Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, and correct.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

[Jatalk]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

[scoutyjones2]

[hugeCardfan]

Don't always agree with you Melville but I tend to agree here. Lot of "fans" hoisting themselves on their petards here...unnecesarily.... I think our pitching will be more hopeful this year than last despite losing Sonny. The part I like the best is how much we will be able to build on '26 for '27 and beyond.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

[TheFantasyStud]

Meville is correct.

Bloom has never used the term rebuild. It’s always the media that pushes that narrative.

I think he’s trying to clear out the aging high priced contracts to avoid a long term trainwreck. Hopefully to then spend that money more wisely than Mo did.
It needs to be spent on superstars, not Mike Leake and Miles Mikolas, Dexter Fowler types
It also can be spent on short one year contracts with high upside like May.

It wouldn’t take a miracle to have our rotation turn into something special, especially if Matthew’s and Doyle are ready quickly.

I bet we make the playoffs this year. I just wish it was Pujols or Molina managing the team. I’m not a big Oli fan. He could be worse but if Bloom extends him now that will be strike 1 with me. I don’t like how he handled O’Neil and that he’s not a proven winner.

[imetsatchelpaige]

If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

[Ozziesfan41]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

He already is. Bloom already said he plans to compete in 2026 he also said the payroll will be about what it was last season so how much he has to spend is going to be determined by how much payroll he sheds which he is in the process of doing now. Once he dumps arenado he will know how much payroll he has to spend. It’s already being reporting he will be signing another veteran starter and will
Make other moves so they are competitive next season. His whole plan is to compete next season but not at the expense of the future. Bloom already laid out his plan completely but people are freaking out and huffing and puffing and throwing tantrums over the first part of it

[Carp4Cy]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

[Cusecards]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

[BleedingBleu]

If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

[ecleme22]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

1st wrong: I agree
2nd wrong: I agree
3rd wrong: I 1/2 agree. I think Bloom is amassing the most young talent he possibly can given his trade chips
4th wrong: I agree
5th wrong I 1/2 agree. I think CB wants to build a talent pipeline while also adding FA. Ppl who think he’s trying to find five Wainos are wrong. Think Jaime Garcia, Siegrist, Jon Jay, Craig, etc. A SOLID cost controlled supporting cast. Maybe one or two turn into a swan over time…
1st correct: mostly agree. But I am hoping player eval will be a lot more locked in (ie. Gorman and Walker don’t need another year long tryout). Also, if you are implying the team gets back to spending FA money as early as 2027, I agree. Bloom has nearly trimmed all the glaring fat. 2027 will be more agressive, imo.

[imetsatchelpaige]

If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

I have no problem being held accountable.
Others here may wish to try it on-it builds character.
Like whoever made that Arenado prediction.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

No deal is necessary.
Reason one: if something is easy, obvious, and correct then it is easy, obvious, and correct - and therefore cannot possibly be considered otherwise.
For example, it is easy, obvious, and correct that the sun rises in the east - so why would anyone avoid saying so, and why would anyone object to such a characterization?
Reason two: I am only and always about the game and never about self-promotion.
In fact, I am always disappointed when others attempt to make it so.
Now, moving on.
I appreciate your kind and gracious and absolutely correct initial statement above.
This has the potential to be a high-quality thread, as evidenced by the posts so far.
I am hopeful that it remains so.
The amount of agreement so far as to the multiple objections Bloom is working on simultaneously is encouraging - and has honestly surprised me just a bit.

[Jatalk]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Honestly you lost me at Gorman will be far better. But let’s see.