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Posted: **15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm**

Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 13:09 pm**

If Walker gets to 'average' that would be MAJOR improvement - I just don't see that happening.

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 13:12 pm**

dugoutrex wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:09 pm If Walker gets to 'average' that would be MAJOR improvement - I just don't see that happening.

But is even average good enough from him going forward? I think that's worst case scenario. Then you have more "hope" for next season. I hope he either breaks out finally or flops again, so we will have a definitive answer in him. Nothing worse than having to have more "runway" in 2027.

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 13:20 pm**

dugoutrex wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:09 pm If Walker gets to 'average' that would be MAJOR improvement - I just don't see that happening.

Unsure about what 'average' is but if Walker could put up his rookie year number , I would be pleased .
Walker hit .276 batting avg. ( higher than both Goldy and Arenado BA ) AND Walker had 16 HR's too.
If Walker could put up .270s again and hit 15 or more HR's , that would be a start for sure in my book.

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 13:23 pm**

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!

For analyzing 16 players, thought your review was very good !. Of course nobody will 'hit' on all of them but you had excellent insight into quite a few. Nice job , Cardinals4Life !

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 13:34 pm**

ramfandan wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:23 pm
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!
For analyzing 16 players, thought your review was very good !. Of course nobody will 'hit' on all of them but you had excellent insight into quite a few. Nice job , Cardinals4Life !

Thanks! Just my opinions, of course. Just bored on a Sunday afternoon. Ready for some ball!

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 14:41 pm**

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:34 pm
ramfandan wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:23 pm
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!
For analyzing 16 players, thought your review was very good !. Of course nobody will 'hit' on all of them but you had excellent insight into quite a few. Nice job , Cardinals4Life !
Thanks! Just my opinions, of course. Just bored on a Sunday afternoon. Ready for some ball!

Nice takes.

I hope Dobbins and Fitts pitch well enough to be in the rotation.

Leahy was great in the pen. I’d like to see him stay there.

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 14:43 pm**

Bomber1 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 14:41 pm
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:34 pm
ramfandan wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 13:23 pm
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!
For analyzing 16 players, thought your review was very good !. Of course nobody will 'hit' on all of them but you had excellent insight into quite a few. Nice job , Cardinals4Life !
Thanks! Just my opinions, of course. Just bored on a Sunday afternoon. Ready for some ball!
Nice takes.

I hope Dobbins and Fitts pitch well enough to be in the rotation.

Leahy was great in the pen. I’d like to see him stay there.

I agree on Leahy. But from what I hear, the org really wants to give him the opportunity to start. Reminds me of Libby situation last year.

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 19:03 pm**

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!

Nice review. I hope you are 100% correct. Well except for Gorman. I would love to see him surprise us all. But of course no one ever is in baseball.

I don't think Herrera will end up a primary catcher. I suspect he will be either a 1B or DH most of his career unless they think they can accept his speed in LF.

No idea why people think Church is going to be more than a 5th OFer. His minor league history indicates that. Hope you are right.

I will be very happy if either of Walker or Scott steps up and becomes an acceptable every day player.

But that's why they play em. We shall see.

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 20:53 pm**

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!

Nice write up on your opinions. Here’s mine, I’m bored too!

JJW - probably does play 2B, because of Gorman at 3B. With Cardinals’ luck, finishes second in ROY voting! .280ish average 18 homers.
Herrera, plays about half the time at C, the rest at DH. Hits in the .290’s, 25 HRs, 90+ RBI’s.
Burleson plays solid 1B, hits .300+, 23HRs, 90ish RBI’s
Winn wins 2nd GG, hits .280+, 15HRs, scores 90+ Runs
Gorman has stints of throwing errors but overall plays decent 3B, hits near .240, 28 HRs, 80+ RBIs
Walker starts in RF, but have to admit, I’ve no idea how he ends up. Could be .280ish 16+ HRs, or well we’ve seen it before!
Saggese is a surprise, gains confidence, plays solid defense at multiple positions, hits .275+, 16ish HRs, 60+ RBIs
Scott finishes top 3 in GG for CFers, hits .250+ with 45+ steals
Church plays excellent defense in all 3 outfield slots, hits .240ish, earns 4th outfielder status
Pages is a Marmol favorite, that scares me, because I want Crooks to play, and catch when Herrera doesn’t, but probably won’t.
Fermin would do well if given opportunity, but doubt he will be given that.
Torres - Ditto
May - I agree with your assessment probably pitches 80 - 100 innings.
Liberatore goes 12-13 with a 3.85 ERA, pitches near 180 innings
McGreevy goes 10-12 with a 4.12 ERA pitches near 180 innings
If healthy, Fitts wins over Dobbins ( goes on IL ) Fitts goes 8-10 with a 4.31 ERA, pitches 150+ innings
Pallante goes 11-9 with a 3.76 ERA pitches 160ish innings
Leahy struggles to go past 4 innings, is put back into bullpen and replaced by Mathews, who pitches to a sub 4.00 ERA
Bullpen is solid, but with a lot of moving pieces. Marmol uses them A LOT!

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 21:20 pm**

Hoosier59 wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 20:53 pm
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

Feel free to comment!
Nice write up on your opinions. Here’s mine, I’m bored too!

JJW - probably does play 2B, because of Gorman at 3B. With Cardinals’ luck, finishes second in ROY voting! .280ish average 18 homers.
Herrera, plays about half the time at C, the rest at DH. Hits in the .290’s, 25 HRs, 90+ RBI’s.
Burleson plays solid 1B, hits .300+, 23HRs, 90ish RBI’s
Winn wins 2nd GG, hits .280+, 15HRs, scores 90+ Runs
Gorman has stints of throwing errors but overall plays decent 3B, hits near .240, 28 HRs, 80+ RBIs
Walker starts in RF, but have to admit, I’ve no idea how he ends up. Could be .280ish 16+ HRs, or well we’ve seen it before!
Saggese is a surprise, gains confidence, plays solid defense at multiple positions, hits .275+, 16ish HRs, 60+ RBIs
Scott finishes top 3 in GG for CFers, hits .250+ with 45+ steals
Church plays excellent defense in all 3 outfield slots, hits .240ish, earns 4th outfielder status
Pages is a Marmol favorite, that scares me, because I want Crooks to play, and catch when Herrera doesn’t, but probably won’t.
Fermin would do well if given opportunity, but doubt he will be given that.
Torres - Ditto
May - I agree with your assessment probably pitches 80 - 100 innings.
Liberatore goes 12-13 with a 3.85 ERA, pitches near 180 innings
McGreevy goes 10-12 with a 4.12 ERA pitches near 180 innings
If healthy, Fitts wins over Dobbins ( goes on IL ) Fitts goes 8-10 with a 4.31 ERA, pitches 150+ innings
Pallante goes 11-9 with a 3.76 ERA pitches 160ish innings
Leahy struggles to go past 4 innings, is put back into bullpen and replaced by Mathews, who pitches to a sub 4.00 ERA
Bullpen is solid, but with a lot of moving pieces. Marmol uses them A LOT!

Hoosier,

Your offensive predictions would be nice! Pitching does not seem great. Pallante????!!!??? I sure hope so, lol. Actually hope he isnt in the rotation ever again!

Thanks for sharing

Posted: **15 Feb 2026 22:53 pm**

My thoughts on Pallante are solely based on his late 2024 results. He had figured some things out, and looked to be poised for a bust out ‘25. We all know how that went, but my hope is will do so again. He knows he has to! With all of the pitchers in camp who have injury histories, we really need Pallante to reestablish himself! If he could be counted on ever 5th day to go 6 innings and allow only a couple of runs each time would be huge! Most people here won’t believe he can do that, that’s fine. My hope is he will.

Posted: **16 Feb 2026 09:13 am**

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

+1, he could easily be the teams best all-round player by seasons end

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Not until we see him throwing out runners at an acceptable rate. Hererra could have huge upside if it works and become a F-T DH if it doesn't.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Needs to up the power even if he has sacrifice some B.A. and become more of run producer (90 RBI's) this season.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Agree on him playing GG defense but he'll never, ever be one of the top offensive SS's in MLB. I'd be happy if he could just get to being a league average (100 wRC+) hitter.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

-Could hit 25-30 HR's, just as likely to KO 35% of the time....make or break season for him.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

-Either he figures out a way to lay off sliders, sweepers and curve balls outside the strike zone or it's time to cut the cord at seasons end.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

J.A.G., may get (to much) playing time all over the field but never more than a back of the bench utilityman (but I hope you Saggese fans are right and I'm wrong)

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

-Like Winn he'll play GG caliber defense in CF but unlike Winn he'll steal 40-50 bases if he can to a .325+ OB%.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

"Meh", fourth OFer

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

-Agreed, too many better options coming down the pike. I'd deal him ASAP if Hererra is truly going to catch 80+ games.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Could be a better option than Saggese for the SUP role (although he can't play SS and that keeps Saggese ahead of him), better hitter IMO.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

-Now that he's had a full offseason prepping to be a starter I don't think he fades like he did last season. Could become a solid #2/3.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

-Solid, innings eating #3

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

If he stays healthy, then he could be a solid mid-season trade piece.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

I'd like to keep him in the pen' but if it comes down to "Leahy vs Pallante", then it's Leahy all day.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

My money's on Fitt's getting a rotation spot. NO WAY IN H E L L we want to see Pallante starting.

Feel free to comment!

Good stuff

I'll add "Noot" who I think will have a big bounce back season now that he's got two good heals.

2026 Team > 2025 Team

80 - 84 wins if they stay healthy and don't deal away a lot more pieces (but likely will and that will drop me into the mid 70's).

Posted: **16 Feb 2026 10:22 am**

rockondlouie wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 09:13 am
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

+1, he could easily be the teams best all-round player by seasons end

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Not until we see him throwing out runners at an acceptable rate. Hererra could have huge upside if it works and become a F-T DH if it doesn't.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Needs to up the power even if he has sacrifice some B.A. and become more of run producer (90 RBI's) this season.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Agree on him playing GG defense but he'll never, ever be one of the top offensive SS's in MLB. I'd be happy if he could just get to being a league average (100 wRC+) hitter.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

-Could hit 25-30 HR's, just as likely to KO 35% of the time....make or break season for him.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

-Either he figures out a way to lay off sliders, sweepers and curve balls outside the strike zone or it's time to cut the cord at seasons end.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

J.A.G., may get (to much) playing time all over the field but never more than a back of the bench utilityman (but I hope you Saggese fans are right and I'm wrong)

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

-Like Winn he'll play GG caliber defense in CF but unlike Winn he'll steal 40-50 bases if he can to a .325+ OB%.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

"Meh", fourth OFer

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

-Agreed, too many better options coming down the pike. I'd deal him ASAP if Hererra is truly going to catch 80+ games.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Could be a better option than Saggese for the SUP role (although he can't play SS and that keeps Saggese ahead of him), better hitter IMO.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

-Now that he's had a full offseason prepping to be a starter I don't think he fades like he did last season. Could become a solid #2/3.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

-Solid, innings eating #3

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

If he stays healthy, then he could be a solid mid-season trade piece.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

I'd like to keep him in the pen' but if it comes down to "Leahy vs Pallante", then it's Leahy all day.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

My money's on Fitt's getting a rotation spot. NO WAY IN H E L L we want to see Pallante starting.

Feel free to comment!
Good stuff

I'll add "Noot" who I think will have a big bounce back season now that he's got two good heals.

2026 Team > 2025 Team

80 - 84 wins if they stay healthy and don't deal away a lot more pieces (but likely will and that will drop me into the mid 70's).

Fair analysis/predictions, Rock!
Thanks for sharing!

Posted: **16 Feb 2026 10:37 am**

Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 10:22 am
rockondlouie wrote: ↑16 Feb 2026 09:13 am
Cardinals4Life wrote: ↑15 Feb 2026 12:56 pm Just some thoughts/predictions on a Sunday afternoon;

JJ - Will make the team. Will be at 2nd Base and will
Be our best player this year.

+1, he could easily be the teams best all-round player by seasons end

Herrera - Will be rhe starting C. Will be much improved and will lock down the position. Crooks will provide a solid piece as #2 C, allowing Herrera to DH on his non-catching days.

Not until we see him throwing out runners at an acceptable rate. Hererra could have huge upside if it works and become a F-T DH if it doesn't.

Burleson - Will provide similar #'s to last season and be okay at 1st and some time at DH.

Needs to up the power even if he has sacrifice some B.A. and become more of run producer (90 RBI's) this season.

Winn - Will play GG defense again and will improve slightly on the offensive side. Not enough to make him one of the top offensive SS's in the game, though.

Agree on him playing GG defense but he'll never, ever be one of the top offensive SS's in MLB. I'd be happy if he could just get to being a league average (100 wRC+) hitter.

Gorman - Will be give 3B. He will once again disappoint both in the field and at the plate.

-Could hit 25-30 HR's, just as likely to KO 35% of the time....make or break season for him.

Walker - Will be given RF. He will improves slightly, but just to an average level.

-Either he figures out a way to lay off sliders, sweepers and curve balls outside the strike zone or it's time to cut the cord at seasons end.

Saggese - Will be the primary utility IFer and may even get some time in LF. He will be solid and by years end will be an everyday player, taking Gorman's spots.

J.A.G., may get (to much) playing time all over the field but never more than a back of the bench utilityman (but I hope you Saggese fans are right and I'm wrong)

Scott II - Plays even better in CF. Improves offensively and eventually is able to be our leadoff hitter.

-Like Winn he'll play GG caliber defense in CF but unlike Winn he'll steal 40-50 bases if he can to a .325+ OB%.

Church - Starts in LF. Plays well and becomes a solid OF option going forward.

"Meh", fourth OFer

Pages - Will be traded at some point this season.

-Agreed, too many better options coming down the pike. I'd deal him ASAP if Hererra is truly going to catch 80+ games.

Fermin - Continues to bounce around between STL and Memphis, never really getting a shot to be more than whag he has been.

Could be a better option than Saggese for the SUP role (although he can't play SS and that keeps Saggese ahead of him), better hitter IMO.

Liberatore - Steps up and leads the staff. Has a strong season, good enough for a #2/#3 season.

-Now that he's had a full offseason prepping to be a starter I don't think he fades like he did last season. Could become a solid #2/3.

McGreevy - Steps up with Liberatore and leads the staff. Has a strong season and locks in as a solid 3.

-Solid, innings eating #3

May - Pitches well in spurts, but will be on the IL too much. Is traded at the deadline for a couple prospects. Quinn Mathews takes his spot.

If he stays healthy, then he could be a solid mid-season trade piece.

Leahy - Will make the rotation to start the year. He will gave some ups and downs similar to Liberatore last season.

I'd like to keep him in the pen' but if it comes down to "Leahy vs Pallante", then it's Leahy all day.

Dobbins/Fitts/Pallante - Will battle it out for the final spot. I predict Dobbins wins it.

My money's on Fitt's getting a rotation spot. NO WAY IN H E L L we want to see Pallante starting.

Feel free to comment!
Good stuff

I'll add "Noot" who I think will have a big bounce back season now that he's got two good heals.

2026 Team > 2025 Team

80 - 84 wins if they stay healthy and don't deal away a lot more pieces (but likely will and that will drop me into the mid 70's).
Fair analysis/predictions, Rock!
Thanks for sharing!

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