Josh Baez

[Talkin' Baseball]

7HR 20RBI 6 SB .245 .325 .825

Baez
Church
Walker

Get it done

That will happen some day. It will be an exciting outfield.

Tomorrow would be nice. Why are we carrying a MLB OF with a sub .200 BA and OBP not much better?

Obviously I don't know, but I have a theory on this. This front office is in their first season calling the shots and I think you will see 3 things different from them (at least in this stage of building the team):

1) They will put more effort (and time) into helping each player get better.
2) While they may let them play longer than you would like, they will thoroughly answer whatever questions they have and in the end will be quicker to cut bait with a player. There won't be anymore 3 year runway projects and we still don't know the answers about them.
3) A lower incidence of trading or releasing a player and watching them go elsewhere to find success.

VS2 should be in the minors trying to get better.

As good as this team is playing right now there is far too much dead weight particularly on the bench. Scott, urias, Pozo, Fermin really isn’t anything special.

There’s ALOT of guys in Memphis trying to kick down the door to the majors right now and at some point Blooms gotta start thinking about who deserves to be here and who doesn’t.

Look to the trade deadline. It's possible (probable?) that they move Pages, Urias, and Nootbaar. Maybe even Scott? These will be the openings. Until then...

[Cranny]

7HR 20RBI 6 SB .245 .325 .825

Baez
Church
Walker

Get it done

That will happen some day. It will be an exciting outfield.

Tomorrow would be nice. Why are we carrying a MLB OF with a sub .200 BA and OBP not much better?

Obviously I don't know, but I have a theory on this. This front office is in their first season calling the shots and I think you will see 3 things different from them (at least in this stage of building the team):

1) They will put more effort (and time) into helping each player get better.
2) While they may let them play longer than you would like, they will thoroughly answer whatever questions they have and in the end will be quicker to cut bait with a player. There won't be anymore 3 year runway projects and we still don't know the answers about them.
3) A lower incidence of trading or releasing a player and watching them go elsewhere to find success.

VS2 should be in the minors trying to get better.

As good as this team is playing right now there is far too much dead weight particularly on the bench. Scott, urias, Pozo, Fermin really isn’t anything special.

There’s ALOT of guys in Memphis trying to kick down the door to the majors right now and at some point Blooms gotta start thinking about who deserves to be here and who doesn’t.

Sure. Those 4 players isn’t anything special.

[C-Unit]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

[C-Unit]

7HR 20RBI 6 SB .245 .325 .825

Baez
Church
Walker

Get it done

That will happen some day. It will be an exciting outfield.

Tomorrow would be nice. Why are we carrying a MLB OF with a sub .200 BA and OBP not much better?

Baez just got his OPS above .800. He has a 33% K-rate.

Do you remember how Walker did when he had a .700s OPS in AAA and they called him back up anyway? It would probably not clear your sub-.200 BA threshold.

He’s been heating up after slow start to season

What if he’s not ready?

VS2 is not ready and never will be.

You got to make independent decisions. Can find a replacement for VS2 while also letting Baez develop on his time.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

I have no special knowledge, and your guess is as good as mine, but my money is on opening day for Baez.

[CorneliusWolfe]

Baez could use more time in AAA. However, aren't the hitting coaches in StL considered better than those in AAA, and aren't the hitting practice facilities better in StL?

That’s what we keep hearing, along with Oli’s greatest strength being developing young players. Oli’s not going down so bring Baez up to him.

I agree he could benefit from more time in AAA, but if he’s one of the best 4 outfielders in the organization, he deserves to be here. Victor Scott needs more minor league development too but he’s up in the bigs nonetheless.

Torres probably makes the most sense. He has put in his time and his insanely high OBP proves there is nothing left for him to learn in AAA.

Victor Scott is Billy Hamilton 2.0….maybe worse.

You're right in what you say, but they seem to have a different method of operation. The new front office seems to have a more patient approach to promotions. That said, it looks like they are working with the hand they were dealt in not sending down players who were already promoted by the past front office, even if it looks like they were promoted too soon. It's called cleaning up a mess. The two-tiered system will end as they cycle through the players who were already here.

I appreciate their methodical approach, it paid off with Walker for sure, but we’re talking about a physical specimen that was the MLB top prospect.

I get taking it slow with Baez, but Torres has definitely earned a shot. Also would like to see JJ and Herrera with more RBI chances with an OBP machine hitting in the bottom of the lineup. Just don’t see VS being an adequate MLB hitter any time soon. Just because the plan is good, it doesn’t mean an occasional tweak can’t be made when the evidence is overwhelming.

[2ninr]

7HR 20RBI 6 SB .245 .325 .825

Baez
Church
Walker

Get it done

That will happen some day. It will be an exciting outfield.

Tomorrow would be nice. Why are we carrying a MLB OF with a sub .200 BA and OBP not much better?

Obviously I don't know, but I have a theory on this. This front office is in their first season calling the shots and I think you will see 3 things different from them (at least in this stage of building the team):

1) They will put more effort (and time) into helping each player get better.
2) While they may let them play longer than you would like, they will thoroughly answer whatever questions they have and in the end will be quicker to cut bait with a player. There won't be anymore 3 year runway projects and we still don't know the answers about them.
3) A lower incidence of trading or releasing a player and watching them go elsewhere to find success.

VS2 should be in the minors trying to get better.

Yea along with Jordan Walker

Jordan Walker is doing great. What’s your point? If he wasn’t doing great people like you would be screaming for him to be in the Minors.
Walker had been sent down twice before.

You are screaming for Scott to be sent down. Lots of people were screaming for Walker to be sent down. Get it now? Bloom said clearly there was nothing to gain by sending Walker to aaa If he couldn't learn to play in the majors. There is nothing to be gained by sending Scott down. If he can't learn here they likely just move on. Just like they would have had Jordan not started getting it. And " people like me " listen to what the boss is saying. I never once said send Walker down. They aren't playing that Mo game.

[C-Unit]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

I have no special knowledge, and your guess is as good as mine, but my money is on opening day for Baez.

That might as well be a good guess. I wonder about R. Rodriguez. Probably not too far after Baez, if he keeps forcing the issue. Once those two get here, I would say the majority of the "rebuild" is in place as far as position player components. Then you can think about what the missing pieces might be in the free agent market. An outfielder or 3B help. I liked your Varsho thread. 2027 seems like the right time to invest in that type of complimentary piece, not a major piece but something more than what we've seen be brought on recent years. I would like to think about a SP that could be traded for with 2-3 years of control. A veteran #2-3 starter type to anchor the rotation as we wait for Franklin, Cjintje, Doyle to come in. How about Sandy Alcantara..... we have to have enough dry powder for something like that while also supporting our own roster. So that type of trade might come in the later stages of a rebuild.

[Talkin' Baseball]

Baez could use more time in AAA. However, aren't the hitting coaches in StL considered better than those in AAA, and aren't the hitting practice facilities better in StL?

That’s what we keep hearing, along with Oli’s greatest strength being developing young players. Oli’s not going down so bring Baez up to him.

I agree he could benefit from more time in AAA, but if he’s one of the best 4 outfielders in the organization, he deserves to be here. Victor Scott needs more minor league development too but he’s up in the bigs nonetheless.

Torres probably makes the most sense. He has put in his time and his insanely high OBP proves there is nothing left for him to learn in AAA.

Victor Scott is Billy Hamilton 2.0….maybe worse.

You're right in what you say, but they seem to have a different method of operation. The new front office seems to have a more patient approach to promotions. That said, it looks like they are working with the hand they were dealt in not sending down players who were already promoted by the past front office, even if it looks like they were promoted too soon. It's called cleaning up a mess. The two-tiered system will end as they cycle through the players who were already here.

I appreciate their methodical approach, it paid off with Walker for sure, but we’re talking about a physical specimen that was the MLB top prospect.

I get taking it slow with Baez, but Torres has definitely earned a shot. Also would like to see JJ and Herrera with more RBI chances with an OBP machine hitting in the bottom of the lineup. Just don’t see VS being an adequate MLB hitter any time soon. Just because the plan is good, it doesn’t mean an occasional tweak can’t be made when the evidence is overwhelming.

The questions aren't over even after you've made a determination about the player. Then it becomes strictly about asset management. Do we try to rebuild the player? Do we try to trade the player? If so, how do we maximize the return? Do we just let the player go?

[Talkin' Baseball]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

I have no special knowledge, and your guess is as good as mine, but my money is on opening day for Baez.

That might as well be a good guess. I wonder about R. Rodriguez. Probably not too far after Baez, if he keeps forcing the issue. Once those two get here, I would say the majority of the "rebuild" is in place as far as position player components. Then you can think about what the missing pieces might be in the free agent market. An outfielder or 3B help. I liked your Varsho thread. 2027 seems like the right time to invest in that type of complimentary piece, not a major piece but something more than what we've seen be brought on recent years. I would like to think about a SP that could be traded for with 2-3 years of control. A veteran #2-3 starter type to anchor the rotation as we wait for Franklin, Cjintje, Doyle to come in. How about Sandy Alcantara..... we have to have enough dry powder for something like that while also supporting our own roster. So that type of trade might come in the later stages of a rebuild.

They will make sure that Rodriguez doesn't make it onto the 40 man roster this season or offseason. If there is a lockout and games are not played, the minor leagues will play. Anyone on the 40 man will not play- all others will. They will want him to continue to play.

[CorneliusWolfe]

Baez could use more time in AAA. However, aren't the hitting coaches in StL considered better than those in AAA, and aren't the hitting practice facilities better in StL?

That’s what we keep hearing, along with Oli’s greatest strength being developing young players. Oli’s not going down so bring Baez up to him.

I agree he could benefit from more time in AAA, but if he’s one of the best 4 outfielders in the organization, he deserves to be here. Victor Scott needs more minor league development too but he’s up in the bigs nonetheless.

Torres probably makes the most sense. He has put in his time and his insanely high OBP proves there is nothing left for him to learn in AAA.

Victor Scott is Billy Hamilton 2.0….maybe worse.

You're right in what you say, but they seem to have a different method of operation. The new front office seems to have a more patient approach to promotions. That said, it looks like they are working with the hand they were dealt in not sending down players who were already promoted by the past front office, even if it looks like they were promoted too soon. It's called cleaning up a mess. The two-tiered system will end as they cycle through the players who were already here.

I appreciate their methodical approach, it paid off with Walker for sure, but we’re talking about a physical specimen that was the MLB top prospect.

I get taking it slow with Baez, but Torres has definitely earned a shot. Also would like to see JJ and Herrera with more RBI chances with an OBP machine hitting in the bottom of the lineup. Just don’t see VS being an adequate MLB hitter any time soon. Just because the plan is good, it doesn’t mean an occasional tweak can’t be made when the evidence is overwhelming.

The questions aren't over even after you've made a determination about the player. Then it becomes strictly about asset management. Do we try to rebuild the player? Do we try to trade the player? If so, how do we maximize the return? Do we just let the player go?

Not yet. I still have dreams of Victor Scott being Vince Coleman jr. and not counting him out. He’s still young enough to go down for more development. If they could do it with Walker and Gorman, I don’t see why VS would be immune. Unless he’s out of options, which I don’t believe is the case.

[C-Unit]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

I have no special knowledge, and your guess is as good as mine, but my money is on opening day for Baez.

That might as well be a good guess. I wonder about R. Rodriguez. Probably not too far after Baez, if he keeps forcing the issue. Once those two get here, I would say the majority of the "rebuild" is in place as far as position player components. Then you can think about what the missing pieces might be in the free agent market. An outfielder or 3B help. I liked your Varsho thread. 2027 seems like the right time to invest in that type of complimentary piece, not a major piece but something more than what we've seen be brought on recent years. I would like to think about a SP that could be traded for with 2-3 years of control. A veteran #2-3 starter type to anchor the rotation as we wait for Franklin, Cjintje, Doyle to come in. How about Sandy Alcantara..... we have to have enough dry powder for something like that while also supporting our own roster. So that type of trade might come in the later stages of a rebuild.

They will make sure that Rodriguez doesn't make it onto the 40 man roster this season or offseason. If there is a lockout and games are not played, the minor leagues will play. Anyone on the 40 man will not play- all others will. They will want him to continue to play.

Yes, I would not expect Rodriguez to be anywhere near the big leagues this season. Responsibly he is far off, but it's exciting to imagine how he might force the issue in 2027, maybe even early in the season.

[rockondlouie]

Definitely not "getting done" until after Noot's return and subsequent trade.

IF he is called up, then it won't likely be until sometime in August, perhaps not even until September.

Even then it will depend on if C. Bloom and R. Cerfolio feel Baez is ready.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

I have no special knowledge, and your guess is as good as mine, but my money is on opening day for Baez.

That might as well be a good guess. I wonder about R. Rodriguez. Probably not too far after Baez, if he keeps forcing the issue. Once those two get here, I would say the majority of the "rebuild" is in place as far as position player components. Then you can think about what the missing pieces might be in the free agent market. An outfielder or 3B help. I liked your Varsho thread. 2027 seems like the right time to invest in that type of complimentary piece, not a major piece but something more than what we've seen be brought on recent years. I would like to think about a SP that could be traded for with 2-3 years of control. A veteran #2-3 starter type to anchor the rotation as we wait for Franklin, Cjintje, Doyle to come in. How about Sandy Alcantara..... we have to have enough dry powder for something like that while also supporting our own roster. So that type of trade might come in the later stages of a rebuild.

They will make sure that Rodriguez doesn't make it onto the 40 man roster this season or offseason. If there is a lockout and games are not played, the minor leagues will play. Anyone on the 40 man will not play- all others will. They will want him to continue to play.

Yes, I would not expect Rodriguez to be anywhere near the big leagues this season. Responsibly he is far off, but it's exciting to imagine how he might force the issue in 2027, maybe even early in the season.

I absolutely think he gets moved to AA- maybe even soon. If he destroys pitching there too, I could see him start next season at AAA. After that, who knows? (My condolences to Leo Bernal's playing time- squeezed by Crooks this year and Rodriguez next)

[C-Unit]

I would target for Baez to be called up after the trade deadline

I have no special knowledge, and your guess is as good as mine, but my money is on opening day for Baez.

That might as well be a good guess. I wonder about R. Rodriguez. Probably not too far after Baez, if he keeps forcing the issue. Once those two get here, I would say the majority of the "rebuild" is in place as far as position player components. Then you can think about what the missing pieces might be in the free agent market. An outfielder or 3B help. I liked your Varsho thread. 2027 seems like the right time to invest in that type of complimentary piece, not a major piece but something more than what we've seen be brought on recent years. I would like to think about a SP that could be traded for with 2-3 years of control. A veteran #2-3 starter type to anchor the rotation as we wait for Franklin, Cjintje, Doyle to come in. How about Sandy Alcantara..... we have to have enough dry powder for something like that while also supporting our own roster. So that type of trade might come in the later stages of a rebuild.

They will make sure that Rodriguez doesn't make it onto the 40 man roster this season or offseason. If there is a lockout and games are not played, the minor leagues will play. Anyone on the 40 man will not play- all others will. They will want him to continue to play.

Yes, I would not expect Rodriguez to be anywhere near the big leagues this season. Responsibly he is far off, but it's exciting to imagine how he might force the issue in 2027, maybe even early in the season.

I absolutely think he gets moved to AA- maybe even soon. If he destroys pitching there too, I could see him start next season at AAA. After that, who knows? (My condolences to Leo Bernal's playing time- squeezed by Crooks this year and Rodriguez next)

Well yeah. I will say I don't think Crooks should stand in the way. It's also very interesting to see Herrera taking well to the catcher position. I still think Bernal should be considered the heir apparent to the majority of the catcher playing time. There will be enough positions for everyone.

[TXCardsFanX]

I'm in on the Baez train, but it seems logical to keep him progressing in AAA for a little while longer. Nootbar is coming back and will be the one that forces Scott II back down, IMO.
Noot has played 850+ innings at CF and can platoon nicely with Church, Fermin, Walker in the OF. He can play all 3 spots, and at an above average clip.

If I were to move anyone, perhaps it would be Sagesse for Torres (or Prieto). Torres is a super utility guy and has earned it. Sagesse is doing awful at the MLB level, but is still a good prospect. The move could help Sagesse get more ABs and Torres get his chance to help the MLB club.