redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
I’d say favored in 67, 68, 85,87, 04. Not favored or even- 64, 82, 06, 11, 13.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
I’d say favored in 67, 68, 85,87, 04. Not favored or even- 64, 82, 06, 11, 13.
My take.
I can agree to most with the caveat that once Vince Coleman was hurt with the tarp in 85 they probably weren't favored then. Still, they should have won 85 if not for Don Denkinger and his criminal call at first base. Not sure they were favored in 67 though. That sounds about right to me.They were not favored when they lost to the Phillies in the playoffs a few years ago either.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
I’d say favored in 67, 68, 85,87, 04. Not favored or even- 64, 82, 06, 11, 13.
My take.
I can agree to most with the caveat that once Vince Coleman was hurt with the tarp in 85 they probably weren't favored then. Still, they should have won 85 if not for Don Denkinger and his criminal call at first base. Not sure they were favored in 67 though. That sounds about right to me.They were not favored when they lost to the Phillies in the playoffs a few years ago either.
Even more of a note- they won WS in just one year of my five. Lost four. These were my favorites.1-4.
But won 4 out of five when not favored. By my list.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
I’d say favored in 67, 68, 85,87, 04. Not favored or even- 64, 82, 06, 11, 13.
My take.
I can agree to most with the caveat that once Vince Coleman was hurt with the tarp in 85 they probably weren't favored then. Still, they should have won 85 if not for Don Denkinger and his criminal call at first base. Not sure they were favored in 67 though. That sounds about right to me.They were not favored when they lost to the Phillies in the playoffs a few years ago either.
Even more of a note- they won WS in just one year of my five. Lost four. These were my favorites.1-4.
But won 4 out of five when not favored. By my list.
Yep. How often does the number 1 ranked team actually win the whole thing. It used to be pretty rare in the age of free agency. But the Dodgers are testing that theory now.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
I’d say favored in 67, 68, 85,87, 04. Not favored or even- 64, 82, 06, 11, 13.
My take.
I can agree to most with the caveat that once Vince Coleman was hurt with the tarp in 85 they probably weren't favored then. Still, they should have won 85 if not for Don Denkinger and his criminal call at first base. Not sure they were favored in 67 though. That sounds about right to me.They were not favored when they lost to the Phillies in the playoffs a few years ago either.
Even more of a note- they won WS in just one year of my five. Lost four. These were my favorites.1-4.
But won 4 out of five when not favored. By my list.
Yep. How often does the number 1 ranked team actually win the whole thing. It used to be pretty rare in the age of free agency. But the Dodgers are testing that theory now.
Too much is made of the Dodgers. Look at it this way- they have to play their way to WS like us. We only have to see them once. And they may lose before we get to them in a post season.
What it says about STL, according to my list is, they cover 20 percent of the time.
Don’t know how that correlation is among other teams, but that’s 80 percent for the underdog.
So does that promote the - just get in to post season, then anything can happen theory.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
I’d say favored in 67, 68, 85,87, 04. Not favored or even- 64, 82, 06, 11, 13.
My take.
I can agree to most with the caveat that once Vince Coleman was hurt with the tarp in 85 they probably weren't favored then. Still, they should have won 85 if not for Don Denkinger and his criminal call at first base. Not sure they were favored in 67 though. That sounds about right to me.They were not favored when they lost to the Phillies in the playoffs a few years ago either.
Even more of a note- they won WS in just one year of my five. Lost four. These were my favorites.1-4.
But won 4 out of five when not favored. By my list.
Yep. How often does the number 1 ranked team actually win the whole thing. It used to be pretty rare in the age of free agency. But the Dodgers are testing that theory now.
Too much is made of the Dodgers. Look at it this way- they have to play their way to WS like us. We only have to see them once. And they may lose before we get to them in a post season.
What it says about STL, according to my list is, they cover 20 percent of the time.
Don’t know how that correlation is among other teams, but that’s 80 percent for the underdog.
So does that promote the - just get in to post season, then anything can happen theory.
Yes, I think it does because the alternative is much worse. Even some of the time is better than decades with none of the time.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
People seriously need to stop living in the past. What happened 20-40 years ago has zero bearing on today’s game. The game evolves over time. There was a time the league was segregated. There was eras starters threw 300 innings, there was an Era with no DH. The sport is not the same as it was 20 years ago. There were no teams loading up with all stars all over the field. Trying to sneak in and hope for the best is a recipe to be stuck in mediocrity forever.
Let’s look at how the “let’s just get in and see what happens” has done for the central under current way baseball is going.
You mention the Cubs, they played the Indians in 2016. In those years since the NL Central has zero pennant winners. The AL Central has zero pennant winners.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
People seriously need to stop living in the past. What happened 20-40 years ago has zero bearing on today’s game. The game evolves over time. There was a time the league was segregated. There was eras starters threw 300 innings, there was an Era with no DH. The sport is not the same as it was 20 years ago. There were no teams loading up with all stars all over the field. Trying to sneak in and hope for the best is a recipe to be stuck in mediocrity forever.
Let’s look at how the “let’s just get in and see what happens” has done for the central under current way baseball is going.
You mention the Cubs, they played the Indians in 2016. In those years since the NL Central has zero pennant winners. The AL Central has zero pennant winners.
In 2026, you have to approach every season as if you are going to have to go through at least two of the Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, and Mets - and another team from the AL - to win a WS. That's what you have to plan and develop your roster for.
Getting in with a much inferior roster and hoping for the best isn't much of a plan.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
People seriously need to stop living in the past. What happened 20-40 years ago has zero bearing on today’s game. The game evolves over time. There was a time the league was segregated. There was eras starters threw 300 innings, there was an Era with no DH. The sport is not the same as it was 20 years ago. There were no teams loading up with all stars all over the field. Trying to sneak in and hope for the best is a recipe to be stuck in mediocrity forever.
Let’s look at how the “let’s just get in and see what happens” has done for the central under current way baseball is going.
You mention the Cubs, they played the Indians in 2016. In those years since the NL Central has zero pennant winners. The AL Central has zero pennant winners.
In 2026, you have to approach every season as if you are going to have to go through at least two of the Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, and Mets - and another team from the AL - to win a WS. That's what you have to plan and develop your roster for.
Getting in with a much inferior roster and hoping for the best isn't much of a plan.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
People seriously need to stop living in the past. What happened 20-40 years ago has zero bearing on today’s game. The game evolves over time. There was a time the league was segregated. There was eras starters threw 300 innings, there was an Era with no DH. The sport is not the same as it was 20 years ago. There were no teams loading up with all stars all over the field. Trying to sneak in and hope for the best is a recipe to be stuck in mediocrity forever.
Let’s look at how the “let’s just get in and see what happens” has done for the central under current way baseball is going.
You mention the Cubs, they played the Indians in 2016. In those years since the NL Central has zero pennant winners. The AL Central has zero pennant winners.
What does that tell you about the teams in the Central divisions? Could it be that they don't spend the money to win? Nah, that couldn't be it. As for baseball changing over the years, well, it has changed but the pitching mound is stll 60' 6" from home plate. They still have to hit a round ball with a round bat. 90' between bases. So the game has changed but the basics are still the game. That doesn't change the fact that to win you have to spend money.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
Contending for what? Getting both does not put them close to World Series contenders.
Getting into the playoffs and having a strong 1-2 punch is all that is required. It gives them a chance to do something special. I must remind you that the Cards were not favored in probably the last 6 world series they've been in.
People seriously need to stop living in the past. What happened 20-40 years ago has zero bearing on today’s game. The game evolves over time. There was a time the league was segregated. There was eras starters threw 300 innings, there was an Era with no DH. The sport is not the same as it was 20 years ago. There were no teams loading up with all stars all over the field. Trying to sneak in and hope for the best is a recipe to be stuck in mediocrity forever.
Let’s look at how the “let’s just get in and see what happens” has done for the central under current way baseball is going.
You mention the Cubs, they played the Indians in 2016. In those years since the NL Central has zero pennant winners. The AL Central has zero pennant winners.
What does that tell you about the teams in the Central divisions? Could it be that they don't spend the money to win? Nah, that couldn't be it. As for baseball changing over the years, well, it has changed but the pitching mound is stll 60' 6" from home plate. They still have to hit a round ball with a round bat. 90' between bases. So the game has changed but the basics are still the game. That doesn't change the fact that to win you have to spend money.
I was very vocal that the ownership and Mo needed to do more than one big move an offseason during Goldys and Arenados years here. I did post constantly that ownership needed to make more of a financial commitment. This off season wasn’t the offseason to do it.
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
So you think signing 1pitcher would vault them into contention after the numerous times you have pointed out the entire starting lineup was created to tank?
Reading comprehension. Did I say 1 pitcher?
Nice deflection. OK both picthers. Now where are we at with that starting lineup? The one that you have pointed out numerous times that has been created just a tank and get high lottery picks?
Sure they aren't a powerhouse lineup. But there aren't a lot of runs being scored by anyone in the playoffs, because top tier pitching takes over. Especially in a short series. Look at how much difference that Yoshinobu Yamamoto made for the Dodgers. I doubt they win the World Series without him.
So the Cardinals tanked lineup would do what? Make the playoffs? World Series? I’m not sure what you mean.
Obviously I'm talking of BEFORE they tanked. At least they would have a chance. Without the playoffs, what's the point of even playing the games?
Can you predict all the playoff teams in 2026? What’s the point in playing in the games if you already know the outcome?
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
So you think signing 1pitcher would vault them into contention after the numerous times you have pointed out the entire starting lineup was created to tank?
Reading comprehension. Did I say 1 pitcher?
Nice deflection. OK both picthers. Now where are we at with that starting lineup? The one that you have pointed out numerous times that has been created just a tank and get high lottery picks?
Sure they aren't a powerhouse lineup. But there aren't a lot of runs being scored by anyone in the playoffs, because top tier pitching takes over. Especially in a short series. Look at how much difference that Yoshinobu Yamamoto made for the Dodgers. I doubt they win the World Series without him.
So the Cardinals tanked lineup would do what? Make the playoffs? World Series? I’m not sure what you mean.
Obviously I'm talking of BEFORE they tanked. At least they would have a chance. Without the playoffs, what's the point of even playing the games?
Can you predict all the playoff teams in 2026? What’s the point in playing in the games if you already know the outcome?
I can certainly assure you that the Cards won't be one. Is that good enough for your straw man?
redbirdfan51 wrote: ↑23 Jan 2026 13:33 pm
Valdez and Gallen are still unsigned.With the reduction in payroll, could Bloom make a play for either one? Could be a good strategy if one is signed to a one or two year deal, either could be traded at the deadline with the probability the Cards may well have no chance of making the playoffs. Acquiring pitching is the position that is most desired by contenders going into the stretch of the season. Cards could possibly get a high prospect in return.
The Cards have the payroll room to sign both and it would vault them into contention. Of course that's a dream because DeWitt wants to lose right now.
So you think signing 1pitcher would vault them into contention after the numerous times you have pointed out the entire starting lineup was created to tank?
Reading comprehension. Did I say 1 pitcher?
Nice deflection. OK both picthers. Now where are we at with that starting lineup? The one that you have pointed out numerous times that has been created just a tank and get high lottery picks?
Sure they aren't a powerhouse lineup. But there aren't a lot of runs being scored by anyone in the playoffs, because top tier pitching takes over. Especially in a short series. Look at how much difference that Yoshinobu Yamamoto made for the Dodgers. I doubt they win the World Series without him.
So the Cardinals tanked lineup would do what? Make the playoffs? World Series? I’m not sure what you mean.
Obviously I'm talking of BEFORE they tanked. At least they would have a chance. Without the playoffs, what's the point of even playing the games?
Can you predict all the playoff teams in 2026? What’s the point in playing in the games if you already know the outcome?
I can certainly assure you that the Cards won't be one. Is that good enough for your straw man?
Nope. Not good enough for all. Predict the playoff games and we shall see if the games were worth playing.
