Is this franchise missing a solid leadership C at the MLB level?

[Carp4Cy]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

[mattmitchl44]

I expect that in 2025 there are a lot of ways young pitchers can learn and develop - from coaches, from other pitchers, from catchers, from working in a pitching lab with instructors, heck - from watching YouTube videos of grips and releases that they learn from pitchers they don't even know, etc.

Pitches are going to get called from the dugout, so I don't know how important it is to necessarily have veteran catcher today.

[scoutyjones2]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

He plays 1b. Leaders come from all over the field

I believe the pitching staff had great faith in Pages ability to work in tandem with the different pitchers. Noting their strengths and the team they played, to call a good game. Is that leadership? Nah...

[2ninr]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

He plays 1b. Leaders come from all over the field

I believe the pitching staff had great faith in Pages ability to work in tandem with the different pitchers. Noting their strengths and the team they played, to call a good game. Is that leadership? Nah...

I see Willy more as a cheerleader than a leader. There's a difference. Jmo. But to be an effective cheerleader, you need to be a good player. And Willy is that.

[scoutyjones2]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

He plays 1b. Leaders come from all over the field

I believe the pitching staff had great faith in Pages ability to work in tandem with the different pitchers. Noting their strengths and the team they played, to call a good game. Is that leadership? Nah...

I see Willy more as a cheerleader than a leader. There's a difference. Jmo. But to be an effective cheerleader, you need to be a good player. And Willy is that.

He's easily recognized as the leader of the team. Not a cheerleader, that's Noot

[Ronnie Dobbs]

Crooks, Pages, and Pozo should fit that role fine. Crooks has came up with some of these young pitchers. Pages doesn't have much upside, but he's clearly a guy that the starters have trusted and like working with the past few years. Pozo won the team's Darryl Kile award last year, so he definitely fits that role too.

[Melville]

Pages and Crooks should provide an average to slightly above average catching tandem in 2026.
Bernal is an extremely valuable trade piece, and the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION is for Bloom to trade him this off-season to add talent at areas of greater need.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

[woofy25]

Having veterans on the team because they are veterans hasn't seemed to help this franchise all that much.

[Goldfan]

Yeah it sure would be nice to have a vet WS winning 18mil/yr catcher around

[Carp4Cy]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

He plays 1b. Leaders come from all over the field

I believe the pitching staff had great faith in Pages ability to work in tandem with the different pitchers. Noting their strengths and the team they played, to call a good game. Is that leadership? Nah...

And how’d that work out exactly?

The older pitchers liked Pages but then they didn’t need a mentor. They are all gone now.

The younger pitchers…could possibly develop better and faster with a better mentor at this level. Teams with great pitchers have them- Philly, Milwaukee, LAD. Oli isn’t that mentor. I’m not sold on the pitching coach who absolutely lost the game plan with Fedde and Pallante either. When multiple pitchers go backwards like that from year to year or within a year - your leadership might be missing something.

Carp took a big step forward with Matheny. Molina learned from Matheny. Wainwright grew up with Molina. Lynn and Wacha also developed under Molina.

Just watching Pages defense all year - he’s overrated. Can’t throw out enough runners, allowed more PBs and borderline WPs than I like. Couldn’t hang onto throws on plays at the plate. Far from a GG. I’m not convinced he’s the guy, nor is he the ideal mentor to train the next guy if it’s Crooks or Bernal.

Meanwhile there’s lots of talk of Hererra at C in 2026 since Pages doesn’t hit. Can he call a game? Play defense? These young P need some consistency in their battery. Seems like identifying or bringing in the absolute best catcher you can would be one of the first pieces to fill on a rebuilding team. Having too many starting C options is like having too many QBs. “If you have 3 starting QBs you don’t have any starting QBs”.

[Jatalk]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

I know Gray was complementary of Pages last year. Maybe he was just being kind but I think it speaks to his ability. Right now he is obviously the best to work with young staff.

Should we add to the position with experience? Probably not as money can be spent in other critical needs. But I get your point. It is the most defensive position on the field.

[rockondlouie]

I look for Bloom to bring in a veteran RP or two, maybe a starter on a one year deal and perhaps even a veteran OF'er.

He's stated a couple times he values veteran leadership not only for their on field but off field contributions to young players growth.

[Ronnie Dobbs]

I look for Bloom to bring in a veteran RP or two, maybe a starter on a one year deal and perhaps even a veteran OF'er.

He's stated a couple times he values veteran leadership not only for their on field but off field contributions to young players growth.

Yes, with Gray now traded, I think he has to bring in two starters to fill the rotation. I don't know if the second guy we got from Boston fills that role or not. But it would definitely be a good idea to bring in a reclamation project or two.

[scoutyjones2]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

He plays 1b. Leaders come from all over the field

I believe the pitching staff had great faith in Pages ability to work in tandem with the different pitchers. Noting their strengths and the team they played, to call a good game. Is that leadership? Nah...

And how’d that work out exactly?

The older pitchers liked Pages but then they didn’t need a mentor. They are all gone now.

The younger pitchers…could possibly develop better and faster with a better mentor at this level. Teams with great pitchers have them- Philly, Milwaukee, LAD. Oli isn’t that mentor. I’m not sold on the pitching coach who absolutely lost the game plan with Fedde and Pallante either. When multiple pitchers go backwards like that from year to year or within a year - your leadership might be missing something.

Carp took a big step forward with Matheny. Molina learned from Matheny. Wainwright grew up with Molina. Lynn and Wacha also developed under Molina.

Just watching Pages defense all year - he’s overrated. Can’t throw out enough runners, allowed more PBs and borderline WPs than I like. Couldn’t hang onto throws on plays at the plate. Far from a GG. I’m not convinced he’s the guy, nor is he the ideal mentor to train the next guy if it’s Crooks or Bernal.

Meanwhile there’s lots of talk of Hererra at C in 2026 since Pages doesn’t hit. Can he call a game? Play defense? These young P need some consistency in their battery. Seems like identifying or bringing in the absolute best catcher you can would be one of the first pieces to fill on a rebuilding team. Having too many starting C options is like having too many QBs. “If you have 3 starting QBs you don’t have any starting QBs”.

What do you mean, how'd that work out? The leadership? The catching the pitching?

Lol


The team was garbage...is that because of WillyCon? Pages? Or the talent?

Ridiculous to call WillyCon a cheerleader. Shows you have little recognition of what existed on the team

[Carp4Cy]

Suddenly with the departures of Gray, Mikolas, Helsley, Maton, Fedde etc this pitching staff looks a whole lot younger and less experienced than it did last opening day.

Libby is probably the most experienced of the group but he faded as last season went on, Pallante lost focus. McGreevey got by but did give up a ton of contact and hits. Fitz is very inexperienced and the word immaturity was used in a scouting report.

If we aren’t going to have a veteran in the rotation should we have one behind the plate to help mentor the young pitchers and help them grow? Someone like Matheny or the Molonas in their primes, or a Will Smith or William Contreras, Perez or Realmuto (who is a FA)?

I know we have a lot of C options on paper, but are any the best option to handle a young staff in 2026?

It’s not about whether the catcher makes us better enough to win 90 games - it’s about whether he makes the young pitchers grow into what they can be. I don’t think Pages is that guy at all. Pozo isn’t a full time player.

Is Hererra, Bernal, Crooks the right guy with those leadership qualities? I don’t know. But even if so, if they aren’t ready now (esp Bernal) do we need to pick someone else in the interim so our young staff doesn’t flail thru another year of somewhat lost development at the MLB level?

He plays 1b. Leaders come from all over the field

I believe the pitching staff had great faith in Pages ability to work in tandem with the different pitchers. Noting their strengths and the team they played, to call a good game. Is that leadership? Nah...

And how’d that work out exactly?

The older pitchers liked Pages but then they didn’t need a mentor. They are all gone now.

The younger pitchers…could possibly develop better and faster with a better mentor at this level. Teams with great pitchers have them- Philly, Milwaukee, LAD. Oli isn’t that mentor. I’m not sold on the pitching coach who absolutely lost the game plan with Fedde and Pallante either. When multiple pitchers go backwards like that from year to year or within a year - your leadership might be missing something.

Carp took a big step forward with Matheny. Molina learned from Matheny. Wainwright grew up with Molina. Lynn and Wacha also developed under Molina.

Just watching Pages defense all year - he’s overrated. Can’t throw out enough runners, allowed more PBs and borderline WPs than I like. Couldn’t hang onto throws on plays at the plate. Far from a GG. I’m not convinced he’s the guy, nor is he the ideal mentor to train the next guy if it’s Crooks or Bernal.

Meanwhile there’s lots of talk of Hererra at C in 2026 since Pages doesn’t hit. Can he call a game? Play defense? These young P need some consistency in their battery. Seems like identifying or bringing in the absolute best catcher you can would be one of the first pieces to fill on a rebuilding team. Having too many starting C options is like having too many QBs. “If you have 3 starting QBs you don’t have any starting QBs”.

What do you mean, how'd that work out? The leadership? The catching the pitching?

Lol


The team was garbage...is that because of WillyCon? Pages? Or the talent?

Ridiculous to call WillyCon a cheerleader. Shows you have little recognition of what existed on the team

I never said that. However half the jokers here want to trade off Willson as well.

[Hoosier59]

I would agree that having pitchers work with multiple catchers might not be the best idea. Pitchers, and baseball players in general, tend to be creatures of habit, and like having a set routine. Having to have to work with a different catcher game after game, wouldn’t be ideal, especially with a young pitching staff. The Cardinals need to decide who they see that catcher being and use one or two of the others as trade chips. To me Pages would be an ideal backup guy, and the majority consensus on here, is that Herrera isn’t very good at catcher, so that leaves Crooks or Berna, with Rodriguez further down the road.
This Spring has to be used to really evaluate these guys. Will the WBC effect this too. To me, if Herrera plays for Panama, he will really hurt his chances of being the Cardinals’ starting catcher. He needs to be in camp, working on his game, and establishing a familiarity with the pitching staff. As does any of the other guys. My hope is Crooks comes into Spring and just flat out wins the job!
He’s always been a good run producer with the bat, and, by all reports, a solid defender behind the plate. The Cardinals really need a good RBI guy.