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As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

Heck, our old 3-year veterans Walker and Gorman can do that, n’est pas?

Except, teach them how to hit and field.

The Nard wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:16 am Heck, our old 3-year veterans Walker and Gorman can do that, n’est pas?

Except, teach them how to hit and field.

I think you meant to say: "N'est-ce pas", right?

I agree with the OP about veteran voices. I just don't want them on the 26-man roster. Let's have a few more in coaching roles, uniformed and not.

Cardly wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:13 am As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

And don't forget...lots and lots of coaches. We have to win the title for most coaches in the Central. Everyone knows that's the way the Brewers won, by having more coaches.

Luis Arraez would have been a good fit for that. Only 28 and could maybe have helped out some hitters. And was cheap.

Shoot, I bet Matt Carpenter wouldn't turn down another extension. And is Crash Davis still around?

It's JJ Wetherholt , a rooke, who can show guys like Walker , Gorman , Scott how to drive the ball to the opposite field .
His bat to ball skills with pitch recognition will be an example that a few of our guys with a few years under their belt can learn from.

ramfandan wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 19:22 pm It's JJ Wetherholt , a rooke, who can show guys like Walker , Gorman , Scott how to drive the ball to the opposite field .
His bat to ball skills with pitch recognition will be an example that a few of our guys with a few years under their belt can learn from.

I hope you are right. But I fear the high expectations of most on here will leave more than a few disappointed. I have seen several of his games and the talent level is high. But, that is no guarantee. He hasn't gotten his feet wet yet.

kscardsfan wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 19:38 pm

ramfandan wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 19:22 pm It's JJ Wetherholt , a rooke, who can show guys like Walker , Gorman , Scott how to drive the ball to the opposite field .
His bat to ball skills with pitch recognition will be an example that a few of our guys with a few years under their belt can learn from.

I hope you are right. But I fear the high expectations of most on here will leave more than a few disappointed. I have seen several of his games and the talent level is high. But, that is no guarantee. He hasn't gotten his feet wet yet.

Bold move KS…….presenting reality like that

bold, indeed

Sketchers.

No need for veterans now.

Get with the times.

kscardsfan wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 19:38 pm

ramfandan wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 19:22 pm It's JJ Wetherholt , a rooke, who can show guys like Walker , Gorman , Scott how to drive the ball to the opposite field .
His bat to ball skills with pitch recognition will be an example that a few of our guys with a few years under their belt can learn from.

I hope you are right. But I fear the high expectations of most on here will leave more than a few disappointed. I have seen several of his games and the talent level is high. But, that is no guarantee. He hasn't gotten his feet wet yet.

It's not about high expectations nor his talent level but more his maturity level at a young age, his tremendous work ethic he has displayed his whole career. Going back to his college days , sure he was the most talented player on his teams but he was type who was natural leader thru his intangibles.
Other players saw how hard JJ worked and followed his example. All thru his career , he has established himself as having those traits.
He sure won't be the leader from Day 1 . That would be absurd but as he plays more and more that leadership from past years will show once again
Brandon Donovan was that type. Donnie wasn't the best stat player on the Cardinals but he was well respected and many said with the older veterans gone from the team , he was 'the guy' to lead his teammates. JJ does not have the Contreras, Arenado , Gray to defer to.
Bernie M. had a piece on JJ emerging as a leader . Bernie did some research of Wetherholt past stops to draw that conclusion .
Here is the video on that ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbFb0WZ5MSU

Here is a second opinion on Wetherholt doing search on his leadership qualities

Based on recent reports, JJ Wetherholt is considered an exceptional prospect for the St. Louis Cardinals, widely praised for his work ethic, professionalism, and "unflappable" leadership qualities, even before making his official Major League debut.

Elite Professionalism:Cardinals Minor League Director Larry Day described Wetherholt's 2025 season as a "model of consistent excellence," highlighting his "relentless daily preparation" and dedication to improving every aspect of his game.

Positive Presence: Described as having a "quiet confidence," Wetherholt has impressed teammates with his poise and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Leading by Example: Wetherholt has demonstrated leadership by working with and learning from other young Cardinals, such as Victor Scott II, and has been praised for his "motor" and "drive".

Cardly wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:13 am As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

I learned to tie my shoes at 4 years old.

Cardinals1964 wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 22:45 pm

Cardly wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:13 am As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

I learned to tie my shoes at 4 years old.

In Kindergarten, I sought the help of the prettiest girl in my class who knew how to tie shoes well. I was no fool . lol

Cardly wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:13 am As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

Isn't this part of why they hired Molina ?

Cardly wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:13 am As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

Wouldn't it be more prudent to begin by having some around to teach The Marmot and staff how to "tie their own shoes" first - and then have them coach the players to do so since that is what they are actually paid to do......

Melville wrote: ↑07 Feb 2026 08:58 am

Cardly wrote: ↑06 Feb 2026 08:13 am As is the case in most any job, you benefit greatly from having several people that have been there and done that around.

Most of these rookies have not been to spring training and a season much longer than their minor league experience. They need some people who know how to teach them the way around a day in the big leagues, the way you approach the long, long season. Also, a few older veterans could help them know how to role when off the field and traveling from city to city. Many of these guys are 20-25. That can be a crazy time in life.

A couple of hitters and pitchers added to this mix, like Paul Goldschmidt, Canning, Montgomery, Quintana or similar players would be pure gold if added to this roster! This in no way misses the goal of the rebuild/sale that is happening to the Cards.

Wouldn't it be more prudent to begin by having some around to teach The Marmot and staff how to "tie their own shoes" first - and then have them coach the players to do so since that is what they are actually paid to do......

Exactly