Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, and correct.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

In your analysis, do you expect them to play with an OF in ‘26? Will that improve the same way as Gorman??

I do not expect the outfield to be Mootbaar-Scott-Walker in 2026.
Neither does Bloom.
He will change that equation before opening day.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

My only question is when will the Unicorn you fell in love with (Gorman) be in MVP consideration?

Never for or against any player.
Always free of bias, free of agenda.
As for Gorman, my analysis has been perfectly accurate throughout.
And remains so at this moment.
I am less convinced of yours, if you ever expected him to be an MVP as your post appears to suggest.

[ecleme22]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Honestly you lost me at Gorman will be far better. But let’s see.

Even if Mehl is wrong about NG, the plan still stands.

[dugoutrex]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

oh we'll win ... about 70 games

[AZ_Cardsfan]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Oh my god. Is this really Melville? Nailed it. This IS the plan. Although they aren't as concerned with fielding a better team in 2026 if it impedes the rest of the plan. That is secondary to the overall strategy. IMO.

[Web7]

lol

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Honestly you lost me at Gorman will be far better. But let’s see.

Even if Mehl is wrong about NG, the plan still stands.

I'm not and it does.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

oh we'll win ... about 70 games

Bloom would be disappointed - he is planning for a range from 82 to 86.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Oh my god. Is this really Melville? Nailed it. This IS the plan. Although they aren't as concerned with fielding a better team in 2026 if it impedes the rest of the plan. That is secondary to the overall strategy. IMO.

No need to appeal to deity.
Fact is, the plan should be clear to all.
Bloom has been fairly straightforward and should be taken at this word.
I merely listed, with precision and accuracy, all the goals he is working on simultaneously.

[Bushiro]

If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

This is a good thread.
Let's keep it there.
No need to remind everyone that weeks in advance I perfectly predicted the exact 96-hour window in which N/A would be traded last off-season - at which point N/A refused to report after initially agreeing to Houston being a team to which he go.
It was an amazingly brilliant and perfect prediction on my part - which for some inexplicable reason appeared to bother some folks.
But that is long in the past, and I do not want this thread to be about me.
Never do.
I am only and always about the game.
And in this instance, that means discussing what Bloom is currently trying to accomplish.

Darn right tou nailed that Arenado prediction....and hopefully you will nail your Gorman prediction considering you've been riding that one for 4 years....

[Ozziesfan41]

If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

This is a good thread.
Let's keep it there.
No need to remind everyone that weeks in advance I perfectly predicted the exact 96-hour window in which N/A would be traded last off-season - at which point N/A refused to report after initially agreeing to Houston being a team to which he go.
It was an amazingly brilliant and perfect prediction on my part - which for some inexplicable reason appeared to bother some folks.
But that is long in the past, and I do not want this thread to be about me.
Never do.
I am only and always about the game.
And in this instance, that means discussing what Bloom is currently trying to accomplish.

Darn right tou nailed that Arenado prediction....and hopefully you will nail your Gorman prediction considering you've been riding that one for 4 years....

lol He predicted arenado would be traded four different times and was wrong he will finally be right if he predicts he will be traded this off season

[Melville]

If one does nothing but read troll posts, Melville, you might see it that way. As is the case with life in general, it is best to ignore the absolutists.

I have not (nor will I) do a post count to see where it all falls, but the brighter porch lights on the CardsTalk block are on board with the strategy and the move. That is a substantial number, and if you take out the repetitive posts from the trolls who always go to the dark side, I think there is general acceptance and, in my case, enthusiasm for the approach and future.

It may not be easy, or obvious, but it is indeed correct.

You’re saving this for later reference, right?

Reminds me of his ‘Arenado Trade’ prediction happening any minute… a full year later

This is a good thread.
Let's keep it there.
No need to remind everyone that weeks in advance I perfectly predicted the exact 96-hour window in which N/A would be traded last off-season - at which point N/A refused to report after initially agreeing to Houston being a team to which he go.
It was an amazingly brilliant and perfect prediction on my part - which for some inexplicable reason appeared to bother some folks.
But that is long in the past, and I do not want this thread to be about me.
Never do.
I am only and always about the game.
And in this instance, that means discussing what Bloom is currently trying to accomplish.

Darn right tou nailed that Arenado prediction....and hopefully you will nail your Gorman prediction considering you've been riding that one for 4 years....

I make no Gorman prediction other than saying he will continue to be what he always has been:
A LH hitting infielder who will hit 25+ HR, drive in 80 or more and score 80 or more per every 600 PA's.
I have been right about that and expect that to continue in 2026.
And Bloom expects the same - unless, of course, Gorman is traded.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

1st wrong: I agree
2nd wrong: I agree
3rd wrong: I 1/2 agree. I think Bloom is amassing the most young talent he possibly can given his trade chips
4th wrong: I agree
5th wrong I 1/2 agree. I think CB wants to build a talent pipeline while also adding FA. Ppl who think he’s trying to find five Wainos are wrong. Think Jaime Garcia, Siegrist, Jon Jay, Craig, etc. A SOLID cost controlled supporting cast. Maybe one or two turn into a swan over time…
1st correct: mostly agree. But I am hoping player eval will be a lot more locked in (ie. Gorman and Walker don’t need another year long tryout). Also, if you are implying the team gets back to spending FA money as early as 2027, I agree. Bloom has nearly trimmed all the glaring fat. 2027 will be more agressive, imo.

To recap then, we agree.

[Melville]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Honestly you lost me at Gorman will be far better. But let’s see.

N/A is a pretty low bar.

[ecleme22]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Honestly you lost me at Gorman will be far better. But let’s see.

N/A is a pretty low bar.

People need to stop losing sleep on NA eventually leaving.

Life will go on.

I'm pro Gorman, but no one is going to allow him to commit 60 errors. If he really can't handle 3B, they will take him off of it...

Mehl, I'm sure you agree...ppl need to quit hyperventilating at the thought of NA being gone....

[Dicktar2023]

Interesting opinions here.
Most wrong.
Most run something similar to this:
"The Cardinals and Bloom have no intention of fielding a winning team in 2026" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom intend to tank in 2026 and probably 2027" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom are amassing a high volume of low to mid-level prospect arms and are playing a numbers game - hoping a few make it while the majority wash out" - wrong.
"The Cardinals are just slashing payroll because DeWitt is old and cheap" - wrong.
"The Cardinals and Bloom want to build a self-renewing talent and developmental model, so they don't need to rely on FA's" - wrong.
Here is the CORRECT analysis:
Bloom intends to field a team that can play better than .500 ball in 2026, while building for greater subsequent success - which requires giving an open pathway to young guys already on hand to improve in 2026, buying time next season for a couple of high ceiling prospects currently in the minors to advance, acquire solid short term pieces to fill in where the depth was thin last season, bet on a few pieces who can be flipped in July, and also stock the system with starting pitching arms (some of whom will play in STL but more of whom will be traded before ever reaching MLB because that is the most valuable commodity in baseball) - and once satisfied with having achieved these objective, the team will return payroll to previous levels which will include the acquisition of higher priced veterans as needed via trade of FA.
Obviously, a bit more complex than most understand or desire, but it is precisely what he is attempting to achieve on every single point.
And every move he makes must be viewed in consideration of all these objectives rather than just one, since each will be a step toward one or more of these goals - and failing to apply this thought process will inevitably lead to the move in question at any given time not being accurately understood.
Easy.
Obvious.
Correct.

Respectfully if he is planning on fielding an above 500 team he better get busy.

Wait until the N/A and Donovan trades are consummated.
The work is not yet complete - but he is on track to field a better team in 2026 than any of the past 3 seasons.

So you are implying that Bloom will get more projected 2026 production/WAR back in return for NA and Donny than they achieved at any point the last 3 years? That would be a feat.

Bloom is betting that Gorman will be far better offensively than N/A.
He is also betting Wetherholt is as good as advertised.
He will win both bets.
As for the return for N/A and Donovan - it may be aimed at 2026 or may be a longer-term play.
Either way, Bloom expects the team to be a bit better next season.
I think he is right.

Honestly you lost me at Gorman will be far better. But let’s see.

N/A is a pretty low bar.

It won't be enough just to clear it. Galker will have to be considerably better than NA's .666 OPS and their own dismal 2025 numbers to make a difference.