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Who said anything about a "league average OFer"?woofy25 wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 14:25 pmWhich was the right move my bloom. There is no needle moving OFer available for what the cardinals were offering. Trading for a league average OFer makes as much sense as trading a 20 for two 10s. Maybe it helps with cash tips but there is no long term value to be gained, and long term is the only term to concern yourself with. Now, if he had traded for more prospect position players, then fine.Melville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:20 pmSame answer.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 12:01 pmUh I was talking about LF.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 21:47 pmPartially right.11WSChamps wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:45 pmAnd he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:07 pmI would do what I already would have done: trade for one.Shady wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:04 pmMelville, so if Walker continues to struggle going into July. What wou;d you do regarding the RF situaion? There don't appear to be many options.
Failing to do so was one of Bloom's 3 big mistakes so far (he has done several things well).
I said that back in December and was proven to be right.
Bloom had plenty of expendable pieces to swing a trade for a young, cost controlled RH outfielder.
But his goal was to add some pitchers and some long-shot lottery position player pieces who are nowhere near being MLB ready and likely never will be.
Despite his rather disingenuous and utterly unserious feigned interest in adding a RH bat, you are correct that he clearly never intended any such thing.
But not for the reason you cited.
Rather, he intends to give Walker one more look - but is really just buying time to see if Baez or Herrera can "next man up" in the RH corner outfield hunt if and when JW fails again.
So my reasoning is sound.
Walker was always going to be given more runway.
Your statement "And he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him" is just half correct.
Correct in that Bloom was never serious about acquiring an outfielder (even though he feigned otherwise purely for propaganda reasons); incorrect in that the Cardinals very, very easily could have acquired one and indisputably had abundant resources through which to do so.
Bottom line: Bloom wanted to acquire pitchers and long-term long shots - with zero interest in acquiring a quality starting outfielder for 2026.
That is the reality, as proven by Bloom's behaviors.
That’s the key question.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 14:00 pm
Ultimately he did not trade for one so what I said cant be discounted.
What can't be said is he had the prospects willing to give up to get one.
He doesn't because he's not willing to trade a Wetherholt or a Doyle.
Otherwise who would qualify to bring back such an OFer?
Agreed.Cusecards wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 12:51 pmAgreeWeeVikes wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 12:49 pm I believe we're seeing the fact that Walker has dibbs until he proves he can't handle it. Now, the case may be made that he's already shown that, however, I believe the organization may be giving him one last legitimate shot before they call it a day on him. If I'm correct, it may be a while.
Again, just my guess. Your mileage may vary.
He’ll be the regular until at least the deadline.
More likely he’ll be here the entire season!
The answer is in the behavior.renostl wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:47 pmThe price point may have been his puke point.Melville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:20 pmSame answer.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 12:01 pmUh I was talking about LF.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 21:47 pmPartially right.11WSChamps wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:45 pmAnd he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:07 pmI would do what I already would have done: trade for one.Shady wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:04 pmMelville, so if Walker continues to struggle going into July. What wou;d you do regarding the RF situaion? There don't appear to be many options.
Failing to do so was one of Bloom's 3 big mistakes so far (he has done several things well).
I said that back in December and was proven to be right.
Bloom had plenty of expendable pieces to swing a trade for a young, cost controlled RH outfielder.
But his goal was to add some pitchers and some long-shot lottery position player pieces who are nowhere near being MLB ready and likely never will be.
Despite his rather disingenuous and utterly unserious feigned interest in adding a RH bat, you are correct that he clearly never intended any such thing.
But not for the reason you cited.
Rather, he intends to give Walker one more look - but is really just buying time to see if Baez or Herrera can "next man up" in the RH corner outfield hunt if and when JW fails again.
So my reasoning is sound.
Walker was always going to be given more runway.
Your statement "And he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him" is just half correct.
Correct in that Bloom was never serious about acquiring an outfielder (even though he feigned otherwise purely for propaganda reasons); incorrect in that the Cardinals very, very easily could have acquired one and indisputably had abundant resources through which to do so.
Bottom line: Bloom wanted to acquire pitchers and long-term long shots - with zero interest in acquiring a quality starting outfielder for 2026.
That is the reality, as proven by Bloom's behaviors.
A scenario where two things can exist.
He might be more inclined to spend resources on a specific need IF the
prize was good enough. IF that did not exist then take the highest return when in a season
that specific needs may be vaguer to himself than a couple of us fans that
have outfielder fatigue. Similar to taking the BPA in the draft instead of drafting
to need.
In the Donovan trade. What if Montes was offered and the group was not enamored
with his 34% SO profile. Besides there are more trades that could be made, there
always is.
No one is discounting what you said.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 14:00 pmTwo things.Melville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:20 pmSame answer.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 12:01 pmUh I was talking about LF.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 21:47 pmPartially right.11WSChamps wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:45 pmAnd he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:07 pmI would do what I already would have done: trade for one.Shady wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:04 pmMelville, so if Walker continues to struggle going into July. What wou;d you do regarding the RF situaion? There don't appear to be many options.
Failing to do so was one of Bloom's 3 big mistakes so far (he has done several things well).
I said that back in December and was proven to be right.
Bloom had plenty of expendable pieces to swing a trade for a young, cost controlled RH outfielder.
But his goal was to add some pitchers and some long-shot lottery position player pieces who are nowhere near being MLB ready and likely never will be.
Despite his rather disingenuous and utterly unserious feigned interest in adding a RH bat, you are correct that he clearly never intended any such thing.
But not for the reason you cited.
Rather, he intends to give Walker one more look - but is really just buying time to see if Baez or Herrera can "next man up" in the RH corner outfield hunt if and when JW fails again.
So my reasoning is sound.
Walker was always going to be given more runway.
Your statement "And he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him" is just half correct.
Correct in that Bloom was never serious about acquiring an outfielder (even though he feigned otherwise purely for propaganda reasons); incorrect in that the Cardinals very, very easily could have acquired one and indisputably had abundant resources through which to do so.
Bottom line: Bloom wanted to acquire pitchers and long-term long shots - with zero interest in acquiring a quality starting outfielder for 2026.
That is the reality, as proven by Bloom's behaviors.
Ultimately he did not trade for one so what I said cant be discounted.
What can't be said is he had the prospects willing to give up to get one.
He doesn't because he's not willing to trade a Wetherholt or a Doyle.
Otherwise who would qualify to bring back such an OFer?
We disagree.woofy25 wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 14:25 pmWhich was the right move my bloom. There is no needle moving OFer available for what the cardinals were offering. Trading for a league average OFer makes as much sense as trading a 20 for two 10s. Maybe it helps with cash tips but there is no long term value to be gained, and long term is the only term to concern yourself with. Now, if he had traded for more prospect position players, then fine.Melville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:20 pmSame answer.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 12:01 pmUh I was talking about LF.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 21:47 pmPartially right.11WSChamps wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:45 pmAnd he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:07 pmI would do what I already would have done: trade for one.Shady wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:04 pmMelville, so if Walker continues to struggle going into July. What wou;d you do regarding the RF situaion? There don't appear to be many options.
Failing to do so was one of Bloom's 3 big mistakes so far (he has done several things well).
I said that back in December and was proven to be right.
Bloom had plenty of expendable pieces to swing a trade for a young, cost controlled RH outfielder.
But his goal was to add some pitchers and some long-shot lottery position player pieces who are nowhere near being MLB ready and likely never will be.
Despite his rather disingenuous and utterly unserious feigned interest in adding a RH bat, you are correct that he clearly never intended any such thing.
But not for the reason you cited.
Rather, he intends to give Walker one more look - but is really just buying time to see if Baez or Herrera can "next man up" in the RH corner outfield hunt if and when JW fails again.
So my reasoning is sound.
Walker was always going to be given more runway.
Your statement "And he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him" is just half correct.
Correct in that Bloom was never serious about acquiring an outfielder (even though he feigned otherwise purely for propaganda reasons); incorrect in that the Cardinals very, very easily could have acquired one and indisputably had abundant resources through which to do so.
Bottom line: Bloom wanted to acquire pitchers and long-term long shots - with zero interest in acquiring a quality starting outfielder for 2026.
That is the reality, as proven by Bloom's behaviors.
Then your position becomes that all moves made are probable failuresMelville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 18:42 pmThe answer is in the behavior.renostl wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:47 pmThe price point may have been his puke point.Melville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:20 pmSame answer.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 12:01 pmUh I was talking about LF.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 21:47 pmPartially right.11WSChamps wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:45 pmAnd he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:07 pmI would do what I already would have done: trade for one.Shady wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:04 pmMelville, so if Walker continues to struggle going into July. What wou;d you do regarding the RF situaion? There don't appear to be many options.
Failing to do so was one of Bloom's 3 big mistakes so far (he has done several things well).
I said that back in December and was proven to be right.
Bloom had plenty of expendable pieces to swing a trade for a young, cost controlled RH outfielder.
But his goal was to add some pitchers and some long-shot lottery position player pieces who are nowhere near being MLB ready and likely never will be.
Despite his rather disingenuous and utterly unserious feigned interest in adding a RH bat, you are correct that he clearly never intended any such thing.
But not for the reason you cited.
Rather, he intends to give Walker one more look - but is really just buying time to see if Baez or Herrera can "next man up" in the RH corner outfield hunt if and when JW fails again.
So my reasoning is sound.
Walker was always going to be given more runway.
Your statement "And he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him" is just half correct.
Correct in that Bloom was never serious about acquiring an outfielder (even though he feigned otherwise purely for propaganda reasons); incorrect in that the Cardinals very, very easily could have acquired one and indisputably had abundant resources through which to do so.
Bottom line: Bloom wanted to acquire pitchers and long-term long shots - with zero interest in acquiring a quality starting outfielder for 2026.
That is the reality, as proven by Bloom's behaviors.
A scenario where two things can exist.
He might be more inclined to spend resources on a specific need IF the
prize was good enough. IF that did not exist then take the highest return when in a season
that specific needs may be vaguer to himself than a couple of us fans that
have outfielder fatigue. Similar to taking the BPA in the draft instead of drafting
to need.
In the Donovan trade. What if Montes was offered and the group was not enamored
with his 34% SO profile. Besides there are more trades that could be made, there
always is.
Bloom traded several assets and had plenty more to move as well.
He acquired pitching.
And several extremely iffy prospects who are far from being MLB players.
And draft picks who are unlikely to ever be significant MLB players.
But the one thing he did NOT acquire was a RH hitting outfielder.
Obviously, that was completely intentional.
Bottom line: the ONLY reason Bloom did not acquire a RH hitting outfielder is that, quite simply, he did not want to.
You keep claiming Bloom said he intended to put a competitive team on the field in 2026. I have not seen nor read that. Even if he did, acquiring one OFer isn’t going to make the difference, especially with the caliber of OFer the cardinals could have gotten for what they had to offerMelville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 18:50 pmWe disagree.woofy25 wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 14:25 pmWhich was the right move my bloom. There is no needle moving OFer available for what the cardinals were offering. Trading for a league average OFer makes as much sense as trading a 20 for two 10s. Maybe it helps with cash tips but there is no long term value to be gained, and long term is the only term to concern yourself with. Now, if he had traded for more prospect position players, then fine.Melville wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 13:20 pmSame answer.11WSChamps wrote: ↑27 Feb 2026 12:01 pmUh I was talking about LF.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 21:47 pmPartially right.11WSChamps wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:45 pmAnd he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him.Melville wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:07 pmI would do what I already would have done: trade for one.Shady wrote: ↑26 Feb 2026 20:04 pmMelville, so if Walker continues to struggle going into July. What wou;d you do regarding the RF situaion? There don't appear to be many options.
Failing to do so was one of Bloom's 3 big mistakes so far (he has done several things well).
I said that back in December and was proven to be right.
Bloom had plenty of expendable pieces to swing a trade for a young, cost controlled RH outfielder.
But his goal was to add some pitchers and some long-shot lottery position player pieces who are nowhere near being MLB ready and likely never will be.
Despite his rather disingenuous and utterly unserious feigned interest in adding a RH bat, you are correct that he clearly never intended any such thing.
But not for the reason you cited.
Rather, he intends to give Walker one more look - but is really just buying time to see if Baez or Herrera can "next man up" in the RH corner outfield hunt if and when JW fails again.
So my reasoning is sound.
Walker was always going to be given more runway.
Your statement "And he was never going to trade for a proven productive one which would cost too much nor an up and coming cost controlled one which are at a premium and the Cardinals didn't have the horsepower to trade for him" is just half correct.
Correct in that Bloom was never serious about acquiring an outfielder (even though he feigned otherwise purely for propaganda reasons); incorrect in that the Cardinals very, very easily could have acquired one and indisputably had abundant resources through which to do so.
Bottom line: Bloom wanted to acquire pitchers and long-term long shots - with zero interest in acquiring a quality starting outfielder for 2026.
That is the reality, as proven by Bloom's behaviors.
80% of the pieces Bloom acquired will never make quality contributions to the Cardinals - or any other team.
That is simply how it works.
So, the only real question is why Bloom took the route that he did.
The answer is in the behavior.
Bloom traded several assets and had plenty more to move as well.
He acquired pitching.
And several extremely iffy prospects who are far from being MLB players.
And draft picks who are unlikely to ever be significant MLB players.
But the one thing he did NOT acquire was a RH hitting outfielder.
Obviously, that was completely intentional.
Bottom line: the ONLY reason Bloom did not acquire a RH hitting outfielder is that, quite simply, he did not want to.
Why didn't he want a RH hitting outfielder?
Because, contrary to his original claims, he does not care one bit about winning in 2026 - though he won't object if it happens.
Walker - and then Baez and Herrera if merited - is who and what he wants to look at in 2026 in considering the RH hitting corner outfield question.
It is as simple as that.