Gorman update

[C-Unit]

You know what, it's just spring training. We are reminded every year that ST stats are just that. But it looks pretty good for Gorman right now. Midway through this game I see a slash line of .256 / .370 / .564. 7 walks, 8 strikeouts, 5 extra base hits in 39 plate appearances.

The best way to summarize the importance of "spring stats" might be the statistic of "39 plate appearances." I'm sure Gorman and Walker have each had stretches of 39 MLB plate appearances within their careers that have sparked encouragement. I guess we'd have to look deeper, to see whether this spring success has come against mlb pitchers or pitchers slated to be in the minors.

I guess the door remains open, that Gorman may have an ability to learn, adjust, and overall improve his underlying offensive approach and become a more professional hitter and player. The ability to "slow down," as opposed to the deer in headlights look we've seen in the past from Gorman and in the present from Walker. There are millions of factors. Anyway, it'll be interesting to see how it goes once the season starts.

I started a recent thread posing the idea of what you'd do if Gorman had a hot first half. Would you trade high, keep him around, trade him after the 2026 season, or keep him after that hoping that his improvement was indicative of a player entering their prime (as opposed to a one-off season from an inconsistent, injury prone player (see O'Neill 2021 for example)). In that quandry, any outcome could be argued as the correct choice.

There are a lot of potential 1B/DH types coming up for this roster (Burleson, Herrera, Rainiel Rodriguez if Bernal is the primary C, among others). So it would be an interesting wrinkle if Gorman appeared to be entering a sustainable prime of career. Perhaps a fresh season lends itself to him becoming more comfortable at 3B.

Although, if Gorman showed himself to be a lineup force, I think the correct alignment would be Gorman at 2B and Wetherholt at 3B, as Gorman is best defensively at 2nd.

As currently constituted, I have expressed that I don't think Gorman has proven enough to force Wetherholt off of 2B. The idea to get Wetherholt comfortable at one position is very good. However, you could point to Albert Pujols 2001 to cite an example of a player moving around the diamond during their rookie season. In that thought, it wouldn't be bad at all for Wetherholt to spend time at 2B, SS, 3B, and even outfield (CF?) during his rookie season. It would be under the premise that it's beneficial to both the team and player. It's another quandary that could be argued either way.

[rockondlouie]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

[scoutyjones2]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

[rockondlouie]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

Norman and J. Walker (should be starting at Memphis) are going to get their (final?) shots.

If they flop again, then time to cut the cord and move on.

[Charles King]

Gorman may feel more comfortable. He has a position now. No one to take it from him unless he fails. Before 2nd and 3rd were taken

[C-Unit]

Gorman may feel more comfortable. He has a position now. No one to take it from him unless he fails. Before 2nd and 3rd were taken

Yeah its a good thing for Gorman.

I wonder what the plan is with having both Urias and Fermin. Both seem like good 3B options for any mlb team in a vacuum. But so far it looks like they are liking Fermin as an outfield option, with Urias using his speciality defense around the infield. Based on the way the players have been used it looks like Fermin might be their primary choice for CF if Scott fails. Or some combination of Fermin/Church between CF and a corner spot.

And then there's Saggese. No matter that he can play LF, I can't see a world where Saggese's ideal use case on an mlb roster ever becomes "starting leftfielder." To me, he's one of those utility players who plays a lot of positions but none particularly above average.

So I think they'll be creating lanes for Gorman, Church, Baez to claim starting roles over the next year. Prioritize giving the lanes to fulltime positions in 2026 to the players who have the potential bat to secure a starting spot.

After that, I think the Fermins, Saggeses, Prieto, Torres, Urias, etc group will fight to see who can remain as a valuable utility player by the time Baez, Bernal, RRodriguez all join this roster (Tai Peete also). And that time is 2-3 years away. So for that I think it'll come down to who has the age to last a few more years (Torres already an older player), and who plays good defense at multiple positions (that's why I question Saggese).

For Saggese, he will have to have a mlb job based on his bat, not his glove. I point to Jed Gyorko who also had outstanding minor league hitting numbers, and it translated to good utility player numbers at the MLB. Gyorko became especially valuable to us during a time when we needed a 3B for an extended time and Gyorko stepped in to be a very sound defensive 3B and also could hit a little bit. If Saggese ever did that, we would be lucky IMO.

[greyhawk]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

Is your glass ever half full??? Don't worry be happy!!!

[scoutyjones2]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

Is your glass ever half full??? Don't worry be happy!!!

Reality. You believe his ST stats...you're a fool.

Now tell me about Winn. Using the same criteria?

[greyhawk]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

Is your glass ever half full??? Don't worry be happy!!!

Reality. You believe his ST stats...you're a fool.

Now tell me about Winn. Using the same criteria?

ok you be you --- but your 'Reality Bites''.... just suggesting try and enjoy something positive for a change. I wasn't saying you are wrong i don't think i even insinuated that. go outside and have a cool drink and soak up some vitamin C.

[HorseTrader]

For Gorman, I think, the good part of the st stats is the 7 walk to 8 K ratio. Keeping the walks up and strikeouts down will go a long way to fix Gorman

[AZ_Cardsfan]

How many years of control are left on Gorman? Makes a difference. If he is a FA in 2028 and has a blistering start this year deal him. If control extends beyond then you consider him possibly part of the new core.

[C-Unit]

How many years of control are left on Gorman? Makes a difference. If he is a FA in 2028 and has a blistering start this year deal him. If control extends beyond then you consider him possibly part of the new core.

That is indeed a key element. Looks to me like this is his 1st arb year. So if he has a big season, what does that make his price going into 2027, his 2nd arb year?

You look at Gorman. Despite the potential for power (even if he displays it in 2026), he's always going to be a guy liable to inconsistencies and back problems.

So there's a serious argument to deal him if he has a hot 1st half.

[AZ_Cardsfan]

How many years of control are left on Gorman? Makes a difference. If he is a FA in 2028 and has a blistering start this year deal him. If control extends beyond then you consider him possibly part of the new core.

That is indeed a key element. Looks to me like this is his 1st arb year. So if he has a big season, what does that make his price going into 2027, his 2nd arb year?

You look at Gorman. Despite the potential for power (even if he displays it in 2026), he's always going to be a guy liable to inconsistencies and back problems.

So there's a serious argument to deal him if he has a hot 1st half.

Yes. Depends on return of course. STL needs to be more like MIL in that they are not afraid to deal a guy at his peak and get massive returns. Yes it is risky and some fans will object but it works for them so maybe it can work in STL.

[Bob Kunush]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

Is your glass ever half full??? Don't worry be happy!!!

Reality. You believe his ST stats...you're a fool.

Now tell me about Winn. Using the same criteria?

ok you be you --- but your 'Reality Bites''.... just suggesting try and enjoy something positive for a change. I wasn't saying you are wrong i don't think i even insinuated that. go outside and have a cool drink and soak up some vitamin C.

Some people are their happiest when they are complaining about something. I had an uncle who was always negative. All through 1982 he complained about the Cardinals weak hitting and how they would fall apart blah blah blah...even through the playoffs he complained ablut what they didnt do right andcthen how lucky they were to get to the World Series. Complaints all the way through the world series. Even after they win he just they were lucky and would stink the next year. He was never positive about ANYTHING and after awhile everybody just ignored him. He is not missed.

[HorseTrader]

How many years of control are left on Gorman? Makes a difference. If he is a FA in 2028 and has a blistering start this year deal him. If control extends beyond then you consider him possibly part of the new core.

Freeagent 2029

[imyourhuckleberry]

Gorman will be at 3rd base...........JJW at 2nd base, this (IMO) is the correct setup.

One note from today's KMOX broadcast, R. Horton said he's noticed Gorman is throwing much better this year from 3rd base as well as moving much better laterally.

LoL. Won't last, defensively or offensively

Is your glass ever half full??? Don't worry be happy!!!

Reality. You believe his ST stats...you're a fool.

Now tell me about Winn. Using the same criteria?

ok you be you --- but your 'Reality Bites''.... just suggesting try and enjoy something positive for a change. I wasn't saying you are wrong i don't think i even insinuated that. go outside and have a cool drink and soak up some vitamin C.

Some people are their happiest when they are complaining about something. I had an uncle who was always negative. All through 1982 he complained about the Cardinals weak hitting and how they would fall apart blah blah blah...even through the playoffs he complained ablut what they didnt do right andcthen how lucky they were to get to the World Series. Complaints all the way through the world series. Even after they win he just they were lucky and would stink the next year. He was never positive about ANYTHING and after awhile everybody just ignored him. He is not missed.

Sounds like a fun guy at parties. But, in fairness, they did stink in 1983.