STLtoday.com

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑18 May 2025 07:54 am Oli going old school and letting starters earn their money instead of automatic pull after 5 innings and 65 pitches. He seems to be getting better in general as far as feel for the game/moment. I wonder if Brown/Descalso/Jay are offering better critiques and more bold feedback on his decisions/strategies. They don’t seem like yes-men type. Maybe he’s listening or just learned a lot from past mistakes and evolving. Something is different about him. They’re not just winning despite him, he’s contributing.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑18 May 2025 07:54 am Oli going old school and letting starters earn their money instead of automatic pull after 5 innings and 65 pitches. He seems to be getting better in general as far as feel for the game/moment. I wonder if Brown/Descalso/Jay are offering better critiques and more bold feedback on his decisions/strategies. They don’t seem like yes-men type. Maybe he’s listening or just learned a lot from past mistakes and evolving. Something is different about him. They’re not just winning despite him, he’s contributing.

Monsieur De Treville wrote: ↑18 May 2025 07:11 am It's been an interesting Cardinal season so far. What has surprised you most this season with regards to YOUR 2025 St Louis Cardinals? I'll throw out some ideas, but maybe you have others...

1. The emergence of Libby as a starting pitcher?
2. Contreras defense at first base?
3. Walker's defense in RF?
4. Inability to trade Nado?
5. The ascension (offensively) of Herrera?
6. The work of Brant Brown?
7. The way Scott has seized the CF position?
8. The lackluster Busch III attendance?

I'm going with #1. I thought his future was as a starter, but right now I'm amazed at how good he's been and his overall command and presence on the mound.

You?

Monsieur De Treville wrote: ↑18 May 2025 07:11 am It's been an interesting Cardinal season so far. What has surprised you most this season with regards to YOUR 2025 St Louis Cardinals? I'll throw out some ideas, but maybe you have others...

1. The emergence of Libby as a starting pitcher?
2. Contreras defense at first base?
3. Walker's defense in RF?
4. Inability to trade Nado?
5. The ascension (offensively) of Herrera?
6. The work of Brant Brown?
7. The way Scott has seized the CF position?
8. The lackluster Busch III attendance?

I'm going with #1. I thought his future was as a starter, but right now I'm amazed at how good he's been and his overall command and presence on the mound.

You?

cardstatman wrote: ↑18 May 2025 17:11 pm 1. The emergence of Libby as a #1 starting pitcher
2. The way Scott has seized the CF position
3. The effectiveness of Kyle Leahy in the bullpen
4. The effectiveness of Steven Matz in the bullpen
5. The rebound of Miles Mikolas
6. The work of Brant Brown
7. The ascension (offensively) of Herrera
8. Walker's defense in RF
9. The entire team's improvement in defense
10. Winning 12 of 13 while shorthanded on trustworthy relievers.
11. Marmol's discovery that using Matz, McGreevy, Graceffo as piggy back starters saves his short bullpen AND avoids using his worst relievers.
12. Contreras defense at first base
13. The lackluster Busch III attendance
14. That we have 4 catchers on the MLB roster; the emergence of Yohel Pozo
15. That Phil Maton $2,000,000 was an incredible free agent signing.

MIDMOBIRDTWO wrote: ↑18 May 2025 17:19 pm

cardstatman wrote: ↑18 May 2025 17:11 pm 1. The emergence of Libby as a #1 starting pitcher
2. The way Scott has seized the CF position
3. The effectiveness of Kyle Leahy in the bullpen
4. The effectiveness of Steven Matz in the bullpen
5. The rebound of Miles Mikolas
6. The work of Brant Brown
7. The ascension (offensively) of Herrera
8. Walker's defense in RF
9. The entire team's improvement in defense
10. Winning 12 of 13 while shorthanded on trustworthy relievers.
11. Marmol's discovery that using Matz, McGreevy, Graceffo as piggy back starters saves his short bullpen AND avoids using his worst relievers.
12. Contreras defense at first base
13. The lackluster Busch III attendance
14. That we have 4 catchers on the MLB roster; the emergence of Yohel Pozo
15. That Phil Maton $2,000,000 was an incredible free agent signing.

We don't have four catchers. See number 12 above. He is a first baseman.

cardstatman wrote: ↑18 May 2025 17:24 pm

MIDMOBIRDTWO wrote: ↑18 May 2025 17:19 pm

cardstatman wrote: ↑18 May 2025 17:11 pm 1. The emergence of Libby as a #1 starting pitcher
2. The way Scott has seized the CF position
3. The effectiveness of Kyle Leahy in the bullpen
4. The effectiveness of Steven Matz in the bullpen
5. The rebound of Miles Mikolas
6. The work of Brant Brown
7. The ascension (offensively) of Herrera
8. Walker's defense in RF
9. The entire team's improvement in defense
10. Winning 12 of 13 while shorthanded on trustworthy relievers.
11. Marmol's discovery that using Matz, McGreevy, Graceffo as piggy back starters saves his short bullpen AND avoids using his worst relievers.
12. Contreras defense at first base
13. The lackluster Busch III attendance
14. That we have 4 catchers on the MLB roster; the emergence of Yohel Pozo
15. That Phil Maton $2,000,000 was an incredible free agent signing.

We don't have four catchers. See number 12 above. He is a first baseman.

You are correct.

Just thought of:
6.5. Cards are winning despite Walker and Gorman busting at the plate.
9.5. Cards have no pitcher injuries through the first 29% of the season (unless you count Zack Thompson) while the Memphis rotation is decimated. No injured position players at the moment.