STLtoday.com

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

I’m psyched to see if Josh Baez can build on last season.
He has the physical tools to be an impact OF which we desperately need.
Bloom has already made a number of moves in the area of pitching. More of course could follow.
But the OF makeup over 2026 could go in a number of directions:
*Donovan?- Is he dealt? If not does he get pushed to LF?
*Nootbaar?- Health as usual? He could certainly be dealt?
*Scott?- Inside track for CF. Has the speed and defense. Can he hit the ball on the ground?
*Walker?- Make or break year? He could emerge or he could continue to struggle and his time could be running out?
*Herrera?- I don’t see him sticking at Catcher? LF in his future??
*Burleson?- Figures to be at 1B?? But???

Then when you factor in another trade or someone emerging from the system(Baez?) buckle up!

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:09 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

yeah...I'd say 4 years...just to be safe. The last HS kid the Cards drafted with a Comp Pick was 5 years ago, and he took 4 years to stop playing like fecal matter...Josh Baez.

Let Mitchell swing a wooden bat in a Pro Game first before we crown him starting CF in 2 years.

I'm late to the party...but I agree with most here...Happy and Glad that the minors are getting better. I'm more impressed (is that the correct word?) that the R&D was addressed in the Org. The minor leagues were ignored for way too long. I understand why they did it, the Cards had to choose: 1)infrastructure or 2)trades/FA's with large contracts....Goldy, Nado, Gray, Contreras, etc.

The only problems in the minors I see at the moment ...we didn't get the graduation from 30 FV players this year that you would like to see. What do I mean? For instance, Palm Beach : Yordalin Pena, Luis Pino, Jonathan Mejia....the likes there hit a wall or took a step backwards. We did get a good surprise from Deniel Ortiz, but he's basically only one. I'm nitpicking here...but our overall health when pundits say we're a Top 10 farm system is from 40-50 FV players. We don't have that many 35 FV players, young/raw kids with tons of upside. Your Milwaukees and Dodgers have those. We can do better there. I hope there's more of a focus this year in Palm Beach to improve the FCL and Low A squad. It'll help that Roger Dean training facilities will be done/upgraded by now.

The 2nd problem....our Drafting still sucks. We can't draft position players for the life us. Pitchers? Really good, I'd say better than average (top 15, maybe Top 10). Our position players....tremendously bad. JJ fell into our lap...so he's not a counterpoint to my argument.

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:09 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

Yea probably more like 4 years I was mentioning him as a future outfielder since they are moving him to center. I think they will have Baez on a corner instead of center

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:28 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:09 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

Yea probably more like 4 years I was mentioning him as a future outfielder since they are moving him to center. I think they will have Baez on a corner instead of center

Good points but they might have problems if Scott goes out and hits .180 next year. Then they might be looking around at who can play cf in the near term.

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 09:29 am

Jatalk wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:46 am It’s very encouraging and it’s amazing how quickly it has turned around.

There are still major concerns. Back on my soap box. Outfielders!!!!

Baez is an OF.

He’s 1 at best. We need 4.

Cusecards wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:15 pm I’m psyched to see if Josh Baez can build on last season.
He has the physical tools to be an impact OF which we desperately need.
Bloom has already made a number of moves in the area of pitching. More of course could follow.
But the OF makeup over 2026 could go in a number of directions:
*Donovan?- Is he dealt? If not does he get pushed to LF?
*Nootbaar?- Health as usual? He could certainly be dealt?
*Scott?- Inside track for CF. Has the speed and defense. Can he hit the ball on the ground?
*Walker?- Make or break year? He could emerge or he could continue to struggle and his time could be running out?
*Herrera?- I don’t see him sticking at Catcher? LF in his future??
*Burleson?- Figures to be at 1B?? But???

Then when you factor in another trade or someone emerging from the system(Baez?) buckle up!

Baez must really pass the eye test because a 22-year-old with an .890 OPS during his first AA stint is okay, but it's not a stat line that screams future All-Star. Would be nice if the scouts finally got it right for the Cards on this one.

I'm still hoping a Nado/Donovan combo can net a big return but I guess it's more likely those two are dealt separately.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:46 am We won't know how all these trades end up for a couple of years but one thing we do know for sure, C. Bloom has re-built the dilapidated farms system he inherited from Mo.

Now it's up to BDWJr to supply the payroll after the new CBA is in place for him to add some "star" power to the team!

Louie, I want to believe this. My problem is the past history of the top prospects who have, most often, been disappointing. Still, maybe with a new sheriff in town, things have changed.

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:09 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

Mitchell best case is probably like 2029-2030. YEARS. He has no business being part of the conversation

An Old Friend wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 22:36 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:09 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

Mitchell best case is probably like 2029-2030. YEARS. He has no business being part of the conversation

The conversation is about the cardinals farm system Mitchell is part of the cardinals system why wouldn’t he have any business being a part of the conversation about the cardinals farm system when he’s their 12th best prospect

craviduce wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:18 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 19:09 pm

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 18:01 pm

C-Unit wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 17:58 pm

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:38 am

ramfandan wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:29 am

billybaseball wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:23 am https://youtu.be/VL_0q6ROlj0?si=UINUzsZhfwACie3a

In this video they give their most improved farm systems and most improved prospects. The Cardinals were number 1 and they had Joshua Baez as their most improved prospect.

Yes, they like Josh Baez very much. Hope he plays well at major league level.

It's reassuring to see experts talk about him. Heard a lot in the last month about how the changes he made were very real and his stats were in no way a fluke. If he keeps it up in AAA this year he'll easily be a top 50 or better prospect in baseball. Will be interested to see where tgey play Baez. If Chase Davis stays in AA maybe Baez gets an extended look in CF? He definitely has the speed for it.

I have thought about this and if he could play CF it would be one of the biggest positive developments that could happen for the roster and for Baez it might turn him into one of the more valuable players in all of baseball. Just think about the idea of a tall, fast, athletic centerfielder who is also a 30-30 caliber offensive performer.

They’re also supposed to be moving Ryan Mitchell to center

But how far off is he. At least another 2 years after Baez I imagine.

yeah...I'd say 4 years...just to be safe. The last HS kid the Cards drafted with a Comp Pick was 5 years ago, and he took 4 years to stop playing like fecal matter...Josh Baez.

Let Mitchell swing a wooden bat in a Pro Game first before we crown him starting CF in 2 years.

While I believe Mitchell is a far way off, Baez is a bad comparison. Baez came from the northeast where kids don't play as much in warmer areas. Baez was way more of a project than Mitchell is. Mitchell is the kind of prep prospect that could move rather quickly with an advanced hit tool and mature athleticism

Voldemort wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 21:41 pm

rockondlouie wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:46 am We won't know how all these trades end up for a couple of years but one thing we do know for sure, C. Bloom has re-built the dilapidated farms system he inherited from Mo.

Now it's up to BDWJr to supply the payroll after the new CBA is in place for him to add some "star" power to the team!

Louie, I want to believe this. My problem is the past history of the top prospects who have, most often, been disappointing. Still, maybe with a new sheriff in town, things have changed.

The good news "V" is that past history was under Mo's mismanagement!

I've been as disappointed as you in the poor development but now we have a system, in place for two years, that should rectify that problem.

JJW will be the first graduate and I'm really excited to see how he does this coming season in St. Louis.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 08:28 am

Voldemort wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 21:41 pm

rockondlouie wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:46 am We won't know how all these trades end up for a couple of years but one thing we do know for sure, C. Bloom has re-built the dilapidated farms system he inherited from Mo.

Now it's up to BDWJr to supply the payroll after the new CBA is in place for him to add some "star" power to the team!

Louie, I want to believe this. My problem is the past history of the top prospects who have, most often, been disappointing. Still, maybe with a new sheriff in town, things have changed.

The good news "V" is that past history was under Mo's mismanagement!

I've been as disappointed as you in the poor development but now we have a system, in place for two years, that should rectify that problem.

JJW will be the first graduate and I'm really excited to see how he does this coming season in St. Louis.

Lol. JJ was under the old regime in the minors

rockondlouie wrote: ↑27 Dec 2025 08:28 am

Voldemort wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 21:41 pm

rockondlouie wrote: ↑26 Dec 2025 08:46 am We won't know how all these trades end up for a couple of years but one thing we do know for sure, C. Bloom has re-built the dilapidated farms system he inherited from Mo.

Now it's up to BDWJr to supply the payroll after the new CBA is in place for him to add some "star" power to the team!

Louie, I want to believe this. My problem is the past history of the top prospects who have, most often, been disappointing. Still, maybe with a new sheriff in town, things have changed.

The good news "V" is that past history was under Mo's mismanagement!

I've been as disappointed as you in the poor development but now we have a system, in place for two years, that should rectify that problem.

JJW will be the first graduate and I'm really excited to see how he does this coming season in St. Louis.

Do you have any doubt that if Mo hadn't had his nutz clipped, that JJ would have already been rushed to the majors?