STLtoday.com

Love it!

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

I mean there wasn’t a team in MLB that wanted him 3 years ago, why would anyone want him now.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

There aren’t any teams that want a mid 30’s 1B who’s never hit 25 HRs in his career

He will be 34 next season..

Typically, teams do not rebuild around highly paid players on the wrong side of 30.

45s wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 20:06 pm He will be 34 next season..

Typically, teams do not rebuild around highly paid players on the wrong side of 30.

What you say is true. I like Willson, and I don't mind if he is still here next year. He is still productive. I do think they will try to trade him. If I had to give a yes, or no, as to whether a deal gets done- I say yes. What say you?

TheSolution wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 20:00 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

There aren’t any teams that want a mid 30’s 1B who’s never hit 25 HRs in his career

How about a career .811 OPS and plus defender? (At 1B, not catcher…that’s why he didn’t have many takers a few years ago in fee agency).

Most that hate Contreras love Burleson. Are you one of them? I ask because if so, there’s no reason in debating someone with Burly fever so I’ll just concede.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 21:18 pm How about a career .811 OPS and plus defender? (At 1B, not catcher…that’s why he didn’t have many takers a few years ago in fee agency).

He didn’t have takers 3 years ago because he was past his prime, entering mid-30s and has never hit 25 HRs.

He couldn’t catch, and everyone knew it, and nobody wants a 1B that max’s out at 22 HRs.

Not to mention he had a terrible reputation inside the Cubs clubhouse, as it was revealed he regularly destroyed iPads and tv’s in the clubhouse.

Nobody wanted him 3 years ago, nobody would want him now either.

Moving to 1st didn’t help him stay healthy and it didn’t result in more power (as everyone tried saying would happen).

He is in the way and a total waste of 90 million dollars and 5 years of our time.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 21:18 pm Most that hate Contreras love Burleson. Are you one of them? I ask because if so, there’s no reason in debating someone with Burly fever so I’ll just concede.

What a truly bizarre and cowardly way to make yourself feel better about yourself.

This is a new low for online forum behavior.

TheSolution wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 21:31 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 21:18 pm How about a career .811 OPS and plus defender? (At 1B, not catcher…that’s why he didn’t have many takers a few years ago in fee agency).

He didn’t have takers 3 years ago because he was past his prime, entering mid-30s and has never hit 25 HRs.

He couldn’t catch, and everyone knew it, and nobody wants a 1B that max’s out at 22 HRs.

Not to mention he had a terrible reputation inside the Cubs clubhouse, as it was revealed he regularly destroyed iPads and tv’s in the clubhouse.

Nobody wanted him 3 years ago, nobody would want him now either.

Moving to 1st didn’t help him stay healthy and it didn’t result in more power (as everyone tried saying would happen).

He is in the way and a total waste of 90 million dollars and 5 years of our time.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 21:18 pm Most that hate Contreras love Burleson. Are you one of them? I ask because if so, there’s no reason in debating someone with Burly fever so I’ll just concede.

What a truly bizarre and cowardly way to make yourself feel better about yourself.

This is a new low for online forum behavior.

A new low?? Here?? You must be new, or another Shady sock considering your choice of phrasing in your posts, your hatred of WC, and last but not least, your weird hostility.

But OK, I’ll bite anyway, though you reek of the fever so I doubt it’ll do any good.

What about WC .351 career OBP and being a plus defender at 1B at his first crack at it? Does everyone need to hit 25+ homeruns? Does Donny suck? Many want him to play 3rd which is a traditional power position. Is everyone player over 30 useless? WC also brings some fire and a desire to win, which goes against this weak (donkey) culture that has been established.

renostl wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:01 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

There are more hurdles to deal Gray than there are WC or NA.
Gray and the ridiculously back loaded contract looks almost impossible to deal. $40 million?
Cards can use pitching and will be looking for more. I don't know they will look for 1B or 3B
even if WC and NA were moved.

Any team that plays in heat or an outdoor stadium would be wise to stay away from Sonny. What a horrible freakin' contract. Yet another classic Mozeliak move. It's just shocking how bad the majority of his acquisitions are.

Maybe he would except a trade to the Brewers and play with his brother.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

He has more value than most think.
Not only does his remaining AAV have appeal, but the limited 2-year commitment is exactly what a lot of teams will covet.
He will cost a small fraction of what middle order FA bats Tucker, Schwarber, and Bellinger will command - who are all LH.
Outside of Suarez, there's not much to pick from among RH bats.
There could not be a better time for STL to shop him - and the return would be significant.
Not advocating that he be traded.
Simply providing 100% accurate, agenda-free, bias-free analysis.

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:10 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

He has more value than most think.
Not only does his remaining AAV have appeal, but the limited 2-year commitment is exactly what a lot of teams will covet.
He will cost a small fraction of what middle order FA bats Tucker, Schwarber, and Bellinger will command - who are all LH.
Outside of Suarez, there's not much to pick from among RH bats.
There could not be a better time for STL to shop him - and the return would be significant.
Not advocating that he be traded.
Simply providing 100% accurate, agenda-free, bias-free analysis.

There are others who feel as I do. Nice.

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:10 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

He has more value than most think.
Not only does his remaining AAV have appeal, but the limited 2-year commitment is exactly what a lot of teams will covet.
He will cost a small fraction of what middle order FA bats Tucker, Schwarber, and Bellinger will command - who are all LH.
Outside of Suarez, there's not much to pick from among RH bats.
There could not be a better time for STL to shop him - and the return would be significant.
Not advocating that he be traded.
Simply providing 100% accurate, agenda-free, bias-free analysis.

Lol…I’d expect nothing less! You do raise a good point in the 2 year contract length. I forgot about that which does make him more appealing for a team looking for a good bridge player. Same logic could applied in the case for the Cardinals retaining him too.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:19 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:10 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

He has more value than most think.
Not only does his remaining AAV have appeal, but the limited 2-year commitment is exactly what a lot of teams will covet.
He will cost a small fraction of what middle order FA bats Tucker, Schwarber, and Bellinger will command - who are all LH.
Outside of Suarez, there's not much to pick from among RH bats.
There could not be a better time for STL to shop him - and the return would be significant.
Not advocating that he be traded.
Simply providing 100% accurate, agenda-free, bias-free analysis.

Lol…I’d expect nothing less! You do raise a good point in the 2 year contract length. I forgot about that which does make him more appealing for a team looking for a good bridge player. Same logic could applied in the case for the Cardinals retaining him too.

There is indeed an argument in favor of keeping him.
If Bloom's goal is to aim for 85-86 wins next year, while simultaneously building a foundation for something better long-term, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION would be to keep Contreras for at least one more season and possibly for both.
On the other hand, if STL simply wants to dump contract and dollars, they will find it easier to trade Contreras than Gray and could go in that direction.
Since I could easily fix the organization in 30 days or less and therefore see no reason to forfeit next season, I would retain him - unless the trade offer was overwhelming with starting pitching talent.

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:31 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:19 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 22:10 pm

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 18:44 pm

Melville wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 17:28 pm

ecleme22 wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:32 pm

CrazyForMyRedbirdsInLA wrote: ↑27 Sep 2025 16:28 pm I think it's refreshing a player wants to stay in StL so much. He's not hurting our budget since we're shedding massive budget once Nado and Gray are traded and Mikolas leaves, and we won't be spending on FA's, so who cares, let him stay and mentor. I think this is a good thing, makes me like him more

(Applause)

Indeed.
W/C says he wants to be a leader.
Exact opposite of what Goldschmidt and N/A said.
Zero question that is what the organization needs.
But there is a valid question.
How much is another team willing to give STL in exchange?

Another team would let them dump his salary on them because as you (and only you!) correctly pointed out lol, his contract is actually a bargain.

No good prospect return though, unless the team wants to cover a significant portion of his salary, effectively buying a better prospect.

Only two factions will see this as a bad development, those who love nothing more than BDW saving money and those suffering from Burly fever.

He has more value than most think.
Not only does his remaining AAV have appeal, but the limited 2-year commitment is exactly what a lot of teams will covet.
He will cost a small fraction of what middle order FA bats Tucker, Schwarber, and Bellinger will command - who are all LH.
Outside of Suarez, there's not much to pick from among RH bats.
There could not be a better time for STL to shop him - and the return would be significant.
Not advocating that he be traded.
Simply providing 100% accurate, agenda-free, bias-free analysis.

Lol…I’d expect nothing less! You do raise a good point in the 2 year contract length. I forgot about that which does make him more appealing for a team looking for a good bridge player. Same logic could applied in the case for the Cardinals retaining him too.

There is indeed an argument in favor of keeping him.
If Bloom's goal is to aim for 85-86 wins next year, while simultaneously building a foundation for something better long-term, the CORRECT BASEBALL DECISION would be to keep Contreras for at least one more season and possibly for both.
On the other hand, if STL simply wants to dump contract and dollars, they will find it easier to trade Contreras than Gray and could go in that direction.
Since I could easily fix the organization in 30 days or less and therefore see no reason to forfeit next season, I would retain him - unless the trade offer was overwhelming with starting pitching talent.

Your 30 day claim is quite bold, but luckily your consulting skills won’t be required as the organization is already fixed. Mo is retiring.

One question though, why would any GM “aim for 85-86 wins”? I have argued against those who say a wildcard is worthless, in that I think it is natural evolution to experience at least a short phase of mediocrity on the road back to contention. Not to mention fighting your way back to the top is an invaluable experience to young players.

But I do agree that you don’t “build for a wildcard” either. You sensibly use all resources available and exhaust all avenues to improve, then turn the revised roster loose and let the chips fall where they may, as opposed to any form of tanking. Would that have fit your 30 day plan?