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Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 07:38 am
by 3dender
Hoosier59 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 18:55 pm
As I stated in a different thread, Victor has to learn, and accept, what type of hitter he is. Right now, he’s trying to pull almost everything, and hit the ball hard. That’s probably not all his fault,Almost all hitters are taught to just hit the ball hard. In his case, however, sometimes to just slap the ball the other way and use his speed would be better for him. He has enough power to keep the outfielders playing him honest, and not cheat too far in.
I think back on Brett Butler, who had a very good career. He was an excellent bunter, and slap type hitter, who could turn on a pitch when he wanted to. If Victor would try and immolate Butler, he could become a good lead off hitter.
I have to wonder, though, what is he being told and directed to do? The Cardinals haven’t necessarily earned our trust recently on how they have handled other young hitters!
"emulate"... respectfully
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 07:50 am
by Wattage
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
Churchs hitting this year- quite frankly- came out of absolutely nowhere.
He had a.724 ops and .705 ops at A+ and AA the last 2 years. To go from barely hitting at AA last year to hitting at the majors would be quite the jump.
Id be fine with calling him up since he has to be added to 40 in the offseason anyways, but would be fine ifnthey didnt too if they are happy with his progression this year and dont want to overwhelm him by bringing him to majors. Weve rushed too many players like walker and scott last year.
Besides- this year was supposed to be about giving guys like scott runway. Im not concerned with trying to desperately squeeze out a 3rd wildcard for a 1st round exit.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 07:52 am
by Wattage
greyhawk wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 18:38 pm
i realize he isn't on the 40 man roster but why are Hampson and Siani on it still?? this one is baffling as to why he hasn't gotten some run.
Cuz all hampson is askednto do is ride the bench and be defensive sub or pinch runner. You want to bring up a rookie to ride the bench and just be a defensive sub and pinch runner?
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 08:19 am
by Basil Shabazz
Wattage wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 07:52 am
greyhawk wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 18:38 pm
i realize he isn't on the 40 man roster but why are Hampson and Siani on it still?? this one is baffling as to why he hasn't gotten some run.
Cuz all hampson is askednto do is ride the bench and be defensive sub or pinch runner. You want to bring up a rookie to ride the bench and just be a defensive sub and pinch runner?
If Church were up, it would be to get him a look. Thus, he wouldn't be riding the bench like Hampson.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 08:30 am
by Futuregm2
Wattage wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 07:50 am
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
Churchs hitting this year- quite frankly- came out of absolutely nowhere.
He had a.724 ops and .705 ops at A+ and AA the last 2 years.
To go from barely hitting at AA last year to hitting at the majors would be quite the jump.
Id be fine with calling him up since he has to be added to 40 in the offseason anyways, but would be fine ifnthey didnt too if they are happy with his progression this year and dont want to overwhelm him by bringing him to majors. Weve rushed too many players like walker and scott last year.
Besides- this year was supposed to be about giving guys like scott runway. Im not concerned with trying to desperately squeeze out a 3rd wildcard for a 1st round exit.
Hey there was a pretty good Cardinal that did that once!
Matt Holliday had a .706 OPS in A+ at 20 and .708 OPS in AA at 23. At this point in the minors now after this year Church has probably hit as much as Holliday ever did in the minors. You never know.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 08:40 am
by rockondlouie
Charles King wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:25 pm
Scott needs to work on bunting
If he could get a few bunt hits a week
That and hitting down on the ball more often (picking his moments when to muscle up) to utilize his great speed.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 08:41 am
by RunSup
Church is 25 years old. Approaching Koperniak in prospect age. This happened last year with Koperniak.
Also The Cardinals have Rule V draft protection issues this off season. They have to manage the 40-man. Not sure where Church falls in the Rule V time frame. Buts this is one reason why we likely won't see a Mathews called up In September, health aside.
Rosters only expand by 1 position player and 1 pitcher. Wetherholt is the position player to get called up.
I'd like to see Church in the bigs. But his time looks like spring training.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
by rockondlouie
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:09 am
by scoutyjones2
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
LoL. That's all? Raise his OBP to 330 from 300

Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:09 am
by Talkin' Baseball
Basil Shabazz wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 08:19 am
Wattage wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 07:52 am
greyhawk wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 18:38 pm
i realize he isn't on the 40 man roster but why are Hampson and Siani on it still?? this one is baffling as to why he hasn't gotten some run.
Cuz all hampson is askednto do is ride the bench and be defensive sub or pinch runner. You want to bring up a rookie to ride the bench and just be a defensive sub and pinch runner?
If Church were up, it would be to get him a look. Thus, he wouldn't be riding the bench like Hampson.
... and he would also earn more money in a month than he earned all season up to this point.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:11 am
by scoutyjones2
RunSup wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 08:41 am
Church is 25 years old. Approaching Koperniak in prospect age. This happened last year with Koperniak.
Also The Cardinals have Rule V draft protection issues this off season. They have to manage the 40-man. Not sure where Church falls in the Rule V time frame. Buts this is one reason why we likely won't see a Mathews called up In September, health aside.
Rosters only expand by 1 position player and 1 pitcher. Wetherholt is the position player to get called up.
I'd like to see Church in the bigs. But his time looks like spring training.
Argo turns 25 in February.
You bench Noot and can play Argo/Church. Or when Bbles DHs.
Gotta give up time to go to Church.
Amen
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:11 am
by Futuregm2
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
Well he’s at 7 right now, so unless you’re meaning 8-10 more, he’ll be in that range. He’s currently tied for 2nd in baseball in bunt hits. However, of the players in the top 10, he has the worst % of bunt hits in the group at 29.2%. His goal for that should be at least 50% next year and probably more like 70%. In the top 10, Lindor is 100%, Altuve is 87.5%, and Mullins is 70%. Those are the 3 highest percentages. Turang for Milwaukee is at 55.6%.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:13 am
by Futuregm2
scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:09 am
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
LoL. That's all? Raise his OBP to 330 from 300
He raised it from .219 last year to .309 this year. I don’t think it’s crazy to think he could raise it to .330 or even .340 in a year or two. His walk rate this year is more in line with his MILB walk rate.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:14 am
by rockondlouie
scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:09 am
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
LoL. That's all? Raise his OBP to 330 from 300
.344 during minor league career
Toss in those 8-10 bunt hits if ever learns to bunt and he could get there.
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:16 am
by scoutyjones2
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:14 am
scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:09 am
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
LoL. That's all? Raise his OBP to 330 from 300
.344 during minor league career
Toss in those 8-10 bunt hits if ever learns to bunt and he could get there.
Yeah, how are the rest of his minor league numbers translating to the majors?
Re: Nathan Church
Posted: 13 Aug 2025 09:16 am
by rockondlouie
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:11 am
rockondlouie wrote: ↑13 Aug 2025 09:04 am
Futuregm2 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:17 pm
clayton888 wrote: ↑12 Aug 2025 16:14 pm
I don’t understand why Church hasn’t been promoted and playing centerfield. He has torn up AAA/AA and plays at least as good an outfield as Scott and Scott, as the Fox announcers said last Friday, is the second worst offensive producer in MLB. It’s past time to move on there and give Church a six week look.
If he plays at least as good of an OF as Scott then he must be the best CF in the game. Scott ranks 3rd in OAA among all MLB OFers behind PCA and Ceddanne Rafaela.
Scott’s biggest issue right now is power. His BB rate is nearly 10%, he has 31 SBs in 33 attempts, and he’s playing a stellar CF defense. If he could hit for any power (.307 SLG%), he’d be fine.
Thank you, no way Church = VSII defensively.
I highly doubt Church makes that catch VSII made last night.
And if he could just add bunting to his arsenal, maybe getting 8-10 bunt hits a year, he could steal 50 bases!
All he needs is a .330 OB% to be an asset.
Well he’s at 7 right now, so unless you’re meaning 8-10 more, he’ll be in that range. He’s currently tied for 2nd in baseball in bunt hits. However, of the players in the top 10, he has the worst % of bunt hits in the group at 29.2%. His goal for that should be at least 50% next year and probably more like 70%. In the top 10, Lindor is 100%, Altuve is 87.5%, and Mullins is 70%. Those are the 3 highest percentages. Turang for Milwaukee is at 55.6%.
I did, left out the "more" so thanks for the assist.
And he absolutely needs some instruction on how to be a better bunter.