OMG Projected Opening Day Roster

[Charles King]

I really hope I'm wrong, but this team is scary bad. The outfield is beyond weak and I find it hard to watch Gorman at 3rd defensively knowing he is there for his bat, that doesn't exist! And all I see and read is crazy pressure being put on JJ. Here kid, take Donovan's place!

https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/card ... day-roster

agree but who repaces Nootbaar since he will not be ready opening day

[Strummer Jones]

I'm going to lose my mind if I have to watch Pallante go 0-2 to follow up 4 balls in the dirt all year.

Surprised not see Fitts or Dobbins on here.

I mean, if they can put Nootbaar on the starting line-up given his uncertainties, then they can put Dobbins in the rotation given his. Or Fitts.

[Carp4Cy]

I really hope I'm wrong, but this team is scary bad. The outfield is beyond weak and I find it hard to watch Gorman at 3rd defensively knowing he is there for his bat, that doesn't exist! And all I see and read is crazy pressure being put on JJ. Here kid, take Donovan's place!

https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/news/card ... day-roster

what is career bWAR of the starting lineup compared to every other OD lineup in the 21st century? It's got to be the lowest ever.

[The Nard]

Starters averaging 5 or so innings per start are usually the fault of management on their tablets, than how they are performing

[Strummer Jones]

Also noticed that they don't have Matt Pushard making it. Unless he doesn't show anything this spring, I bet he makes the team.

[Bushiro]

73-89

[JaseMan]

I'm caught between wanting to watch good baseball this year, and them wanting to collect more high draft picks for the future.

[earp]

Looking forward to that #1 pick in the draft!
who might it be?
Have we ever had a #1 pick?
Maybe somebody Cards could build a real MLB team around!

Brady Harris — OF, Florida (HS)
Class of 2027
Position: Outfielder
Bats/Throws: L/L

[StlMike1969]

This writer took the easy way out and just reposted the easy answers. I do not expect some of these guys to be starting OD. As others have stated the opening day roster will look much different than the ending one.

[Pura Vida]

Wow. And some people on here think that they will compete for a playoff spot...

It won’t be hard for them to win about as many games as last season and as far as JJ having pressure to replace
Donovan I will go on record as saying he will definitely be able to replicate Donovan’s 10 HR 50 RBI and 64 runs scored

You're leaving alot out of your stats. #9 in the NL .287/ OBP .353/ SLG .422/ OPS .775
It's a team sport and unless you homer, you can't drive yourself in. And stellar GG defense at multiple positions.

[ScotchMIrish]

Several players will have to show significant improvement. It will likely be a rough year but if owners get a payroll cap and other changes we could get back to being competitive again.

[82birds]

"the outfield is beyond weak"

no kidding !

[AZ_Cardsfan]

Not sure what to say. Yes - it is a rebuild. Yes this season W/L won't be pretty. Yes some players will get really long looks before deciding they are failures.

None of this is secret squirrel type news. They have announced multiple times what the plan is and it is they will suck in 2026. If you are truly a Cards fan you root to see the emergence of a few stars from the wreckage with potential to shake off the rebuild as soon as possible.

I'll renew my subscription to watch the games and probably watch about 140 games again.

[Cusecards]

Not sure what to say. Yes - it is a rebuild. Yes this season W/L won't be pretty. Yes some players will get really long looks before deciding they are failures.

None of this is secret squirrel type news. They have announced multiple times what the plan is and it is they will suck in 2026. If you are truly a Cards fan you root to see the emergence of a few stars from the wreckage with potential to shake off the rebuild as soon as possible.

I'll renew my subscription to watch the games and probably watch about 140 games again.

Agree
I’ll be watching for sure with interest.
Like you said this is a “prove it” season for some plus a potential “breakout” season for others.
Like it or not Walker, Gorman, Noot, etc will be front and center at least through the deadline.
I suspect this team could look very different a year from now?
I’ve tempered my expectations for 2026 as they hopefully lay the groundwork for 2027 and beyond.

[cardstatman]

Also noticed that they don't have Matt Pushard making it. Unless he doesn't show anything this spring, I bet he makes the team.

or Dobbins or Fitts

[Pura Vida]

Not sure what to say. Yes - it is a rebuild. Yes this season W/L won't be pretty. Yes some players will get really long looks before deciding they are failures.

None of this is secret squirrel type news. They have announced multiple times what the plan is and it is they will suck in 2026. If you are truly a Cards fan you root to see the emergence of a few stars from the wreckage with potential to shake off the rebuild as soon as possible.

I'll renew my subscription to watch the games and probably watch about 140 games again.

Your loyalty is duly noted however this so-called rebuild has been happening for two years. Nothing has been built, only dismantled. Trading all key players at the deadline for two years and now dumping at great cost every expensive long term contract. I have no loyalty to management. Please sell the Cards to those who want to win, to respect this great franchise. That is loyalty too!