Bloom on the course for this season

[ecleme22]

Abdicating responsibility to win this season for HOPES of better chances in the future is stupid. This year might be that lightening in the bottle and every “perfect” year in the future could be disappointments. Is he here to win or write the script of some narrative in his head? No one saying trade away every viable prospect for a vet but making one move that could help push this team in to the playoffs shouldn’t be so easily dismissed the first of MAY. There are no guarantees with any of this. If 2026 is the Cards season then play to WIN

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

Yes they are wanting to adopt the rays model of being successful at drafting and developing good talent youre wrong about them going to a small market team. They are really just going back to what made the cardinals successful in the past being able to develop good young cost controlled players and eventually supplementing them with veterans. The cardinals recent problems have been they have been unable to develop good cost controlled players so instead of being able to spend on one good player they have had to disperse the money around to multiple mediocre and supplemental players who they then have to elevate to key roles instead of being the supplemental players they are. Gray wasnt an ace but because they could not develop any internal aces they had to elevate him to ace instead of a 2 or 3 starter which he is. Contreras great supplemental player but because the caridnals couldnt develop a decent middle of the order bat they had to elevate him into middle of the order bat instead of 5th or 6th

You are avoiding my full statements. You mention "cost controlled " players. Im talking about when those players hit free agency. BDW will not pay them. He may retain one, two max. It will be next guy up from Memphis to replace the rest. So the window for the group i mentioned will be extremely small.

This model makes financial sense for an owner who focuses primarily on profit. But how many rings has Tampa won using it?

They will sign them to early extensions and the rays would probably have rings if they had the payroll the cardinals can have doneand will again. There’s nothing in Dewitt’s past that’s says they are going to operate as a small market team going forward and they and bloom have said the exact opposite people saying they are it’s their opinion based on zero evidence

A decrease in attendance and a messed up TV situation will be reasons BDW gives to not sign guys. There is evidence that DeWitt will not spend. Was Pujols signed in 2011? Outside of Matt Holliday, what top tier FA has DeWitt chased? Sure, he will try to lock a guy in early. Because he is gambling on a lower salary over the long haul. But he will limit it to 1 or 2 guys.

Pujols was signed to a 7 yr./$100 million extension before he ever got to FA. That was what kept him in St. Louis for 11 years.

The first place the Cardinals need to start spending money again is in locking up guys like Wetherholt, Winn, Herrera, Burleson, Walker, etc.

The Cardinals should have the flexibility to do a lot more of that than the Rays have ever had. And the Cardinals need to pursue that option not just for one or two guys, but for any guys they develop who fit into the long term "core" of the team - a starting position player, a SP, or their closer. That's 15 guys (including a starting DH) that you could look to sign to early, long term extensions.

If/when they get to a healthy situation, the Cardinals should probably have six, seven, eight guys signed to early, long term extensions on the roster.

Historically, what team has had eight of these type of extensions at one time?

Maybe none, as of yet. The Braves has probably come close to that (Acuna, Albies, Harris, Strider, Riley, etc.). But that is the direction more mid-market teams - teams with payrolls in the $150, $160, $170, etc. million range - should be going. It's the only way, long term, that they can compete consistently with the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, Mets, etc.

The Cardinals "model" going forward should be the Braves as much, or moreso, than the Rays. If they can be 80%-90% of the Braves, that would be success.

I think you are partially right.
1. Sign X number of players long term. Let's say 3-4.
2. The decent/good players you don't sign long term, look to possibly flip with a year or two of control left (and no, not for guys like Libby who take 5 years to be good. Like players who can produce on the MLB level relatively soon.)
3. Keep on the gas when it comes to drafting and signing young, talented players.
4. Look for opportunities to sign low risk / high reward players like Dustin May.


I don't think survival lies in signing 8 young players to LT contracts. It lies in being able to identify the best 3-4, sign them, and let the others play out their team-controlled contract. Maybe flip them or let them walk. All the while, making sure the pipeline of young talent is strong and can replace the ones that leave.

You can sign six, seven, eight young players to long term deals and still flip them later, just like with guys who are going year-to-year.

Depends who they are.

While Donovan with 2 added years (4 total) might be a plus in the trade market, Noot with 4 more years would be an albatross no one would want…

[mattmitchl44]

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

Yes they are wanting to adopt the rays model of being successful at drafting and developing good talent youre wrong about them going to a small market team. They are really just going back to what made the cardinals successful in the past being able to develop good young cost controlled players and eventually supplementing them with veterans. The cardinals recent problems have been they have been unable to develop good cost controlled players so instead of being able to spend on one good player they have had to disperse the money around to multiple mediocre and supplemental players who they then have to elevate to key roles instead of being the supplemental players they are. Gray wasnt an ace but because they could not develop any internal aces they had to elevate him to ace instead of a 2 or 3 starter which he is. Contreras great supplemental player but because the caridnals couldnt develop a decent middle of the order bat they had to elevate him into middle of the order bat instead of 5th or 6th

You are avoiding my full statements. You mention "cost controlled " players. Im talking about when those players hit free agency. BDW will not pay them. He may retain one, two max. It will be next guy up from Memphis to replace the rest. So the window for the group i mentioned will be extremely small.

This model makes financial sense for an owner who focuses primarily on profit. But how many rings has Tampa won using it?

They will sign them to early extensions and the rays would probably have rings if they had the payroll the cardinals can have doneand will again. There’s nothing in Dewitt’s past that’s says they are going to operate as a small market team going forward and they and bloom have said the exact opposite people saying they are it’s their opinion based on zero evidence

A decrease in attendance and a messed up TV situation will be reasons BDW gives to not sign guys. There is evidence that DeWitt will not spend. Was Pujols signed in 2011? Outside of Matt Holliday, what top tier FA has DeWitt chased? Sure, he will try to lock a guy in early. Because he is gambling on a lower salary over the long haul. But he will limit it to 1 or 2 guys.

Pujols was signed to a 7 yr./$100 million extension before he ever got to FA. That was what kept him in St. Louis for 11 years.

The first place the Cardinals need to start spending money again is in locking up guys like Wetherholt, Winn, Herrera, Burleson, Walker, etc.

The Cardinals should have the flexibility to do a lot more of that than the Rays have ever had. And the Cardinals need to pursue that option not just for one or two guys, but for any guys they develop who fit into the long term "core" of the team - a starting position player, a SP, or their closer. That's 15 guys (including a starting DH) that you could look to sign to early, long term extensions.

If/when they get to a healthy situation, the Cardinals should probably have six, seven, eight guys signed to early, long term extensions on the roster.

Historically, what team has had eight of these type of extensions at one time?

Maybe none, as of yet. The Braves has probably come close to that (Acuna, Albies, Harris, Strider, Riley, etc.). But that is the direction more mid-market teams - teams with payrolls in the $150, $160, $170, etc. million range - should be going. It's the only way, long term, that they can compete consistently with the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, Mets, etc.

The Cardinals "model" going forward should be the Braves as much, or moreso, than the Rays. If they can be 80%-90% of the Braves, that would be success.

I think you are partially right.
1. Sign X number of players long term. Let's say 3-4.
2. The decent/good players you don't sign long term, look to possibly flip with a year or two of control left (and no, not for guys like Libby who take 5 years to be good. Like players who can produce on the MLB level relatively soon.)
3. Keep on the gas when it comes to drafting and signing young, talented players.
4. Look for opportunities to sign low risk / high reward players like Dustin May.


I don't think survival lies in signing 8 young players to LT contracts. It lies in being able to identify the best 3-4, sign them, and let the others play out their team-controlled contract. Maybe flip them or let them walk. All the while, making sure the pipeline of young talent is strong and can replace the ones that leave.

You can sign six, seven, eight young players to long term deals and still flip them later, just like with guys who are going year-to-year.

Depends who they are.

While Donovan with 2 added years (4 total) might be a plus in the trade market, Noot with 4 more years would be an albatross no one would want…

Under the obvious premise that, by signing them early to long term deals, you have signed them to deals that are also relatively cheap (in particular compared to the FA market), I would expect that almost all of them would be moveable to at least one other team that was willing to take a cheap chance on being about to get more out of them.

In the net, if you are good at player talent evaluation (which you have to be for ANY model to work), you're likely to be gaining more value by making more good decisions than bad ones to extend players early - whether you keep them or trade them.

[ecleme22]

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

Yes they are wanting to adopt the rays model of being successful at drafting and developing good talent youre wrong about them going to a small market team. They are really just going back to what made the cardinals successful in the past being able to develop good young cost controlled players and eventually supplementing them with veterans. The cardinals recent problems have been they have been unable to develop good cost controlled players so instead of being able to spend on one good player they have had to disperse the money around to multiple mediocre and supplemental players who they then have to elevate to key roles instead of being the supplemental players they are. Gray wasnt an ace but because they could not develop any internal aces they had to elevate him to ace instead of a 2 or 3 starter which he is. Contreras great supplemental player but because the caridnals couldnt develop a decent middle of the order bat they had to elevate him into middle of the order bat instead of 5th or 6th

You are avoiding my full statements. You mention "cost controlled " players. Im talking about when those players hit free agency. BDW will not pay them. He may retain one, two max. It will be next guy up from Memphis to replace the rest. So the window for the group i mentioned will be extremely small.

This model makes financial sense for an owner who focuses primarily on profit. But how many rings has Tampa won using it?

They will sign them to early extensions and the rays would probably have rings if they had the payroll the cardinals can have doneand will again. There’s nothing in Dewitt’s past that’s says they are going to operate as a small market team going forward and they and bloom have said the exact opposite people saying they are it’s their opinion based on zero evidence

A decrease in attendance and a messed up TV situation will be reasons BDW gives to not sign guys. There is evidence that DeWitt will not spend. Was Pujols signed in 2011? Outside of Matt Holliday, what top tier FA has DeWitt chased? Sure, he will try to lock a guy in early. Because he is gambling on a lower salary over the long haul. But he will limit it to 1 or 2 guys.

Pujols was signed to a 7 yr./$100 million extension before he ever got to FA. That was what kept him in St. Louis for 11 years.

The first place the Cardinals need to start spending money again is in locking up guys like Wetherholt, Winn, Herrera, Burleson, Walker, etc.

The Cardinals should have the flexibility to do a lot more of that than the Rays have ever had. And the Cardinals need to pursue that option not just for one or two guys, but for any guys they develop who fit into the long term "core" of the team - a starting position player, a SP, or their closer. That's 15 guys (including a starting DH) that you could look to sign to early, long term extensions.

If/when they get to a healthy situation, the Cardinals should probably have six, seven, eight guys signed to early, long term extensions on the roster.

Historically, what team has had eight of these type of extensions at one time?

Maybe none, as of yet. The Braves has probably come close to that (Acuna, Albies, Harris, Strider, Riley, etc.). But that is the direction more mid-market teams - teams with payrolls in the $150, $160, $170, etc. million range - should be going. It's the only way, long term, that they can compete consistently with the Dodgers, Yankees, Phillies, Mets, etc.

The Cardinals "model" going forward should be the Braves as much, or moreso, than the Rays. If they can be 80%-90% of the Braves, that would be success.

I think you are partially right.
1. Sign X number of players long term. Let's say 3-4.
2. The decent/good players you don't sign long term, look to possibly flip with a year or two of control left (and no, not for guys like Libby who take 5 years to be good. Like players who can produce on the MLB level relatively soon.)
3. Keep on the gas when it comes to drafting and signing young, talented players.
4. Look for opportunities to sign low risk / high reward players like Dustin May.


I don't think survival lies in signing 8 young players to LT contracts. It lies in being able to identify the best 3-4, sign them, and let the others play out their team-controlled contract. Maybe flip them or let them walk. All the while, making sure the pipeline of young talent is strong and can replace the ones that leave.

You can sign six, seven, eight young players to long term deals and still flip them later, just like with guys who are going year-to-year.

Depends who they are.

While Donovan with 2 added years (4 total) might be a plus in the trade market, Noot with 4 more years would be an albatross no one would want…

Under the obvious premise that, by signing them early to long term deals, you have signed them to deals that are also relatively cheap (in particular compared to the FA market), I would expect that almost all of them would be moveable to at least one other team that was willing to take a cheap chance on being about to get more out of them.

In the net, if you are good at player talent evaluation (which you have to be for ANY model to work), you're likely to be gaining more value by making more good decisions than bad ones to extend players early - whether you keep them or trade them.

See bold ^^^

Agree 100%

[rockondlouie]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Of course he fits the long term plan rock. He is cheap and has 5 years of contract control. That's the very definition of the long term plan.

Age?

As of early May 2026, several veteran relievers aged 33 or older are leading or competing for closing roles, relying on experience, high-velocity, and proven track records.

[Aroldis Chapman (38 years old, Red Sox): Turned back the clock to become "fantasy gold" in 2025, elite in 2026, and is considered one of the best closers in the league due to improved command and continued high velocity.

[Raisel Iglesias (36 years old, Braves): Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains a top-tier closer, starting the 2026 season with multiple saves and a 0.00 ERA through his first few appearances.

[Kenley Jansen (38 years old, Tigers): Approaching 500 career saves, the veteran continues to be a reliable, high-leverage option in 2026.

[Carlos Estévez (33 years old, Royals): A key 2025 saves leader who entered his age-33 season with strong expectations to continue closing for Kansas City.

[Kyle Finnegan (34 years old, Tigers/Nationals): Recorded 38 saves in 2025 and continued to be a proven closer option in 2026.

[Trevor Megill (32-33 years old, Brewers): While he was 32 at the end of 2025, his role as a primary 2025 closer and 2026 contender places him among this veteran group.

At some point, trading veterans for prospects is just kicking the can down the road. Sure a player could get hurt, but, you keep players for their utility and hope they stay healthy. You don't trade them because they could get hurt.

I hear the argument for getting blown away in a trade. Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away". Don't trade a really effective current player with 5 years of control for prospects...or loaners.

It isn't like we won't be competitive for a couple years. We have players who are ready to compete now. Finally Walker, Gorman and Herrera have traction. Church is turning heads. Winn, Weatherholt are great defensively and getting it done offensively. Burleson too. Catching is there and beating down the door. The last thing we want to do is undermine the one weakness...pitching. Sure, trade the veterans closing on FA...Nootbarr, Romero etc. Not our stud closer. What do ya hate about 19 K's and one BB?

Ryan Helsey (O's), Josh Hader (Astros), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), Pete Fairbanks (Marlins), Edwin Diaz (Dodgers), Kenley Jansen (Tigers), Kirby Yates (Angels) and Carlos Esteves (Royals) just a few big name RP"s on the IL.

You mentioned Megill/33 yrs old on 12/5 who's a good example of what can happen:

2025
2.49 ERA
30 Saves

2026
6.00 ERA

And certainly NOT trading O'Brien because he might get hurt (that was just one of the possible negatives that could affect his trade value) but rather because he's having a good season and will bring back a valuable prospect.

You say teams, "Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away".

Yet the A's acquired De Vries, the #3 overall prospect in baseball, from the San Diego Padres in a package for All-Star closer Mason Miller.

Now O'Brien certainly isn't in Miller's class but this shows the return for a good closer can indeed be great.

For example:

-The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Tony Watson to the Dodgers in 2017 for O'Neil Cruz

-The New York Yankees received Glaybar Torres, then a top-30 prospect, from the Chicago Cubs in July 2016 for Aroldis Chapman.

-The Boston Red Sox landed both Jason Varitek and Derick Lowe from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for closer Heathcliff Slocumb.

-Seattle acquired Jarred Kelenic, a top-tier outfield prospect, along with Justin Dunn from the Mets in 2018 for closer Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó.

-The best deal I could find was the Houston Astros received prospect Jeff Bagwell from the Red Sox in 1990 for reliever Larry Andersen.

I'm just telling you O'Brien could be the Cardinals best trade chip (unless D. May puts up another two months of strong starts like his last four) and the L-T plan is to use older players like O'Brien to acquire younger (potential) talent.

I'm not screaming from the mountain tops to "trade them all".

This isn't my "game plan", it's the Cardinals.

I'm just reading the tea leaves and I can see this is the route BDWJr wants C. Bloom to take, build as much young talent as possible via trades and the draft.

And yet.... We have no example of trading a player who is excelling at his position, playing for the minimum, and has 5 years of contract control. I think it's your idea rock much more so than that of the Cardinals. Agree to disagree.

100% NOT my idea, it's the Cardinals (re: Gray-NADO-WillyC).

See ya' at the trade deadline and if he's not traded I certainly won't be upset.

The Cardinals have consistently traded expensive players with a year or two left on the contract. That made sense and we've gotten some interesting prospects in the deals. I don't think O'Brien fits as a comparison or in any trading plans. Of course, if somehow we would be blown away by an offer anything is possible. Just wouldn't hold my breath.

Bloom certainly won't just give him away at the deadline, he could easily wait for the offseason.

But he's not going to go away from the L-T plan and a great trade asset like O'Brien who doesn't fit the long term due to his age could add yet another strong prospect to the system.

Listen to this Bloom interview huge and you'll see where I'm coming from:

https://redbirdrants.com/cardinals-hot- ... haim-bloom

[Melville]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Of course he fits the long term plan rock. He is cheap and has 5 years of contract control. That's the very definition of the long term plan.

Age?

As of early May 2026, several veteran relievers aged 33 or older are leading or competing for closing roles, relying on experience, high-velocity, and proven track records.

[Aroldis Chapman (38 years old, Red Sox): Turned back the clock to become "fantasy gold" in 2025, elite in 2026, and is considered one of the best closers in the league due to improved command and continued high velocity.

[Raisel Iglesias (36 years old, Braves): Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains a top-tier closer, starting the 2026 season with multiple saves and a 0.00 ERA through his first few appearances.

[Kenley Jansen (38 years old, Tigers): Approaching 500 career saves, the veteran continues to be a reliable, high-leverage option in 2026.

[Carlos Estévez (33 years old, Royals): A key 2025 saves leader who entered his age-33 season with strong expectations to continue closing for Kansas City.

[Kyle Finnegan (34 years old, Tigers/Nationals): Recorded 38 saves in 2025 and continued to be a proven closer option in 2026.

[Trevor Megill (32-33 years old, Brewers): While he was 32 at the end of 2025, his role as a primary 2025 closer and 2026 contender places him among this veteran group.

At some point, trading veterans for prospects is just kicking the can down the road. Sure a player could get hurt, but, you keep players for their utility and hope they stay healthy. You don't trade them because they could get hurt.

I hear the argument for getting blown away in a trade. Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away". Don't trade a really effective current player with 5 years of control for prospects...or loaners.

It isn't like we won't be competitive for a couple years. We have players who are ready to compete now. Finally Walker, Gorman and Herrera have traction. Church is turning heads. Winn, Weatherholt are great defensively and getting it done offensively. Burleson too. Catching is there and beating down the door. The last thing we want to do is undermine the one weakness...pitching. Sure, trade the veterans closing on FA...Nootbarr, Romero etc. Not our stud closer. What do ya hate about 19 K's and one BB?

Ryan Helsey (O's), Josh Hader (Astros), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), Pete Fairbanks (Marlins), Edwin Diaz (Dodgers), Kenley Jansen (Tigers), Kirby Yates (Angels) and Carlos Esteves (Royals) just a few big name RP"s on the IL.

You mentioned Megill/33 yrs old on 12/5 who's a good example of what can happen:

2025
2.49 ERA
30 Saves

2026
6.00 ERA

And certainly NOT trading O'Brien because he might get hurt (that was just one of the possible negatives that could affect his trade value) but rather because he's having a good season and will bring back a valuable prospect.

You say teams, "Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away".

Yet the A's acquired De Vries, the #3 overall prospect in baseball, from the San Diego Padres in a package for All-Star closer Mason Miller.

Now O'Brien certainly isn't in Miller's class but this shows the return for a good closer can indeed be great.

For example:

-The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Tony Watson to the Dodgers in 2017 for O'Neil Cruz

-The New York Yankees received Glaybar Torres, then a top-30 prospect, from the Chicago Cubs in July 2016 for Aroldis Chapman.

-The Boston Red Sox landed both Jason Varitek and Derick Lowe from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for closer Heathcliff Slocumb.

-Seattle acquired Jarred Kelenic, a top-tier outfield prospect, along with Justin Dunn from the Mets in 2018 for closer Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó.

-The best deal I could find was the Houston Astros received prospect Jeff Bagwell from the Red Sox in 1990 for reliever Larry Andersen.

I'm just telling you O'Brien could be the Cardinals best trade chip (unless D. May puts up another two months of strong starts like his last four) and the L-T plan is to use older players like O'Brien to acquire younger (potential) talent.

I'm not screaming from the mountain tops to "trade them all".

This isn't my "game plan", it's the Cardinals.

I'm just reading the tea leaves and I can see this is the route BDWJr wants C. Bloom to take, build as much young talent as possible via trades and the draft.

And yet.... We have no example of trading a player who is excelling at his position, playing for the minimum, and has 5 years of contract control. I think it's your idea rock much more so than that of the Cardinals. Agree to disagree.

100% NOT my idea, it's the Cardinals (re: Gray-NADO-WillyC).

See ya' at the trade deadline and if he's not traded I certainly won't be upset.

The Cardinals have consistently traded expensive players with a year or two left on the contract. That made sense and we've gotten some interesting prospects in the deals. I don't think O'Brien fits as a comparison or in any trading plans. Of course, if somehow we would be blown away by an offer anything is possible. Just wouldn't hold my breath.

Bloom certainly won't just give him away at the deadline, he could easily wait for the offseason.

But he's not going to go away from the L-T plan and a great trade asset like O'Brien who doesn't fit the long term due to his age could add yet another strong prospect to the system.

Listen to this Bloom interview huge and you'll see where I'm coming from:

https://redbirdrants.com/cardinals-hot- ... haim-bloom

"Bloom certainly won't just give him away at the deadline, he could easily wait for the offseason."
I made that exact point previously.
If STL is in the hunt in July and DeWitt sees an opportunity to gain millions of dollars in added revenue by playing meaning games in September and October, O' Brien will be retained.
He could bring as much or more return as an off-season trade chip.
Win / win.

[rockondlouie]

Bloom isn't going to stray from the L-T plan.

He'll deal D. May and likely Noot, JoJo and O'Brien.

That said, this should NOT PREVENT him from adding a bullpen piece or two via trades that don't involve players he see's having a role in the L-T plan.

I'm NOT Talking a high priced closer or $12M A. Miller type or (gulp) B. Cecil, rather a P. Maton or JoJo type who came at a low cost.

Sorry rock. I think you are dead wrong about O'Brien. Makes no sense to release the best reliever on the team with 5 years of control.

No sweat HC

The reason you deal O'Brien is 1) with all the injuries around MLB to closers he'll be a super hot commodity, 2) he's got four years of control after this season meaning the return could be really good and 3) he's going to be 32 yrs before STing opens in 2027 meaning he doesn't fit the L-T plan.

Of course he fits the long term plan rock. He is cheap and has 5 years of contract control. That's the very definition of the long term plan.

Age?

As of early May 2026, several veteran relievers aged 33 or older are leading or competing for closing roles, relying on experience, high-velocity, and proven track records.

[Aroldis Chapman (38 years old, Red Sox): Turned back the clock to become "fantasy gold" in 2025, elite in 2026, and is considered one of the best closers in the league due to improved command and continued high velocity.

[Raisel Iglesias (36 years old, Braves): Despite being in his mid-30s, he remains a top-tier closer, starting the 2026 season with multiple saves and a 0.00 ERA through his first few appearances.

[Kenley Jansen (38 years old, Tigers): Approaching 500 career saves, the veteran continues to be a reliable, high-leverage option in 2026.

[Carlos Estévez (33 years old, Royals): A key 2025 saves leader who entered his age-33 season with strong expectations to continue closing for Kansas City.

[Kyle Finnegan (34 years old, Tigers/Nationals): Recorded 38 saves in 2025 and continued to be a proven closer option in 2026.

[Trevor Megill (32-33 years old, Brewers): While he was 32 at the end of 2025, his role as a primary 2025 closer and 2026 contender places him among this veteran group.

At some point, trading veterans for prospects is just kicking the can down the road. Sure a player could get hurt, but, you keep players for their utility and hope they stay healthy. You don't trade them because they could get hurt.

I hear the argument for getting blown away in a trade. Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away". Don't trade a really effective current player with 5 years of control for prospects...or loaners.

It isn't like we won't be competitive for a couple years. We have players who are ready to compete now. Finally Walker, Gorman and Herrera have traction. Church is turning heads. Winn, Weatherholt are great defensively and getting it done offensively. Burleson too. Catching is there and beating down the door. The last thing we want to do is undermine the one weakness...pitching. Sure, trade the veterans closing on FA...Nootbarr, Romero etc. Not our stud closer. What do ya hate about 19 K's and one BB?

Ryan Helsey (O's), Josh Hader (Astros), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), Pete Fairbanks (Marlins), Edwin Diaz (Dodgers), Kenley Jansen (Tigers), Kirby Yates (Angels) and Carlos Esteves (Royals) just a few big name RP"s on the IL.

You mentioned Megill/33 yrs old on 12/5 who's a good example of what can happen:

2025
2.49 ERA
30 Saves

2026
6.00 ERA

And certainly NOT trading O'Brien because he might get hurt (that was just one of the possible negatives that could affect his trade value) but rather because he's having a good season and will bring back a valuable prospect.

You say teams, "Teams don't usually trade their future for a current need. They trade from their excess and that doesn't lend so much to being "blown away".

Yet the A's acquired De Vries, the #3 overall prospect in baseball, from the San Diego Padres in a package for All-Star closer Mason Miller.

Now O'Brien certainly isn't in Miller's class but this shows the return for a good closer can indeed be great.

For example:

-The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Tony Watson to the Dodgers in 2017 for O'Neil Cruz

-The New York Yankees received Glaybar Torres, then a top-30 prospect, from the Chicago Cubs in July 2016 for Aroldis Chapman.

-The Boston Red Sox landed both Jason Varitek and Derick Lowe from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for closer Heathcliff Slocumb.

-Seattle acquired Jarred Kelenic, a top-tier outfield prospect, along with Justin Dunn from the Mets in 2018 for closer Edwin Díaz and Robinson Canó.

-The best deal I could find was the Houston Astros received prospect Jeff Bagwell from the Red Sox in 1990 for reliever Larry Andersen.

I'm just telling you O'Brien could be the Cardinals best trade chip (unless D. May puts up another two months of strong starts like his last four) and the L-T plan is to use older players like O'Brien to acquire younger (potential) talent.

I'm not screaming from the mountain tops to "trade them all".

This isn't my "game plan", it's the Cardinals.

I'm just reading the tea leaves and I can see this is the route BDWJr wants C. Bloom to take, build as much young talent as possible via trades and the draft.

And yet.... We have no example of trading a player who is excelling at his position, playing for the minimum, and has 5 years of contract control. I think it's your idea rock much more so than that of the Cardinals. Agree to disagree.

100% NOT my idea, it's the Cardinals (re: Gray-NADO-WillyC).

See ya' at the trade deadline and if he's not traded I certainly won't be upset.

The Cardinals have consistently traded expensive players with a year or two left on the contract. That made sense and we've gotten some interesting prospects in the deals. I don't think O'Brien fits as a comparison or in any trading plans. Of course, if somehow we would be blown away by an offer anything is possible. Just wouldn't hold my breath.

Bloom certainly won't just give him away at the deadline, he could easily wait for the offseason.

But he's not going to go away from the L-T plan and a great trade asset like O'Brien who doesn't fit the long term due to his age could add yet another strong prospect to the system.

Listen to this Bloom interview huge and you'll see where I'm coming from:

https://redbirdrants.com/cardinals-hot- ... haim-bloom

"Bloom certainly won't just give him away at the deadline, he could easily wait for the offseason."
I made that exact point previously.
If STL is in the hunt in July and DeWitt sees an opportunity to gain millions of dollars in added revenue by playing meaning games in September and October, O' Brien will be retained.
He could bring as much or more return as an off-season trade chip.
Win / win.

+1

[renostl]

I'm unsure what Bloom and the organization will do regarding trades or free agent veteran acquisitions to improve the team's talent.
In short, based on Bloom's consistent message that he's playing the long game, I can't see him doing many MLB-ready acquisitions until the young core is set. I do see him trying to make a few more trades for young, high-ceiling arms. But why add vets while you're trying to build a young core?

Once he has a good idea of that core, then make FA moves and trade or DFA those who don't fit.
If I am Bloom, I'm trying to see if: 1) Walker is real; 2) Scott is not; 3) Burly can hit lefties and improve defensively; 4) Herrera can catch well enough to be there 1/3rd of the time; 5) Church can play CF and hit MLB avg for a CF; 6) Winn can hit better.
He seems to be giving Gorman a lot of rope, but when does that end?

Then there's the development of the potential star players like Josh Baez and Raniel, and a bench/platoon guy like Blaze. And is Tai Peete as good as he looks this year?
The most important factor is the young arms. They need 1-2 years to see what they have with high-end guys like Doyle, Franklin, Cijntje, Fajardo, Clarke, Mathews - and to a lesser extent Hjerpe, Hence, Roby, Ixan Henderson, and others.

This is a good POV.

There is also what some hate to hear and that is luck is a part of any plan being successful.

The arms will be paramount any plan.
I think that is why you can always invest in them why ideally not engaged in multiple long-term
commitments. One of the better recent organizations with pitching has been Seattle. Yet with that
they added from the outside. In their 2 playoff runs, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo were added along with
relief pitchers. Last season Blue Jays were better having a Yesavage be and additional help than
counting on it to occur, Milwaukee benefitted in the same way from Misiorowski.

Counting on fully developing a positional group, when we know a group will be needed to fill a
position, seems like a waste of time. That won't fully happen even if you get some unusual amount of
luck.

The SD trade for Miller was brought up earlier. A trade that also included Sears to get that so far
great prospect in De Vries. IF that trade doesn't happen might not the A's be the favorite for
coming out of the west for a couple seasons? The Cards would need to add to O'Brien to get into such a position as the A's
had to. The Cards would also be dealing from an overall positional weakness so the return would need
to be very strong, imo. The Cards should always look to improve. I do not think that means
looking at best trade chips and moving them. Complete thought of the return putting them in
a near-term and long-term position needs to be weighed.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I'm unsure what Bloom and the organization will do regarding trades or free agent veteran acquisitions to improve the team's talent.
In short, based on Bloom's consistent message that he's playing the long game, I can't see him doing many MLB-ready acquisitions until the young core is set. I do see him trying to make a few more trades for young, high-ceiling arms. But why add vets while you're trying to build a young core?

Once he has a good idea of that core, then make FA moves and trade or DFA those who don't fit.
If I am Bloom, I'm trying to see if: 1) Walker is real; 2) Scott is not; 3) Burly can hit lefties and improve defensively; 4) Herrera can catch well enough to be there 1/3rd of the time; 5) Church can play CF and hit MLB avg for a CF; 6) Winn can hit better.
He seems to be giving Gorman a lot of rope, but when does that end?

Then there's the development of the potential star players like Josh Baez and Raniel, and a bench/platoon guy like Blaze. And is Tai Peete as good as he looks this year?
The most important factor is the young arms. They need 1-2 years to see what they have with high-end guys like Doyle, Franklin, Cijntje, Fajardo, Clarke, Mathews - and to a lesser extent Hjerpe, Hence, Roby, Ixan Henderson, and others.

This is a good POV.

There is also what some hate to hear and that is luck is a part of any plan being successful.

The arms will be paramount any plan.
I think that is why you can always invest in them why ideally not engaged in multiple long-term
commitments. One of the better recent organizations with pitching has been Seattle. Yet with that
they added from the outside. In their 2 playoff runs, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo were added along with
relief pitchers. Last season Blue Jays were better having a Yesavage be and additional help than
counting on it to occur, Milwaukee benefitted in the same way from Misiorowski.

Counting on fully developing a positional group, when we know a group will be needed to fill a
position, seems like a waste of time. That won't fully happen even if you get some unusual amount of
luck.

The SD trade for Miller was brought up earlier. A trade that also included Sears to get that so far
great prospect in De Vries. IF that trade doesn't happen might not the A's be the favorite for
coming out of the west for a couple seasons? The Cards would need to add to O'Brien to get into such a position as the A's
had to. The Cards would also be dealing from an overall positional weakness so the return would need
to be very strong, imo. The Cards should always look to improve. I do not think that means
looking at best trade chips and moving them. Complete thought of the return putting them in
a near-term and long-term position needs to be weighed.

I made a comp the other day for O Brien to the Jhohan Duran trade. Minnesota got the #60 and #100 overall ranked prospects for Duran. Maybe you could get a higher prospect if you sought a lesser one for the second player?

[ecleme22]

I'm unsure what Bloom and the organization will do regarding trades or free agent veteran acquisitions to improve the team's talent.
In short, based on Bloom's consistent message that he's playing the long game, I can't see him doing many MLB-ready acquisitions until the young core is set. I do see him trying to make a few more trades for young, high-ceiling arms. But why add vets while you're trying to build a young core?

Once he has a good idea of that core, then make FA moves and trade or DFA those who don't fit.
If I am Bloom, I'm trying to see if: 1) Walker is real; 2) Scott is not; 3) Burly can hit lefties and improve defensively; 4) Herrera can catch well enough to be there 1/3rd of the time; 5) Church can play CF and hit MLB avg for a CF; 6) Winn can hit better.
He seems to be giving Gorman a lot of rope, but when does that end?

Then there's the development of the potential star players like Josh Baez and Raniel, and a bench/platoon guy like Blaze. And is Tai Peete as good as he looks this year?
The most important factor is the young arms. They need 1-2 years to see what they have with high-end guys like Doyle, Franklin, Cijntje, Fajardo, Clarke, Mathews - and to a lesser extent Hjerpe, Hence, Roby, Ixan Henderson, and others.

This is a good POV.

There is also what some hate to hear and that is luck is a part of any plan being successful.

The arms will be paramount any plan.
I think that is why you can always invest in them why ideally not engaged in multiple long-term
commitments. One of the better recent organizations with pitching has been Seattle. Yet with that
they added from the outside. In their 2 playoff runs, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo were added along with
relief pitchers. Last season Blue Jays were better having a Yesavage be and additional help than
counting on it to occur, Milwaukee benefitted in the same way from Misiorowski.

Counting on fully developing a positional group, when we know a group will be needed to fill a
position, seems like a waste of time. That won't fully happen even if you get some unusual amount of
luck.

The SD trade for Miller was brought up earlier. A trade that also included Sears to get that so far
great prospect in De Vries. IF that trade doesn't happen might not the A's be the favorite for
coming out of the west for a couple seasons? The Cards would need to add to O'Brien to get into such a position as the A's
had to. The Cards would also be dealing from an overall positional weakness so the return would need
to be very strong, imo. The Cards should always look to improve. I do not think that means
looking at best trade chips and moving them. Complete thought of the return putting them in
a near-term and long-term position needs to be weighed.

The team will spend modestly on FA next season.

This year, it was May and Urias.

Next year, it may be two starters and two relievers, all with modest contracts.

[renostl]

I'm unsure what Bloom and the organization will do regarding trades or free agent veteran acquisitions to improve the team's talent.
In short, based on Bloom's consistent message that he's playing the long game, I can't see him doing many MLB-ready acquisitions until the young core is set. I do see him trying to make a few more trades for young, high-ceiling arms. But why add vets while you're trying to build a young core?

Once he has a good idea of that core, then make FA moves and trade or DFA those who don't fit.
If I am Bloom, I'm trying to see if: 1) Walker is real; 2) Scott is not; 3) Burly can hit lefties and improve defensively; 4) Herrera can catch well enough to be there 1/3rd of the time; 5) Church can play CF and hit MLB avg for a CF; 6) Winn can hit better.
He seems to be giving Gorman a lot of rope, but when does that end?

Then there's the development of the potential star players like Josh Baez and Raniel, and a bench/platoon guy like Blaze. And is Tai Peete as good as he looks this year?
The most important factor is the young arms. They need 1-2 years to see what they have with high-end guys like Doyle, Franklin, Cijntje, Fajardo, Clarke, Mathews - and to a lesser extent Hjerpe, Hence, Roby, Ixan Henderson, and others.

This is a good POV.

There is also what some hate to hear and that is luck is a part of any plan being successful.

The arms will be paramount any plan.
I think that is why you can always invest in them why ideally not engaged in multiple long-term
commitments. One of the better recent organizations with pitching has been Seattle. Yet with that
they added from the outside. In their 2 playoff runs, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo were added along with
relief pitchers. Last season Blue Jays were better having a Yesavage be and additional help than
counting on it to occur, Milwaukee benefitted in the same way from Misiorowski.

Counting on fully developing a positional group, when we know a group will be needed to fill a
position, seems like a waste of time. That won't fully happen even if you get some unusual amount of
luck.

The SD trade for Miller was brought up earlier. A trade that also included Sears to get that so far
great prospect in De Vries. IF that trade doesn't happen might not the A's be the favorite for
coming out of the west for a couple seasons? The Cards would need to add to O'Brien to get into such a position as the A's
had to. The Cards would also be dealing from an overall positional weakness so the return would need
to be very strong, imo. The Cards should always look to improve. I do not think that means
looking at best trade chips and moving them. Complete thought of the return putting them in
a near-term and long-term position needs to be weighed.

I made a comp the other day for O Brien to the Jhohan Duran trade. Minnesota got the #60 and #100 overall ranked prospects for Duran. Maybe you could get a higher prospect if you sought a lesser one for the second player?

Probably.
I think that instead of getting a level of prospect that you may
already have, that you add to it to get something you don't currently have.

ie. I'd add a Mathews in a deal with O'Brien if the return is a couple
notches above what having another Mathews represents.

[renostl]

I'm unsure what Bloom and the organization will do regarding trades or free agent veteran acquisitions to improve the team's talent.
In short, based on Bloom's consistent message that he's playing the long game, I can't see him doing many MLB-ready acquisitions until the young core is set. I do see him trying to make a few more trades for young, high-ceiling arms. But why add vets while you're trying to build a young core?

Once he has a good idea of that core, then make FA moves and trade or DFA those who don't fit.
If I am Bloom, I'm trying to see if: 1) Walker is real; 2) Scott is not; 3) Burly can hit lefties and improve defensively; 4) Herrera can catch well enough to be there 1/3rd of the time; 5) Church can play CF and hit MLB avg for a CF; 6) Winn can hit better.
He seems to be giving Gorman a lot of rope, but when does that end?

Then there's the development of the potential star players like Josh Baez and Raniel, and a bench/platoon guy like Blaze. And is Tai Peete as good as he looks this year?
The most important factor is the young arms. They need 1-2 years to see what they have with high-end guys like Doyle, Franklin, Cijntje, Fajardo, Clarke, Mathews - and to a lesser extent Hjerpe, Hence, Roby, Ixan Henderson, and others.

This is a good POV.

There is also what some hate to hear and that is luck is a part of any plan being successful.

The arms will be paramount any plan.
I think that is why you can always invest in them why ideally not engaged in multiple long-term
commitments. One of the better recent organizations with pitching has been Seattle. Yet with that
they added from the outside. In their 2 playoff runs, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo were added along with
relief pitchers. Last season Blue Jays were better having a Yesavage be and additional help than
counting on it to occur, Milwaukee benefitted in the same way from Misiorowski.

Counting on fully developing a positional group, when we know a group will be needed to fill a
position, seems like a waste of time. That won't fully happen even if you get some unusual amount of
luck.

The SD trade for Miller was brought up earlier. A trade that also included Sears to get that so far
great prospect in De Vries. IF that trade doesn't happen might not the A's be the favorite for
coming out of the west for a couple seasons? The Cards would need to add to O'Brien to get into such a position as the A's
had to. The Cards would also be dealing from an overall positional weakness so the return would need
to be very strong, imo. The Cards should always look to improve. I do not think that means
looking at best trade chips and moving them. Complete thought of the return putting them in
a near-term and long-term position needs to be weighed.

The team will spend modestly on FA next season.

This year, it was May and Urias.

Next year, it may be two starters and two relievers, all with modest contracts.

Maybe so.

I think they need pitching and know that you do too. However that gets something that could
be a pitcher that represents a TOR is good with me. It could be a trade like Castillo was, or a signing and if
a signing I'd lean more towards a Ranger Suarez kind of deal than two moderates.
They may have moderates in house, jmo. A 2-3 year with May could be on the table too
there could be a fit.

[ecleme22]

I'm unsure what Bloom and the organization will do regarding trades or free agent veteran acquisitions to improve the team's talent.
In short, based on Bloom's consistent message that he's playing the long game, I can't see him doing many MLB-ready acquisitions until the young core is set. I do see him trying to make a few more trades for young, high-ceiling arms. But why add vets while you're trying to build a young core?

Once he has a good idea of that core, then make FA moves and trade or DFA those who don't fit.
If I am Bloom, I'm trying to see if: 1) Walker is real; 2) Scott is not; 3) Burly can hit lefties and improve defensively; 4) Herrera can catch well enough to be there 1/3rd of the time; 5) Church can play CF and hit MLB avg for a CF; 6) Winn can hit better.
He seems to be giving Gorman a lot of rope, but when does that end?

Then there's the development of the potential star players like Josh Baez and Raniel, and a bench/platoon guy like Blaze. And is Tai Peete as good as he looks this year?
The most important factor is the young arms. They need 1-2 years to see what they have with high-end guys like Doyle, Franklin, Cijntje, Fajardo, Clarke, Mathews - and to a lesser extent Hjerpe, Hence, Roby, Ixan Henderson, and others.

This is a good POV.

There is also what some hate to hear and that is luck is a part of any plan being successful.

The arms will be paramount any plan.
I think that is why you can always invest in them why ideally not engaged in multiple long-term
commitments. One of the better recent organizations with pitching has been Seattle. Yet with that
they added from the outside. In their 2 playoff runs, Robbie Ray and Luis Castillo were added along with
relief pitchers. Last season Blue Jays were better having a Yesavage be and additional help than
counting on it to occur, Milwaukee benefitted in the same way from Misiorowski.

Counting on fully developing a positional group, when we know a group will be needed to fill a
position, seems like a waste of time. That won't fully happen even if you get some unusual amount of
luck.

The SD trade for Miller was brought up earlier. A trade that also included Sears to get that so far
great prospect in De Vries. IF that trade doesn't happen might not the A's be the favorite for
coming out of the west for a couple seasons? The Cards would need to add to O'Brien to get into such a position as the A's
had to. The Cards would also be dealing from an overall positional weakness so the return would need
to be very strong, imo. The Cards should always look to improve. I do not think that means
looking at best trade chips and moving them. Complete thought of the return putting them in
a near-term and long-term position needs to be weighed.

The team will spend modestly on FA next season.

This year, it was May and Urias.

Next year, it may be two starters and two relievers, all with modest contracts.

Maybe so.

I think they need pitching and know that you do too. However that gets something that could
be a pitcher that represents a TOR is good with me. It could be a trade like Castillo was, or a signing and if
a signing I'd lean more towards a Ranger Suarez kind of deal than two moderates.
They may have moderates in house, jmo. A 2-3 year with May could be on the table too
there could be a fit.

Def May type deal. Maybe two.

[Cusecards]

Abdicating responsibility to win this season for HOPES of better chances in the future is stupid. This year might be that lightening in the bottle and every “perfect” year in the future could be disappointments. Is he here to win or write the script of some narrative in his head? No one saying trade away every viable prospect for a vet but making one move that could help push this team in to the playoffs shouldn’t be so easily dismissed the first of MAY. There are no guarantees with any of this. If 2026 is the Cards season then play to WIN

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

The Cardinals can be, and will need to be, more aggressive at locking up their young players to relatively low cost long term deals. They should be talking to at least Weatherholt, Winn, Herrera, and Burleson already, and Walker soon if not already.

^^^^^
This.

And there are no quick fixes.
Goldfan and others who want immediate gratification refuse to offer a solution. What moves can Bloom make this year to win a WS? Or are you weenies whose major hope in life is to have the Birds get a wild card spot and go out quickly?
They are afraid to propose a trade or a potential FA acquisition because they know they'll be mocked when they try (and fail miserably).

I think we ALL have Goldfan figured out.
For the record I’ve asked him MULTIPLE times including the other day in this thread for SPECIFIC MOVES that Bloom should make NOW.
I’ve gotten crickets!
He has no solutions....just whining and complaining.
SMH

[Hoosier59]

Abdicating responsibility to win this season for HOPES of better chances in the future is stupid. This year might be that lightening in the bottle and every “perfect” year in the future could be disappointments. Is he here to win or write the script of some narrative in his head? No one saying trade away every viable prospect for a vet but making one move that could help push this team in to the playoffs shouldn’t be so easily dismissed the first of MAY. There are no guarantees with any of this. If 2026 is the Cards season then play to WIN

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

The Cardinals can be, and will need to be, more aggressive at locking up their young players to relatively low cost long term deals. They should be talking to at least Weatherholt, Winn, Herrera, and Burleson already, and Walker soon if not already.

^^^^^
This.

And there are no quick fixes.
Goldfan and others who want immediate gratification refuse to offer a solution. What moves can Bloom make this year to win a WS? Or are you weenies whose major hope in life is to have the Birds get a wild card spot and go out quickly?
They are afraid to propose a trade or a potential FA acquisition because they know they'll be mocked when they try (and fail miserably).

I think we ALL have Goldfan figured out.
For the record I’ve asked him MULTIPLE times including the other day in this thread for SPECIFIC MOVES that Bloom should make NOW.
I’ve gotten crickets!
He has no solutions....just whining and complaining.
SMH

Two moves I’d make right now is to recall both Torres and Crooks. Torres is 4-4 today, and Crooks has been on base all 5 times. 3 walks, 2 hits, one his 11th HR. 3 more RBI’s. Oh, and no strike outs for those who keep bashing him!
By the Cardinals not recalling either these players is all you need to know as to how determined they are to win this year. It’s not a priority.

[Goldfan]

Abdicating responsibility to win this season for HOPES of better chances in the future is stupid. This year might be that lightening in the bottle and every “perfect” year in the future could be disappointments. Is he here to win or write the script of some narrative in his head? No one saying trade away every viable prospect for a vet but making one move that could help push this team in to the playoffs shouldn’t be so easily dismissed the first of MAY. There are no guarantees with any of this. If 2026 is the Cards season then play to WIN

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

The Cardinals can be, and will need to be, more aggressive at locking up their young players to relatively low cost long term deals. They should be talking to at least Weatherholt, Winn, Herrera, and Burleson already, and Walker soon if not already.

^^^^^
This.

And there are no quick fixes.
Goldfan and others who want immediate gratification refuse to offer a solution. What moves can Bloom make this year to win a WS? Or are you weenies whose major hope in life is to have the Birds get a wild card spot and go out quickly?
They are afraid to propose a trade or a potential FA acquisition because they know they'll be mocked when they try (and fail miserably).

I think we ALL have Goldfan figured out.
For the record I’ve asked him MULTIPLE times including the other day in this thread for SPECIFIC MOVES that Bloom should make NOW.
I’ve gotten crickets!
He has no solutions....just whining and complaining.
SMH

Do you have Goldfan figured??? I’d agree its very easy because you argue childishly every time I post about it. So now claiming you don’t recall ANY specific suggestions is laughable. Do you just log in here to be a clown?
I’ve stated very often and clearly that Baez should being in LF
IF there are better options at C in the minors(Crooks) then give him a shot. There are 2 holes in the lineup upgraded. Should you save this post so you don’t come on here crying you get no specifics???
In the offseason I posted several times about replacing Gray and WC salary slots with MLB talent. BLOOM could find those specific names
So again specific options, that you argue against and ALWAYS posted.

[Cusecards]

[quote=Cusecards post_id=13323979 time=<a href="tel:1778199984">1778199984</a> user_id=336898]
[quote=ClassicO post_id=13322912 time=<a href="tel:1778087218">1778087218</a> user_id=338339]
[quote=mattmitchl44 post_id=13322899 time=<a href="tel:1778086529">1778086529</a> user_id=338286]
[quote=JuanAgosto post_id=13322894 time=<a href="tel:1778086360">1778086360</a> user_id=336445]
[quote=ClassicO post_id=13322865 time=<a href="tel:1778085377">1778085377</a> user_id=338339]
[quote=Goldfan post_id=13321680 time=<a href="tel:1777985260">1777985260</a> user_id=335117]
Abdicating responsibility to win this season for HOPES of better chances in the future is stupid. This year might be that lightening in the bottle and every “perfect” year in the future could be disappointments. Is he here to win or write the script of some narrative in his head? No one saying trade away every viable prospect for a vet but making one move that could help push this team in to the playoffs shouldn’t be so easily dismissed the first of MAY. There are no guarantees with any of this. If 2026 is the Cards season then play to WIN

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.
[/quote]

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.
[/quote]

The Cardinals can be, and will need to be, more aggressive at locking up their young players to relatively low cost long term deals. They should be talking to at least Weatherholt, Winn, Herrera, and Burleson already, and Walker soon if not already.
[/quote]

^^^^^
This.

And there are no quick fixes.
Goldfan and others who want immediate gratification refuse to offer a solution. What moves can Bloom make this year to win a WS? Or are you weenies whose major hope in life is to have the Birds get a wild card spot and go out quickly?
They are afraid to propose a trade or a potential FA acquisition because they know they'll be mocked when they try (and fail miserably).
[/quote]

I think we ALL have Goldfan figured out.
For the record I’ve asked him MULTIPLE times including the other day in this thread for SPECIFIC MOVES that Bloom should make NOW.
I’ve gotten crickets!
He has no solutions....just whining and complaining.
SMH
[/quote]

Do you have Goldfan figured??? I’d agree its very easy because you argue childishly every time I post about it. So now claiming you don’t recall ANY specific suggestions is laughable. Do you just log in here to be a clown?
I’ve stated very often and clearly that Baez should being in LF
IF there are better options at C in the minors(Crooks) then give him a shot. There are 2 holes in the lineup upgraded. Should you save this post so you don’t come on here crying you get no specifics???
In the offseason I posted several times about replacing Gray and WC salary slots with MLB talent. BLOOM could find those specific names
So again specific options, that you argue against and ALWAYS posted.
[/quote]

Abdicating responsibility to win this season for HOPES of better chances in the future is stupid. This year might be that lightening in the bottle and every “perfect” year in the future could be disappointments. Is he here to win or write the script of some narrative in his head? No one saying trade away every viable prospect for a vet but making one move that could help push this team in to the playoffs shouldn’t be so easily dismissed the first of MAY. There are no guarantees with any of this. If 2026 is the Cards season then play to WIN

You've nailed it with this unique concept that a team should try to "WIN." .

I'm sure Bloom would love to have your insight.

PS - would you rather win more games this year and reduce the chance to win the World Series in future years? Not I. It's all about the ring. Bloom's plan is designed for that. Just a guess, but I think you're heavily in debt.

Here is the unspoken problem with the thought process sacrifice now to win in 3-4 years. When that window you are all waiting on opens, Winn, Burleson, Walker, Gorman, Liberatore, and Herrera will be entering free agency territory. Do you think BDW is signing them to big deals? Nope. He brought Bloom in to run the Rays model. Once a guy nears free agency, trade him. Any potential window with this group is 1 to 2 years. And then you better hope Bloom nails those trades.

The Cardinals can be, and will need to be, more aggressive at locking up their young players to relatively low cost long term deals. They should be talking to at least Weatherholt, Winn, Herrera, and Burleson already, and Walker soon if not already.

^^^^^
This.

And there are no quick fixes.
Goldfan and others who want immediate gratification refuse to offer a solution. What moves can Bloom make this year to win a WS? Or are you weenies whose major hope in life is to have the Birds get a wild card spot and go out quickly?
They are afraid to propose a trade or a potential FA acquisition because they know they'll be mocked when they try (and fail miserably).

I think we ALL have Goldfan figured out.
For the record I’ve asked him MULTIPLE times including the other day in this thread for SPECIFIC MOVES that Bloom should make NOW.
I’ve gotten crickets!
He has no solutions....just whining and complaining.
SMH

Do you have Goldfan figured??? I’d agree its very easy because you argue childishly every time I post about it. So now claiming you don’t recall ANY specific suggestions is laughable. Do you just log in here to be a clown?
I’ve stated very often and clearly that Baez should being in LF
IF there are better options at C in the minors(Crooks) then give him a shot. There are 2 holes in the lineup upgraded. Should you save this post so you don’t come on here crying you get no specifics???
In the offseason I posted several times about replacing Gray and WC salary slots with MLB talent. BLOOM could find those specific names
So again specific options, that you argue against and ALWAYS posted.

EVERBODY has you figured out!! LMAO