Why not trade from surplus (catcher)?

[renostl]

According to Katie Woo's reporting the Cardinals are interested in having Herrera catch 60-80 games this season. Her reporting is better than my guessing, so at least until the Cardinals change their mind, I'll assume that is true. That leaves 80-100 games to be caught. Are they really going to tie up roster spots with Pages and Crooks to cover 80-100 games? I can't see it.

If they only have one of Crooks or Pages on the ML roster, what do they do? They aren't sending Pages down. Are they really going to send Crooks to AAA with Pozo and Bernal on the roster? Would they really hold Bernal back to AA to avoid having all 3 catchers at Memphis? None of that makes sense.

If they aren't committed to having Herrera catch 60-80 games it's a different conversation, but if they are, they need to cut bait with either Pages or Crooks, and plan to call up Pozo if someone gets hurt, or Herrera can't cut it.

Contrary to comments on here, both Pages and Crooks have trade value.

I’ve read everyone’s comments and respect most, my take away is there is surplus. Sure perfect case maybe not but relative to some of the other positions or lack there of there is.

You pointed it out, Herrera will catch along with Pages and Pozos.

You mapped out milb. They really should be looking to move surplus for an outfielder, shortstop, etc….

Curious why we need a shortstop…

Also, let’s assume we have a catching surplus. There’s no reason why a trade needs to happen now. Most are still unknowns, and the team isn’t trying an aggressive playoff push this year.

Lastly, in our ‘surplus,’ we shouldn’t count Pages, Pozo or Herrera.

I count Herrera and Pages for this season because they are slated to take up the bulk of the playing time.

1. PAGES: I like him all day long as a 2nd string catcher. But he shouldn't be a reason to remove catching prospects from the org.
2. HERRERA: His defense is still a huge question and could very well be our starting 1B or DH by the end of 2026.

So just because IH is slated to get a ton of PT at catching, that can change quickly (see 2025).

If this 'need' to trade one of our catchers is to boost our outfield for 2026, then that's not adhering to the Bloom timeline.

IF the great Herrera experiment of 2026 does only last a month then
it does allow other options. In the FO they could see Herrera's plan "B" as LFer.
His bat still plays up there.

I'd prefer not having 3 C's on the roster but there's time and nobody asked me.

As to the need factor in the outfield, it doesn't have to be only 2026.
It is such a long-standing issue it influences my thoughts here but man I'd
sure enjoy having one guy out there that I could say "yeah, he's a solid there
for a while". Maybe that is Herrera, but if it is, it becomes difficult seeing
him and Walker both starting there.

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

According to Katie Woo's reporting the Cardinals are interested in having Herrera catch 60-80 games this season. Her reporting is better than my guessing, so at least until the Cardinals change their mind, I'll assume that is true. That leaves 80-100 games to be caught. Are they really going to tie up roster spots with Pages and Crooks to cover 80-100 games? I can't see it.

If they only have one of Crooks or Pages on the ML roster, what do they do? They aren't sending Pages down. Are they really going to send Crooks to AAA with Pozo and Bernal on the roster? Would they really hold Bernal back to AA to avoid having all 3 catchers at Memphis? None of that makes sense.

If they aren't committed to having Herrera catch 60-80 games it's a different conversation, but if they are, they need to cut bait with either Pages or Crooks, and plan to call up Pozo if someone gets hurt, or Herrera can't cut it.

Contrary to comments on here, both Pages and Crooks have trade value.

I’ve read everyone’s comments and respect most, my take away is there is surplus. Sure perfect case maybe not but relative to some of the other positions or lack there of there is.

You pointed it out, Herrera will catch along with Pages and Pozos.

You mapped out milb. They really should be looking to move surplus for an outfielder, shortstop, etc….

Curious why we need a shortstop…

Also, let’s assume we have a catching surplus. There’s no reason why a trade needs to happen now. Most are still unknowns, and the team isn’t trying an aggressive playoff push this year.

Lastly, in our ‘surplus,’ we shouldn’t count Pages, Pozo or Herrera.

With only one real functioning SS I think another would be a smart idea. Quite a few Teams who have really good minors love to go heavy on SS, if you need they can be reappropriated to other positions.

But not only SS, 3rd or outfield would be fine as well assuming the player could play D and hit.

[ecleme22]

According to Katie Woo's reporting the Cardinals are interested in having Herrera catch 60-80 games this season. Her reporting is better than my guessing, so at least until the Cardinals change their mind, I'll assume that is true. That leaves 80-100 games to be caught. Are they really going to tie up roster spots with Pages and Crooks to cover 80-100 games? I can't see it.

If they only have one of Crooks or Pages on the ML roster, what do they do? They aren't sending Pages down. Are they really going to send Crooks to AAA with Pozo and Bernal on the roster? Would they really hold Bernal back to AA to avoid having all 3 catchers at Memphis? None of that makes sense.

If they aren't committed to having Herrera catch 60-80 games it's a different conversation, but if they are, they need to cut bait with either Pages or Crooks, and plan to call up Pozo if someone gets hurt, or Herrera can't cut it.

Contrary to comments on here, both Pages and Crooks have trade value.

I’ve read everyone’s comments and respect most, my take away is there is surplus. Sure perfect case maybe not but relative to some of the other positions or lack there of there is.

You pointed it out, Herrera will catch along with Pages and Pozos.

You mapped out milb. They really should be looking to move surplus for an outfielder, shortstop, etc….

Curious why we need a shortstop…

Also, let’s assume we have a catching surplus. There’s no reason why a trade needs to happen now. Most are still unknowns, and the team isn’t trying an aggressive playoff push this year.

Lastly, in our ‘surplus,’ we shouldn’t count Pages, Pozo or Herrera.

With only one real functioning SS I think another would be a smart idea. Quite a few Teams who have really good minors love to go heavy on SS, if you need they can be reappropriated to other positions.

But not only SS, 3rd or outfield would be fine as well assuming the player could play D and hit.

Makes sense.

I’m still not moving catchers right now, unless Bloom’s ppl have a feeling Crooks isn’t an answer.

[PadsFS07]

With only one real functioning SS I think another would be a smart idea. Quite a few Teams who have really good minors love to go heavy on SS, if you need they can be reappropriated to other positions.

But not only SS, 3rd or outfield would be fine as well assuming the player could play D and hit.

I mean, Wetherholt would be at SS if Winn wasn’t around.

[Alex Reyes Cy Young]

With only one real functioning SS I think another would be a smart idea. Quite a few Teams who have really good minors love to go heavy on SS, if you need they can be reappropriated to other positions.

But not only SS, 3rd or outfield would be fine as well assuming the player could play D and hit.

I mean, Wetherholt would be at SS if Winn wasn’t around.

I guess. I haven’t read anything thing about him sticking to that position. Sounds like it’s always been 3rd or 2nd.

[Cranny]

JJ at 3B and Donovan at 2B makes a lot of sense. Then trade Romero, Arenado, and Nootbaar for a good left fielder.

[Shady]

JJ at 3B and Donovan at 2B makes a lot of sense. Then trade Romero, Arenado, and Nootbaar for a good left fielder.

I like your thinking. Maybe even include either Crooks or Pages.