Bruihl - Svanson - Stanek

[rockondlouie]

These three have accounted for:

42 2/3 IP

38 ER

8.02 ERA (No, that's not a typo)

48 Hits

33 Walks

1.90 WHiP (Again, that's not a typo)

How much longer will C. Bloom allow these three STIFFS to blow games before sending one to AAA (Svanson) or just
DFA (Stanek for sure) one, maybe two?

[Cardinals4Life]

These three have accounted for:

42 2/3 IP

38 ER

8.02 ERA (No, that's not a typo)

48 Hits

33 Walks

1.90 WHiP (Again, that's not a typo)

How much longer will C. Bloom allow these three STIFFS to blow games before sending one to AAA (Svanson) or just
DFA (Stanek for sure) one, maybe two?

Yeah, Bruihl and Stanek are not MLB quality. Cut them loose. Svanson needs to be sent down. He has potential for sure, but he isn't producing right now and is a major liability. Send him down until he figures it back out.

[rbirules]

Stanek's issue is clearly walking too many batters, and on top of that he has a .438 BABIP which isn't likely to be sustainable. His peripherals paint a much better picture, and he's a guy that can strike batters out on a team that desperately needs more of that not less. Unless we have a clearly better option I'm fine keeping him up and letting his BABIP regress to the mean (in a positive manner), and hope he can reduce his walk rate (8 of his 10 walks have come in three games, including opening day).

Svanson is a similar story to Stanek, and is turning a corner over the last week (SSS I know). Seven of his 12 walks came in three games. But like Stanek, he can strike batters out. If we have a better option, great, but I'm not sure we do. Also Svanson is only 27, Stanek is 34 so I'm willing to give him a longer leash.

I don't have anything good to say about Bruihl. He doesn't strike batters out, other than in a small sample size last year. His peripherals are just as bad, if not worse, than his results.

[rockondlouie]

These three have accounted for:

42 2/3 IP

38 ER

8.02 ERA (No, that's not a typo)

48 Hits

33 Walks

1.90 WHiP (Again, that's not a typo)

How much longer will C. Bloom allow these three STIFFS to blow games before sending one to AAA (Svanson) or just
DFA (Stanek for sure) one, maybe two?

Yeah, Bruihl and Stanek are not MLB quality. Cut them loose. Svanson needs to be sent down. He has potential for sure, but he isn't producing right now and is a major liability. Send him down until he figures it back out.

Hey C4L!

Any suggestions on who Bloom could bring up?

[rockondlouie]

Stanek's issue is clearly walking too many batters, and on top of that he has a .438 BABIP which isn't likely to be sustainable. His peripherals paint a much better picture, and he's a guy that can strike batters out on a team that desperately needs more of that not less. Unless we have a clearly better option I'm fine keeping him up and letting his BABIP regress to the mean (in a positive manner), and hope he can reduce his walk rate (8 of his 10 walks have come in three games, including opening day).

Svanson is a similar story to Stanek, and is turning a corner over the last week (SSS I know). Seven of his 12 walks came in three games. But like Stanek, he can strike batters out. If we have a better option, great, but I'm not sure we do. Also Svanson is only 27, Stanek is 34 so I'm willing to give him a longer leash.

I don't have anything good to say about Bruihl. He doesn't strike batters out, other than in a small sample size last year. His peripherals are just as bad, if not worse, than his results.

You can point to that (.438 BABIP) and for sure that's some bad luck rbi's but................

If we look at his 2024 - 2025 stats, he had a 5.09 ERA/1.45 WHiP so perhaps he's just not any good any more?

The one thing he does indeed do is strikeout hitters (when he can throw strikes), something as you said this team desperately needs.

But the bottom line, really the only line that matters is his actual results and since 2024 that 5.34 ERA/1.51 WHiP screams.....DONE!

Svanson just needs some time at Memphis to get back his confidence and iron out his issues, he could easily be back within two weeks.

Bruihl, like you I have nothing to say except DFA.

While the options may be "thin", they can't be any worse than a threesome w/ an 8.02 ERA/1.90 WhiP.

In this season of "give the kids their shot", I'd rather see one's from Memphis & Springfield than I would Stanek & Bruihl.

[pitchingandefense]

Relievers can be so fickle from season to season. It's hard to predict who will be effective.

Bruihl is the easy choice to replace. The stuff and results just aren't major league quality.

Stanek likely gets to stick around for a while in the hope that he finds his form, but he hasn't been very effective for several seasons. He throws hard while walking a lot of hitters, and that trend has continued in 2026.

Svanson should probably get even more of a chance to get things going. The numbers suggest he's had some bad luck with batted balls, and his K rate has remained solid. Over his last 7 appearances going back to 4/14, he has pitched 7 innings with 9 K's and a 3.86 ERA. Hopefully he can keep some momentum going despite the solo homer last night.

Rajcic and Gastelum at AAA are the two I'd like to see in MLB sooner than later. Both are in their age 24 seasons and experiencing success at AAA. Gastelum has always been a reliever who generated high K rates up until this season. Rajcic is the classic minor league starter who has now moved to the bullpen and seen an uptick in velo that is generating success.

[rbirules]

Stanek's issue is clearly walking too many batters, and on top of that he has a .438 BABIP which isn't likely to be sustainable. His peripherals paint a much better picture, and he's a guy that can strike batters out on a team that desperately needs more of that not less. Unless we have a clearly better option I'm fine keeping him up and letting his BABIP regress to the mean (in a positive manner), and hope he can reduce his walk rate (8 of his 10 walks have come in three games, including opening day).

Svanson is a similar story to Stanek, and is turning a corner over the last week (SSS I know). Seven of his 12 walks came in three games. But like Stanek, he can strike batters out. If we have a better option, great, but I'm not sure we do. Also Svanson is only 27, Stanek is 34 so I'm willing to give him a longer leash.

I don't have anything good to say about Bruihl. He doesn't strike batters out, other than in a small sample size last year. His peripherals are just as bad, if not worse, than his results.

You can point to that (.438 BABIP) and for sure that's some bad luck rbi's but................

If we look at his 2024 - 2025 stats, he had a 5.09 ERA/1.45 WHiP so perhaps he's just not any good any more?

The one thing he does indeed do is strikeout hitters (when he can throw strikes), something as you said this team desperately needs.

But the bottom line, really the only line that matters is his actual results and since 2024 that 5.34 ERA/1.51 WHiP screams.....DONE!

Svanson just needs some time at Memphis to get back his confidence and iron out his issues, he could easily be back within two weeks.

Bruihl, like you I have nothing to say except DFA.

While the options may be "thin", they can't be any worse than a threesome w/ an 8.02 ERA/1.90 WhiP.

In this season of "give the kids their shot", I'd rather see one's from Memphis & Springfield than I would Stanek & Bruihl.

Stanek's last few seasons were weird, especially his time in New York (traded there in 2024). His LOB% is really what's driving his high ERA (61.8% in 2024 after trade, and 62.7% with Mets in 2025, career 74.2%). Is it bad luck? Is it relievers that followed him didn't strand runners and his ERA went up after he left the game? Not sure but his peripherals are consistently in the mid 4s. Is that a great pitcher? Absolutely not, but it suggests he's better than his 7.71 ERA this year or 5.X ERA the last few years, and is hopefully an effective middle reliever once his BABIP regresses. He's had three bad outings this year. Again, if we have a better option (who?) then by all means replace him, but like I said in the thread yesterday, we lack pitching talent that is ready right now.

Svanson has been awesome the last week or so, why does he need to go to AAA to regain confidence when he's doing well of late?

Bruihl needs to go, addition by subtraction. Stanek would be next in line to be replaced, once we have a better option, as he's not in our long term plans.

[smilinjoefission]

Stanek's issue is clearly walking too many batters, and on top of that he has a .438 BABIP which isn't likely to be sustainable. His peripherals paint a much better picture, and he's a guy that can strike batters out on a team that desperately needs more of that not less. Unless we have a clearly better option I'm fine keeping him up and letting his BABIP regress to the mean (in a positive manner), and hope he can reduce his walk rate (8 of his 10 walks have come in three games, including opening day).

Svanson is a similar story to Stanek, and is turning a corner over the last week (SSS I know). Seven of his 12 walks came in three games. But like Stanek, he can strike batters out. If we have a better option, great, but I'm not sure we do. Also Svanson is only 27, Stanek is 34 so I'm willing to give him a longer leash.

I don't have anything good to say about Bruihl. He doesn't strike batters out, other than in a small sample size last year. His peripherals are just as bad, if not worse, than his results.

All three walk too many, and that ain't what you wanna see in a reliever. The difference between someone like O'Brien, who has given up 10 hits in 14.1 IP and someone like Bruihl who has given up 12 hits in 15.1 IP...O'Brien has one BB, Bruihl has 11. Walks will kill your late inning game.

[jcgmoi]

DFA (Stanek for sure)

He's not going anywhere. As already mentioned he can (and has lately) come in and blow batters away. Not many comparable arms in the pen.

It's not like he's been terrible either. Reliever ERA can be distorted by a couple of bad outings. The Nats and Guards knocked him around earlier this month but he's been solid otherwise. I wish he wouldn't walk so many but otoh he's given up only 1 homer all year. I think he's a keeper at least until trade time.

[Charles King]

Stanek's issue is clearly walking too many batters, and on top of that he has a .438 BABIP which isn't likely to be sustainable. His peripherals paint a much better picture, and he's a guy that can strike batters out on a team that desperately needs more of that not less. Unless we have a clearly better option I'm fine keeping him up and letting his BABIP regress to the mean (in a positive manner), and hope he can reduce his walk rate (8 of his 10 walks have come in three games, including opening day).

Svanson is a similar story to Stanek, and is turning a corner over the last week (SSS I know). Seven of his 12 walks came in three games. But like Stanek, he can strike batters out. If we have a better option, great, but I'm not sure we do. Also Svanson is only 27, Stanek is 34 so I'm willing to give him a longer leash.

I don't have anything good to say about Bruihl. He doesn't strike batters out, other than in a small sample size last year. His peripherals are just as bad, if not worse, than his results.

You can point to that (.438 BABIP) and for sure that's some bad luck rbi's but................

If we look at his 2024 - 2025 stats, he had a 5.09 ERA/1.45 WHiP so perhaps he's just not any good any more?

The one thing he does indeed do is strikeout hitters (when he can throw strikes), something as you said this team desperately needs.

But the bottom line, really the only line that matters is his actual results and since 2024 that 5.34 ERA/1.51 WHiP screams.....DONE!

Svanson just needs some time at Memphis to get back his confidence and iron out his issues, he could easily be back within two weeks.

Bruihl, like you I have nothing to say except DFA.

While the options may be "thin", they can't be any worse than a threesome w/ an 8.02 ERA/1.90 WhiP.

In this season of "give the kids their shot", I'd rather see one's from Memphis & Springfield than I would Stanek & Bruihl.

Stanek's last few seasons were weird, especially his time in New York (traded there in 2024). His LOB% is really what's driving his high ERA (61.8% in 2024 after trade, and 62.7% with Mets in 2025, career 74.2%). Is it bad luck? Is it relievers that followed him didn't strand runners and his ERA went up after he left the game? Not sure but his peripherals are consistently in the mid 4s. Is that a great pitcher? Absolutely not, but it suggests he's better than his 7.71 ERA this year or 5.X ERA the last few years, and is hopefully an effective middle reliever once his BABIP regresses. He's had three bad outings this year. Again, if we have a better option (who?) then by all means replace him, but like I said in the thread yesterday, we lack pitching talent that is ready right now.

Svanson has been awesome the last week or so, why does he need to go to AAA to regain confidence when he's doing well of late?

Bruihl needs to go, addition by subtraction. Stanek would be next in line to be replaced, once we have a better option, as he's not in our long term plans.

Bruihl is a lefty. That's probably keeping him up. I heard Chip say that Graceffo was good at getting out lefties. They may use him more at this

[LCA1951]

These three have accounted for:

42 2/3 IP

38 ER

8.02 ERA (No, that's not a typo)

48 Hits

33 Walks

1.90 WHiP (Again, that's not a typo)

How much longer will C. Bloom allow these three STIFFS to blow games before sending one to AAA (Svanson) or just
DFA (Stanek for sure) one, maybe two?

7-8 run lead is not safe

[rbirules]

Stanek's issue is clearly walking too many batters, and on top of that he has a .438 BABIP which isn't likely to be sustainable. His peripherals paint a much better picture, and he's a guy that can strike batters out on a team that desperately needs more of that not less. Unless we have a clearly better option I'm fine keeping him up and letting his BABIP regress to the mean (in a positive manner), and hope he can reduce his walk rate (8 of his 10 walks have come in three games, including opening day).

Svanson is a similar story to Stanek, and is turning a corner over the last week (SSS I know). Seven of his 12 walks came in three games. But like Stanek, he can strike batters out. If we have a better option, great, but I'm not sure we do. Also Svanson is only 27, Stanek is 34 so I'm willing to give him a longer leash.

I don't have anything good to say about Bruihl. He doesn't strike batters out, other than in a small sample size last year. His peripherals are just as bad, if not worse, than his results.

All three walk too many, and that ain't what you wanna see in a reliever. The difference between someone like O'Brien, who has given up 10 hits in 14.1 IP and someone like Bruihl who has given up 12 hits in 15.1 IP...O'Brien has one BB, Bruihl has 11. Walks will kill your late inning game.

I agree they all have that flaw. Stanek and Svanson can strike out batters to get out of jams, on occasion. Again, if we have better solutions, bring them up, but I don't think we do . . . yet. This is a rebuilding year, the team is incomplete and the bullpen has very few reliable pieces, which is frustrating when it costs you games. We lack pitching talent for now. In a few years when we are competitive none of these players, other than maybe Svanson, will be on this roster. But right now, I think Bruihl is the only "addition by subtraction" candidate where just removing him from the roster makes us better. There's a glimmer of hope for the other two, IMO, in lieu of lack of better options.

[rbirules]

Bruihl needs to go, addition by subtraction. Stanek would be next in line to be replaced, once we have a better option, as he's not in our long term plans.

Bruihl is a lefty. That's probably keeping him up. I heard Chip say that Graceffo was good at getting out lefties. They may use him more at this

I agree, him being a southpaw is likely his saving grace at the moment, he does have decent numbers against LHHs prior to 2024, when he's thrown very few MLB innings. Again, this is what you have to sit through in a rebuild until your farm can start supplying talent.

[jcgmoi]

I'm glad that O'Brien is keeping his walks down but as recently as last year he was giving up 4 per 9. If/when he does start walking a few, I hope no one will suggest he get sent down or released.

[rbirules]

I'm glad that O'Brien is keeping his walks down but as recently as last year he was giving up 4 per 9. If/when he does start walking a few, I hope no one will suggest he get sent down or released.

I mean, if we're being honest about where this club is, and is likely to be, he should probably be traded at the deadline. He'll be 32 next year, relievers are incredibly volatile and this team isn't that close to being a contender yet when hardly any of our pitching talent has reached the majors (other than McGreevy and Graceffo). His value will likely never be higher to the Cardinals than it will be as a trade piece in three months.

[imetsatchelpaige]

I'm glad that O'Brien is keeping his walks down but as recently as last year he was giving up 4 per 9. If/when he does start walking a few, I hope no one will suggest he get sent down or released.

I mean, if we're being honest about where this club is, and is likely to be, he should probably be traded at the deadline. He'll be 32 next year, relievers are incredibly volatile and this team isn't that close to being a contender yet when hardly any of our pitching talent has reached the majors (other than McGreevy and Graceffo). His value will likely never be higher to the Cardinals than it will be as a trade piece in three months.

Agreed. Stick with the plan.