Why this Team Could Be Better than Expected

[TraveledLessRoad]

Could. And I know it's very early. BUT...

This team is the second youngest team in MLB outside of the Nationals. But, It's a group of relatively "seasoned" youngsters. Walker, Gorman, Winn, Scott, these are all very young guys, but they've been in the league and through the wringer for years now. Then you add JJ, who just seems like an absolute anomaly as it relates to his age, maturity and adoption to MLB. I guess my point is; people, mainly nationally, look at this team on paper and think they're young, unknown and are going to lose 95 games. But the reality is; if these young guys who have been up in the bigs for some time now, actually start to click, this (with some outside supplementation along the way) could be very good now and very good for a long time. A lot needs to go right, but it's an interesting squad with a ton of potential to be sure

[Talkin' Baseball]

I could absolutely see them outperforming expectations. In my view, their ceiling is .500 and third place. That would be outstanding for the low point of a rebuild.

[bccardsfan]

I could absolutely see them outperforming expectations. In my view, their ceiling is .500 and third place. That would be outstanding for the low point of a rebuild.

About where I see them. Somewhere in the 78-83 wins depending on injuries, how the pitching goes, etc.... If the universe is kind to them, then may finish a win or two over .500

[rockondlouie]

Agreed

Been saying all winter:

2026 Team > 2025 Team

Young teams can be dangerous teams because they don't know they're not suppose to be any good.

[tgharris]

Agreed

Been saying all winter:

2026 Team > 2025 Team

Young teams can be dangerous teams because they don't know they're not suppose to be any good.

And can be hungry to prove the point.

[DewittDaman11]

I think a record where the Cardinals sneak into the playoffs would be the best case scenario, as they would still possibly have a chance at the draft pick lottery for a high 2027 pick. I wouldn't complain if they did better, as that would be great for the immediate team and fanbase, and I wouldn't complain if they did worse, as that would mean a better chance at a better lottery draft pick. But, like I said, right in the middle could be the best of both worlds.

[ilcubuffs]

After 6 games with 4-2 record this team is better than expected. Cannot say the same for TB and Mets.

Check in 30 and 60 games.

[JDW]

Well, like last year, it's a tough team to project for how many wins they'll end up with.
Used to be you could just predict 90 W's and you'd be pretty close. We were pretty spoiled.
Last year I just guessed a range of between 75-85 W's.
I'd guess the same range this year, 75-85 which would be pretty good during a "rebuild" and it would be fantastic to be wrong to the low side.
Too optimistic? Probably, but it's spring, if you can't be optimistic in the spring ..................

[DewittDaman11]

I think a record where the Cardinals sneak into the playoffs would be the best case scenario, as they would still possibly have a chance at the draft pick lottery for a high 2027 pick. I wouldn't complain if they did better, as that would be great for the immediate team and fanbase, and I wouldn't complain if they did worse, as that would mean a better chance at a better lottery draft pick. But, like I said, right in the middle could be the best of both worlds.

I'm an idiot, I just realized we don't qualify for the draft lottery if we make the playoffs. Now I'm on the fence. Maybe we're better off for one more season if we don't make the playoffs, and maybe get a few more prospects for players at the trade deadline. If we have a great record, or win the division, ok. Otherwise, better off missing the layoffs, IMO. Rambling, again!

[Talkin' Baseball]

I think a record where the Cardinals sneak into the playoffs would be the best case scenario, as they would still possibly have a chance at the draft pick lottery for a high 2027 pick. I wouldn't complain if they did better, as that would be great for the immediate team and fanbase, and I wouldn't complain if they did worse, as that would mean a better chance at a better lottery draft pick. But, like I said, right in the middle could be the best of both worlds.

Ah, our familiar old place in the middle...

[RamFan08NY]

I think a record where the Cardinals sneak into the playoffs would be the best case scenario, as they would still possibly have a chance at the draft pick lottery for a high 2027 pick. I wouldn't complain if they did better, as that would be great for the immediate team and fanbase, and I wouldn't complain if they did worse, as that would mean a better chance at a better lottery draft pick. But, like I said, right in the middle could be the best of both worlds.

Ah, our familiar old place in the middle...

As long as MLB has unlimited salary spending, most of the teams will be "in the middle".

[jcgmoi]

Yes, the team could be better than expected. Or not.

4-2 35 RS 25 RA

4-2 29 RS 28 RA

That's their record after the first 6 games, all at home, and runs scored and allowed, this year and last.

Four percent of the season doesn't clear up my crystal ball.

[An Old Friend]

Could. And I know it's very early. BUT...

This team is the second youngest team in MLB outside of the Nationals. But, It's a group of relatively "seasoned" youngsters. Walker, Gorman, Winn, Scott, these are all very young guys, but they've been in the league and through the wringer for years now. Then you add JJ, who just seems like an absolute anomaly as it relates to his age, maturity and adoption to MLB. I guess my point is; people, mainly nationally, look at this team on paper and think they're young, unknown and are going to lose 95 games. But the reality is; if these young guys who have been up in the bigs for some time now, actually start to click, this (with some outside supplementation along the way) could be very good now and very good for a long time. A lot needs to go right, but it's an interesting squad with a ton of potential to be sure

The only reason people would be surprised at any level of competitiveness is that they’ve lied to themselves about the state of the organization.

Their plan the whole time has been to reset to a small market model and be competitive with a lower payroll.