C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
That lineup, if nothing is added, is weak. Saggese can’t be counted on as the everyday 3B. He hasn’t shown us anything yet to think he could give us daily production.
The outfield still needs help and hopefully Scott can cover tons of ground. I believe the infield will be fine but if we add anything, we need an everyday RH outfield bat.
CF Wetherholt
3B Donovan
2B Bichette
DH Schwarber
1B Contreras
C Herrera
RF Tucker
LF Burleson
SS Winn
Well I have to admit that if we bring in Bichette, Schwarber and Tucker the lineup is definitely stronger.
Whatashame wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:03 pm
I have mentioned a couple of times before that I think it’s 60/40 that he is traded. I believe there is a market for him and his remaining contract isn’t that difficult to swallow. Some of his value may be whether he would consider returning to at least catching on a part time basis for the team who would want him.
I could see him staying but that would require someone else definitely having to be traded. Contreras playing 1B takes a spot that could be played by others (Burleson, Herrera, Gorman). The picture will clear up as the winter moves on. Is Arenado traded? Is Donovan traded? How about Burleson, Gorman, Nootbaar? As things stand today the current lineup would look something like
C Crooks/Herrera/Pages
1B Contreras
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
3B Donovan
LF Nootbaar
CF Scott
RF Burleson
DH Gorman
This assumes Arenado is moved but plenty of questions with Donovan/Nootbaar/Gorman and Burleson.
Most of us are watching and waiting to see what Blooms vision is for this team. One more trade like with Gray, bringing back a couple of high end pitching prospects would be great and start to define what the lineup will look like. Many think Donovan is the move but maybe Contreras is the moveable piece. Heck, maybe both. Moving Gray, Arenado, Donovan AND Contreras would clear all onerous contracts and open up payroll.
Norman is a 1st baseman now?
That is to be determined. Probably not but if Gray, Contreras, Donovan, Arenado and Nootbaar are moved who knows what the returns are and how things shake out. To me, I would much rather see Gorman as an everyday 1B than an everyday 3B.
Contreras would fit in with a lot of teams, especially if he is willing to catch some again. I believe the final decision will be his to make, simply because Bloom will find a taker for him. It just a matter if he’s willing to go to that certain team or not!
Whatashame wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:03 pm
I have mentioned a couple of times before that I think it’s 60/40 that he is traded. I believe there is a market for him and his remaining contract isn’t that difficult to swallow. Some of his value may be whether he would consider returning to at least catching on a part time basis for the team who would want him.
I could see him staying but that would require someone else definitely having to be traded. Contreras playing 1B takes a spot that could be played by others (Burleson, Herrera, Gorman). The picture will clear up as the winter moves on. Is Arenado traded? Is Donovan traded? How about Burleson, Gorman, Nootbaar? As things stand today the current lineup would look something like
C Crooks/Herrera/Pages
1B Contreras
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
3B Donovan
LF Nootbaar
CF Scott
RF Burleson
DH Gorman
This assumes Arenado is moved but plenty of questions with Donovan/Nootbaar/Gorman and Burleson.
Most of us are watching and waiting to see what Blooms vision is for this team. One more trade like with Gray, bringing back a couple of high end pitching prospects would be great and start to define what the lineup will look like. Many think Donovan is the move but maybe Contreras is the moveable piece. Heck, maybe both. Moving Gray, Arenado, Donovan AND Contreras would clear all onerous contracts and open up payroll.[/b]
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
I am wondering if OF Joshua Baez will start out as the Cardinals 4th OF this year and end up starting quite a few games this year.
The kid has both power and speed.
No. He hasn't even tasted AAA yet. Last year was his first real breakout year, after struggling for a while in the minors. I'd say he is Memphis bound.
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
That lineup, if nothing is added, is weak. Saggese can’t be counted on as the everyday 3B. He hasn’t shown us anything yet to think he could give us daily production.
The outfield still needs help and hopefully Scott can cover tons of ground. I believe the infield will be fine but if we add anything, we need an everyday RH outfield bat.
Of course it's going to be weak....what's the difference if you win 65 games or 70 games
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
I am wondering if OF Joshua Baez will start out as the Cardinals 4th OF this year and end up starting quite a few games this year.
The kid has both power and speed.
No. He hasn't even tasted AAA yet. Last year was his first real breakout year, after struggling for a while in the minors. I'd say he is Memphis bound.
Wonder how long he would be at AAA . MLB prospects has Baez ETA (expected time of arrival ) for 2026
Baseball America says this in their ratings on Baez (ranked 4th in Cardinal system by them )
The Future: Baez broke out in a major way in 2025 and looks like he could debut for the Cardinals in 2026. He’s a potential above-average regular with the potential for 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
So both MLB Prospects and Baseball America have Joshua Baez making his MLB debut sometime in 2026.
Last edited by ramfandan on 27 Nov 2025 21:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Whatashame wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:03 pm
I have mentioned a couple of times before that I think it’s 60/40 that he is traded. I believe there is a market for him and his remaining contract isn’t that difficult to swallow. Some of his value may be whether he would consider returning to at least catching on a part time basis for the team who would want him.
I could see him staying but that would require someone else definitely having to be traded. Contreras playing 1B takes a spot that could be played by others (Burleson, Herrera, Gorman). The picture will clear up as the winter moves on. Is Arenado traded? Is Donovan traded? How about Burleson, Gorman, Nootbaar? As things stand today the current lineup would look something like
C Crooks/Herrera/Pages
1B Contreras
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
3B Donovan
LF Nootbaar
CF Scott
RF Burleson
DH Gorman
This assumes Arenado is moved but plenty of questions with Donovan/Nootbaar/Gorman and Burleson.
Most of us are watching and waiting to see what Blooms vision is for this team. One more trade like with Gray, bringing back a couple of high end pitching prospects would be great and start to define what the lineup will look like. Many think Donovan is the move but maybe Contreras is the moveable piece. Heck, maybe both. Moving Gray, Arenado, Donovan AND Contreras would clear all onerous contracts and open up payroll.[/b]
How much room do we need??? Lol
I have no idea what BDW has as a plan but if the Cardinals actually do trade Gray, Arenado, Contreras, Donovan, Romero I can see the payroll coming in under 100 million dollars which would be ridiculous. It doesn’t seem that BDW is interested in spending much of the savings. I would also be interested in what we received in return for those assets. Just an interesting winter for the Cardinals.
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
I am wondering if OF Joshua Baez will start out as the Cardinals 4th OF this year and end up starting quite a few games this year.
The kid has both power and speed.
No. He hasn't even tasted AAA yet. Last year was his first real breakout year, after struggling for a while in the minors. I'd say he is Memphis bound.
Wonder how long he would be at AAA . MLB prospects has Baez ETA (expected time of arrival ) for 2026
Baseball America says this in their ratings on Baez (ranked 4th in Cardinal system by them )
The Future: Baez broke out in a major way in 2025 and looks like he could debut for the Cardinals in 2026. He’s a potential above-average regular with the potential for 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
So both MLB Prospects and Baseball America have Joshua Baez making his MLB debut sometime in 2026.
Not sure. I'd say probably not much rush, but if he starts on a tear and looks the part, it's possible. He is definitely a physical specimen, though! Hope he continues progressing!!
Whatashame wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:03 pm
I have mentioned a couple of times before that I think it’s 60/40 that he is traded. I believe there is a market for him and his remaining contract isn’t that difficult to swallow. Some of his value may be whether he would consider returning to at least catching on a part time basis for the team who would want him.
I could see him staying but that would require someone else definitely having to be traded. Contreras playing 1B takes a spot that could be played by others (Burleson, Herrera, Gorman). The picture will clear up as the winter moves on. Is Arenado traded? Is Donovan traded? How about Burleson, Gorman, Nootbaar? As things stand today the current lineup would look something like
C Crooks/Herrera/Pages
1B Contreras
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
3B Donovan
LF Nootbaar
CF Scott
RF Burleson
DH Gorman
This assumes Arenado is moved but plenty of questions with Donovan/Nootbaar/Gorman and Burleson.
Most of us are watching and waiting to see what Blooms vision is for this team. One more trade like with Gray, bringing back a couple of high end pitching prospects would be great and start to define what the lineup will look like. Many think Donovan is the move but maybe Contreras is the moveable piece. Heck, maybe both. Moving Gray, Arenado, Donovan AND Contreras would clear all onerous contracts and open up payroll.[/b]
How much room do we need??? Lol
I have no idea what BDW has as a plan but if the Cardinals actually do trade Gray, Arenado, Contreras, Donovan, Romero I can see the payroll coming in under 100 million dollars which would be ridiculous. It doesn’t seem that BDW is interested in spending much of the savings. I would also be interested in what we received in return for those assets. Just an interesting winter for the Cardinals.
Yes, we are already way under 100M, I believe (counting the $ sent with Sonny).
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
That lineup, if nothing is added, is weak. Saggese can’t be counted on as the everyday 3B. He hasn’t shown us anything yet to think he could give us daily production.
The outfield still needs help and hopefully Scott can cover tons of ground. I believe the infield will be fine but if we add anything, we need an everyday RH outfield bat.
Of course it's going to be weak....what's the difference if you win 65 games or 70 games
I’m hoping that if the Cardinals do trade all of the high priced contracts that they are rumored to be looking to do that some of the savings will be invested into other assets. BDW can have the higher assets traded and keep the money which could very well lead to a 65-70 win team but even trading Arenado, Gray, Contreras, Donovan, Romero there is the ability to make this team competitive in the NL Central.
Trading those assets could bring our payroll well under 100 million dollars without any reinvestment. That would be an unfathomable reality for the Cardinals team.
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
That lineup, if nothing is added, is weak. Saggese can’t be counted on as the everyday 3B. He hasn’t shown us anything yet to think he could give us daily production.
The outfield still needs help and hopefully Scott can cover tons of ground. I believe the infield will be fine but if we add anything, we need an everyday RH outfield bat.
CF Wetherholt
3B Donovan
2B Bichette
DH Schwarber
1B Contreras
C Herrera
RF Tucker
LF Burleson
SS Winn
Unsure when Joshua Baez will be brought to the majors but the Cardinals do have a kid in their pipeline that fits exactlly what you are seeking ..an everyday RH outfield bat. Baez has a scout rating of 60 for power (60 is PLUS power ). So he has the power and thus far has shown a better ability to launch the ball higher than what Walker has shown. Baez also has speed and can steal you bases too. He had a breakout year last year and could reach the 'show' sooner than expected . Baseball America says he has potential to be an above average everyday player in the big leagues . Hoping they are spot on in their evaluation.
Would think he gets an invite to spring training to get a taste of that . Hoping to see him get in a few games there.
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
That lineup, if nothing is added, is weak. Saggese can’t be counted on as the everyday 3B. He hasn’t shown us anything yet to think he could give us daily production.
The outfield still needs help and hopefully Scott can cover tons of ground. I believe the infield will be fine but if we add anything, we need an everyday RH outfield bat.
CF Wetherholt
3B Donovan
2B Bichette
DH Schwarber
1B Contreras
C Herrera
RF Tucker
LF Burleson
SS Winn
Unsure when Joshua Baez will be brought to the majors but the Cardinals do have a kid in their pipeline that fits exactlly what you are seeking ..an everyday RH outfield bat. Baez has a scout rating of 60 for power (60 is PLUS power ). So he has the power and thus far has shown a better ability to launch the ball higher than what Walker has shown. Baez also has speed and can steal you bases too. He had a breakout year last year and could reach the 'show' sooner than expected . Baseball America says he has potential to be an above average everyday player in the big leagues . Hoping they are spot on in their evaluation.
Would think he gets an invite to spring training to get a taste of that . Hoping to see him get in a few games there.
I am guessing that they will be reluctant to promote Baez from Memphis to St Louis next season. Maybe he forces the issue, and they do. The anti-Walker promotion plan. If Walker doesn't do well in spring training, Memphis could have an outfield of Joshua Baez, Chase Davis, and Jordan Walker. (Sounds more formidible than Koperniak, Siani, and Antico)
C-Unit wrote: ↑27 Nov 2025 17:32 pm
2B Wetherholt
SS Winn
1B Burleson
LF Herrera
DH Gorman
RF Walker
3B Saggese
C Crooks Pages Pozo
CF Scott II
That lineup, if nothing is added, is weak. Saggese can’t be counted on as the everyday 3B. He hasn’t shown us anything yet to think he could give us daily production.
The outfield still needs help and hopefully Scott can cover tons of ground. I believe the infield will be fine but if we add anything, we need an everyday RH outfield bat.
CF Wetherholt
3B Donovan
2B Bichette
DH Schwarber
1B Contreras
C Herrera
RF Tucker
LF Burleson
SS Winn
Well I have to admit that if we bring in Bichette, Schwarber and Tucker the lineup is definitely stronger.
