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Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 19:29 pm

rage-STL wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:41 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:34 am I really like the kid. I'm usually wrong, but I like his tools. His speed is a mirror of Scott and so is the D. He looks like his bat to ball skills are superior to Scott"s. Would like to see those two battle it out and may the best man win!

Maybe Church wins the LF job out of camp with Noot on the mend. Him and Scott would completely shut down the left side of the OF. We’ll find out soon enough, games on the schedule next Saturday. Let’s get this show on the road.

Another Punch and Judy hitter playing a power position.

Hopefully a better Punch and Judy hitter to play CF if better than VSII. I agree, we need a freaking corner OFer that bats RH and hits like a freaking corner OFer should. Hopefully Baez turns into something real.... but that is still a season away, and no guarantee it happens. ST will be interesting. Punch and Judy hitter, my Dad used to use that phrase. I am 68. You can imagine how long ago my Dad was saying that to me... His other favorite (when we had no good bullpen) was "what humpty dumpty will the bring in from the pen" this time...... Anyway, your phrasing brought me back

Would not be shocked if Church ends up being the best outfielder on the team in 2026

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 20:25 pm Would not be shocked if Church ends up being the best outfielder on the team in 2026

that would be a lovely surprise... we shall see

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 20:25 pm Would not be shocked if Church ends up being the best outfielder on the team in 2026

Then we are even more doomed than I expected.

bccardsfan wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 21:30 pm

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 20:25 pm Would not be shocked if Church ends up being the best outfielder on the team in 2026

that would be a lovely surprise... we shall see

That would be horrible if he’s our best outfielder. He better be a sub.

I have been very pro Church. However, I thought he would take to the majors a little better than he did last year. He needs to be a pleasant surprise early and show some staying power. He had a great AA and AAA season last year.

Well, that clip of Walker in the batting cage that is making the rounds doesn't look to encouraging. He looks awkward and off balance. They have him so messed up. He probably needs extended spring training and to start in triple A so there is zero pressure on him.

And speaking of pressure, the clip of Wetherholt in the batting cage, he looks amazing. He has a sweet all business swing.

Church has 65 total plate appearances and 56 at bats in 43 days on the roster yet we think "we know what we have".

but we are still wondering about Gorman and Walker becoming superstars after just a few more at bats over 3 years.

I dont have high hopes for him offensively as a corner outfielder but if he can get on base a lot he could be very useful.

IMHO, he would be better than Walker has been and could be better than Scott in CF. Scott probably has more range, but Church has a better arm and might be able to reach base more often... or might not. We don't know what we have.

cardstatman wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 23:02 pm Church has 65 total plate appearances and 56 at bats in 43 days on the roster yet we think "we know what we have".

but we are still wondering about Gorman and Walker becoming superstars after just a few more at bats over 3 years.

I dont have high hopes for him offensively as a corner outfielder but if he can get on base a lot he could be very useful.

IMHO, he would be better than Walker has been and could be better than Scott in CF. Scott probably has more range, but Church has a better arm and might be able to reach base more often... or might not. We don't know what we have.

This is what's crazy to me, and I've seen it all over this board (and other forums).

65 PA's and this guy is nothing, yet they've seen:
Scott flounder for 600 PA's and still have hope
Walker flounder for his last 600 PA's and still have hope
Gorman flounder for his last 800 PA's and still have hope

But yeah 65 PA's, let's write the guy off

passthebuck wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 22:39 pm Well, that clip of Walker in the batting cage that is making the rounds doesn't look to encouraging. He looks awkward and off balance. They have him so messed up. He probably needs extended spring training and to start in triple A so there is zero pressure on him.

And speaking of pressure, the clip of Wetherholt in the batting cage, he looks amazing. He has a sweet all business swing.

Marmol already said the job is his if he shows any signs of life ( not just stats) in ST.
Some People cheering for Church and Fermin want to keep Walker in ST. Incredible.

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 15:30 pm

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 14:59 pm

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 11:59 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 11:45 am

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:58 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:34 am I really like the kid. I'm usually wrong, but I like his tools. His speed is a mirror of Scott and so is the D. He looks like his bat to ball skills are superior to Scott"s. Would like to see those two battle it out and may the best man win!

Define what a "surprise" from Church might be.
.250 BA / 310 OBP and 250 20206 Pa's?
Something lees, something more?

No definition.......just better than expected

Which leaves the same question.
What are your expectations?

.270 avg.; 350 obp; Solid D; 20-30 SBs.........just a solid season.

That would make him a better player at the MLB level than he was as a minor leaguer.
Simply an observation.

With all due respect......do you just want to argue? I'm high on life and love my Cards. I only get on here for fun. If what I said provoked you in some way.....please accept my apology........otherwise....just ignore this old man. Thanks in advance.

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 03:58 am

cardstatman wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 23:02 pm Church has 65 total plate appearances and 56 at bats in 43 days on the roster yet we think "we know what we have".

but we are still wondering about Gorman and Walker becoming superstars after just a few more at bats over 3 years.

I dont have high hopes for him offensively as a corner outfielder but if he can get on base a lot he could be very useful.

IMHO, he would be better than Walker has been and could be better than Scott in CF. Scott probably has more range, but Church has a better arm and might be able to reach base more often... or might not. We don't know what we have.

This is what's crazy to me, and I've seen it all over this board (and other forums).

65 PA's and this guy is nothing, yet they've seen:
Scott flounder for 600 PA's and still have hope
Walker flounder for his last 600 PA's and still have hope
Gorman flounder for his last 800 PA's and still have hope

But yeah 65 PA's, let's write the guy off

Could be the 5’-10” 180 pounds and lack of power that makes people worry about him playing a corner OF spot.
Also, why didn’t the Cardinals bring JJ up last year? So they could save a year of control. I don’t think they was looking to save a year of control on Church. Hopefully he turns out to be a nice role player.
Because if he is our next All-Star, like Brendan Donovan, we are screwed.

casey1024 wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 04:31 am

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 15:30 pm

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 14:59 pm

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 11:59 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 11:45 am

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:58 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:34 am I really like the kid. I'm usually wrong, but I like his tools. His speed is a mirror of Scott and so is the D. He looks like his bat to ball skills are superior to Scott"s. Would like to see those two battle it out and may the best man win!

Define what a "surprise" from Church might be.
.250 BA / 310 OBP and 250 20206 Pa's?
Something lees, something more?

No definition.......just better than expected

Which leaves the same question.
What are your expectations?

.270 avg.; 350 obp; Solid D; 20-30 SBs.........just a solid season.

That would make him a better player at the MLB level than he was as a minor leaguer.
Simply an observation.

With all due respect......do you just want to argue? I'm high on life and love my Cards. I only get on here for fun. If what I said provoked you in some way.....please accept my apology........otherwise....just ignore this old man. Thanks in advance.

I wouldn’t worry about it. Lots of players become better hitters in the majors than they were in the minors.

Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 04:37 am

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 03:58 am

cardstatman wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 23:02 pm Church has 65 total plate appearances and 56 at bats in 43 days on the roster yet we think "we know what we have".

but we are still wondering about Gorman and Walker becoming superstars after just a few more at bats over 3 years.

I dont have high hopes for him offensively as a corner outfielder but if he can get on base a lot he could be very useful.

IMHO, he would be better than Walker has been and could be better than Scott in CF. Scott probably has more range, but Church has a better arm and might be able to reach base more often... or might not. We don't know what we have.

This is what's crazy to me, and I've seen it all over this board (and other forums).

65 PA's and this guy is nothing, yet they've seen:
Scott flounder for 600 PA's and still have hope
Walker flounder for his last 600 PA's and still have hope
Gorman flounder for his last 800 PA's and still have hope

But yeah 65 PA's, let's write the guy off

Could be the 5’-10” 180 pounds and lack of power that makes people worry about him playing a corner OF spot.
Also, why didn’t the Cardinals bring JJ up last year? So they could save a year of control. I don’t think they was looking to save a year of control on Church. Hopefully he turns out to be a nice role player.
Because if he is our next All-Star, like Brendan Donovan, we are screwed.

Church had to be protected during the Rule 5 draft, while JJ did not...

Church also isn't 180 anymore if you've ever seen him in person or followed his progress at all, but it's obvious you haven't

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 05:11 am

Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 04:37 am

cosmo.kramer wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 03:58 am

cardstatman wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 23:02 pm Church has 65 total plate appearances and 56 at bats in 43 days on the roster yet we think "we know what we have".

but we are still wondering about Gorman and Walker becoming superstars after just a few more at bats over 3 years.

I dont have high hopes for him offensively as a corner outfielder but if he can get on base a lot he could be very useful.

IMHO, he would be better than Walker has been and could be better than Scott in CF. Scott probably has more range, but Church has a better arm and might be able to reach base more often... or might not. We don't know what we have.

This is what's crazy to me, and I've seen it all over this board (and other forums).

65 PA's and this guy is nothing, yet they've seen:
Scott flounder for 600 PA's and still have hope
Walker flounder for his last 600 PA's and still have hope
Gorman flounder for his last 800 PA's and still have hope

But yeah 65 PA's, let's write the guy off

Could be the 5’-10” 180 pounds and lack of power that makes people worry about him playing a corner OF spot.
Also, why didn’t the Cardinals bring JJ up last year? So they could save a year of control. I don’t think they was looking to save a year of control on Church. Hopefully he turns out to be a nice role player.
Because if he is our next All-Star, like Brendan Donovan, we are screwed.

Church had to be protected during the Rule 5 draft, while JJ did not...

Church also isn't 180 anymore if you've ever seen him in person or followed his progress at all, but it's obvious you haven't

Might be a future stud. Has hit everywhere, and is particularly strong in doubles and triples. Led league in triples and ranks top five in doubles.

Also to note- had 56 AB last year in STL- 10 hits 3 base on balls- get this scored 9 times of the 13 on base events. That’s strong.

casey1024 wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 04:31 am

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 15:30 pm

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 14:59 pm

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 11:59 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 11:45 am

Melville wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:58 am

casey1024 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 08:34 am I really like the kid. I'm usually wrong, but I like his tools. His speed is a mirror of Scott and so is the D. He looks like his bat to ball skills are superior to Scott"s. Would like to see those two battle it out and may the best man win!

Define what a "surprise" from Church might be.
.250 BA / 310 OBP and 250 20206 Pa's?
Something lees, something more?

No definition.......just better than expected

Which leaves the same question.
What are your expectations?

.270 avg.; 350 obp; Solid D; 20-30 SBs.........just a solid season.

That would make him a better player at the MLB level than he was as a minor leaguer.
Simply an observation.

With all due respect......do you just want to argue? I'm high on life and love my Cards. I only get on here for fun. If what I said provoked you in some way.....please accept my apology........otherwise....just ignore this old man. Thanks in advance.

Again, merely an observation concerning Church.
I am kind and gracious to a fault - never disrespectful, never argumentative - and unfailingly seeking clarity from others so as to fully understand and correctly characterize every perspective.
Nothing wrong with having faith that Church will be as good or better as a MLB player as he was in the minor leagues - but having that as an actual expectation is a different matter entirely.
Let's see what happens.