Humor Me - One Move they Make

[butsir01]

The one move I feel strongly they make is dealing NADO.

The single move to help thid team is to bring jn competent ownership with a will to win.

[CorneliusWolfe]

IMO the Cardinals won't do much, this will be let's see what we have and develop the minor leaguers we currently have and have coming in.

With that said, what one move will they make in your opinion. I would think most of us would agree they will prune the current roster somehow, someway.

Is it at the catching position with all the depth and active players who have value?
Arb guys who are going to cost a lot more but who control
High priced FA that needs to take a hike to free up cash flow and open up a spot for eval and opportunity.

I'm stuck between moving on from a catcher, Pages or Pozo (maybe Crooks) or Nootbaar. He had his chance, has limited control and is now aging out. He has some value being able to play all 3 outfield positions, lefty and when right can draw a ton of walks and hit for a little power. Maybe unrefined bullpen arm?

Anyway just curious what foresee happening if only one move was to occur, or if you want, the highest probability of <N> move happening.

If they’re not going to play to win why does it matter? There is no one on this team who is a no doubt keeper……so trade most of the team and maybe you get lucky with a sleeper return.

Donny is a keeper but his career timing is not in sync with a World Series run and that makes him expendable

I’ll go with this for the big-move scenario. Not saying I want it because he’s solid but he would bring the best return. If they choose wisely on the return, that is. Which is the concerning part.

For a small-move prediction, I’ll go with Burleson for a good young set up reliever. Hopefully with future closer potential.

[JuanAgosto]

I think the most likely moves are
1. Arenado
2. Donovan
3. Nootbaar

Burleson, Walker, and Gorman would surprise me.

[ilcubuffs]

The Cards can make any one move. But a move to improve the talent on the team would be NA & Noot to Dodgers. Doubt that would even get a "Hell No "if they ask for Pages. So it would have to be pitching talent from OKC or Tulsa - maybe Ferris.

[icon]

Obviously, Bloom will trade Nootbaar. That shouldn't even count.

Then he needs to move either Arenado or Gorman. That also shouldn't count. It's malpractice he doesn't.

Donovan and Gray are the real indicators. If this team is serious about rebuilding this roster, those guys should both be traded. If, however, BDW continues to dream of 80ish wins and a WC game (which I think is the case), Bloom won't be allowed to get rid of them.

Let's put it this way: if Mo were still in charge, it's easy to imagine how this winter would go. Mo would trade Noot, then fix one big roster problem (this year, it has to be another starter), then start talking about how he likes the options we have for everything else. "Gotta see what we have in these young players...it's a make or break year for Players A, B, C..." etc. etc.

If this winter looks like that, we'll know Mo was never really the problem...and that Cardinal Nation is in for a long, long next 5-10 years.

Yeah, I'm waiting to see indicators of how much independence Bloom has, too. If it looks like the same ol' FO, we'll know.

[rockondlouie]

The one move I feel strongly they make is dealing NADO.

The single move to help thid team is to bring jn competent ownership with a will to win.

No argument here butsir

[CCard]

IMO the Cardinals won't do much, this will be let's see what we have and develop the minor leaguers we currently have and have coming in.

With that said, what one move will they make in your opinion. I would think most of us would agree they will prune the current roster somehow, someway.

Is it at the catching position with all the depth and active players who have value?
Arb guys who are going to cost a lot more but who control
High priced FA that needs to take a hike to free up cash flow and open up a spot for eval and opportunity.

I'm stuck between moving on from a catcher, Pages or Pozo (maybe Crooks) or Nootbaar. He had his chance, has limited control and is now aging out. He has some value being able to play all 3 outfield positions, lefty and when right can draw a ton of walks and hit for a little power. Maybe unrefined bullpen arm?

Anyway just curious what foresee happening if only one move was to occur, or if you want, the highest probability of <N> move happening.

The single one move that the Cards could do to get better is to go out and sign the best free agent pitcher available. They won't of course because they're penny pinchers. But a dominant starter would make the rest of the pitching better.

and keep Sonny ?

Yes. He is the best pitcher you have. If he's on then he's an ace. That type of pitching is not easy to get.

[Swuhgen]

I think the only for sure internal moves they will make is trade Nado and Sonny.
The rest just depends on what their goal is next season.
Gorman should be gone. Same with Noot.

[Swuhgen]

IMO the Cardinals won't do much, this will be let's see what we have and develop the minor leaguers we currently have and have coming in.

With that said, what one move will they make in your opinion. I would think most of us would agree they will prune the current roster somehow, someway.

Is it at the catching position with all the depth and active players who have value?
Arb guys who are going to cost a lot more but who control
High priced FA that needs to take a hike to free up cash flow and open up a spot for eval and opportunity.

I'm stuck between moving on from a catcher, Pages or Pozo (maybe Crooks) or Nootbaar. He had his chance, has limited control and is now aging out. He has some value being able to play all 3 outfield positions, lefty and when right can draw a ton of walks and hit for a little power. Maybe unrefined bullpen arm?

Anyway just curious what foresee happening if only one move was to occur, or if you want, the highest probability of <N> move happening.

The single one move that the Cards could do to get better is to go out and sign the best free agent pitcher available. They won't of course because they're penny pinchers. But a dominant starter would make the rest of the pitching better.

and keep Sonny ?

Yes. He is the best pitcher you have. If he's on then he's an ace. That type of pitching is not easy to get.

He's 36 and making 35 million. And he's coming off a season where he had only 14 quality starts.
You have to try and unload him.

[Clubmaker2]

14 QS is tied for 28th, there are 30 teams.....

The cards dont have the starting pitchers for next season, and BD3 would likely just pocket the money saved at least until 2027. Quality of prospects? Reduced by size of SGs contract?

[82birds]

Obviously, Bloom will trade Nootbaar. That shouldn't even count.

Then he needs to move either Arenado or Gorman. That also shouldn't count. It's malpractice he doesn't.

Donovan and Gray are the real indicators. If this team is serious about rebuilding this roster, those guys should both be traded. If, however, BDW continues to dream of 80ish wins and a WC game (which I think is the case), Bloom won't be allowed to get rid of them.

Let's put it this way: if Mo were still in charge, it's easy to imagine how this winter would go. Mo would trade Noot, then fix one big roster problem (this year, it has to be another starter), then start talking about how he likes the options we have for everything else. "Gotta see what we have in these young players...it's a make or break year for Players A, B, C..." etc. etc.

If this winter looks like that, we'll know Mo was never really the problem...and that Cardinal Nation is in for a long, long next 5-10 years.

Yeah, I'm waiting to see indicators of how much independence Bloom has, too. If it looks like the same ol' FO, we'll know.

trouble is, same owner

[Strummer Jones]

If we're just talking additions...I think we need one PRODUCTIVE vet pitcher, and one PRODUCTIVE vet reliever. Don't ask me for names. I couldn't give them to you.

Notice I said PRODUCTIVE, and not STAR. I'm not going to try and kid myself into thinking we'll be swimming in deep waters and bringing in some big fish or anybody like that.

But assuming Gray is gone...who's the guy on the staff who's been there/done that? Pallante?

I love Jojo...but maybe we want another relief pitcher with some experience? Preferably some play-off experience or closing experience. Again, I'm not going to delude myself and think that we're going to bring in Duran or someone like that--Helsley at best--but maybe Paul Sewald or Pierce Johnson? Chafin? Fairbanks?

[Adam2]

IMO the Cardinals won't do much, this will be let's see what we have and develop the minor leaguers we currently have and have coming in.

With that said, what one move will they make in your opinion. I would think most of us would agree they will prune the current roster somehow, someway.

Is it at the catching position with all the depth and active players who have value?
Arb guys who are going to cost a lot more but who control
High priced FA that needs to take a hike to free up cash flow and open up a spot for eval and opportunity.

I'm stuck between moving on from a catcher, Pages or Pozo (maybe Crooks) or Nootbaar. He had his chance, has limited control and is now aging out. He has some value being able to play all 3 outfield positions, lefty and when right can draw a ton of walks and hit for a little power. Maybe unrefined bullpen arm?

Anyway just curious what foresee happening if only one move was to occur, or if you want, the highest probability of <N> move happening.

The single one move that the Cards could do to get better is to go out and sign the best free agent pitcher available. They won't of course because they're penny pinchers. But a dominant starter would make the rest of the pitching better.

Who?
the list consists of Cease, Gallen, Valdez, then down to Merrill Kelly and Flaherty. for the money who is worth it? Weak weak weak class. you want 180 mil for the top of a (bleep) class? too easy to say "just sign the best free agent pitcher available". research is helpful

[CCard]

IMO the Cardinals won't do much, this will be let's see what we have and develop the minor leaguers we currently have and have coming in.

With that said, what one move will they make in your opinion. I would think most of us would agree they will prune the current roster somehow, someway.

Is it at the catching position with all the depth and active players who have value?
Arb guys who are going to cost a lot more but who control
High priced FA that needs to take a hike to free up cash flow and open up a spot for eval and opportunity.

I'm stuck between moving on from a catcher, Pages or Pozo (maybe Crooks) or Nootbaar. He had his chance, has limited control and is now aging out. He has some value being able to play all 3 outfield positions, lefty and when right can draw a ton of walks and hit for a little power. Maybe unrefined bullpen arm?

Anyway just curious what foresee happening if only one move was to occur, or if you want, the highest probability of <N> move happening.

The single one move that the Cards could do to get better is to go out and sign the best free agent pitcher available. They won't of course because they're penny pinchers. But a dominant starter would make the rest of the pitching better.

Who?
the list consists of Cease, Gallen, Valdez, then down to Merrill Kelly and Flaherty. for the money who is worth it? Weak weak weak class. you want 180 mil for the top of a (bleep) class? too easy to say "just sign the best free agent pitcher available". research is helpful

I don't need to research it. I'm not employed by the Cards. They have a whole dept to research stuff like that. Cease has been really good at times so has Gallen. Are you telling me neither would fit nicely in the Cards rotation? Bieber is about to start in the ALCS and he's a free agent. Giolito, Kelly, Bassitt. There are a lot of upgrades out there. Pony up and put a decent product on the field.

[hugeCardfan]

No big FA signing, but a serviceable arm. A Suppan like acquisition makes sense. 3 to 4 years. Keep Sonny in '26 and buy him out in '27 by passing on option. Trade Arenado. Explore what they can get for Noot and Gorman...but plan for Gorman or Donovan at 3B. Look for a young arm blocked on another team and see what he costs. I don't see Donovan traded. He could be extended for a couple years or just allowed to play out. But if we want to compete keep the real players around. Work with Ivan Herrera this winter in the outfield. He can't just be a DH. Focus on on Burleson at 1B and DH....but play everyday. Contreras busted at catcher. The Cards need to find a solution for him and I don't think its on the Cardinal 26 man roster.

Cardinal outfield next year at the start: Walker, Scott/Church, Noot, Herrera. At some point, Baez could be in the running if he hits the ground running in Memphis. If the pitching settles in '26 they should consider a FA veteran outfielder for '27 and beyond...unless both Church and Baez drill down.

Infield: Gorman/Donovan 3B, JJ 2B, Winn SS, and Burleson/Contreras 1B. Crooks has a short window to establish himself at catcher... I figure late 2026 Bernal will get a ML look.

[CCard]

IMO the Cardinals won't do much, this will be let's see what we have and develop the minor leaguers we currently have and have coming in.

With that said, what one move will they make in your opinion. I would think most of us would agree they will prune the current roster somehow, someway.

Is it at the catching position with all the depth and active players who have value?
Arb guys who are going to cost a lot more but who control
High priced FA that needs to take a hike to free up cash flow and open up a spot for eval and opportunity.

I'm stuck between moving on from a catcher, Pages or Pozo (maybe Crooks) or Nootbaar. He had his chance, has limited control and is now aging out. He has some value being able to play all 3 outfield positions, lefty and when right can draw a ton of walks and hit for a little power. Maybe unrefined bullpen arm?

Anyway just curious what foresee happening if only one move was to occur, or if you want, the highest probability of <N> move happening.

The single one move that the Cards could do to get better is to go out and sign the best free agent pitcher available. They won't of course because they're penny pinchers. But a dominant starter would make the rest of the pitching better.

and keep Sonny ?

Yes. He is the best pitcher you have. If he's on then he's an ace. That type of pitching is not easy to get.

He's 36 and making 35 million. And he's coming off a season where he had only 14 quality starts.
You have to try and unload him.

And replace him with what exactly? Just because he only had 14 QS in a season doesn't mean he won't have more in the next year. The very elite pitchers only topped out at 22 QS. While 14 is subpar it's not that far from the top. If he declines more then sure but you wouldn't get much for him then.