Donovan + Demand = December (and Dodgers)

[Talkin' Baseball]

I'm thinking Bloom is shooting for two good pitching pieces as the centerpiece of any Donovan deal. Not saying he won't have a position player, but it is his best shot to inject even more pitching into the system.

I think Bloom's number 1 objective immediately is to bridge the minor league pitching gap they have now. About 10-11 are about 1-3 years away. Relatively few ready to go now.

Once he has a steady flow of young pitching, he can shape/finish the rest of the team.

Upgrades are always welcome, but some of the minor league rotations are getting pretty jammed up. In addition to pitching, the system is really thin on quality OF's as well.

[renostl]

I read about this possible return for Donovan from the Dodgers. lefty bat, power hitter, C/corner outfield Rushing, ready for the starting rotation LHP Wrobleski and LHP Kopp.

I sure hope they don't do that.

why not?

Redundancy mostly. Kopp and Wrobelski are both LH- we have a lot of those coming and for that reason I like Ryan better. Neither of them has the higher ceiling I'm looking for. Rushing, while interesting, is a C being moved to LF. We have a player like that on our roster (Herrera). He also is a LH bat, which for now, we have in abundance. For that reason, and the potential for a higher ceiling, I prefer Sirota. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind any of these players being on the Cards, but Donovan is the best trade chip they have, and I would like to see the most bang possible for the buck.

I agree. Bloom needs to get a package with a sure fire future star starting pitcher and sure fire future star slugger for the MOTO.

There is no such thing as a “sure fire future star” starting pitcher or “slugger.” They are looking for a combination of quality, ceiling, and years of control. In order to maximize that kind of consideration for Donovan (or any of the other guys reportedly on the block), they will need to take some calculated risk.

Bloom, as a talent evaluator, needs to feel the type players I suggested are "sure fire" in terms of potential. At least two in a package for Donovan should be "sure fire" in Bloom's estimation. With the possibly a lottery pick thrown in.

“‘Sure fire’ in terms of potential”?????

So once again, you’re back to this fantasy that Donovan will fetch “at least two ‘sure fire’ future stars”?

Oddly when we discuss Donovan and state that he is a very good player,
that has limits, along with limits that teams will pay for those services
we are wrong because there is a bidding war and everyone wants him.

People usually don't overpay for his profile, That's not a knock on the player.

JMO the Cards may and should add to Donovan since he is arguably their
best chip make it better if they are dealing him.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I read about this possible return for Donovan from the Dodgers. lefty bat, power hitter, C/corner outfield Rushing, ready for the starting rotation LHP Wrobleski and LHP Kopp.

I sure hope they don't do that.

why not?

Redundancy mostly. Kopp and Wrobelski are both LH- we have a lot of those coming and for that reason I like Ryan better. Neither of them has the higher ceiling I'm looking for. Rushing, while interesting, is a C being moved to LF. We have a player like that on our roster (Herrera). He also is a LH bat, which for now, we have in abundance. For that reason, and the potential for a higher ceiling, I prefer Sirota. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind any of these players being on the Cards, but Donovan is the best trade chip they have, and I would like to see the most bang possible for the buck.

I agree. Bloom needs to get a package with a sure fire future star starting pitcher and sure fire future star slugger for the MOTO.

There is no such thing as a “sure fire future star” starting pitcher or “slugger.” They are looking for a combination of quality, ceiling, and years of control. In order to maximize that kind of consideration for Donovan (or any of the other guys reportedly on the block), they will need to take some calculated risk.

Bloom, as a talent evaluator, needs to feel the type players I suggested are "sure fire" in terms of potential. At least two in a package for Donovan should be "sure fire" in Bloom's estimation. With the possibly a lottery pick thrown in.

“‘Sure fire’ in terms of potential”?????

So once again, you’re back to this fantasy that Donovan will fetch “at least two ‘sure fire’ future stars”?

Oddly when we discuss Donovan and state that he is a very good player,
that has limits, along with limits that teams will pay for those services
we are wrong because there is a bidding war and everyone wants him.

People usually don't overpay for his profile, That's not a knock on the player.

JMO the Cards may and should add to Donovan since he is arguably their
best chip make it better if they are dealing him.

That was the original suggestion.

[Shady]

I'm thinking Bloom is shooting for two good pitching pieces as the centerpiece of any Donovan deal. Not saying he won't have a position player, but it is his best shot to inject even more pitching into the system.

I think Bloom's number 1 objective immediately is to bridge the minor league pitching gap they have now. About 10-11 are about 1-3 years away. Relatively few ready to go now.

Once he has a steady flow of young pitching, he can shape/finish the rest of the team.

A nice take on the Cardinals' current starting pitching situation and where Bloom's priorities might very well be,

[renostl]

I read about this possible return for Donovan from the Dodgers. lefty bat, power hitter, C/corner outfield Rushing, ready for the starting rotation LHP Wrobleski and LHP Kopp.

I sure hope they don't do that.

why not?

Redundancy mostly. Kopp and Wrobelski are both LH- we have a lot of those coming and for that reason I like Ryan better. Neither of them has the higher ceiling I'm looking for. Rushing, while interesting, is a C being moved to LF. We have a player like that on our roster (Herrera). He also is a LH bat, which for now, we have in abundance. For that reason, and the potential for a higher ceiling, I prefer Sirota. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind any of these players being on the Cards, but Donovan is the best trade chip they have, and I would like to see the most bang possible for the buck.

I agree. Bloom needs to get a package with a sure fire future star starting pitcher and sure fire future star slugger for the MOTO.

There is no such thing as a “sure fire future star” starting pitcher or “slugger.” They are looking for a combination of quality, ceiling, and years of control. In order to maximize that kind of consideration for Donovan (or any of the other guys reportedly on the block), they will need to take some calculated risk.

Bloom, as a talent evaluator, needs to feel the type players I suggested are "sure fire" in terms of potential. At least two in a package for Donovan should be "sure fire" in Bloom's estimation. With the possibly a lottery pick thrown in.

“‘Sure fire’ in terms of potential”?????

So once again, you’re back to this fantasy that Donovan will fetch “at least two ‘sure fire’ future stars”?

Oddly when we discuss Donovan and state that he is a very good player,
that has limits, along with limits that teams will pay for those services
we are wrong because there is a bidding war and everyone wants him.

People usually don't overpay for his profile, That's not a knock on the player.

JMO the Cards may and should add to Donovan since he is arguably their
best chip make it better if they are dealing him.

That was the original suggestion.

From you it absolutely is and hopefully ok to agree with.

I might question the 32.1 TV but a different topic.

Receiving 2 "sure fires" plus a "lottery ticket" for BD seems idealistic.
Although, not ever against it where these threads go.

[WaltsSuccessor]

I feel like Donovan fits on Seattles roster perfectly - especially if they trade Arozarena. And they have a top farm system with limited budget. Probably so perfect it won’t happen.

[RamFan08NY]

I read about this possible return for Donovan from the Dodgers. lefty bat, power hitter, C/corner outfield Rushing, ready for the starting rotation LHP Wrobleski and LHP Kopp.

I sure hope they don't do that.

why not?

Redundancy mostly. Kopp and Wrobelski are both LH- we have a lot of those coming and for that reason I like Ryan better. Neither of them has the higher ceiling I'm looking for. Rushing, while interesting, is a C being moved to LF. We have a player like that on our roster (Herrera). He also is a LH bat, which for now, we have in abundance. For that reason, and the potential for a higher ceiling, I prefer Sirota. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind any of these players being on the Cards, but Donovan is the best trade chip they have, and I would like to see the most bang possible for the buck.

I agree. Bloom needs to get a package with a sure fire future star starting pitcher and sure fire future star slugger for the MOTO.

There is no such thing as a “sure fire future star” starting pitcher or “slugger.” They are looking for a combination of quality, ceiling, and years of control. In order to maximize that kind of consideration for Donovan (or any of the other guys reportedly on the block), they will need to take some calculated risk.

"Sure fire future stars" also don't get traded. A few names come to mind who once fit that role. Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt jr.. Teams don't trade them.

[renostl]

I feel like Donovan fits on Seattles roster perfectly - especially if they trade Arozarena. And they have a top farm system with limited budget. Probably so perfect it won’t happen.

Seattle needs to replace or extend Polanco and Suarez too while staying on budget
and getting a solid taste of the post season. Donovan is cheap replacement for either.
They are an interesting team that might need to give in what they
do not want to give into regarding prospects. I think they attempt to keep
there MLB pitching, Bloom may prefer prospects anyway. Problem is they're
not deep IMO, Crav would know better.
Anderson, they'll keep, Sloan came from HS 2024 draft.

[Talkin' Baseball]

I feel like Donovan fits on Seattles roster perfectly - especially if they trade Arozarena. And they have a top farm system with limited budget. Probably so perfect it won’t happen.

Seattle needs to replace or extend Polanco and Suarez too while staying on budget
and getting a solid taste of the post season. Donovan is cheap replacement for either.
They are an interesting team that might need to give in what they
do not want to give into regarding prospects. I think they attempt to keep
there MLB pitching, Bloom may prefer prospects anyway. Problem is they're
not deep IMO, Crav would know better.
Anderson, they'll keep, Sloan came from HS 2024 draft.

The problem with Seattle is that they want good players and yet want to keep their Anderson, their Sloan, etc... They always want to offer their Tai Peete (their version of Nolan Gorman) or catcher Harry Ford.

[Shady]

I read about this possible return for Donovan from the Dodgers. lefty bat, power hitter, C/corner outfield Rushing, ready for the starting rotation LHP Wrobleski and LHP Kopp.

I sure hope they don't do that.

why not?

Redundancy mostly. Kopp and Wrobelski are both LH- we have a lot of those coming and for that reason I like Ryan better. Neither of them has the higher ceiling I'm looking for. Rushing, while interesting, is a C being moved to LF. We have a player like that on our roster (Herrera). He also is a LH bat, which for now, we have in abundance. For that reason, and the potential for a higher ceiling, I prefer Sirota. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't mind any of these players being on the Cards, but Donovan is the best trade chip they have, and I would like to see the most bang possible for the buck.

I agree. Bloom needs to get a package with a sure fire future star starting pitcher and sure fire future star slugger for the MOTO.

There is no such thing as a “sure fire future star” starting pitcher or “slugger.” They are looking for a combination of quality, ceiling, and years of control. In order to maximize that kind of consideration for Donovan (or any of the other guys reportedly on the block), they will need to take some calculated risk.

"Sure fire future stars" also don't get traded. A few names come to mind who once fit that role. Paul Skenes, Bobby Witt jr.. Teams don't trade them.

Maybe not the names like you are throwing out there. But If there is a position glut and they love the chance to get the multi talented Donovan, there might be slightly less star types available.

[renostl]

I feel like Donovan fits on Seattles roster perfectly - especially if they trade Arozarena. And they have a top farm system with limited budget. Probably so perfect it won’t happen.

Seattle needs to replace or extend Polanco and Suarez too while staying on budget
and getting a solid taste of the post season. Donovan is cheap replacement for either.
They are an interesting team that might need to give in what they
do not want to give into regarding prospects. I think they attempt to keep
there MLB pitching, Bloom may prefer prospects anyway. Problem is they're
not deep IMO, Crav would know better.
Anderson, they'll keep, Sloan came from HS 2024 draft.

The problem with Seattle is that they want good players and yet want to keep their Anderson, their Sloan, etc... They always want to offer their Tai Peete (their version of Nolan Gorman) or catcher Harry Ford.

Agree.
The Cards have more players attractive to Seattle than vice versa.
They aren't deep IMO, which will force them to do what they don't
care to do or not repeat in 2026.
You or Crav would know their prospects better.

[craviduce]

I feel like Donovan fits on Seattles roster perfectly - especially if they trade Arozarena. And they have a top farm system with limited budget. Probably so perfect it won’t happen.

Seattle needs to replace or extend Polanco and Suarez too while staying on budget
and getting a solid taste of the post season. Donovan is cheap replacement for either.
They are an interesting team that might need to give in what they
do not want to give into regarding prospects. I think they attempt to keep
there MLB pitching, Bloom may prefer prospects anyway. Problem is they're
not deep IMO, Crav would know better.
Anderson, they'll keep, Sloan came from HS 2024 draft.

The problem with Seattle is that they want good players and yet want to keep their Anderson, their Sloan, etc... They always want to offer their Tai Peete (their version of Nolan Gorman) or catcher Harry Ford.

100% agreement. Sloan and we're done there...that's my target. I thought the same thing when I looked into Peete. And I'm tired of watching Harry Ford play...it seems like he's been in the minors for a better part of 2 decades 5 full seasons, and there really wasn't a issue with the bat...it wasn't great, but he still hit HR's and the avg wasn't too terrible at any stop.

I also understand the need for RH bats...especially OF RHB. So maybe Seattle isn't the best trade partner? I'd jump at Sirota all day, everyday in a Dodgers trade.

Still...I wouldn't balk at a Sloan and CB pick trade. I'd actually love it. RHP, we're weak there, too.

[Shady]

I feel like Donovan fits on Seattles roster perfectly - especially if they trade Arozarena. And they have a top farm system with limited budget. Probably so perfect it won’t happen.

Seattle needs to replace or extend Polanco and Suarez too while staying on budget
and getting a solid taste of the post season. Donovan is cheap replacement for either.
They are an interesting team that might need to give in what they
do not want to give into regarding prospects. I think they attempt to keep
there MLB pitching, Bloom may prefer prospects anyway. Problem is they're
not deep IMO, Crav would know better.
Anderson, they'll keep, Sloan came from HS 2024 draft.

The problem with Seattle is that they want good players and yet want to keep their Anderson, their Sloan, etc... They always want to offer their Tai Peete (their version of Nolan Gorman) or catcher Harry Ford.

100% agreement. Sloan and we're done there...that's my target. I thought the same thing when I looked into Peete. And I'm tired of watching Harry Ford play...it seems like he's been in the minors for a better part of 2 decades 5 full seasons, and there really wasn't a issue with the bat...it wasn't great, but he still hit HR's and the avg wasn't too terrible at any stop.

I also understand the need for RH bats...especially OF RHB. So maybe Seattle isn't the the best trade partner? I'd jump at Sirota all day, everyday in a Dodgers trade.

Still...I wouldn't balk at a Sloan and CB pick trade. I'd actually love it. RHP, we're weak there, too.

Good post. How about looking to get an outfielder RH slugger similar to the Silver Slugger we have? With maybe a little more power potential. What is out there that is as good as Burleson, with more power potential, that might be available? That's what Bloom should be demanding in addition to that caliber of starting pitcher. If not, keep Donovan, trade some others.

[ScotchMIrish]

I am hopeful that the Cardinals reach an agreement to trade Brendan Donovan at the Winter Meetings, or at least by Christmas. He is in demand, but you can overplay your hand.

At this time, I would rate the Los Angeles Dodgers as the best fit for Donovan. The Dodgers are laser-focused on a 3-peat. It is not unthinkable that they could win 5 World Series in the next 10 years. They have the resources to deal with every immediate problem that may present itself. In this case, that means prospects of value to trade, and the willingness to do so. The Dodgers don’t let their prospects wither and die- they promote them or move them out (usually). Any Dodgers prospect, taken on their own, is expendable. Expendable doesn’t mean not good, it means they won’t miss them. If they feel like a move will set them up for another World Series next year, they will spend that prospect.

I’ll add my proposal to the thread shortly.

Are you aware Bloom traded with the Dodgers when he was running the Red Sox and the prospects were less than overwhelming.

[renostl]

I am hopeful that the Cardinals reach an agreement to trade Brendan Donovan at the Winter Meetings, or at least by Christmas. He is in demand, but you can overplay your hand.

At this time, I would rate the Los Angeles Dodgers as the best fit for Donovan. The Dodgers are laser-focused on a 3-peat. It is not unthinkable that they could win 5 World Series in the next 10 years. They have the resources to deal with every immediate problem that may present itself. In this case, that means prospects of value to trade, and the willingness to do so. The Dodgers don’t let their prospects wither and die- they promote them or move them out (usually). Any Dodgers prospect, taken on their own, is expendable. Expendable doesn’t mean not good, it means they won’t miss them. If they feel like a move will set them up for another World Series next year, they will spend that prospect.

I’ll add my proposal to the thread shortly.

Are you aware Bloom traded with the Dodgers when he was running the Red Sox and the prospects were less than overwhelming.

For all the hype that teams prospects get, the graduates seem few.
Maybe this group will excel

[Talkin' Baseball]

I am hopeful that the Cardinals reach an agreement to trade Brendan Donovan at the Winter Meetings, or at least by Christmas. He is in demand, but you can overplay your hand.

At this time, I would rate the Los Angeles Dodgers as the best fit for Donovan. The Dodgers are laser-focused on a 3-peat. It is not unthinkable that they could win 5 World Series in the next 10 years. They have the resources to deal with every immediate problem that may present itself. In this case, that means prospects of value to trade, and the willingness to do so. The Dodgers don’t let their prospects wither and die- they promote them or move them out (usually). Any Dodgers prospect, taken on their own, is expendable. Expendable doesn’t mean not good, it means they won’t miss them. If they feel like a move will set them up for another World Series next year, they will spend that prospect.

I’ll add my proposal to the thread shortly.

Are you aware Bloom traded with the Dodgers when he was running the Red Sox and the prospects were less than overwhelming.

Are you aware that the Dodgers also ate a contract for tens of millions of dollars for a pitcher who was of no use as part of the trade? Of course the prospects were underwhelming.