rbirules wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 09:32 am
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.
Svanson is showing signs of slippage again, last two outings he's been scored on: 2 IP - 2 ER - 3 Hits incld. a HR.
Sure he had a three game stretch prior where he wasn't scored upon but did walk three hitters.
A larger sample size shows in his last 10 appearances: 9.58 ERA/near 2.00 WHiP.
Scored upon in two of his last five appearances.
He's not right, hasn't been since opening day and (IMO) has lost confidence, he needs to go to Memphis.
As for Stanek, we can make the numbers dance but the bottom line is he's s u c k e d since 2024, he's TOAST.
I'm not up on the kids down below so have no suggestions but again, how could they do worse than that threesome and their 8.02 ERA/1.90 WHiP?
rbirules wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 09:32 am
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.
Svanson is showing signs of slippage again, last two outings he's been scored on: 2 IP - 2 ER - 3 Hits incld. a HR.
Sure he had a three game stretch prior where he wasn't scored upon but did walk three hitters.
A larger sample size shows in his last 10 appearances: 9.58 ERA/near 2.00 WHiP.
Scored upon in two of his last five appearances.
He's not right, hasn't been since opening day and (IMO) has lost confidence, he needs to go to Memphis.
As for Stanek, we can make the numbers dance but the bottom line is he's s u c k e d since 2024, he's TOAST.
I'm not up on the kids down below so have no suggestions but again, how could they do worse than that threesome and their 8.02 ERA/1.90 WHiP?
I'm not going to argue about it either way. Overall his stats have been better of late compared to the start of the season. if you want to send him down to work on things, fine, him getting right is best for the team in the long run even if it comes at the expense of here and now.
Again, until we have a solution in mind (probably means adding somebody to the 40 man roster) we're just complaining. Which is fine, it's a message board and there's plenty to complain about with this pitching staff, that lacks talent, but that was to be expected. I'm willing to give it a little more time considering Stanek can at least miss some bats.
Bruihl has pitched 10 games so far this year. 7 of the 10, his ERA for the game was 0.00. The other 3 games he was absolutely crushed, with an 18.0, 27.0, and 18.0 ERA in those 3 games. There is no gray area it seems with this guy. When he is good, he is good. When he isn't, well, I think the above stats show all we need to know. So basically, as of now, Oli has a 70% chance of making a good decision when calling Bruihl's number. Small sample size, but I think his blowups are so bad, that is disguises his good outings somewhat. Just how I see it. That being said, yes, I wish we had someone else as he just never leaves you feeling very comfortable while he is pitching. That being said, what did we expect from a guy with a career ERA pushing 5...
zuck698 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 11:38 am
Bruihl has pitched 10 games so far this year. 7 of the 10, his ERA for the game was 0.00. The other 3 games he was absolutely crushed, with an 18.0, 27.0, and 18.0 ERA in those 3 games. There is no gray area it seems with this guy. When he is good, he is good. When he isn't, well, I think the above stats show all we need to know. So basically, as of now, Oli has a 70% chance of making a good decision when calling Bruihl's number. Small sample size, but I think his blowups are so bad, that is disguises his good outings somewhat. Just how I see it. That being said, yes, I wish we had someone else as he just never leaves you feeling very comfortable while he is pitching. That being said, what did we expect from a guy with a career ERA pushing 5...
His control I think has been the biggest issue?
He might be best used only as a so-called “lefty specialist”???
I’m encouraged by Soriano. Now watch....he’ll implode tonight!
If so....blame that on me! LOL
I still think Svanson needs to be sent down before he becomes un-fixable.
zuck698 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 11:38 am
Bruihl has pitched 10 games so far this year. 7 of the 10, his ERA for the game was 0.00. The other 3 games he was absolutely crushed, with an 18.0, 27.0, and 18.0 ERA in those 3 games. There is no gray area it seems with this guy. When he is good, he is good. When he isn't, well, I think the above stats show all we need to know. So basically, as of now, Oli has a 70% chance of making a good decision when calling Bruihl's number. Small sample size, but I think his blowups are so bad, that is disguises his good outings somewhat. Just how I see it. That being said, yes, I wish we had someone else as he just never leaves you feeling very comfortable while he is pitching. That being said, what did we expect from a guy with a career ERA pushing 5...
His control I think has been the biggest issue?
He might be best used only as a so-called “lefty specialist”???
I’m encouraged by Soriano. Now watch....he’ll implode tonight!
If so....blame that on me! LOL
I still think Svanson needs to be sent down before he becomes un-fixable.
Bruihl seems to be that token lefty in the St. Louis bullpen who really doesn't have much business being there. See also: Choate, Randy. Cecil, Brett. King, John.
I think his best ability is his availability. 'Cuz it sure ain't pitching.
zuck698 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 11:38 am
Bruihl has pitched 10 games so far this year. 7 of the 10, his ERA for the game was 0.00. The other 3 games he was absolutely crushed, with an 18.0, 27.0, and 18.0 ERA in those 3 games. There is no gray area it seems with this guy. When he is good, he is good. When he isn't, well, I think the above stats show all we need to know. So basically, as of now, Oli has a 70% chance of making a good decision when calling Bruihl's number. Small sample size, but I think his blowups are so bad, that is disguises his good outings somewhat. Just how I see it. That being said, yes, I wish we had someone else as he just never leaves you feeling very comfortable while he is pitching. That being said, what did we expect from a guy with a career ERA pushing 5...
His control I think has been the biggest issue?
He might be best used only as a so-called “lefty specialist”???
I’m encouraged by Soriano. Now watch....he’ll implode tonight!
If so....blame that on me! LOL
I still think Svanson needs to be sent down before he becomes un-fixable.
One would think so, but in the the 7 games he had the 0.00 ERA, he has only given up one hit and 2 walks, in 6.2 innings. He is either really great or really terrible. I would take 1 hit and 2 walks, in nearly 7 innings for any reliever, any time. He has given up 6 hits and 3 walks, in 2.2 innings during his bad outings. He is truly an enigma this year.
Last edited by zuck698 on 29 Apr 2026 12:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.
zuck698 wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 11:38 am
Bruihl has pitched 10 games so far this year. 7 of the 10, his ERA for the game was 0.00. The other 3 games he was absolutely crushed, with an 18.0, 27.0, and 18.0 ERA in those 3 games. There is no gray area it seems with this guy. When he is good, he is good. When he isn't, well, I think the above stats show all we need to know. So basically, as of now, Oli has a 70% chance of making a good decision when calling Bruihl's number. Small sample size, but I think his blowups are so bad, that is disguises his good outings somewhat. Just how I see it. That being said, yes, I wish we had someone else as he just never leaves you feeling very comfortable while he is pitching. That being said, what did we expect from a guy with a career ERA pushing 5...
His control I think has been the biggest issue?
He might be best used only as a so-called “lefty specialist”???
I’m encouraged by Soriano. Now watch....he’ll implode tonight!
If so....blame that on me! LOL
I still think Svanson needs to be sent down before he becomes un-fixable.
Bruihl seems to be that token lefty in the St. Louis bullpen who really doesn't have much business being there. See also: Choate, Randy. Cecil, Brett. King, John.
I think his best ability is his availability. 'Cuz it sure ain't pitching.
I hear ya!
Tradionally...with 8 relievers you figure on at least
2 lefties.
Romero is one and that leaves?????
You could almost argue that Bruihl could be replaced by another righty who throws gas. So the left/right is minimized!
If If If:
Stanek & Soriano can consistently throw strikes their stuff is superior to Bruihl.
Add Leahy to the BP?
Can Svanson get fixed in AAA?
Now you add them to O’Brien/Romero/Graceffo
and does that make Bruihl expendable???
Forgot about Fernandez who did look good his last outing but who knows??
I’m not up on the pitchers in AA/AAA as Duce and others are.
Long season of questions I guess???
rbirules wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 09:32 am
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.
Svanson is showing signs of slippage again, last two outings he's been scored on: 2 IP - 2 ER - 3 Hits incld. a HR.
Sure he had a three game stretch prior where he wasn't scored upon but did walk three hitters.
A larger sample size shows in his last 10 appearances: 9.58 ERA/near 2.00 WHiP.
Scored upon in two of his last five appearances.
He's not right, hasn't been since opening day and (IMO) has lost confidence, he needs to go to Memphis.
As for Stanek, we can make the numbers dance but the bottom line is he's s u c k e d since 2024, he's TOAST.
I'm not up on the kids down below so have no suggestions but again, how could they do worse than that threesome and their 8.02 ERA/1.90 WHiP?
I'm not going to argue about it either way. Overall his stats have been better of late compared to the start of the season. if you want to send him down to work on things, fine, him getting right is best for the team in the long run even if it comes at the expense of here and now.
Again, until we have a solution in mind (probably means adding somebody to the 40 man roster) we're just complaining. Which is fine, it's a message board and there's plenty to complain about with this pitching staff, that lacks talent, but that was to be expected. I'm willing to give it a little more time considering Stanek can at least miss some bats.
Honestly sending him down, let's remember he was a rookie in 2025, might let the kid catch his breath away from the big leagues and (again) regain some confidence.
Under no circumstances am I giving up on him, on the contrary, like his 2025 season I think he can be elite in the pen'.
But he hasn't been right since his first appearance of the season and it's really rough for a young player in his Sophomore season to dig himself out of a hole in MLB.
But you could be right and he might be close already to getting it right.
He's the least of my concerns of these three.
Good enough on Stanek, would you DFA him by Memorial Day if he's still not right?
Other than the HR he gave up last night, Svanson has looked good lately. He actually looked great after the HR. Bloom will probably ask Oli to keep trying Stanek for a while to try to get good enough numbers to trade at the deadline. Wrong or right, I think that's the plan. As far as Bruihl goes, I would definitely say he is only here until a better lefty option materializes. However, I think at a certain point, and we may be close, the Cardinals have to just use their best relievers and not worry about another lefty in the pen.
rockondlouie wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 08:23 am
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?
These guys won’t be here next year. They are basically trying out for 2027.
Jatalk wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 15:43 pm
DFA or send them down? Who we bringing up to replace them? Riddle me that.
For briuhl they could bring up zimmerman and put him in the bullpen or hansen they may want to keep hansen as a starter but zimmerman is 3-0 with a 4.20 ERA in major league career as a reliever which while not great is better than briuhl and also has good control which briuhl has horrible control
Jatalk wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 15:43 pm
DFA or send them down? Who we bringing up to replace them? Riddle me that.
For briuhl they could bring up zimmerman and put him in the bullpen or hansen they may want to keep hansen as a starter but zimmerman is 3-0 with a 4.20 ERA in major league career as a reliever which while not great is better than briuhl and also has good control which briuhl has horrible control
Zimmerman maybe. He’s been around a long time.
Hansen I’m assuming they don’t want to burn in the pen.
Jatalk wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 15:43 pm
DFA or send them down? Who we bringing up to replace them? Riddle me that.
For briuhl they could bring up zimmerman and put him in the bullpen or hansen they may want to keep hansen as a starter but zimmerman is 3-0 with a 4.20 ERA in major league career as a reliever which while not great is better than briuhl and also has good control which briuhl has horrible control
Zimmerman maybe. He’s been around a long time.
Hansen I’m assuming they don’t want to burn in the pen.
Agree on Hansen they probably want to keep him as a starter but Zimmerman should be one to consider he could work multiple innings also.
Last edited by Ozziesfan41 on 29 Apr 2026 16:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jatalk wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 15:43 pm
DFA or send them down? Who we bringing up to replace them? Riddle me that.
For briuhl they could bring up zimmerman and put him in the bullpen or hansen they may want to keep hansen as a starter but zimmerman is 3-0 with a 4.20 ERA in major league career as a reliever which while not great is better than briuhl and also has good control which briuhl has horrible control
Zimmerman maybe. He’s been around a long time.
Hansen I’m assuming they don’t want to burn in the pen.
Agree on Hansen the probably want to keep him as a starter but Zimmerman should be one to consider he could work multiple innings also
I know we’re talking July....but veteran relievers are generally available at the deadline.
Hey Oz.....don’t you notice that “certain” posters are NEVER around when the team wins????(You know who I’m talking about LOL)
Another major benefit from winning!
Jatalk wrote: ↑29 Apr 2026 15:43 pm
DFA or send them down? Who we bringing up to replace them? Riddle me that.
For briuhl they could bring up zimmerman and put him in the bullpen or hansen they may want to keep hansen as a starter but zimmerman is 3-0 with a 4.20 ERA in major league career as a reliever which while not great is better than briuhl and also has good control which briuhl has horrible control
Zimmerman maybe. He’s been around a long time.
Hansen I’m assuming they don’t want to burn in the pen.
Agree on Hansen the probably want to keep him as a starter but Zimmerman should be one to consider he could work multiple innings also
I know we’re talking July....but veteran relievers are generally available at the deadline.
Hey Oz.....don’t you notice that “certain” posters are NEVER around when the team wins????(You know who I’m talking about LOL)
Another major benefit from winning!
Yes sir him and some of the other doom and gloomers were loving the 4 game losing streak then disappeared now that they’re back to 3 over and now have to go 46-87 the rest of the season to lose 100 games like they were predicting. I also noticed he’s not talking trash with laughing emojiis about the blooms stupid 12 million dollar may signing like he was and talking about how they should have kept gray instead who is now on the IL I wonder why that is
