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Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 07 Jul 2025 20:51 pm
by Carp4Cy
First our positions of strength:
2B - all star
SS - very good
SP1 - very very good and fangraphs WAR leader
Setup- Maton
1B - 100 RBI bat
Above avg:
SP2 - Libby
Closer
3B - yes Nado still wins us games. Really little trade value though
DH - but IH misses way too much time.
Average: Burly for a power hitter he’s only at 1/3 level of the league leaders but he does make a decent contribution to this team such as it is
Leahy
Maybe other arms
Below average:
LF: Noot just doesn’t do enough for a corner OF when we desperately need another MOTOB.
RF - Walker usually. Way below.
C - the pair of them really aren’t great defensively, and don’t hit nearly enough to make up for the fact that we lack any elite hitters
Other SPs
Some of the pen
So what do you focus on first to improve? McGreevy is ready as a starter so that seems like a no-brainer. JJW is next, or maybe another Aaa arm if you want to convert them to the pen. But JJW doesn’t fit one of our existing positions of need so I’m not sure how that helps us much. We could trade somebody to make room for JJW, but that still doesn’t fill the lack of production in left field and right field or catcher unless you target one of those type of players with an impact bat and then move one of our infielders in the deal to make room as a bonus.
Additionally we need starting pitching beyond McGreevy. I’m not sure we get an All-Star arm in free agency no matter how much salary we dump, but we might be able to target a proven one in trade if done right. Is Alcantra the best option or are others available? Gallen? Are either of them enough or will they turn into Fedde types?
What about C? If Baltimore sells could we target Adley Rutchman ? Maybe they want to dump his salary which will increase in 26?
Is there a borderline acceptable starter out there who could still represent a significant improvement over what Mikolas is doing right now? Somewhat like Lynn was for us last year?
Who are your targets to make this team better and how much can we improve by replacing the players who are the furthest below average?
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 07 Jul 2025 21:09 pm
by Talkin' Baseball
Carp4Cy wrote: ↑07 Jul 2025 20:51 pm
First our positions of strength:
2B - all star
SS - very good
SP1 - very very good and fangraphs WAR leader
Setup- Maton
1B - 100 RBI bat
Above avg:
SP2 - Libby
Closer
3B - yes Nado still wins us games. Really little trade value though
DH - but IH misses way too much time.
Average: Burly for a power hitter he’s only at 1/3 level of the league leaders but he does make a decent contribution to this team such as it is
Leahy
Maybe other arms
Below average:
LF: Noot just doesn’t do enough for a corner OF when we desperately need another MOTOB.
RF - Walker usually. Way below.
C - the pair of them really aren’t great defensively, and don’t hit nearly enough to make up for the fact that we lack any elite hitters
Other SPs
Some of the pen
So what do you focus on first to improve? McGreevy is ready as a starter so that seems like a no-brainer. JJW is next, or maybe another Aaa arm if you want to convert them to the pen. But JJW doesn’t fit one of our existing positions of need so I’m not sure how that helps us much. We could trade somebody to make room for JJW, but that still doesn’t fill the lack of production in left field and right field or catcher unless you target one of those type of players with an impact bat and then move one of our infielders in the deal to make room as a bonus.
Additionally we need starting pitching beyond McGreevy. I’m not sure we get an All-Star arm in free agency no matter how much salary we dump, but we might be able to target a proven one in trade if done right. Is Alcantra the best option or are others available? Gallen? Are either of them enough or will they turn into Fedde types?
What about C? If Baltimore sells could we target Adley Rutchman ? Maybe they want to dump his salary which will increase in 26?
Is there a borderline acceptable starter out there who could still represent a significant improvement over what Mikolas is doing right now? Somewhat like Lynn was for us last year?
Who are your targets to make this team better and how much can we improve by replacing the players who are the furthest below average?
We have enough possibilities at catcher that we don't need to expend resources there. Pitching is the deal.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 07 Jul 2025 21:32 pm
by JohnTudor1985
For the offense, I think the minimalist moves are Donovan to LF, JJ to 2nd, Walker in RF, and Herrera/Burly as DH. Not the final goal, though.
--Donovan does not have much power, but his OBP and doubles production are very good.
--Ideally, for RF you would like to have a strong 30 HR/100 RBI guy who is a leader. Cards are not paying $450m for Tucker, and JW is young.
--Eventually, they need to determine the future at 3B. It's Arenado until it's not. Gorman waits or leaves. I like NA but he's not the future.
Personally, I would focus as much as possible on the SP. With the Cards' defense, our ballpark, etc. it would be a strong foundation.
The good news is that the team's committed payroll is tending to less than $90m in 2026, and less than $60 min 2027. So there will be flexibility to add pieces.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 07 Jul 2025 21:32 pm
by scoutyjones2
Carp4Cy wrote: ↑07 Jul 2025 20:51 pm
First our positions of strength:
2B - all star
SS - very good
SP1 - very very good and fangraphs WAR leader
Setup- Maton
1B - 100 RBI bat
Above avg:
SP2 - Libby
Closer
3B - yes Nado still wins us games. Really little trade value though
DH - but IH misses way too much time.
Average: Burly for a power hitter he’s only at 1/3 level of the league leaders but he does make a decent contribution to this team such as it is
Leahy
Maybe other arms
Below average:
LF: Noot just doesn’t do enough for a corner OF when we desperately need another MOTOB.
RF - Walker usually. Way below.
C - the pair of them really aren’t great defensively, and don’t hit nearly enough to make up for the fact that we lack any elite hitters
Other SPs
Some of the pen
So what do you focus on first to improve? McGreevy is ready as a starter so that seems like a no-brainer. JJW is next, or maybe another Aaa arm if you want to convert them to the pen. But JJW doesn’t fit one of our existing positions of need so I’m not sure how that helps us much. We could trade somebody to make room for JJW, but that still doesn’t fill the lack of production in left field and right field or catcher unless you target one of those type of players with an impact bat and then move one of our infielders in the deal to make room as a bonus.
Additionally we need starting pitching beyond McGreevy. I’m not sure we get an All-Star arm in free agency no matter how much salary we dump, but we might be able to target a proven one in trade if done right. Is Alcantra the best option or are others available? Gallen? Are either of them enough or will they turn into Fedde types?
What about C? If Baltimore sells could we target Adley Rutchman ? Maybe they want to dump his salary which will increase in 26?
Is there a borderline acceptable starter out there who could still represent a significant improvement over what Mikolas is doing right now? Somewhat like Lynn was for us last year?
Who are your targets to make this team better and how much can we improve by replacing the players who are the furthest below average?
You're way too generous
Tell me, is there anybody on the Cards you can build around as a fielder or bat?
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 07 Jul 2025 21:40 pm
by CorneliusWolfe
scoutyjones2 wrote: ↑07 Jul 2025 21:32 pm
Carp4Cy wrote: ↑07 Jul 2025 20:51 pm
First our positions of strength:
2B - all star
SS - very good
SP1 - very very good and fangraphs WAR leader
Setup- Maton
1B - 100 RBI bat
Above avg:
SP2 - Libby
Closer
3B - yes Nado still wins us games. Really little trade value though
DH - but IH misses way too much time.
Average: Burly for a power hitter he’s only at 1/3 level of the league leaders but he does make a decent contribution to this team such as it is
Leahy
Maybe other arms
Below average:
LF: Noot just doesn’t do enough for a corner OF when we desperately need another MOTOB.
RF - Walker usually. Way below.
C - the pair of them really aren’t great defensively, and don’t hit nearly enough to make up for the fact that we lack any elite hitters
Other SPs
Some of the pen
So what do you focus on first to improve? McGreevy is ready as a starter so that seems like a no-brainer. JJW is next, or maybe another Aaa arm if you want to convert them to the pen. But JJW doesn’t fit one of our existing positions of need so I’m not sure how that helps us much. We could trade somebody to make room for JJW, but that still doesn’t fill the lack of production in left field and right field or catcher unless you target one of those type of players with an impact bat and then move one of our infielders in the deal to make room as a bonus.
Additionally we need starting pitching beyond McGreevy. I’m not sure we get an All-Star arm in free agency no matter how much salary we dump, but we might be able to target a proven one in trade if done right. Is Alcantra the best option or are others available? Gallen? Are either of them enough or will they turn into Fedde types?
What about C? If Baltimore sells could we target Adley Rutchman ? Maybe they want to dump his salary which will increase in 26?
Is there a borderline acceptable starter out there who could still represent a significant improvement over what Mikolas is doing right now? Somewhat like Lynn was for us last year?
Who are your targets to make this team better and how much can we improve by replacing the players who are the furthest below average?
You're way too generous
Tell me, is there anybody on the Cards you can build around as a fielder or bat?
Winn and Donovan as both (bat/fielders)? Maybe IH as DH if he can stay healthy. Burleson as a key backup DH/1B w/WC as primary 1B. Stuck with WC a few years anyway. VS not terrible as a glove first guy at CF. JJW looking like he will fit in as well.
No MVP candidate bats though if that’s what you meant.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 00:13 am
by JuanAgosto
Only guys that should be untouchable are Winn, Donovan, and Liberatore.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 00:58 am
by icon
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025 00:13 am
Only guys that should be untouchable are Winn, Donovan, and Liberatore.
Donovan is not an untouchable with Wetherholt waiting in the wings.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 01:00 am
by JuanAgosto
icon wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025 00:58 am
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025 00:13 am
Only guys that should be untouchable are Winn, Donovan, and Liberatore.
Donovan is not an untouchable with Wetherholt waiting in the wings.
Donovan can play other positions besides 2b.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 01:15 am
by icon
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025 01:00 am
icon wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025 00:58 am
JuanAgosto wrote: ↑08 Jul 2025 00:13 am
Only guys that should be untouchable are Winn, Donovan, and Liberatore.
Donovan is not an untouchable with Wetherholt waiting in the wings.
Donovan can play other positions besides 2b.
Yeah, but his bat plays best at 2B, not corner OF or 3B. This team is short on thump.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 07:20 am
by BrockFloodMaris
Carp4Cy wrote: ↑07 Jul 2025 20:51 pm
First our positions of strength:
2B - all star
SS - very good
SP1 - very very good and fangraphs WAR leader
Setup- Maton
1B - 100 RBI bat
Above avg:
SP2 - Libby
Closer
3B - yes Nado still wins us games. Really little trade value though
DH - but IH misses way too much time.
Average: Burly for a power hitter he’s only at 1/3 level of the league leaders but he does make a decent contribution to this team such as it is
Leahy
Maybe other arms
Below average:
LF: Noot just doesn’t do enough for a corner OF when we desperately need another MOTOB.
RF - Walker usually. Way below.
C - the pair of them really aren’t great defensively, and don’t hit nearly enough to make up for the fact that we lack any elite hitters
Other SPs
Some of the pen
So what do you focus on first to improve? McGreevy is ready as a starter so that seems like a no-brainer. JJW is next, or maybe another Aaa arm if you want to convert them to the pen. But JJW doesn’t fit one of our existing positions of need so I’m not sure how that helps us much. We could trade somebody to make room for JJW, but that still doesn’t fill the lack of production in left field and right field or catcher unless you target one of those type of players with an impact bat and then move one of our infielders in the deal to make room as a bonus.
Additionally we need starting pitching beyond McGreevy. I’m not sure we get an All-Star arm in free agency no matter how much salary we dump, but we might be able to target a proven one in trade if done right. Is Alcantra the best option or are others available? Gallen? Are either of them enough or will they turn into Fedde types?
What about C? If Baltimore sells could we target Adley Rutchman ? Maybe they want to dump his salary which will increase in 26?
Is there a borderline acceptable starter out there who could still represent a significant improvement over what Mikolas is doing right now? Somewhat like Lynn was for us last year?
Who are your targets to make this team better and how much can we improve by replacing the players who are the furthest below average?
Carp, some of your designations are generous and optimistic, but that's ok. Generally speaking, I think the Cards should and will deal from their organizational surpluses (catcher, middle infielder, and left-handed outfielder) to shore up their deficiencies at starting pitcher and right handed corner OF, preferably with power.
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 07:54 am
by Basil Shabazz
You concentrate on pitching and a MOTOB that plays RF/LF.
All other pieces are in the system except a MOTOB 3B. That is a piece that can be added in '27.
Expendable - Noot, Walker, Burly, Pages, Pozo, Saggese, Baker, Fedde, Mikolas, Helsley, Matz, Z. Thompson, Robberse, Chase Davis, Prieto, Nado
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 07:55 am
by Absolut
Re: Plug the biggest holes first to get the biggest boost
Posted: 08 Jul 2025 08:29 am
by rockondlouie
The biggest hole has been an issue for a long, long time..............NO HITTERS IN THE OF!
Three spots in the lineup, three mediocre hitters for too long.
Hopefully C. Bloom can draft, develop, trade for or sign some since Mo has failed miserably!
