Bloom will listen to interest for Donovan and Noot

[ScotchMIrish]

That's what the Pirates would do.

Brendan Donovan is not the key to the Cardinals’ future success despite your infatuation with him.

He is a solid player but not some cornerstone player.

The Cardinals will not be contending for anything meaningful during the next couple years.

Trade Donovan now while his value is high.

We have no Pujols. Donovan is top 5 at his position in MLB. Build from our strengths. Subtract one place to add another = more losing.

No offense, but I feel like I'm talking to someone who just started following baseball.

Why did the Royals trade Chapman in 2023?

Why did the 2014 Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel?

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

[ecleme22]

Brendan Donovan is not the key to the Cardinals’ future success despite your infatuation with him.

He is a solid player but not some cornerstone player.

The Cardinals will not be contending for anything meaningful during the next couple years.

Trade Donovan now while his value is high.

We have no Pujols. Donovan is top 5 at his position in MLB. Build from our strengths. Subtract one place to add another = more losing.

No offense, but I feel like I'm talking to someone who just started following baseball.

Why did the Royals trade Chapman in 2023?

Why did the 2014 Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel?

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

[ScotchMIrish]

We have no Pujols. Donovan is top 5 at his position in MLB. Build from our strengths. Subtract one place to add another = more losing.

No offense, but I feel like I'm talking to someone who just started following baseball.

Why did the Royals trade Chapman in 2023?

Why did the 2014 Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel?

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

[ecleme22]

No offense, but I feel like I'm talking to someone who just started following baseball.

Why did the Royals trade Chapman in 2023?

Why did the 2014 Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel?

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

Here’s what the 2014 Cubs did:

—They traded TWO really good starters for prospects.

Now, if Scotch were a Cubs fan, what would he say?

“The Cubs are turning into the Pirates.”
“You don’t get rid of talent! You build around it.”
“I guess the Cubs no longer care about winning!”


The following offseason, the Cubs—-wait for it—-added two pitchers in free agency! They brought back Hammel and signed Lester to $155mil.

Oh yeah….and they got this young stud Addison Russell in the Jeff/Hammel trade that helped them eventually win the WS.


See the forest through the trees, Scotch. You have no idea if a BD trade is the start of an amazing string of moves where, by the end, you’re forgetting about Donovan the same way Cubs fans forgot about Jeff S….

[Hoosier59]

Oh yeah, Addison Russell really worked out well for the Cubs!

[ramfandan]

No offense, but I feel like I'm talking to someone who just started following baseball.

Why did the Royals trade Chapman in 2023?

Why did the 2014 Cubs trade Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel?

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

[ScotchMIrish]

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

[ecleme22]

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

No one is forcing Blooms hand. BD is set to hit FA in 2028, just as the team is turning a corner.

You trade him, you land a cheap, talented prospect under full team control. Plus, you have money to spend in FA.

[ScotchMIrish]

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

No one is forcing Blooms hand. BD is set to hit FA in 2028, just as the team is turning a corner.

You trade him, you land a cheap, talented prospect under full team control. Plus, you have money to spend in FA.

That's the logic Bloom followed in Boston. The talented prospects he got for Betts were Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Jeter Downs played 6 games in MLB and now is in Japan. Connor Wong is now 29 and hit .190 this season. Perhaps Bloom's prospect evaluation skills have improved because that trade helped turn the Dodgers into a powerhouse and didn't do much for Boston.

[ecleme22]

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

No one is forcing Blooms hand. BD is set to hit FA in 2028, just as the team is turning a corner.

You trade him, you land a cheap, talented prospect under full team control. Plus, you have money to spend in FA.

That's the logic Bloom followed in Boston. The talented prospects he got for Betts were Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Jeter Downs played 6 games in MLB and now is in Japan. Connor Wong is now 29 and hit .190 this season. Perhaps Bloom's prospect evaluation skills have improved because that trade helped turn the Dodgers into a powerhouse and didn't do much for Boston.

Do some research.

Boston tied Blooms hand on that deal. They wanted Betts, Orice and others gone to get under the luxury tax.

[ecleme22]

Royals were in last place and Chapman was 35 years old.

Cubs were in last place.

Samardzija had one year left Cubs offered 5 @ $85 and he turned it down so they traded him. Signed for the Giants for 5 @ $90.

Hammel was in his walk year. They traded him in late July and then signed him as a free agent. Shrewd move. They got 2 good years out of him @ $10 per year and he sports a world series ring.

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

Here’s what the 2014 Cubs did:

—They traded TWO really good starters for prospects.

Now, if Scotch were a Cubs fan, what would he say?

“The Cubs are turning into the Pirates.”
“You don’t get rid of talent! You build around it.”
“I guess the Cubs no longer care about winning!”


The following offseason, the Cubs—-wait for it—-added two pitchers in free agency! They brought back Hammel and signed Lester to $155mil.

Oh yeah….and they got this young stud Addison Russell in the Jeff/Hammel trade that helped them eventually win the WS.


See the forest through the trees, Scotch. You have no idea if a BD trade is the start of an amazing string of moves where, by the end, you’re forgetting about Donovan the same way Cubs fans forgot about Jeff S….

Bump, Scotch….

[ScotchMIrish]

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

No one is forcing Blooms hand. BD is set to hit FA in 2028, just as the team is turning a corner.

You trade him, you land a cheap, talented prospect under full team control. Plus, you have money to spend in FA.

That's the logic Bloom followed in Boston. The talented prospects he got for Betts were Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Jeter Downs played 6 games in MLB and now is in Japan. Connor Wong is now 29 and hit .190 this season. Perhaps Bloom's prospect evaluation skills have improved because that trade helped turn the Dodgers into a powerhouse and didn't do much for Boston.

Do some research.

Boston tied Blooms hand on that deal. They wanted Betts, Orice and others gone to get under the luxury tax.

I'm aware of that. The best deal he could get was Verdugo and a couple mediocre to poor prospects for Betts? Why would we think get will get something for Donovan based upon that failure?

[ecleme22]

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

No one is forcing Blooms hand. BD is set to hit FA in 2028, just as the team is turning a corner.

You trade him, you land a cheap, talented prospect under full team control. Plus, you have money to spend in FA.

That's the logic Bloom followed in Boston. The talented prospects he got for Betts were Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Jeter Downs played 6 games in MLB and now is in Japan. Connor Wong is now 29 and hit .190 this season. Perhaps Bloom's prospect evaluation skills have improved because that trade helped turn the Dodgers into a powerhouse and didn't do much for Boston.

Do some research.

Boston tied Blooms hand on that deal. They wanted Betts, Orice and others gone to get under the luxury tax.

I'm aware of that. The best deal he could get was Verdugo and a couple mediocre to poor prospects for Betts? Why would we think get will get something for Donovan based upon that failure?

Based upon the failure of Bloom being in a situation where the Sox were forcing him to dump payroll?

[ecleme22]

You: “cubs and royals were in last place!”
Me: “cards were in 2nd to last place in 2025.”

You: “JS had 1 1/2 year left, hammel walk year.”
Me: Donovan has two years left. Why is that a huge difference?

Your point is what? Chapman was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old? Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million per year of what he signed for. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

I'm unclear as to what you are saying.

We are talking Hammel and Jeff S.

You realize the Cubs had a REALLY good starting staff in 2014 and were in year 3 of a crazy rebuild. Why would they trade Jeff S and Hammel? 40% OF THEIR STARTING STAFF???

You said Jeff S. rejected a deal. So? There's like nearly two years to offer another deal. YET, they traded him.

WHY?

You asked about the Royals trading Chapman. He was 35 years old. Is Donovan 35 years old. Cubs offered Samardzija within $1 million a year of what he got from the Giants. Have the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract? They traded Hammel because they planned to re-sign him and did.

What is your point as it relates to Bloom shopping Donovan?

Answer my question.

Why would the ascending 2014 cubs trade 40% of their really good pitching staff????

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

Here’s what the 2014 Cubs did:

—They traded TWO really good starters for prospects.

Now, if Scotch were a Cubs fan, what would he say?

“The Cubs are turning into the Pirates.”
“You don’t get rid of talent! You build around it.”
“I guess the Cubs no longer care about winning!”


The following offseason, the Cubs—-wait for it—-added two pitchers in free agency! They brought back Hammel and signed Lester to $155mil.

Oh yeah….and they got this young stud Addison Russell in the Jeff/Hammel trade that helped them eventually win the WS.


See the forest through the trees, Scotch. You have no idea if a BD trade is the start of an amazing string of moves where, by the end, you’re forgetting about Donovan the same way Cubs fans forgot about Jeff S….

Bump, Scotch….

Now reply to this….

[ScotchMIrish]

You asked why the Royals traded Chapman and why the Cubs traded Samardzija and Hammel. I researched and explained in great detail why they traded them. What part of my explanation do you fail to comprehend?

More detail. They were traded on July 4, 2014. The Cubs 38-46 and in last place. Are you saying the Cardinals who were 5 games over .500 at the all star break should have traded Donovan?

I'm confused.

Why would a team, the 2014 cubs, who are building for the future trade two really good starters? One, Jeff, being an all star?

They re-signed one and tried to sign the other. Are you saying the Cardinals offered Donovan a market value contract?

Hammel: Why trade him at all? Why not give him an extension?
Jeff S.: Why not offer him a better contract?

They signed Hammel in the off season.
They didn't want to overpay for Samardzija.

The only way trading Donovan makes sense is if Bloom has been in contract talks and Donovan wants an inordinate amount of money.

The $$$$ per year sometimes are not the biggest stumbling block but rather the total years sought. Ex. Remember Braves/Freddie Freeman Braves were willing to do 5 yrs/$140M deal
Freeman’s camp wanted a 6th year at ssme rate. Braves said nope 5 yrs is it not 6 , Freeman ended up going to Didgers who gave him 6th year,
We don’t know what Donovan’s camp is seeking. The length of years in extension could be a factor as much as $$ per year.
Every extra year with a player into his 30’s become risky.
Players decline and often quickly. See Matt Carpenter as one example.. many others too

True. Bloom might be forced to trade for something of more value than the free agent draft pick but my impression of Bloom is he loved to trade during his time in Boston. It's possible his hand is being forced but I wouldn't stipulate to it given his history.

No one is forcing Blooms hand. BD is set to hit FA in 2028, just as the team is turning a corner.

You trade him, you land a cheap, talented prospect under full team control. Plus, you have money to spend in FA.

That's the logic Bloom followed in Boston. The talented prospects he got for Betts were Jeter Downs and Connor Wong. Jeter Downs played 6 games in MLB and now is in Japan. Connor Wong is now 29 and hit .190 this season. Perhaps Bloom's prospect evaluation skills have improved because that trade helped turn the Dodgers into a powerhouse and didn't do much for Boston.

Do some research.

Boston tied Blooms hand on that deal. They wanted Betts, Orice and others gone to get under the luxury tax.

I'm aware of that. The best deal he could get was Verdugo and a couple mediocre to poor prospects for Betts? Why would we think get will get something for Donovan based upon that failure?

Based upon the failure of Bloom being in a situation where the Sox were forcing him to dump payroll?

Ownership forced him to take Jeter Downs and Connor Wong? Funny thing is Bloom go ripped off by former Tampa general manager Andrew Friedman.

[AZ_Cardsfan]

I'm aware of that. The best deal he could get was Verdugo and a couple mediocre to poor prospects for Betts? Why would we think get will get something for Donovan based upon that failure?

Not close to the same thing. Donovan isn't expensive yet nor is management publicly pushing to trade him. His 2026 salary is $5.76 mil and there are still two years of arb left.

Donovan has significant value based on cost, performance and control. All 3 factors matter in the value of a player in trade. Betts even in arb was expensive and BOS made it known he was gone to get under the cap. That seriously reduces the negotiating position for a team.

IMO trading Donovan now is a smart move. Reasons are:

STL will not be in contention in 2026. Probably not 2027 which I believe will be a lock out year anyway.

This might be peak Donovan. Expecting him to improve dramatically on this year starting at age 29 is silly. Most players have their peaks at 27-30. He broke out and 2-3 WAR is probably it. He will never be more valuable.

IMO he would return two prospects. One in the top 100 of baseball rankings or top 10 in STL farm. Another who would rank somewhere in the top 30 of the STL farm system.

Agreed the result for BOS was poor. Verdugo fizzled but was highly regarded, Note also they dumped Price on the Dodgers too. No one can guarantee trades or prospects, As we well know sometimes they just don't pop. But the key for STL right now is to amass as many of them as possible and hope some do. And Donovan won't make a darn bit of difference in the next competitive STL team so why not cash him in on a guy who might?