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Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

Red7 wrote: ↑07 Sep 2025 23:05 pm This is going to take time. The Cardinals are looking to rebuild along the lines of Tampa and Cleveland. Don’t expect a1996 or 2000 turnaround. They will be busy this offseason clearing a lot of the clutter. I think you’ll see a lot of new faces, but there are no blockbuster deals or FA signings on the horizon. If they are going to increase payroll significantly, it will not be before 2027. Payroll will remain flat as most of the savings will go to Sonny Gray who will make $35 million next year. Even if Gray, Contreras and Arenado waive their NTC’s, the team will be paying most, if not all, of their money.

While Tampa was good at evaluating and using their young talent, Cleveland has been relying for over a decade now, on stellar starting pitching and up-the-middle defense. And offense was a bonus to them, as it was last year when josh Nader had his career year. This year they took a backward step in all 3areas, by trading Nader and Gimemez, and sub-par seasons from their starters, some coming off injuries.

I’m all for focusing on pitching and defense first, and then adding at least one power bat

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:45 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Lol none of that contradicts what I said. His power comes in spurts. I didn't mention any of the other offensive numbers.

And satisfactory LF is hilarious. He's played 31 innings there and caught a couple fly balls. Your response only addresses what I said if you are prepared to make him the regular LF.

And the power looks decent because of how little we get on this team, but most teams are looking for more than 14 HR from their DH, or their LF, for that matter.

His bat was a major asset when he was a C. It's about average anywhere else.

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:56 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:45 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Lol none of that contradicts what I said. His power comes in spurts. I didn't mention any of the other offensive numbers.

And satisfactory LF is hilarious. He's played 31 innings there and caught a couple fly balls. Your response only addresses what I said if you are prepared to make him the regular LF.

And the power looks decent because of how little we get on this team, but most teams are looking for more than 14 HR from their DH, or their LF, for that matter.

His bat was a major asset when he was a C. It's about average anywhere else.

14 home runs in only 89 games. You forgot to recognize that.

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:07 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:56 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:45 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Lol none of that contradicts what I said. His power comes in spurts. I didn't mention any of the other offensive numbers.

And satisfactory LF is hilarious. He's played 31 innings there and caught a couple fly balls. Your response only addresses what I said if you are prepared to make him the regular LF.

And the power looks decent because of how little we get on this team, but most teams are looking for more than 14 HR from their DH, or their LF, for that matter.

His bat was a major asset when he was a C. It's about average anywhere else.

14 home runs in only 89 games. You forgot to recognize that.

I did because they are come in spurts. It hasn't been consistent production over the 89 games so it's not fair to project it out over 162.

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:20 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:07 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:56 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:45 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Lol none of that contradicts what I said. His power comes in spurts. I didn't mention any of the other offensive numbers.

And satisfactory LF is hilarious. He's played 31 innings there and caught a couple fly balls. Your response only addresses what I said if you are prepared to make him the regular LF.

And the power looks decent because of how little we get on this team, but most teams are looking for more than 14 HR from their DH, or their LF, for that matter.

His bat was a major asset when he was a C. It's about average anywhere else.

14 home runs in only 89 games. You forgot to recognize that.

I did because they are come in spurts. It hasn't been consistent production over the 89 games so it's not fair to project it out over 162.

Okay. So if you want to use 14 home runs, it means in a full season he wouldn’t chalk up even one more dinger. Right?

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:25 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 12:06 pm

BrummerStealsHome wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 11:55 am What to do to become a competitive team? A lot of people here believe their own bull[shirt], and enjoy the company of others believing the same bull[shirt]. This IS a competitive team. They're a .500 team in a division that's +32. What we want is a team to move up to the top tier, into the high-90s, 100 win range. The good news is that in modern baseball that can happen in a year or two. The bad news is the present crew doesn't have the ability to do it. The incoming regime? We'll see. I have high hopes for them. This frustrating season will pay some dividends towards that end.

Sure, they can make the playoffs in 2026 with a few moves this off season.

Yes, and I think they will. Is there anyone claiming otherwise? It's important to note that the overall goal is not to make the playoffs but field a championship caliber team.

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

Really Cranny?

He has shown he can hit. So did DeJong his first year. But unlike DeJong, Herrera doesn’t have a solid defensive position. And the fact he has hit so far does not guarantee future success.

If Bloom can get a team to offer a young cost-controlled starter that Bloom likes I think you have to pull the trigger.

But Herrera is someone I expect to be on the team next year.

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:41 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:20 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:07 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:56 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:45 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:38 pm

If you and Cranny think this team will make the playoffs in 2026 I want some of what you’re smoking.

2027 maybe, 2028 is more realistic.

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Lol none of that contradicts what I said. His power comes in spurts. I didn't mention any of the other offensive numbers.

And satisfactory LF is hilarious. He's played 31 innings there and caught a couple fly balls. Your response only addresses what I said if you are prepared to make him the regular LF.

And the power looks decent because of how little we get on this team, but most teams are looking for more than 14 HR from their DH, or their LF, for that matter.

His bat was a major asset when he was a C. It's about average anywhere else.

14 home runs in only 89 games. You forgot to recognize that.

I did because they are come in spurts. It hasn't been consistent production over the 89 games so it's not fair to project it out over 162.

Okay. So if you want to use 14 home runs, it means in a full season he wouldn’t chalk up even one more dinger. Right?

What? No. 15 HR doesn't impress me for a LF or DH, either. And neither does 20.

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 18:24 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:41 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:20 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 17:07 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:56 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:45 pm

sdaltons wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 16:02 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:57 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:46 pm

Cranny wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 15:36 pm

Bomber1 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 14:32 pm

ICCFIM2 wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 13:47 pm

The fact that this team is sitting only 4.5 games behind a playoff spot with 18 games to go indicates they are not that far off from making the playoffs. Considering they had about 70 starts made by Mikolas, Fedde and Pallante, that is remarkable. Obtaining two pitchers that are better than those three plus perhaps putting Leahy into the rotation shouldn't be that hard. Plus, a full season of Wetherholdt and it is not hard to see a 10 game improvement, which puts them in the bracket.

Nobody seems to realize that at least some of the players that have helped them to .500 are going to be traded.
Will their replacements play better in 2026 than our traded players (some of Burleson, Gorman, Donovan, Herrera, etc) played this year?

I doubt it because they’re going to trade for younger players and prospects.

If they make the playoffs next year I’ll happily admit i was wrong.

But I don’t think I’ll be proven wrong.

Herrera possibly traded? Don’t think so.

Probably not, but he’s certainly not untouchable.

Isn’t he exactly what they’re looking for in a young player?

A guy who hits for power occasionally and has no position to play?

You must be talking about a different Herrera. He has a high average, high OBP, OPS over .800, has hit 14 home runs in only 89 games, and can play a satisfactory LF.

Lol none of that contradicts what I said. His power comes in spurts. I didn't mention any of the other offensive numbers.

And satisfactory LF is hilarious. He's played 31 innings there and caught a couple fly balls. Your response only addresses what I said if you are prepared to make him the regular LF.

And the power looks decent because of how little we get on this team, but most teams are looking for more than 14 HR from their DH, or their LF, for that matter.

His bat was a major asset when he was a C. It's about average anywhere else.

14 home runs in only 89 games. You forgot to recognize that.

I did because they are come in spurts. It hasn't been consistent production over the 89 games so it's not fair to project it out over 162.

Okay. So if you want to use 14 home runs, it means in a full season he wouldn’t chalk up even one more dinger. Right?

What? No. 15 HR doesn't impress me for a LF or DH, either. And neither does 20.

Well, he's the only Cardinal right now who has an OPS north of .800, and is only 25 years old, so I don't trade him. It would be fair if I don't seasonalize his 14 home runs and you don't use 14 home runs. Deal?

Riveting debate. Put differently, cards are a move or two away from being 5 games over 500

Dare to dream boys. Dare to dream.

Absolut wrote: ↑08 Sep 2025 19:17 pm Riveting debate. Put differently, cards are a move or two away from being 5 games over 500

Dare to dream boys. Dare to dream.

Depends on the moves. Think of all the games when their starting pitchers got impossibly behind in the first several innings.
Firm that up and they're a sure playoff contender.

MLB trades:
Burleson for an MLB starting pitcher. Trade high. Replace with Torres.
Nootbar for an MLB RH outfielder. Replace with that RH outfielder.

40-man roster clearing trades (or nontenders)...
Gorman for a miLB guy. Replace with Wetherholt.
Pozo for a miLB guy (if possible). Replace with Crooks.
King for a miLB guy (if possible). Replace with Raquet.
Fermin for a miLB guy (if possible)
Siani for a miLB guy (if possible)
Roycroft for a miLB guy (if possible)
Veneziano for a miLB guy (if possible)
Koperniak for a miLB guy (if possible)

Mikolas leaves via FA. Replace with Mathews.
Hampson (already a DFA)

Demote to AAA to play everyday:
Walker - replace with Church in RF
Saggese - replace with Prieto

Trade if you can... but you probably can't... and you will still be too lefthanded
Contreras instead of Burleson
Arenado instead of Nootbar (move Donovan to 3B and Nootbar to LF)

Do Not Trade:
Gray: What is the point of trading away your best starting pitcher (and sending cash with him) and then looking for starting pitchers to acquire?

Who is left?
C Crooks and Pages platoon with Bernal in AAA
1B/DH Contreras, Herrera
IF Arenado, Winn, Wetherholt with Prieto and Torres on bench with Saggese and Mendoza in AAA playing every day
OF Donovan, Scott, Church, new RH OF (from Nootbar trade) with Walker and Baez in AAA playing every day
SP Gray, Mathews, Liberatore, McGreevy, new SP (from Burleson trade) with Pallante in BP and Henderson, Mautz, Hansen, Rincon, Winquest in AAA
RRP Leahy, O'Brien, Svanson, Pallante, Alcala, Granillo with Graceffo, Fernandez, Munoz in AAA
LRP Romero, Raquet with Mosqueda in AAA

One thing that hasn’t been mentioned in the Herrera’s debate, is how well he hits LHP. As a whole the Cardinals haven’t hit them well, at all. If you trade Herrera if made that even worse, even if you bring a RH hitting outfielder, for Nootbaar, you’re just replacing Herrera’s production, not adding to it! Just something to think about.