Jatalk wrote: ↑02 Oct 2025 08:50 am
Melville wrote: ↑02 Oct 2025 08:33 am
Jatalk wrote: ↑02 Oct 2025 08:26 am
Bully4you wrote: ↑02 Oct 2025 03:22 am
Let's say the trade Walker and Nootbaar for unknown minor league assets. I don't know how the bull pen shapes out, but I put Pallante there for sure.
How does this lineup play in 2026? Based on what we heard, I'd say it may be what we will get or something similar to this. Burleson in RF is a disaster, but he hits. Arenado may not be able to be moved for what they'd want. I'd like Burleson to get as many plate appearances as possible. Herrera is a injury concern in LF. Not sure he can last. Gorman only in field if absolutely necessary.
Starting lineup
2nd Base—Wetherholt
LF – Donovan/Herrera
1st Base—Contreras
RF—Burleson
DH--Gorman/Herrera --Bounce back year
3rd Base—Arenado--Bounce back year
SS—Winn
C—Pages/Crooks--Hope for Improvements
CF—Scott/Church--Hope for Improvements
Rotation
Gray
Doyle
Liberatore
McGreevy
Mathews/Leahy
Bull Pen
Pallante
Graceffo
Mathews/Leahy
Matt Svanson
JoJo Romero
Riley O'Brien
Tink Hence??
I keep going back and forth on Arenado. I really wanted him gone to make room for younger player. Now I’m concerned we do not have anyone to play an adequate 3rd. But I would like to see him gone and let JJ or Donovan or even Winn play third. (that’s right Winn, stop laughing). With him gone and I hate to say it trade WC I would hope enough payroll opens up RH outfielder with some stroke.
I want Donovan playing somewhere daily. Not share a position and I want him at second. But I have a feeling he gets traded.
I sort of think we might have enough pitching with maybe some adds but not a big name.
If you dump Gorman, Walker, Noot and stop depending on them on a daily basis you are better off.
I expect Walker and Lars the Human Sushi-baar will be traded.
Gorman could be as well - but that would be a mistake.
The team must keep what power it has.
I’ve read your post regarding power and Gorman. I can buy into that but he is not an everyday third baseman. I do not like having so many players not having a defensive position. I’m throwing IH in that category. I’m not looking for gold glove but adequate.
Gorman's glove is fine at 3b.
He made several throwing errors when he initially moved back to 3b (completely different throws are required than from 2b), but after that brief stint, he did well.
Will he have N/A's range?
No.
But, but he will make the plays that an average 3b should make.
And, his arm is currently far stronger than N/A's.
Bottom line.
It is never about one player at one spot.
It is always about a lineup being a greater (or lesser) sum than its parts.
That has been in true in MLB for over 100 years.
Like it or not, STL needs power.
They need to play Gorman daily for the first 100 games next year - and then assess.
What is the alternative?
N/A?
He's washed up.
Sagesse?
OBP the same as Gorman, OPS less than Gorman, just 2 RH in 295 PA's, and his runs scored/RBI production are lower as well.
Donovan?
Not enough power and not enough arm for 3B - and his bat is desperately needed to shore up the horrendous STL outfield.
Wetherholt?
He is needed at 2b which allows Donovan to move to LF.
No one is saying STL has the perfect solution at 3B.
But Gorman is the best current option for 2026 - and the upside is simply too high to dispose of too quickly.
