Will be watching Dir. of Pitching Matt Pierpont developing No. 1 pick Liam Doyle

[ramfandan]

New Director of Pitching Matt Pierpont (formerly Seattle Mariners ) had a track record of developing pitchers effectively for Seattle.
Now his No. 1 project with Cardinals is 1st round pick Liam Doyle and Pierpont and his team has been on top of it since the get go .

Pierpont sat down with Doyle immediately after the draft to go thru his plan. Pierpont and his staff are known for developing high-end arm effectively and quickly.
Here are key factors in rapidly developing Doyle :

Established Plan: After the 2025 MLB Draft, Liam Doyle met directly with Pierpont to establish a development plan, indicating a proactive and personalized approach.

Talented Staff: The Cardinals organization, under Chaim Bloom, has specifically hired talented individuals like Pierpont, Rob Cerfolio, and Larry Day to accelerate improvements in their minor league system and develop pitching talent.

Early Success: Doyle made his Double-A debut shortly after being drafted and working with Pierpont's group, suggesting the team believed he was quickly ready for a higher level of competition.

High Upside: Doyle is considered a high-upside prospect, with an elite strikeout rate in college (15.4 K/9). The organization is confident in their ability to harness this talent.

While rapid development is the goal, the actual timeline depends on several factors, including Doyle's ability to refine his secondary pitches (like a changeup) and adapt to professional baseball. However, the Cardinals' new pitching infrastructure is designed to foster quick and effective development.

[rockondlouie]

Could end up being a great hire by C. Bloom, like you I'm excited to see what he can do w/the young pitchers who have been neglected for too long by the former POBO and his incompetent staff.

[Idaho Cards]

Love this thread. Baseball has separated themselves into the haves and the have nots. I love watching how the mid to low market teams level the playing field with R&D (Research and development). The last few years have been frustrating watching the Cardinals take flyers on players, hoping they could find that spark to rejuvenate their careers. A couple worked out - a lot did not. Hence - a smart reorganization that will have its share of birth pains.

On to LIam's development. I'm watching what they do with his delivery tempo - He is a max effort kid that pitches with a lot of emotion. Ok for a college baseball season, but this type of profile can be subject to rollercoaster performances. What changes will they make to make his delivery and mindset MLB ready.

Will Pierpont help him with channeling his emotions appropriately?

HIs strength was the late late late life on the end of his fastball making it ride up in the zone. Then he could work down in the zone with great horizontal numbers. Can we slow down his tempo, just a tad, and still maintain his horizontal and vertical ride, helping him repeat at a more consistent level?

He relies on very ballistic trunk rotation, which causes him to be late with his arm sometimes. I wonder if they will make him more directional to the plate so he doesn't run into timing issues with his release. Can he do that a still keep the horizontal numbers; might actually help in creating more Vert!!!!

An Exciting process to watch, FOR SURE.

[Talkin' Baseball]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

[ramfandan]

Love this thread. Baseball has separated themselves into the haves and the have nots. I love watching how the mid to low market teams level the playing field with R&D (Research and development). The last few years have been frustrating watching the Cardinals take flyers on players, hoping they could find that spark to rejuvenate their careers. A couple worked out - a lot did not. Hence - a smart reorganization that will have its share of birth pains.

On to LIam's development. I'm watching what they do with his delivery tempo - He is a max effort kid that pitches with a lot of emotion. Ok for a college baseball season, but this type of profile can be subject to rollercoaster performances. What changes will they make to make his delivery and mindset MLB ready.

Will Pierpont help him with channeling his emotions appropriately?

HIs strength was the late late late life on the end of his fastball making it ride up in the zone. Then he could work down in the zone with great horizontal numbers. Can we slow down his tempo, just a tad, and still maintain his horizontal and vertical ride, helping him repeat at a more consistent level?

He relies on very ballistic trunk rotation, which causes him to be late with his arm sometimes. I wonder if they will make him more directional to the plate so he doesn't run into timing issues with his release. Can he do that a still keep the horizontal numbers; might actually help in creating more Vert!!!!

An Exciting process to watch, FOR SURE.

great reply on Doyle's mechanics . spot on about his high fastball movement.
With ABS coming into MLB in 2026, I am thinking this could be a major plus for a kid like Doyle . Why ? Well ,it's been my experience that pro umpires don't call a lot of the high strikes . They do seem to call a lot of low balls just below the box srikes but tend to call more of the chest high balls hitting the top of the zone .. balls. I can imagine Doyle having a strike on a batter and then throwing one in upper strike zone area.. umpire calls it a ball and either catcher or Doyle pat their helmet/ hat and ABS shows it's a strike Now when he fires another high heater , the batter is thinking holy (bleep) the last one was a strike ,I better swing at this one or I am a goner. Doyle may get more major leaguers out on the high heater due to ABS.. Just a thought of how ABS may benefit this kid . I can see him hitting the high corners quite a bit with high velo pitches. Major league batters don't often go for the top of the zone pitches . They want the pitches thigh high to waist high mostly . Higher than that they tend to lay off.

[rockondlouie]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

Backed up by what Bernie wrote about Bloom's approach to young pitchers:

Doyle projects as a fast-track talent but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him.

[Banner29]

You can’t help but be impressed with Bloom so far and how he is revamping the farm. And truly realize just how clueless Mo was especially after Lunhow left.

Bloom is cutting no corners making sure scouting drafting and developing is second to none. Everything is highly methodical and well thought out and he’s bringing in intelligent people with sound track records and giving them established roles. How he operates the MLB roster remains to be seen. But a 180-200 million dollar payroll spent wisely mixed with an elite farm system consistently feeding young and cheap talent to the roster is more than capable of beating the Dodgers, which contrary to the childish belief of those stating on here that many of us were demanding we outspend everyone, that’s all most of us were asking. Mo was just doing the exact opposite by spending like an idiot and letting his farm system turn into complete dog chit.

[okcardfan]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

Backed up by what Bernie wrote about Bloom's approach to young pitchers:

Doyle projects as a fast-track talent but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him.

Rock, I usually agree with you (I think), but if Doyle doesn't get hurt or just get shelled in AAA after half a dozen starts, I'd fully expect him to come up to StL.
I could be wrong, but imo some players can and do learn more and faster at the MLB level than in the minors; maybe the pressure and the exposure and the just being at the major league level can help a guy develop much more than in the minors, even with apparent stumbles and setbacks in MLB--or because of them.
I'll be disappointed if Doyle isn't in the Cardinal rotation by July or August.

[rockondlouie]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

Backed up by what Bernie wrote about Bloom's approach to young pitchers:

Doyle projects as a fast-track talent but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him.

Rock, I usually agree with you (I think), but if Doyle doesn't get hurt or just get shelled in AAA after half a dozen starts, I'd fully expect him to come up to StL.
I could be wrong, but imo some players can and do learn more and faster at the MLB level than in the minors; maybe the pressure and the exposure and the just being at the major league level can help a guy develop much more than in the minors, even with apparent stumbles and setbacks in MLB--or because of them.
I'll be disappointed if Doyle isn't in the Cardinal rotation by July or August.

That wasn't my thought oky, it was Bernie's position on how he thinks Bloom will approach Doyle and other young Cardinals starters.

I'm w/you 100% so we still "usually" agree!

rockondlouie wrote: ↑16 Aug 2025 10:05 am

-Doyle should be on the fast track to St. Louis, could even break camp with a great spring.

[ramfandan]

As for seeing Doyle later in 2026 season possibly , I am keeping an open mind. Depending on how he develops and pitches (if he is dominating in AAA thru 2026 , they might take a look at Doyle then .

If he blossoms , there could be that 'it' factor that would warrant a later look-see . By 'it' factor , I mean the factor that Al Hrabosky had as the 'Mad Hungarian ' that was a crowd pleaser. Last year the Brewers had Jacob Misorowski come on to the scene as 'The Mizz' and fans in Milw flocked to see him. Are you old enough to remember Mark 'The Bird' Fydrich ?
So what does Liam Doyle have to offer St. Louis fans to get them excited and flock to Busch Stadium ? Doyle is 'The Madman'

Yes, Tennessee fans absolutely flocked to see Liam Doyle pitch. He became a wildly popular figure and a "legend" in his single season with the Volunteers, widely considered the team's ace and a key attraction for fans.

Fiery and selfless competitiveness: Fans and coaches loved his "all-gas, no-breaks" style, his visible passion on the mound, and his willingness to pitch on short rest for the team's benefit, which stood out in modern college sports.

His intense on-field demeanor and enthusiastic post-strikeout celebrations created several viral moments that further endeared him to the fanbase.
Note: Remember the Cardinal fans reaction to the Mad Hungarian . Mark 'the Bird' Fydrich , this years Brewers fans to Jacob Misiorowsk ' The Mizz' Those pitchers became fan sensations .
Heck, I could see Tenn. fans driving hours to St.Louis brining their 'Madman' signs watching Doyle . This kid is fiery and will create a buzz that Cardinal fans have not seen from a pitcher in quite some time. Like guys like The Mizz , Mark the Bird , and others , he could put butts in the seats and create that buzz. Win or lose fans like to see fiery unique players and Doyle has that in his personality .
Don't discount he could be called up later in 2026 . Win or lose he will create a buzz just like he did in college. Fans come out to see a guy like Doyle. Busch Stadium could use a 'Madman' ! Go Cardinals !

[Talkin' Baseball]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

Backed up by what Bernie wrote about Bloom's approach to young pitchers:

Doyle projects as a fast-track talent but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him.

Rock, I usually agree with you (I think), but if Doyle doesn't get hurt or just get shelled in AAA after half a dozen starts, I'd fully expect him to come up to StL.
I could be wrong, but imo some players can and do learn more and faster at the MLB level than in the minors; maybe the pressure and the exposure and the just being at the major league level can help a guy develop much more than in the minors, even with apparent stumbles and setbacks in MLB--or because of them.
I'll be disappointed if Doyle isn't in the Cardinal rotation by July or August.

That wasn't my thought oky, it was Bernie's position on how he thinks Bloom will approach Doyle and other young Cardinals starters.

I'm w/you 100% so we still "usually" agree!

rockondlouie wrote: ↑16 Aug 2025 10:05 am

-Doyle should be on the fast track to St. Louis, could even break camp with a great spring.

He might be ready to pitch in the bigs by August, but there is no reason to do that. The Cardinals won't be playing for anything and there is no reason to start his clock. Furthermore, if the owners do push for a salary cap, one of the things they will probably have to give up is letting young players get to free agency more quickly- perhaps at 4 or 5 years rather than after 6 as it is currently. This all makes starting their clock more important than ever. Again, there is nothing to be gained by doing that.

[RunSup]

Matt Pierpont was hired in December, 2024 away from the Mariners org.

He's been with the Cardinals for a year. Not a new new hire. So he should be set up to work with Doyle or any pitching prospect.

[ramfandan]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

Backed up by what Bernie wrote about Bloom's approach to young pitchers:

Doyle projects as a fast-track talent but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him.

Rock, I usually agree with you (I think), but if Doyle doesn't get hurt or just get shelled in AAA after half a dozen starts, I'd fully expect him to come up to StL.
I could be wrong, but imo some players can and do learn more and faster at the MLB level than in the minors; maybe the pressure and the exposure and the just being at the major league level can help a guy develop much more than in the minors, even with apparent stumbles and setbacks in MLB--or because of them.
I'll be disappointed if Doyle isn't in the Cardinal rotation by July or August.

That wasn't my thought oky, it was Bernie's position on how he thinks Bloom will approach Doyle and other young Cardinals starters.

I'm w/you 100% so we still "usually" agree!

rockondlouie wrote: ↑16 Aug 2025 10:05 am

-Doyle should be on the fast track to St. Louis, could even break camp with a great spring.

He might be ready to pitch in the bigs by August, but there is no reason to do that. The Cardinals won't be playing for anything and there is no reason to start his clock. Furthermore, if the owners do push for a salary cap, one of the things they will probably have to give up is letting young players get to free agency more quickly- perhaps at 4 or 5 years rather than after 6 as it is currently. This all makes starting their clock more important than ever. Again, there is nothing to be gained by doing that.

Well , I agree about 'starting the clock ' early , in my post above I mentioned Doyle coming up later in the season ( Cardinals did that with Masyn Winn for that final month or so a couple years ago ). He got the at bats without 'starting the clock ' per the rookie rules )

Going that route , there is one thing I can think of that can be gained . Bill DeWitt III could see 'butts in the seats ' which translates to $$$. It's a business ! (Read my post above to see what Doyle did getting fans to flock and see him pitch in college. They wanted to see the Madman on the mound.

[Talkin' Baseball]

His fastball would probably play now. He will need more than that to survive and it seems like a good part of his development could be working on those secondary pitches. I don't expect to see him in St Louis at all next season.

Backed up by what Bernie wrote about Bloom's approach to young pitchers:

Doyle projects as a fast-track talent but the Cardinals don’t want to rush him.

Rock, I usually agree with you (I think), but if Doyle doesn't get hurt or just get shelled in AAA after half a dozen starts, I'd fully expect him to come up to StL.
I could be wrong, but imo some players can and do learn more and faster at the MLB level than in the minors; maybe the pressure and the exposure and the just being at the major league level can help a guy develop much more than in the minors, even with apparent stumbles and setbacks in MLB--or because of them.
I'll be disappointed if Doyle isn't in the Cardinal rotation by July or August.

That wasn't my thought oky, it was Bernie's position on how he thinks Bloom will approach Doyle and other young Cardinals starters.

I'm w/you 100% so we still "usually" agree!

rockondlouie wrote: ↑16 Aug 2025 10:05 am

-Doyle should be on the fast track to St. Louis, could even break camp with a great spring.

He might be ready to pitch in the bigs by August, but there is no reason to do that. The Cardinals won't be playing for anything and there is no reason to start his clock. Furthermore, if the owners do push for a salary cap, one of the things they will probably have to give up is letting young players get to free agency more quickly- perhaps at 4 or 5 years rather than after 6 as it is currently. This all makes starting their clock more important than ever. Again, there is nothing to be gained by doing that.

Well , I agree about 'starting the clock ' early , in my post above I mentioned Doyle coming up later in the season ( Cardinals did that with Masyn Winn for that final month or so a couple years ago ). He got the at bats without 'starting the clock ' per the rookie rules )

Going that route , there is one thing I can think of that can be gained . Bill DeWitt III could see 'butts in the seats ' which translates to $$$. It's a business ! (Read my post above to see what Doyle did getting fans to flock and see him pitch in college. They wanted to see the Madman on the mound.

That sounds like one of the shortcuts Chaim Bloom said they weren't going to take.

[ramfandan]

If you haven't seen Doyle , watch this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuw_mPsZJsc&t=96s

Opposing teams (fans) will hate Doyle and Cardinal fans will love him for his feistiness . Maybe not same comparison but how opposing fanbases were not fond of Yadi at times but Cardinal fans loved him .

Couldn't you see fans at Busch for a Cub game with Doyle pitching holding a sign saying 'Cubs beware ! 'Madman' on the mound tonight !
It could be fun at Busch when he pitches.

[11WSChamps]

No reason to rush him.

Kid has a lot to learn and the team isn't going anywhere next season.

Skipping steps in the process is not a recipe for success.