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Carp4Cy wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 22:03 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

The Cardinals got to where they were in '25 because
-they couldnt' draft and develop
-when they did develep someone they traded them away for a veteran and they became an allstar elsewhere

-and now the all stars we actually have drafted and developed and kept on our own (Helsley, Donny) have to be traded because drafting and developing all stars isn't enough by itself and you have to eventually spend too much to keep them.

There's the irony.

We've traded 5 former all stars since the ASG. I get that Bloom got all he could here, but Will the return reap 5 future all stars among them? If not, where do they come from? This is less about whether we got adequate "return" from specific trades and more about whether we have or ever will reload sufficiently from Goldy, Nado in their MVP primes, Wainwright in his prime, Albert DHing to a .900 OPS, and Yadi who still an AS in the not too distant past, and several others as well including everyone we just traded.
Just how far can prospects take us and when do we start taking other steps?

Well... I think this year they gather a lot of data. They aren't going to buy any significant pieces this season, but questions will be answered. Such as:
the continuing saga of Walker and Stormin' Norman. As has been said here before, these are not Bloom's guys so he is not as wedded to them as MO was. I think this is the year they either make it or someone passes them and the team perhaps moves them if they can.

Obviously, can JJW stay in the show all year and do well?

Can guys like Herrera and Burly take the next steps or have we seen the best of their game? Same with Noot. Can he get through a season and actually play 140 games? Or is Bloom going to move on from Noot soon. This is the year to decide.

Can Libby really be a #2 starter, and who of the cast of thousands will step up to form a rotation. Can said rotation avoid the garbage starts like Pallante made at the end. There will always be a few stinkers in a season, but last year was pretty hard to watch much of the time. I don't expect us to have an ACE, but Sonny wasn't really one either.

Will Baez get to AAA and do well? Which OFers are ready to contribute to the big club? We all know the cast of characters. Last year was pretty hard to watch as far as the OF went.

...and a bunch of other questions that you can ad to the list. Bloom moves pretty quickly. I think this is the year of evaluation of a number of players.

Now if they are doing unexpectedly well, then perhaps you may see some small addition. But you are unlikely to see any real money spent this year.

Cusecards wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:15 pm

CCard wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:50 pm

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

That remains to be seen kool-aid drinker.

What does your Ouija Board and Magic 8 Ball say about the deal?

Don't need a Ouija board just a dose of common sense. Who's going to provide the offense? Noot? Burleson? Who's going to provide quality innings? McGreevy? Fitts? Clarke? In all my years watching the Cardinals this might be the worst constructed team.

bccardsfan wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:33 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

Donovan was the guy I always enjoyed watching. Real gamer who hits the freaking ball where it is pitched, knows what two strikes means, knows how to move runners, how to take what is given and poke a single somewhere. Takes a professional AB, each and every time. Not a gold glover at any position, but plays LF, 3B, and 2B at above average level. Not fleet of foot, but a decent baserunner. Just a guy you love to have on your team... I totally understand why he was dealt, but I will miss watching him. I hope to really enjoy watching JJW play this year. May he have a great rookie season, and may Donovan get deep into the AL playoffs with the M's.

My sentiments exactly. He was my favorite Cardinal ever since he came up in '22, for all those reasons you described. Bloom got a lot of possibilites in return, only time will tell if any of those turn into solid Big Leaguers. I have great expectations for Wetherholt, and I also hope Donovan does well in Seattle.

12xu wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:35 am

bccardsfan wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:33 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

Donovan was the guy I always enjoyed watching. Real gamer who hits the freaking ball where it is pitched, knows what two strikes means, knows how to move runners, how to take what is given and poke a single somewhere. Takes a professional AB, each and every time. Not a gold glover at any position, but plays LF, 3B, and 2B at above average level. Not fleet of foot, but a decent baserunner. Just a guy you love to have on your team... I totally understand why he was dealt, but I will miss watching him. I hope to really enjoy watching JJW play this year. May he have a great rookie season, and may Donovan get deep into the AL playoffs with the M's.

My sentiments exactly. He was my favorite Cardinal ever since he came up in '22, for all those reasons you described. Bloom got a lot of possibilites in return, only time will tell if any of those turn into solid Big Leaguers. I have great expectations for Wetherholt, and I also hope Donovan does well in Seattle.

I agree. I just hope not too much pressure is put on Wetherholt to perform at the level everyone is expecting immediately. Still too many left-handed batters in the lineup.

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:24 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:15 pm

CCard wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:50 pm

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

That remains to be seen kool-aid drinker.

What does your Ouija Board and Magic 8 Ball say about the deal?

Don't need a Ouija board just a dose of common sense. Who's going to provide the offense? Noot? Burleson? Who's going to provide quality innings? McGreevy? Fitts? Clarke? In all my years watching the Cardinals this might be the worst constructed team.

Do you mean for tomorrow’s game?
Is 2026 the end of the line??
You are quite the visionary to be able to see into the future!

Cusecards wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:54 am

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:24 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:15 pm

CCard wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:50 pm

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

That remains to be seen kool-aid drinker.

What does your Ouija Board and Magic 8 Ball say about the deal?

Don't need a Ouija board just a dose of common sense. Who's going to provide the offense? Noot? Burleson? Who's going to provide quality innings? McGreevy? Fitts? Clarke? In all my years watching the Cardinals this might be the worst constructed team.

Do you mean for tomorrow’s game?
Is 2026 the end of the line??
You are quite the visionary to be able to see into the future!

Doesn't take a visionary to see the complete shambles they've made of this team. But the bootlickers love it. Do you love it?

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:59 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:54 am

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:24 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:15 pm

CCard wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:50 pm

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

That remains to be seen kool-aid drinker.

What does your Ouija Board and Magic 8 Ball say about the deal?

Don't need a Ouija board just a dose of common sense. Who's going to provide the offense? Noot? Burleson? Who's going to provide quality innings? McGreevy? Fitts? Clarke? In all my years watching the Cardinals this might be the worst constructed team.

Do you mean for tomorrow’s game?
Is 2026 the end of the line??
You are quite the visionary to be able to see into the future!

Doesn't take a visionary to see the complete shambles they've made of this team. But the bootlickers love it. Do you love it?

What does wallowing in the PAST under a DIFFERENT REGIME have to do with MOVING FORWARD under a NEW REGIME?????
And who SPECIFICALLY is “they”???

Voldemort wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:42 pm

BleedingBleu wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:34 pm The reality of the offseason was we actually traded the St Louis Cardinals for the Memphis Redbirds.

Great and accurate insight.

true true

On Hot Stove, they pointed out the obvious. Until these "prospects" are proven, they are suspects. Donovan was a proven player who could play multiple positions and hit. He had 2 years of control and was in line to be the leader in the clubhouse. They pointed out that Nootbar is next in line for the role of leader. WOW!

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

I agree w/both of you!

Donny was indeed a true "Cardinal Way" player but the return also appears to be more than many thought we'd get.

Also sad: the play the game the right way crowd won’t get to complain his helmet falling off constantly anymore.

Cusecards wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 08:56 am

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:59 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:54 am

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:24 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:15 pm

CCard wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:50 pm

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

That remains to be seen kool-aid drinker.

What does your Ouija Board and Magic 8 Ball say about the deal?

Don't need a Ouija board just a dose of common sense. Who's going to provide the offense? Noot? Burleson? Who's going to provide quality innings? McGreevy? Fitts? Clarke? In all my years watching the Cardinals this might be the worst constructed team.

Do you mean for tomorrow’s game?
Is 2026 the end of the line??
You are quite the visionary to be able to see into the future!

Doesn't take a visionary to see the complete shambles they've made of this team. But the bootlickers love it. Do you love it?

What does wallowing in the PAST under a DIFFERENT REGIME have to do with MOVING FORWARD under a NEW REGIME?????
And who SPECIFICALLY is “they”???

What "regime" are you talking about? The regime is DeWitt. It hasn't changed at all. True he changed some employees, but the boss isn't Bloom.

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

Good post.

Along with BD I think TGTE and Noot fit the profile. Of course, Edman is long gone and Noot can’t stay healthy long enough to fulfill his potential.

I can’t pull from history the way you can but the way I see it all 3 would be players on a TLR team. Too bad the Cards developed these guys during a down period.

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 11:24 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 08:56 am

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:59 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:54 am

CCard wrote: ↑03 Feb 2026 07:24 am

Cusecards wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 21:15 pm

CCard wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:50 pm

VegasSully wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:34 pm

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

On a happier note, the Cardinals got an excellent return for a Donovan, a player who will be 31 years by the time the Cardinals are in their next competitive window.

That remains to be seen kool-aid drinker.

What does your Ouija Board and Magic 8 Ball say about the deal?

Don't need a Ouija board just a dose of common sense. Who's going to provide the offense? Noot? Burleson? Who's going to provide quality innings? McGreevy? Fitts? Clarke? In all my years watching the Cardinals this might be the worst constructed team.

Do you mean for tomorrow’s game?
Is 2026 the end of the line??
You are quite the visionary to be able to see into the future!

Doesn't take a visionary to see the complete shambles they've made of this team. But the bootlickers love it. Do you love it?

What does wallowing in the PAST under a DIFFERENT REGIME have to do with MOVING FORWARD under a NEW REGIME?????
And who SPECIFICALLY is “they”???

What "regime" are you talking about? The regime is DeWitt. It hasn't changed at all. True he changed some employees, but the boss isn't Bloom.

Ok thanks

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

Cut to the headlines last game of the season:

“Cardinals lose 130 games. Team completely lost without their ‘gamer’ Donovan.”

Winn is quoted: “I forgot all my fundamentals and remembering to hustle.”

nighthawk wrote: ↑02 Feb 2026 20:31 pm Of all the players on the Cards roster, Donovan was the one player who exemplified the type of player the Cards were once quite proficientt in drafting and developing. A gamer, fundamentally sound, who was good to great in all aspects of play. A player that George Kissell could work with and bring out the best. Alas, such talent would have been wasted in a multi year rebuild.

Reminiscent of Wally Moon whose talents were wasted in the 1950s until he was traded to the Dodgers. Jose Cruz was another - talent wasted as the Cards struggled to find themselves in the 1970s.

Agree. Still, a trade well conceived and executed.