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

[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.

To recap then, we agree.

You da man.

[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.

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

N/A is a pretty low bar.

People need to stop losing sleep on NA eventually leaving.

Life will go on.

I'm pro Gorman, but no one is going to allow him to commit 60 errors. If he really can't handle 3B, they will take him off of it...

Mehl, I'm sure you agree...ppl need to quit hyperventilating at the thought of NA being gone....

N/A has been gone for a long time.
Only a shadow remains.

[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.

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.

N/A is a pretty low bar.

People need to stop losing sleep on NA eventually leaving.

Life will go on.

I'm pro Gorman, but no one is going to allow him to commit 60 errors. If he really can't handle 3B, they will take him off of it...

Mehl, I'm sure you agree...ppl need to quit hyperventilating at the thought of NA being gone....

N/A has been gone for a long time.
Only a shadow remains.

lol. Well done.

[HOUCARD]

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.

How can our pitching be better without Mikolas??

[Cardinals1964]

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??????

Don’t respond if you don’t like it. Nobody will miss you.
EASY
OBVIOUS
CORRECT

OP, I think you are hopeful. Most fans are in the off season.

[Ike Hammett]

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.

So basically Mr.Mo? Mr.Mo .5 or maybe .7? I'm from Missouri, SHOW ME!!! I'm skeptical because that's not special, the Dodgers can and already do that with more resources and talent. So can a dozen other clubs just talk. The goal is obvious and peeps shouldn't lie, put a team together that can get to the playoffs (on paper or what oddsmakers think) and hope for the best. These entitled haters will only be disappointed! Don't promise or lead people on. In baseball anything can happen. If the best you can get lucky or unlucky a first round beat, should we still believe that model?

[RichieRichSTL]

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.

Mo likes shopping in the half price bin and acting like we signed an impact player. Bloom fortunately doesn't have the bowtie complex of Mo

[AnExParrot]

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.

Except, the sun doesn't rise.

[scoutyjones2]

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.

Mo likes shopping in the half price bin and acting like we signed an impact player. Bloom fortunately doesn't have the bowtie complex of Mo

How so? What has Bloom done to indicate that to you?

[CorneliusWolfe]

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.

HAHAHA! Very true, though I generally agree with the OP. It's just early (i hope!) and the most of the cuts would logically precede the additions for roster clarity.

[Voldemort]

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.

Change your handle to Captain Obvious. Not one thing you suggest here is new. The difference is between Bloom's intent and the reality of the situation.

[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??????

Don’t respond if you don’t like it. Nobody will miss you.
EASY
OBVIOUS
CORRECT

OP, I think you are hopeful. Most fans are in the off season.

Not hopeful.
Just analytical.

[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.

So basically Mr.Mo? Mr.Mo .5 or maybe .7? I'm from Missouri, SHOW ME!!! I'm skeptical because that's not special, the Dodgers can and already do that with more resources and talent. So can a dozen other clubs just talk. The goal is obvious and peeps shouldn't lie, put a team together that can get to the playoffs (on paper or what oddsmakers think) and hope for the best. These entitled haters will only be disappointed! Don't promise or lead people on. In baseball anything can happen. If the best you can get lucky or unlucky a first round beat, should we still believe that model?

Bloom may or may not succeed.
We will determine the level of his baseball acumen in the coming months.
But he is no Sper Slo Mo.
Super Slo Mo was define fear, cation, and timidity.
Bloom is not.

[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.

Change your handle to Captain Obvious. Not one thing you suggest here is new. The difference is between Bloom's intent and the reality of the situation.

Correct analysis is never about being new or novel.
In fact, that would be counterproductive to the purpose.
It is about providing clarity, perspective, education, and the path forward.
Which I am always happy to provide as an act of service here.
As for the "Melville" non de plume, it was selected for a very specific and highly reason.
A reason which is displayed here daily - though rarely recognized.
As for Bloom, the gap - if any - between intent and reality should begin to be revealed by July, I would think.

[dugoutrex]

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

This is a good thread.
Let's keep it there.
No need to remind everyone that weeks in advance I perfectly predicted the exact 96-hour window in which N/A would be traded last off-season - at which point N/A refused to report after initially agreeing to Houston being a team to which he go.
It was an amazingly brilliant and perfect prediction on my part - which for some inexplicable reason appeared to bother some folks.
But that is long in the past, and I do not want this thread to be about me.
Never do.
I am only and always about the game.
And in this instance, that means discussing what Bloom is currently trying to accomplish.

Darn right tou nailed that Arenado prediction....and hopefully you will nail your Gorman prediction considering you've been riding that one for 4 years....

I make no Gorman prediction other than saying he will continue to be what he always has been:
A LH hitting infielder who will hit 25+ HR, drive in 80 or more and score 80 or more per every 600 PA's.
I have been right about that and expect that to continue in 2026.
And Bloom expects the same - unless, of course, Gorman is traded.

so ... unicorns suck (bleep) ?

[rockondlouie]

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.

Mikolas-Fedde-Pallante

Couldn't be any worse than that useless trio huge, I agree w/you 100%!