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Breathe. JJW will be a fine MLB 2B. Just remember, Gorman played 2B at a replacement level defensively. Skip Schumaker converted from the OF to 2B and was just fine. Everything will be fine.

Infielders are going to commit a lot of errors this season with burly being at first. A lot of people don’t think first base defense is important and is where you can hide a guy until you get a bad defensive first baseman

Confirmation bias alert

Another comment replying to thread title … Wetherholt in yesterday’s game.

His 5 pitch walk. Took 3 straight pitches for ‘balls’ .. then on 3-0
Took next pitch as he should do on that count. It was called strike.
Then on 3-1 a hitter’s count took a high pitch for ball 4 ..a walk
Walk = single … he stole 2nd .. later scored ftom 3rd

In both games he played, he had drawn a walk and scored both times.
His pich recognition is on display as advertised.
Watching his patience at the plate reminds me of a Juan Soto
Who also rarely chases and draws up teen walks.
For a rookie that is quite impressive

Ozziesfan41 wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:41 am Infielders are going to commit a lot of errors this season with burly being at first. A lot of people don’t think first base defense is important and is where you can hide a guy until you get a bad defensive first baseman

Interesting in that I keep hearing that the Cards really like Burly's 1B defense?

Errors will happen. I was more disappointed in the error in his base running. I dont know what he was thinking. On first, a base hit to left, the play was in front of him, and he gets thrown out trying to go to third....by about 25 feet? Gotta wonder what he was thinking. Very big mental lapse.

I saw both games. Error in first game was on a relatively easy chance slightly to his right which he booted. In yesterday’s game he dived to his right,got a glove on the ball which rolled a bit away. No error yet until he threw it away with no chance to get the runner His baserunning error was a poor choice. He was on first with a runner on second and a single to left came next. The runner on second was going to score easily and I guess he tried to draw the throw which was not necessary. His plate discipline has been very good. He seldom swings at bad pitches.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

ScotchMIrish wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 08:21 am Apparently played half the game getting 2 plate appearances before being replaced by Weingartner. Stole a base. Made 1 error - his second error in three spring training games.

https://www.mlb.com/gameday/marlins-vs- ... /final/box

The question then becomes - something I raised before - why did we have him at shortstop all last season when the only position on the infield where he was guaranteed not to play was shortstop? 2 errors in 3 games at 2B would indicate he should have been at 2B or 3B - anywhere but SS.

It has to be infuriating that the brain trust of the organization just ignored the hell out of you on that call. I have the feeling that JJ will, in fact, play shortstop when Winn is rested or injured. I saw the play and am much less concerned than you about the error. He kept a ground smash from getting thru behind second base and then made a rookie error when he should have put the ball into his pocket. Where he played in the minors last year isn't relevant to this particular play. ST will afford him the opportunity to make general corrections to his exuberance and he'll be just fine.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

Honestly Rock, I don't care where JJW plays. He looks confident at the plate and spits on pitches outside the zone. That will serve him well. Contrast to Gorman who flails, and now and then walks into one, but he is the uniKKKorn. The other really impressive couple of ABs was Rodriguez. He took, what, 2 pitches, and the crushed the third at 106 off the bat for a double. Then I believe he took a walk in AB #2. Plate discipline. That is what separates really good hitters to me. Of course RR has to go conquer AA this year and no one is saying you will see him in STL anytime soon, but you can see the potential already. Let's hope he stays healthy and continues to develop.

bccardsfan wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:13 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

Honestly Rock, I don't care where JJW plays. He looks confident at the plate and spits on pitches outside the zone. That will serve him well. Contrast to Gorman who flails, and now and then walks into one, but he is the uniKKKorn. The other really impressive couple of ABs was Rodriguez. He took, what, 2 pitches, and the crushed the third at 106 off the bat for a double. Then I believe he took a walk in AB #2. Plate discipline. That is what separates really good hitters to me. Of course RR has to go conquer AA this year and no one is saying you will see him in STL anytime soon, but you can see the potential already. Let's hope he stays healthy and continues to develop.

Good comments. ++

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

The writing is definitely on the wall to support your take. Though how long will that hold if Gorman is butchering 3B and hitting .200?

We were also told that Walker would get consistent opportunity last season but his performance was so subpar it didn’t hold.

It would take some time before plan b would be implemented, but they need to prepare and hedge their bet on Gorman. It would be negligent at this point to put full blind faith in him.

hugeCardfan wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:15 am

bccardsfan wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:13 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

Honestly Rock, I don't care where JJW plays. He looks confident at the plate and spits on pitches outside the zone. That will serve him well. Contrast to Gorman who flails, and now and then walks into one, but he is the uniKKKorn. The other really impressive couple of ABs was Rodriguez. He took, what, 2 pitches, and the crushed the third at 106 off the bat for a double. Then I believe he took a walk in AB #2. Plate discipline. That is what separates really good hitters to me. Of course RR has to go conquer AA this year and no one is saying you will see him in STL anytime soon, but you can see the potential already. Let's hope he stays healthy and continues to develop.

Good comments. ++

Thanks. I am a fan of playing the game correctly. It is why I loved watching Donovan's at bats. He hated to K. I think JJW will show a similar approach, and clearly has the potential to be a much better hitter than Donnie in the long-term. I just wish we had a lineup full of guys who hated to K, hit the ball where it is pitched, and understand situational hitting, especially with two strikes. That is on the manager to create that attitude as a team. We shall see.... The way I see it is we are not going to outslug other teams for homers. So we need to have a lineup that is tough to K, and knows how to go opposite field, hit and run, hit the sac fly, advance runners, etc.... If I were managing that is what I would do with this team. Of course it is Olipad, so my expectations are low.

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:18 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

The writing is definitely on the wall to support your take. Though how long will that hold if Gorman is butchering 3B and hitting .200?

We were also told that Walker would get consistent opportunity last season but his performance was so subpar it didn’t hold.

It would take some time before plan b would be implemented, but they need to prepare and hedge their bet on Gorman. It would be negligent at this point to put full blind faith in him.

O/U on Gorman's DRS at years end...... -10

I think we see Urias (+5 in 2025)/Saggese (+1 in 2025) at 3B a lot this season.

bccardsfan wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:13 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

Honestly Rock, I don't care where JJW plays. He looks confident at the plate and spits on pitches outside the zone. That will serve him well. Contrast to Gorman who flails, and now and then walks into one, but he is the uniKKKorn. The other really impressive couple of ABs was Rodriguez. He took, what, 2 pitches, and the crushed the third at 106 off the bat for a double. Then I believe he took a walk in AB #2. Plate discipline. That is what separates really good hitters to me. Of course RR has to go conquer AA this year and no one is saying you will see him in STL anytime soon, but you can see the potential already. Let's hope he stays healthy and continues to develop.

JJW's got a great batting eye, why once he gets acclimated to MLB he could win a batting title and push a .400 OB% one day!

R.R., I'm having to tamp down my excitement for this kid but geeeez it seems like he may be on a path to becoming an all-star............okay I'll stop.

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:34 am

bccardsfan wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:13 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 10:04 am

CorneliusWolfe wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:19 am

rockondlouie wrote: ↑24 Feb 2026 09:03 am From the video I've seen and personal experience he's going to be an above average defensive 2nd baseman.

Those infields in Florida can be tricky and let's not get too overly excited if he boots a ball or rushes a throw.

He's human and nerves for a kid about to make his major league debut in a few weeks is understandable.

He's going to be inked in at 2nd base, IMO he's be just fine.

Good to hear. I didn’t make too much over the misplay because I haven’t seen him much.

I am intrigued by his ability to play 3B because it seems there is more depth at 2B. Cardinals said Sagesse is going to get a real shot this year, and I think Fermin has earned a shot. I’d rather see them at 2B and JJW at 3rd than the retread vet they brought in to play 3rd (forgot his name) if Gorman fails again because it does nothing for the future.

I don't think we see him at 3rd base CW, especially since Oli/Bloom have already stated N. Gorman is going to be given every opportunity to win the 3rd base job and then you toss in the signing of R. Urias too boot.

Looks like both Fermin/Saggese are going to be given OF'ers glove and see some reps out there this spring.

Honestly Rock, I don't care where JJW plays. He looks confident at the plate and spits on pitches outside the zone. That will serve him well. Contrast to Gorman who flails, and now and then walks into one, but he is the uniKKKorn. The other really impressive couple of ABs was Rodriguez. He took, what, 2 pitches, and the crushed the third at 106 off the bat for a double. Then I believe he took a walk in AB #2. Plate discipline. That is what separates really good hitters to me. Of course RR has to go conquer AA this year and no one is saying you will see him in STL anytime soon, but you can see the potential already. Let's hope he stays healthy and continues to develop.

JJW's got a great batting eye, why once he gets acclimated to MLB he could win a batting title and push a .400 OB% one day!

R.R., I'm having to tamp down my excitement for this kid but geeeez it seems like he may be on a path to becoming an all-star............okay I'll stop.

Yes, JJW will be fine. RR has a long way to go yet. Chill:) But he has that look about him at the plate..... not lost like Gorman or Walker. Probably 2027 at the earliest though.... I stand by my comments above. The team this year needs to adopt a much better hitting approach, avoid Ks, move runners, hit sac flies, go oppo, etc.... That culture needs to be instilled throughout the lineup. Chasing dingers will not be a good approach with this lineup. But I am not the manager......