JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Welcome to STLtoday.com's forum for fans of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Moderators: STLtoday Forum Moderators, Cards Talk Moderators

sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Good morning.

This is a JJ to third thread. I’m having a Shady moment.

19. There are nineteen third baseman inducted into to HOF. That’s the fewest number by position. They are rare.

There are more managers and owner/sponsors in than third baseman.

I look at some of our history- Shannon Reitz, Pendleton, Freese Nado Boyer and see steady players. No hall guys. Boyer should be in.

So it seems fielding a third baseman of high caliber is very tough. Almost non existent. Why then would you not try it if you have a chance. We have that chance.


JJ. Once Donovan is traded, we need a good second baseman. Saggese? Gomber? Neither does much to assist a GG caliber infield. So it’s JJ at second. But.

An internal move of this nature is as bold and effective as a savvy trade. Just think of the possibilities- an AS third baseman who hits like George Brett. There hasn’t been a Brett since George. It’s time.

Then we field a second baseman. Bold. This is a greät opportunity to take a huge step forward.

Finally. Yeah! Would you rather have a stud second baseman or third baseman. And. Which one is more valuable to the infield, the pitchers, the team.

It’s early. Coffee is hot, buzz is waning. Still dark. Any ideas here.
Wattage
Forum User
Posts: 1883
Joined: 23 May 2024 12:54 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by Wattage »

sikeston bulldog2 wrote: 24 Nov 2025 05:34 am Good morning.

This is a JJ to third thread. I’m having a Shady moment.

19. There are nineteen third baseman inducted into to HOF. That’s the fewest number by position. They are rare.

There are more managers and owner/sponsors in than third baseman.

I look at some of our history- Shannon Reitz, Pendleton, Freese Nado Boyer and see steady players. No hall guys. Boyer should be in.

So it seems fielding a third baseman of high caliber is very tough. Almost non existent. Why then would you not try it if you have a chance. We have that chance.


JJ. Once Donovan is traded, we need a good second baseman. Saggese? Gomber? Neither does much to assist a GG caliber infield. So it’s JJ at second. But.

An internal move of this nature is as bold and effective as a savvy trade. Just think of the possibilities- an AS third baseman who hits like George Brett. There hasn’t been a Brett since George. It’s time.

Then we field a second baseman. Bold. This is a greät opportunity to take a huge step forward.

Finally. Yeah! Would you rather have a stud second baseman or third baseman. And. Which one is more valuable to the infield, the pitchers, the team.

It’s early. Coffee is hot, buzz is waning. Still dark. Any ideas here.
i think the reason less 3b are in hall is more because people exoect nore offense out of the 3b position than 2b, although recently 3b doesnt actually produce rhat more offense than 2b but people still have that assumption. the 2b also has a greater impact on defense usually being involved ib nore plays.

i dont think jj necessarily fills anything better at 3b. also i think its a little early to be saying jj hits like george brett.

weve hyped up many prospects just to see them fail.
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Wattage wrote: 24 Nov 2025 05:38 am
sikeston bulldog2 wrote: 24 Nov 2025 05:34 am Good morning.

This is a JJ to third thread. I’m having a Shady moment.

19. There are nineteen third baseman inducted into to HOF. That’s the fewest number by position. They are rare.

There are more managers and owner/sponsors in than third baseman.

I look at some of our history- Shannon Reitz, Pendleton, Freese Nado Boyer and see steady players. No hall guys. Boyer should be in.

So it seems fielding a third baseman of high caliber is very tough. Almost non existent. Why then would you not try it if you have a chance. We have that chance.


JJ. Once Donovan is traded, we need a good second baseman. Saggese? Gomber? Neither does much to assist a GG caliber infield. So it’s JJ at second. But.

An internal move of this nature is as bold and effective as a savvy trade. Just think of the possibilities- an AS third baseman who hits like George Brett. There hasn’t been a Brett since George. It’s time.

Then we field a second baseman. Bold. This is a greät opportunity to take a huge step forward.

Finally. Yeah! Would you rather have a stud second baseman or third baseman. And. Which one is more valuable to the infield, the pitchers, the team.

It’s early. Coffee is hot, buzz is waning. Still dark. Any ideas here.
i think the reason less 3b are in hall is more because people exoect nore offense out of the 3b position than 2b, although recently 3b doesnt actually produce rhat more offense than 2b but people still have that assumption. the 2b also has a greater impact on defense usually being involved ib nore plays.

i dont think jj necessarily fills anything better at 3b. also i think its a little early to be saying jj hits like george brett.

weve hyped up many prospects just to see them fail.
Hey man good morning. The hype of JJ is high. The point is, we have a shot at a George Brett type player. Generational. These are the moves, if they work out, change the narrative.

Imagine an infield of Willy, Donovan?? Trade, Winn and JJ. Not only would it be GG caliber, it would maybe be the best hitting infield in baseball. Isn’t that the goal.
edttodd
Forum User
Posts: 1
Joined: 24 Nov 2025 06:02 am

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by edttodd »

Scott Rolen raises his hand
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Wattage wrote: 24 Nov 2025 05:38 am
sikeston bulldog2 wrote: 24 Nov 2025 05:34 am Good morning.

This is a JJ to third thread. I’m having a Shady moment.

19. There are nineteen third baseman inducted into to HOF. That’s the fewest number by position. They are rare.

There are more managers and owner/sponsors in than third baseman.

I look at some of our history- Shannon Reitz, Pendleton, Freese Nado Boyer and see steady players. No hall guys. Boyer should be in.

So it seems fielding a third baseman of high caliber is very tough. Almost non existent. Why then would you not try it if you have a chance. We have that chance.


JJ. Once Donovan is traded, we need a good second baseman. Saggese? Gomber? Neither does much to assist a GG caliber infield. So it’s JJ at second. But.

An internal move of this nature is as bold and effective as a savvy trade. Just think of the possibilities- an AS third baseman who hits like George Brett. There hasn’t been a Brett since George. It’s time.

Then we field a second baseman. Bold. This is a greät opportunity to take a huge step forward.

Finally. Yeah! Would you rather have a stud second baseman or third baseman. And. Which one is more valuable to the infield, the pitchers, the team.

It’s early. Coffee is hot, buzz is waning. Still dark. Any ideas here.
i think the reason less 3b are in hall is more because people exoect nore offense out of the 3b position than 2b, although recently 3b doesnt actually produce rhat more offense than 2b but people still have that assumption. the 2b also has a greater impact on defense usually being involved ib nore plays.

i dont think jj necessarily fills anything better at 3b. also i think its a little early to be saying jj hits like george brett.

weve hyped up many prospects just to see them fail.
Here’s a tidbit. According to JAWS the top ten third baseman, nine played for WS teams, and 6-7? Played for multiple WS teams.

Did the player/position make the team WS worthy, or did the WS team make the player great.
CNYFan
Forum User
Posts: 802
Joined: 24 Oct 2018 16:35 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by CNYFan »

I agree with JJ to third. It has been my stance since early spring. I now think the organization will settle for having JJ at 2B but I was hoping JJ would be the 3B guy.
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

CNYFan wrote: 24 Nov 2025 06:10 am I agree with JJ to third. It has been my stance since early spring. I now think the organization will settle for having JJ at 2B but I was hoping JJ would be the 3B guy.
Based on hype he’s too good for second. As noted, teams rarely have a stud at third. We have that opportunity. A move outside the normal mental thinking that may prove worthy.

If you kept Donovan at second, his bat too is strong foe the position. Plus a GG caliber infield. Pitchers delight.
ScotchMIrish
Forum User
Posts: 1544
Joined: 08 Sep 2024 21:25 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by ScotchMIrish »

Depends on who gets traded but it was odd for us to leave him at SS for the vast majority of 2025 when that is the only position on the infield that isn't potentially open after trades.

Poor planning.
ramfandan
Forum User
Posts: 6224
Joined: 27 May 2024 19:52 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by ramfandan »

When JJ's tools were rated , his ARM received a 50 grade . In scouting terms , 50 is the average of MLB players . 60 would be a Plus arm if a guy has a strong arm. (Of course there are 70 Plus Plus and 80 Elite )

I haven't seen JJ play enough at 3rd to have an opinion yet. Want to see him go to his right on hot shots down the line where a 3rd baseman has to plant and throw while straddling the foul line. He is rated as having good range so that can be an asset for a 3rd baseman .

In my mind due to his size, I envisioned him more as a 2nd baseman. Maybe it's because a lot of the 3rd baseman are much bigger
Schmidt 6-2, 200 , Robinson 6-1, Rolen 6-4 245 , Arenado 6-2 215 , Manny Machado 6-2 218 JJ is 5-10, 190

Maybe he will do fine at 3rd , I just mentally pictured him at 2nd using his athletic ability not only in range but turning double plays at 2nd combining with Masyn Winn as a good combo. Possibly he could be fine at both . Will be watching closely in spring training . Sure appears the Cardinals may want to start him out at 3rd . His hitting will be his calling card in MLB . So if not a premier defensive player, that will not be a big deal .
Last edited by ramfandan on 24 Nov 2025 06:49 am, edited 1 time in total.
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

ramfandan wrote: 24 Nov 2025 06:36 am When JJ's tools were rated , his ARM received a 50 grade . In scouting terms , 50 is the average of MLB players . 60 would be a Plus arm if a guy has a strong arm. (Of course there are 70 Plus Plus and 80 Elite )

I haven't seen JJ play enough at 3rd to have an opinion yet. Want to see him go to his right on hot shots down the line where a 3rd baseman has to plant and throw while straddling the foul line. He is rated as having good range so that can be an asset for a 3rd baseman .

In my mind due to his size, I envisioned him more as a 2nd baseman. Maybe it's because a lot of the 3rd baseman are much bigger
Schmidt 6-2, 200 , Robinson 6-1, Rolen 6-4 245 , Arenado 6-2 215 JJ is 5-10, 190

Maybe he will do fine at 3rd , I just mentally pictured him at 2nd using his athletic ability not only in range but turning double plays at 2nd combining with Masyn Winn as a good combo. Possibly he could be fine at both . Will be watching closely in spring training . Sure appears the Cardinals may want to start him out at 3rd . His hitting will be his calling card in MLB . So if not a premier defensive player, that will not be a big deal .
Good morning. Yes. This is the kinda move, if successful, sets the infield table for years. Again, I think him too special for second. I guess a Tommy Herr like year would be nice- ha.
Absolut
Forum User
Posts: 12845
Joined: 12 Jan 2020 20:06 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by Absolut »

ramfandan wrote: 24 Nov 2025 06:36 am When JJ's tools were rated , his ARM received a 50 grade . In scouting terms , 50 is the average of MLB players . 60 would be a Plus arm if a guy has a strong arm. (Of course there are 70 Plus Plus and 80 Elite )

I haven't seen JJ play enough at 3rd to have an opinion yet. Want to see him go to his right on hot shots down the line where a 3rd baseman has to plant and throw while straddling the foul line. He is rated as having good range so that can be an asset for a 3rd baseman .

In my mind due to his size, I envisioned him more as a 2nd baseman. Maybe it's because a lot of the 3rd baseman are much bigger
Schmidt 6-2, 200 , Robinson 6-1, Rolen 6-4 245 , Arenado 6-2 215 , Manny Machado 6-2 218 JJ is 5-10, 190

Maybe he will do fine at 3rd , I just mentally pictured him at 2nd using his athletic ability not only in range but turning double plays at 2nd combining with Masyn Winn as a good combo. Possibly he could be fine at both . Will be watching closely in spring training . Sure appears the Cardinals may want to start him out at 3rd . His hitting will be his calling card in MLB . So if not a premier defensive player, that will not be a big deal .
That was my thinking. Better fit at second.
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Absolut wrote: 24 Nov 2025 07:19 am
ramfandan wrote: 24 Nov 2025 06:36 am When JJ's tools were rated , his ARM received a 50 grade . In scouting terms , 50 is the average of MLB players . 60 would be a Plus arm if a guy has a strong arm. (Of course there are 70 Plus Plus and 80 Elite )

I haven't seen JJ play enough at 3rd to have an opinion yet. Want to see him go to his right on hot shots down the line where a 3rd baseman has to plant and throw while straddling the foul line. He is rated as having good range so that can be an asset for a 3rd baseman .

In my mind due to his size, I envisioned him more as a 2nd baseman. Maybe it's because a lot of the 3rd baseman are much bigger
Schmidt 6-2, 200 , Robinson 6-1, Rolen 6-4 245 , Arenado 6-2 215 , Manny Machado 6-2 218 JJ is 5-10, 190

Maybe he will do fine at 3rd , I just mentally pictured him at 2nd using his athletic ability not only in range but turning double plays at 2nd combining with Masyn Winn as a good combo. Possibly he could be fine at both . Will be watching closely in spring training . Sure appears the Cardinals may want to start him out at 3rd . His hitting will be his calling card in MLB . So if not a premier defensive player, that will not be a big deal .
That was my thinking. Better fit at second.
Why sure he fits at second. A stud. Better than what normally goes to second. Maybe a chance to solidify a position rare in baseball.

I get JJ to second. No issue. I’m saying we may have a shot to score bigger. Heck if he fails, there’s always second base- ha.
Ronnie Dobbs
Forum User
Posts: 1438
Joined: 23 May 2024 13:17 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by Ronnie Dobbs »

I've read and heard some people who have said that they think 3rd is ultimately where JJ ends up. I've also heard that he has more power potential than some give him credit for. But I've also read that he doesn't have great arm strength and accuracy, which hurts his chances of sticking at SS, and could follow him to third.

Guess we'll find out soon.
sikeston bulldog2
Forum User
Posts: 14205
Joined: 11 Aug 2023 16:20 pm

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by sikeston bulldog2 »

Ronnie Dobbs wrote: 24 Nov 2025 07:33 am I've read and heard some people who have said that they think 3rd is ultimately where JJ ends up. I've also heard that he has more power potential than some give him credit for. But I've also read that he doesn't have great arm strength and accuracy, which hurts his chances of sticking at SS, and could follow him to third.

Guess we'll find out soon.
Hey good write. I was just thinking of his arm strength. I was thinking anything to him or to his left shoulder not be an issue. Back handed down the line more so. But then how many back handed plays per game.
rage-STL
Forum User
Posts: 145
Joined: 04 Jul 2024 09:33 am

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by rage-STL »

What Makes Someone Elite? | JJ Wetherholt | St. Louis Cardinals

He talks a little bit about getting starts at 3B in this video. A lot will depend on who gets traded etc, but I'm just looking forward to watching him play wherever he ends up.
Cranny
Forum User
Posts: 5819
Joined: 24 May 2024 09:26 am

Re: JJ to third. Toughest position to fill.

Post by Cranny »

sikeston bulldog2 wrote: 24 Nov 2025 05:34 am Good morning.

This is a JJ to third thread. I’m having a Shady moment.

19. There are nineteen third baseman inducted into to HOF. That’s the fewest number by position. They are rare.

There are more managers and owner/sponsors in than third baseman.

I look at some of our history- Shannon Reitz, Pendleton, Freese Nado Boyer and see steady players. No hall guys. Boyer should be in.

So it seems fielding a third baseman of high caliber is very tough. Almost non existent. Why then would you not try it if you have a chance. We have that chance.


JJ. Once Donovan is traded, we need a good second baseman. Saggese? Gomber? Neither does much to assist a GG caliber infield. So it’s JJ at second. But.

An internal move of this nature is as bold and effective as a savvy trade. Just think of the possibilities- an AS third baseman who hits like George Brett. There hasn’t been a Brett since George. It’s time.

Then we field a second baseman. Bold. This is a greät opportunity to take a huge step forward.

Finally. Yeah! Would you rather have a stud second baseman or third baseman. And. Which one is more valuable to the infield, the pitchers, the team.

It’s early. Coffee is hot, buzz is waning. Still dark. Any ideas here.
Buzz is waning?
Post Reply