STLtoday.com

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:08 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

No deal is necessary.
Reason one: if something is easy, obvious, and correct then it is easy, obvious, and correct - and therefore cannot possibly be considered otherwise.
For example, it is easy, obvious, and correct that the sun rises in the east - so why would anyone avoid saying so, and why would anyone object to such a characterization?
Reason two: I am only and always about the game and never about self-promotion.
In fact, I am always disappointed when others attempt to make it so.
Now, moving on.
I appreciate your kind and gracious and absolutely correct initial statement above.
This has the potential to be a high-quality thread, as evidenced by the posts so far.
I am hopeful that it remains so.
The amount of agreement so far as to the multiple objections Bloom is working on simultaneously is encouraging - and has honestly surprised me just a bit.
Reason two:

BleedingBleu wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:59 pm

imetsatchelpaige wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:47 pm If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:08 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

No deal is necessary.
Reason one: if something is easy, obvious, and correct then it is easy, obvious, and correct - and therefore cannot possibly be considered otherwise.
For example, it is easy, obvious, and correct that the sun rises in the east - so why would anyone avoid saying so, and why would anyone object to such a characterization?
Reason two: I am only and always about the game and never about self-promotion.
In fact, I am always disappointed when others attempt to make it so.
Now, moving on.
I appreciate your kind and gracious and absolutely correct initial statement above.
This has the potential to be a high-quality thread, as evidenced by the posts so far.
I am hopeful that it remains so.
The amount of agreement so far as to the multiple objections Bloom is working on simultaneously is encouraging - and has honestly surprised me just a bit.
Reason two:

Jatalk wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:11 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:08 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

No deal is necessary.
Reason one: if something is easy, obvious, and correct then it is easy, obvious, and correct - and therefore cannot possibly be considered otherwise.
For example, it is easy, obvious, and correct that the sun rises in the east - so why would anyone avoid saying so, and why would anyone object to such a characterization?
Reason two: I am only and always about the game and never about self-promotion.
In fact, I am always disappointed when others attempt to make it so.
Now, moving on.
I appreciate your kind and gracious and absolutely correct initial statement above.
This has the potential to be a high-quality thread, as evidenced by the posts so far.
I am hopeful that it remains so.
The amount of agreement so far as to the multiple objections Bloom is working on simultaneously is encouraging - and has honestly surprised me just a bit.

Don’t ever change Mel.

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:16 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:08 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

No deal is necessary.
Reason one: if something is easy, obvious, and correct then it is easy, obvious, and correct - and therefore cannot possibly be considered otherwise.
For example, it is easy, obvious, and correct that the sun rises in the east - so why would anyone avoid saying so, and why would anyone object to such a characterization?
Reason two: I am only and always about the game and never about self-promotion.
In fact, I am always disappointed when others attempt to make it so.
Now, moving on.
I appreciate your kind and gracious and absolutely correct initial statement above.
This has the potential to be a high-quality thread, as evidenced by the posts so far.
I am hopeful that it remains so.
The amount of agreement so far as to the multiple objections Bloom is working on simultaneously is encouraging - and has honestly surprised me just a bit.

Blah blah blah as usual.
I tried and you are welcome!

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:16 pm

BleedingBleu wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:59 pm

imetsatchelpaige wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:47 pm If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

This is a good thread.
Let's keep it there.
No need to remind everyone that weeks in advance I perfectly predicted the exact 96-hour window in which N/A would be traded last off-season - at which point N/A refused to report after initially agreeing to Houston being a team to which he go.
It was an amazingly brilliant and perfect prediction on my part - which for some inexplicable reason appeared to bother some folks.
But that is long in the past, and I do not want this thread to be about me.
Never do.
I am only and always about the game.
And in this instance, that means discussing what Bloom is currently trying to accomplish.

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:19 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:16 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:08 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

No deal is necessary.
Reason one: if something is easy, obvious, and correct then it is easy, obvious, and correct - and therefore cannot possibly be considered otherwise.
For example, it is easy, obvious, and correct that the sun rises in the east - so why would anyone avoid saying so, and why would anyone object to such a characterization?
Reason two: I am only and always about the game and never about self-promotion.
In fact, I am always disappointed when others attempt to make it so.
Now, moving on.
I appreciate your kind and gracious and absolutely correct initial statement above.
This has the potential to be a high-quality thread, as evidenced by the posts so far.
I am hopeful that it remains so.
The amount of agreement so far as to the multiple objections Bloom is working on simultaneously is encouraging - and has honestly surprised me just a bit.

Blah blah blah as usual.
I tried and you are welcome!

Appreciate the effort.

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Carp4Cy wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:50 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:44 pm

Jatalk wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:32 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Dicktar2023 wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:23 pm

Cusecards wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:57 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Very solid post with lots of good points.
But.....you just COULDN’T resist typing those last three words could you??
Here’s a deal I’m offering:
Post your opinions
And
Let us respond in kind WITHOUT your narcissistic self promotion.
I for one will be happy to engage if you quit with the pompous self promotion.
Do we have a deal??????

So goes any attempt to talk to Mel like he's a grown-up.

TraveledLessRoad wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:27 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

I mean, you're a relatively smug, know-it-all, look at me type of communicator, but I agree with you here and agree with you on a number of other things you've said. So, effectively, this is a compliment. Easily, obviously, and correctly

imetsatchelpaige wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:21 pm

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 18:16 pm

BleedingBleu wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:59 pm

imetsatchelpaige wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:47 pm If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

This is a good thread.
Let's keep it there.
No need to remind everyone that weeks in advance I perfectly predicted the exact 96-hour window in which N/A would be traded last off-season - at which point N/A refused to report after initially agreeing to Houston being a team to which he go.
It was an amazingly brilliant and perfect prediction on my part - which for some inexplicable reason appeared to bother some folks.
But that is long in the past, and I do not want this thread to be about me.
Never do.
I am only and always about the game.
And in this instance, that means discussing what Bloom is currently trying to accomplish.

To be clear, I had no idea who made the Arenado prediction.
But to throw out a quote from Denzel Washington in Glory, "ain't nobody clean."
Right?

Melville wrote: ↑22 Dec 2025 17:29 pm Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.