4 top prospects Cardinals are eyeing in a Donovan deal ..2 Mariners & 2 Giants

[Talkin' Baseball]

So far, Dominguez and Lagrange from the Yankees, if truly offered, is the best offer I've seen proposed for Donovan.

I like Lagrange a lot, but Dominguez not so much. Does anyone else here like Dominguez? If so, why?

Given the other hitters mentioned (Kilen, Montez), Dominguez at least shows an ability to hit MLB Pitching w/529 MLB PA before the age of 23. I don’t get the sentiment that Montes can even field a ball, let alone hit MLB Pitching. That said, he is 21.

Gavin Kilen will be 23 in March and… (checks notes)… had a .561 OPS in 43 PA in A-Ball.

Right now, there’s more certainty in the Yankees Package than the others.

Yeah, Kilen is a hard no.

[rockondlouie]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

The Cardinals are sorely lacking someone to provide power. Not just home runs, but doubles as well. Montes has tremendous potential. He could be really, really good. However, don't ignore what you are seeing because you are so hopeful, or needy of something. He was promoted from high A to AA mid-season this year. In his 1/2 season at AA he hit .213 with a .752 OPS and struck out over 31% of the time. This is against AA pitching. AA is known as a hitter's league. He did not succeed there. He is not ready to be promoted. Will he get better? He could, but it's an open question.

Spot on TB.

This kid just turned 21 yrs old.

Under Bloom's now strong player development system he'd get some solid coaching help sanding off the rough edges.

If Woo's reporting is accurate and it usually is, that Bloom is apparently wanting to take a shot finding us a powerhitter, then I'm all in.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

The Cardinals are sorely lacking someone to provide power. Not just home runs, but doubles as well. Montes has tremendous potential. He could be really, really good. However, don't ignore what you are seeing because you are so hopeful, or needy of something. He was promoted from high A to AA mid-season this year. In his 1/2 season at AA he hit .213 with a .752 OPS and struck out over 31% of the time. This is against AA pitching. AA is known as a hitter's league. He did not succeed there. He is not ready to be promoted. Will he get better? He could, but it's an open question.

Spot on TB.

This kid just turned 21 yrs old.

Under Bloom's now strong player development system he'd get some solid coaching help sanding off the rough edges.

If Woo's reporting is accurate and it usually is, that Bloom is apparently wanting to take a shot finding us a powerhitter, then I'm all in.

It could happen. High risk, high reward move. You have one best trade chip to use, if this is how you want to allocate it, more power to you. Ballsy move.

[rockondlouie]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

The Cardinals are sorely lacking someone to provide power. Not just home runs, but doubles as well. Montes has tremendous potential. He could be really, really good. However, don't ignore what you are seeing because you are so hopeful, or needy of something. He was promoted from high A to AA mid-season this year. In his 1/2 season at AA he hit .213 with a .752 OPS and struck out over 31% of the time. This is against AA pitching. AA is known as a hitter's league. He did not succeed there. He is not ready to be promoted. Will he get better? He could, but it's an open question.

Spot on TB.

This kid just turned 21 yrs old.

Under Bloom's now strong player development system he'd get some solid coaching help sanding off the rough edges.

If Woo's reporting is accurate and it usually is, that Bloom is apparently wanting to take a shot finding us a powerhitter, then I'm all in.

It could happen. High risk, high reward move. You have one best trade chip to use, if this is how you want to allocate it, more power to you. Ballsy move.

Bingo

[BleedingBleu]

So far, Dominguez and Lagrange from the Yankees, if truly offered, is the best offer I've seen proposed for Donovan.

I like Lagrange a lot, but Dominguez not so much. Does anyone else here like Dominguez? If so, why?

Given the other hitters mentioned (Kilen, Montez), Dominguez at least shows an ability to hit MLB Pitching w/529 MLB PA before the age of 23. I don’t get the sentiment that Montes can even field a ball, let alone hit MLB Pitching. That said, he is 21.

Gavin Kilen will be 23 in March and… (checks notes)… had a .561 OPS in 43 PA in A-Ball.

Right now, there’s more certainty in the Yankees Package than the others.

Yeah, Kilen is a hard no.

Funny, out of the 6 being mentioned, my hard no was Whisenhunt. Unless there’s some way Bloom & Co can get him over the hump that is AAA, the guy is already older than I’d want for a SP to still be struggling in the Minors.

Gavin Kilen could at least be a potential Donovan, maybe w/better Defense/Athleticism?

Carlos Lagrange Is the most interesting return piece mentioned. However, I didn’t see where that was published given the fact we’re down to just two teams

[Talkin' Baseball]

So far, Dominguez and Lagrange from the Yankees, if truly offered, is the best offer I've seen proposed for Donovan.

I like Lagrange a lot, but Dominguez not so much. Does anyone else here like Dominguez? If so, why?

Given the other hitters mentioned (Kilen, Montez), Dominguez at least shows an ability to hit MLB Pitching w/529 MLB PA before the age of 23. I don’t get the sentiment that Montes can even field a ball, let alone hit MLB Pitching. That said, he is 21.

Gavin Kilen will be 23 in March and… (checks notes)… had a .561 OPS in 43 PA in A-Ball.

Right now, there’s more certainty in the Yankees Package than the others.

Yeah, Kilen is a hard no.

Funny, out of the 6 being mentioned, my hard no was Whisenhunt. Unless there’s some way Bloom & Co can get him over the hump that is AAA, the guy is already older than I’d want for a SP to still be struggling in the Minors.

Gavin Kilen could at least be a potential Donovan, maybe w/better Defense/Athleticism?

Actually, Whisenhunt is a hard no for me as well, but he will at least taste the major leagues. Kilen's bat is so poor at such a low level that I am doubtful that he ever plays in the majors. I can't tell you how much I hate this package for Donovan. I wouldn't accept this package for Nootbaar!

[BleedingBleu]

So far, Dominguez and Lagrange from the Yankees, if truly offered, is the best offer I've seen proposed for Donovan.

I like Lagrange a lot, but Dominguez not so much. Does anyone else here like Dominguez? If so, why?

Given the other hitters mentioned (Kilen, Montez), Dominguez at least shows an ability to hit MLB Pitching w/529 MLB PA before the age of 23. I don’t get the sentiment that Montes can even field a ball, let alone hit MLB Pitching. That said, he is 21.

Gavin Kilen will be 23 in March and… (checks notes)… had a .561 OPS in 43 PA in A-Ball.

Right now, there’s more certainty in the Yankees Package than the others.

Yeah, Kilen is a hard no.

Funny, out of the 6 being mentioned, my hard no was Whisenhunt. Unless there’s some way Bloom & Co can get him over the hump that is AAA, the guy is already older than I’d want for a SP to still be struggling in the Minors.

Gavin Kilen could at least be a potential Donovan, maybe w/better Defense/Athleticism?

Actually, Whisenhunt is a hard no for me as well, but he will at least taste the major leagues. Kilen's bat is so poor at such a low level that I am doubtful that he ever plays in the majors. I can't tell you how much I hate this package for Donovan. I wouldn't accept this package for Nootbaar!

Can you share more about Kilen? His sample-size at A-Ball was putrid, but pretty respectable just a few weeks prior at Tennessee. The year prior, he did very well in the ACC, too. So, he proved his hitting ability within the Top 2 College Conferences.

I’d of felt better if his successes in College carried over to his time in the Cape Cod League. However, he must have really struggled making hard contact w/wood bat.

The walks/strikeouts didn’t appear to dramatically change, but his power and I assume ability to barrel a ball, plummeted.

[Shady]

So far, Dominguez and Lagrange from the Yankees, if truly offered, is the best offer I've seen proposed for Donovan.

I like Lagrange a lot, but Dominguez not so much. Does anyone else here like Dominguez? If so, why?

Considering the current Cardinals rotation. Lagrange might compete, favorably, for a spot in the upcoming spring training.

[Talkin' Baseball]

So far, Dominguez and Lagrange from the Yankees, if truly offered, is the best offer I've seen proposed for Donovan.

I like Lagrange a lot, but Dominguez not so much. Does anyone else here like Dominguez? If so, why?

Given the other hitters mentioned (Kilen, Montez), Dominguez at least shows an ability to hit MLB Pitching w/529 MLB PA before the age of 23. I don’t get the sentiment that Montes can even field a ball, let alone hit MLB Pitching. That said, he is 21.

Gavin Kilen will be 23 in March and… (checks notes)… had a .561 OPS in 43 PA in A-Ball.

Right now, there’s more certainty in the Yankees Package than the others.

Yeah, Kilen is a hard no.

Funny, out of the 6 being mentioned, my hard no was Whisenhunt. Unless there’s some way Bloom & Co can get him over the hump that is AAA, the guy is already older than I’d want for a SP to still be struggling in the Minors.

Gavin Kilen could at least be a potential Donovan, maybe w/better Defense/Athleticism?

Actually, Whisenhunt is a hard no for me as well, but he will at least taste the major leagues. Kilen's bat is so poor at such a low level that I am doubtful that he ever plays in the majors. I can't tell you how much I hate this package for Donovan. I wouldn't accept this package for Nootbaar!

Can you share more about Kilen? His sample-size at A-Ball was putrid, but pretty respectable just a few weeks prior at Tennessee. The year prior, he did very well in the ACC, too. So, he proved his hitting ability within the Top 2 College Conferences.

I’d of felt better if his successes in College carried over to his time in the Cape Cod League. However, he must have really struggled making hard contact w/wood bat.

The walks/strikeouts didn’t appear to dramatically change, but his power and I assume ability to barrel a ball, plummeted.

You're right. His college track record in upper level conferences was much better, and his pro sample size was very small. Perhaps I should take more of a wait and see approach. I am convinced though, that we should be shooting for a couple targets whose projection is more defined for Donovan. Thanks for the check.

[Melville]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

Nothing wrong with doubling your odds.
But plenty wrong if both of the best are long odds.
Montes would be fine as the secondary asset acquired.
But the first asset in a package must have proven MLB ability - such as Miller.

[rockondlouie]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

Nothing wrong with doubling your odds.
But plenty wrong if both of the best are long odds.
Montes would be fine as the secondary asset acquired.
But the first asset in a package must have proven MLB ability - such as Miller.

Honestly none of us knows what the prospect(s) we get for Donny (or anyone else dealt) will do.

Why the bulk of prospects are simply suspects.

Miller (5.69 ERA last season/1.41 WHiP.....A. Pallante level! ) doesn't excite me and doesn't fit the rebuild going into his age 28 season.

I'd go big and offer Donny + JoJo + Mathews or Hence for B. Woo!

[Melville]

Best possible outcome for the Cardinals is for AZ to trade Marte to Seattle or the Giants first.
Be patient and see what blooms.
Once AZ trades Marte, the D'Backs will get serious in their discussions with STL about acquiring Arenado.
Once that is wrapped up, then deal Donovan if Bloom (incorrectly) feels he must.
Bottom line.
Let AZ trade Marte first - and the market value for Donovan will go up.

[Melville]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

Nothing wrong with doubling your odds.
But plenty wrong if both of the best are long odds.
Montes would be fine as the secondary asset acquired.
But the first asset in a package must have proven MLB ability - such as Miller.

Honestly none of us knows what the prospect(s) we get for Donny (or anyone else dealt) will do.

Why the bulk of prospects are simply suspects.

Miller (5.69 ERA last season/1.41 WHiP.....A. Pallante level! ) doesn't excite me and doesn't fit the rebuild going into his age 28 season.

I'd go big and offer Donny + JoJo + Mathews or Hence for B. Woo!

We agree about going big.
Though I disagree with Bloom about trading Donovan now, if he must go that route then Romero, Mathews, Hence, Bernal, Walker (all names I have mentioned for the past few months) should also be mixed-n-matched as needed to produce a package that would return organization transforming talent in return.

[Jobafish]

Cijntje Google only shows him. Is that a witness protection surname or par for the course for a SWITCH PITCHER. His nickname is Loo!

Question about switch pitchers facing switch hitters. Which one has to declare their side first?

That’s actually a neat question. I too am intrigued.

Pitcher has to declare which side he’s throwing from. Then batter can counter.

[Jobafish]

I want this one:

#3 Prospect ... OF Lazaro Montes AA age 21 6-5 210 ETA 2026 ranked 29th in Top 100

Especially if C. Bloom feels his team down below can up his other tools to close to league average.

This team desperately needs a power hitting OF'er, this kid could be it.

The Seattle package is a dreadful idea.
A "could be it" outfielder who is lesser than options STL already has in the system and a pitcher who's only significant upside is a novelty act?
No thanks.

Ha!

NOT even close to being "lesser than options STL already has" which is NOTHING!

Stupid the swap for Montes when they already have Baez knocking on the door.
One is no better or worse a bet than the other - neither are sure things.
Bloom must get someone who has already has a successful MLB look.
Trading Donovan for one or two rolls of the dice would be idiocy that I would expect from Super Slo Mo - not from Bloom.

What's wrong with doubling your odds of finding that desperately needed powerhitting OFer?

And reading up on Montes, I'm definitely interested in a powerhitting OF'er w/30-40 HR power potential who's swing is being compared to
J. Alvarez and he's got a solid batting eye (re: takes walks).

If he develops into that 35-40 HR hitter w/a .350+ OB%, then he's a winner even if he KO's 150 times.

For one who labeled N. Gorman the "unicorn" when he projected to those exact stats, sans the batting eye needed to take walks and get t that .350 OB%, I'm surprised you're taking shots at this kid.

BTW, very few prospects are a "sure thing", most are just a c r a p shoot.

Remember this is B. Donovan we're trading, not a superstar player (RE: J. Soto when traded) who's brings back that "sure thing(s)".

Nothing wrong with doubling your odds.
But plenty wrong if both of the best are long odds.
Montes would be fine as the secondary asset acquired.
But the first asset in a package must have proven MLB ability - such as Miller.

If you could choose one of Alvarez or Donovan to be on the cardinals roster in two years, who would you choose?

[tfriede2]

I’m a hockey guy, so my evaluation of MLB trades may be way off, but trading an all-star in his prime for 2 prospects, neither of which are the other team’s top prospect and neither of which are guaranteed to be MLB players is just wild…you’re trading for a lottery ticket. I won’t be happy if the return is something like this.