a bigger issue if there is a major defensive deficiency.

Hard to say BDog.

If I had to pick, then I'd say 3rd base.

And I know where you're headed w/this (Norman).

Nope. Never crossed my mind. My ntent is to see where to
play JJ, as it would best suit the current team, minus arenado.

JJW is going to be the opening day 2nd baseman BDog.

If NADO is still here, then he's at 3rd base.

If NADO has been dealt, then it's going to be Norman (or Donny if he hasn't been dealt).

Yea. I hear ya. Donovan May/should be serviceable, with his versatile style. I was wanting to know if a lack luster performance at either position negates the other, or if one position is a must man based on that prior mention condition. Thanx for ur time.

[rockondlouie]

As to 2nd base vs 3rd base

-2nd base requires great range and above average arm strength.

-3rd base requires a quick first step and cat like reflexes along w/a great arm.

Which position causes a bigger issue if there is a major defensive deficiency.

Hard to say BDog.

If I had to pick, then I'd say 3rd base.

And I know where you're headed w/this (Norman).

Nope. Never crossed my mind. My ntent is to see where to
play JJ, as it would best suit the current team, minus arenado.

JJW is going to be the opening day 2nd baseman BDog.

If NADO is still here, then he's at 3rd base.

If NADO has been dealt, then it's going to be Norman (or Donny if he hasn't been dealt).

Yea. I hear ya. Donovan May/should be serviceable, with his versatile style. I was wanting to know if a lack luster performance at either position negates the other, or if one position is a must man based on that prior mention condition. Thanx for ur time.

[Jatalk]

3rd base is the tougher position and is more critical to team success. Often harder shots and longer throws.

On the surface I’d agree. But I think of the volume of play a second baseman gets, not including batted balls. Does a slick fielding third baseman, but a weak second counter each out.

Honestly bad defense at either position sticks out like a sore thumb but I’ll go with second. Less hot shots and long throws than third but 2 nd has to go deep in hole and be acrobatic around the bag in double plays. Also traditionally third is more of a hitter than defensive player.

[ClassicO]

Again, Donovan has been a far better defender at 3b (career +6 DRS) than 2b (career -5 DRS), where he's subpar. He's negative in LF as well.

[ecleme22]

As to 2nd base vs 3rd base

-2nd base requires great range and above average arm strength.

-3rd base requires a quick first step and cat like reflexes along w/a great arm.

Which position causes a bigger issue if there is a major defensive deficiency.

Hard to say BDog.

If I had to pick, then I'd say 3rd base.

And I know where you're headed w/this (Norman).

Nope. Never crossed my mind. My ntent is to see where to
play JJ, as it would best suit the current team, minus arenado.

I think Gorman's fingerprints are all over this OP and your 'Are the Cards better with NA at 3rd base" OP. viewtopic.php?t=1517467

You REALLY don't like the prospect of NG at 3B. No problem there.

But maybe write OPs with the assumption that NA and BD are traded. THEN, we can really start discussing other options to play 3B other than Gorman.

The thread is a process a mere thought. Gorman didn’t cross my mind. Or on the other thread. Both are exactly as printed.

No hidden agendas.

As for an OP with both gone, take the lead.

Any serious convo about 3b in 2026 requires removing NA and BD from the equation.

Gorman
Saggese
Prieto
???
Outside help.

Those are your realistic options.

[DwaininAztec]

Between the 2 positions (2B & 3B), 2B requires more skill, while 3B requires better reactions. My senior year in HS, no I was not a star, I was one of 2 2Bers, with no 3Ber. I had a better arm, less range, and an equal glove. I played 3B, the other 2Ber played 2B. It took a couple of weeks of drills to become a decent HS 3B defensively. I always felt there was so much more to learn at 2B because I was involved in almost every play.

The defensive core is C, SS, CF, 2B.

[Chitownredbird]

Gorman at 3B for a season has a shot at all time defensive negative numbers. If by some miracle he hits, he will do less D damage at 2B. If Gorman is out of the picture, JW should be at 2B because that’s his career position.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

[ecleme22]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

JJ is at 2b

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

JJ is at 2b

Do you think an internal fix at third is available. JJ at second. Or, for both a bat and a glove, needs to be a first action of Bloom.

[ecleme22]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

JJ is at 2b

Do you think an internal fix at third is available. JJ at second. Or, for both a bat and a glove, needs to be a first action of Bloom.

Gorman
Saggese
Prieto
(Another internal option?)
Outside help

Those are the choices, more or less. First priority should be trading vets and signing starting pitchers.

3b is a low priority right now.

I’m guessing Gorman will at least start the season at 3b

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

JJ is at 2b

Do you think an internal fix at third is available. JJ at second. Or, for both a bat and a glove, needs to be a first action of Bloom.

Gorman
Saggese
Prieto
(Another internal option?)
Outside help

Those are the choices, more or less. First priority should be trading vets and signing starting pitchers.

3b is a low priority right now.

I’m guessing Gorman will at least start the season at 3b

Several thoughts.

How do you feel about Gorman at third.

I don’t think first priority. I think all that are to be traded as a plan, are a mere priority, as you say.

Starting pitching. I see maybe one.

Do you think Winn JJ Scott form a formidable up the middle defense, able to cover third and catching deficiencies.

[ecleme22]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

JJ is at 2b

Do you think an internal fix at third is available. JJ at second. Or, for both a bat and a glove, needs to be a first action of Bloom.

Gorman
Saggese
Prieto
(Another internal option?)
Outside help

Those are the choices, more or less. First priority should be trading vets and signing starting pitchers.

3b is a low priority right now.

I’m guessing Gorman will at least start the season at 3b

Several thoughts.

How do you feel about Gorman at third.

I don’t think first priority. I think all that are to be traded as a plan, are a mere priority, as you say.

Starting pitching. I see maybe one.

Do you think Winn JJ Scott form a formidable up the middle defense, able to cover third and catching deficiencies.

Gorman at 3rd: Here's the thing. First off, Gorman, after hardly playing 3B the last 3.5 years, has this whole offseason and Spring Training to focus on 3B. Second, coaches who are MUCH smarter than us will be watching him on a daily basis. Do you really think coaches who see strong red flags will allow him to play 3B? Do you think, after the season starts, the Cards will allow Gorman to stink it up day after day at 3B?

There is literally nothing to worry about with Gorman at 3B. Why? Because the org will pull the plug early.

Pitching: I think the team will have at least two new starting pitchers in 2026. One year deals, I think.

Winn/JJ/Scott: Yeah, bro. I'm excited to see it!

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning men. Seems the board has second and third as two different environments each with its own characteristics.

The board thinks if Arenado is gone, and Donovan is here, he goes to third. If he’s gone, then JJ?

JJ is at 2b

Do you think an internal fix at third is available. JJ at second. Or, for both a bat and a glove, needs to be a first action of Bloom.

Gorman
Saggese
Prieto
(Another internal option?)
Outside help

Those are the choices, more or less. First priority should be trading vets and signing starting pitchers.

3b is a low priority right now.

I’m guessing Gorman will at least start the season at 3b

Several thoughts.

How do you feel about Gorman at third.

I don’t think first priority. I think all that are to be traded as a plan, are a mere priority, as you say.

Starting pitching. I see maybe one.

Do you think Winn JJ Scott form a formidable up the middle defense, able to cover third and catching deficiencies.

Gorman at 3rd: Here's the thing. First off, Gorman, after hardly playing 3B the last 3.5 years, has this whole offseason and Spring Training to focus on 3B. Second, coaches who are MUCH smarter than us will be watching him on a daily basis. Do you really think coaches who see strong red flags will allow him to play 3B? Do you think, after the season starts, the Cards will allow Gorman to stink it up day after day at 3B?

There is literally nothing to worry about with Gorman at 3B. Why? Because the org will pull the plug early.

Pitching: I think the team will have at least two new starting pitchers in 2026. One year deals, I think.

Winn/JJ/Scott: Yeah, bro. I'm excited to see it!

Good write. Good fetch on the coaching aspects.

[CCard]

Good morning.

Minus short stop. Minus first. That leaves second or third. Now to JJ and Donovan. Both will play these two positions.

Which position needs the better fielder based on amount of play at the respective position and type of play needed.

That’s it. Put the better fielder in the position of greatest need.

Second base because of the need to turn double plays and the prevalence of left handed batters now. Overall, catcher. Calling a game and catching 100 mph fastballs in the dirt are kind of important. If you consider a great pitcher striking out 10 or more batters then it has to be catcher. At least 10 times a fielder doesn't even touch the ball.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning.

Minus short stop. Minus first. That leaves second or third. Now to JJ and Donovan. Both will play these two positions.

Which position needs the better fielder based on amount of play at the respective position and type of play needed.

That’s it. Put the better fielder in the position of greatest need.

Second base because of the need to turn double plays and the prevalence of left handed batters now. Overall, catcher. Calling a game and catching 100 mph fastballs in the dirt are kind of important. If you consider a great pitcher striking out 10 or more batters then it has to be catcher. At least 10 times a fielder doesn't even touch the ball.

I hear ya. Only two players to touch nearly every pitch, pitcher and Catcher.

Catcher is the only player to see the whole field every pitch. Completely different perspective, I’d think.