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bccran said:
Dylan in CF? That says a lot.
It doesn’t say what you think it says. It tells me that they are planning for the possibility that Thomas does not make the team.
The OF is going to be O’Neill-Bader-Carlson, for certain, to start. Williams will likely be the 4th OFer, with Edman being the guy who would likely get some starts out there while they try to get Carp into the lineup.
I don’t think we learned anything new from today’s game. A few thoughts:
Schildt is right it was vintage Flaherty, all of it.
Too bad Bader is out of options.
Carp is really done, fork tender. He really went off a cliff after the 2018 season.
Sosa hasn’t helped his trade value at all. He might even pass through waivers.
I’m not sure right now, Brian, who makes the 5 outfield spots. But I do know that patience has to be wearing thin on Bader, Thomas, and Williams. None have stepped forward in this outfield competition. Carlson and O’Neill have clearly earned their starting positions. Dean has had some key hits, and Nogowski is getting consideration for playing a little left field. Maybe Edman plays some OF and Rondon or Sosa plays some 2B. They obviously are disappointed with Bader, Thomas, and Williams, and are starting to think creatively.
I wouldn’t rule out a FA signing or a trade.I really would like to keep Wiliams and Sosa for now as reserves. Sosa particularly because of the lack of middle infielders in the system. Perhaps another scenario is keeping Carpenter for a while, (ugh) and send Rondon out for now. Give Carp a month or 2, and if doesn’t snap of his funk release him and add Rondon.
And, isn’t it odd MLB hasn’t made a decision on Williams’ 4th option year? Mo said he hadn’t yet heard, right?
Personally if nogowski can play outfield I’m fine with him and rondon. trouble is I don’t think they are going to just pay carp to leave but if they are serious about winning, it probably would be for the best. Sosa I was never big on. The outfield is a mess in reality. Bader hasn’t hit, lots of the others have done what they have always done, hit for a minute, long stretches of nothing. Oneil has stepped up along with carlson recently but it’s a wash with the rest. I think bader will make the team but if his troubles continue, I could see a trade down the road. The Cardinals chose not to try to make more moves and go with what they got, so here we are. Personally I’m still not sold on oneil and carlson but they are the so called cream right now. I still think the offense is going to be ok once season gets going, it’s the pitching that concerns me most actually.
Outfield may not be a mess if they play Carlson, O’Neill and Edman out there, with Rondon or Sosa at 2B.
I totally agree with Harrison Bader’s take on his CF play: “It’s my position. I plan on coming into camp and taking it.” I’m not even sure how someone defends going in another direction at this point with the other veterans stinking the place up in Jupiter and the AAAA guys…exactly that.
Bader can talk the talk. If only he could walk the walk. Nothing sadder than a ball player who thinks he’s much better than he really is. It’s his downfall. Again to that saying. Show me someone who thinks they’re the dumbest person in the room and I’ll show you someone who will turn out to be the smartest.
GS,
6 SP’rs have made starts this ST. Flaherty, Wainwright, KK, Martinez, Gant and PDL. KK has 2 GS and 3.0 IP, and is not really stretched out to start, so we should expect the other 5 above to start.“I am not convinced we have enough proven, quality pitching depth at this time.”
Who do you want acquired, to replace whom? Major league depth, minors depth? What acquisition improves the club?
I would have splurged on Odorizzi but it isn’t my money. They could still go outside and get another number 4 or 5 starter. Someone like Porcello, Hamels, or Samardjia. This would allow Gant to go back to the pen, which is where I like him. I want a very stout bullpen. I want the best bullpen in the league, which I think we could potentially have.
I have no reason to believe that Liberatore, Thompson, or Rondon will contribute at the MLB level this year so that leaves Oviedo and Woodford as our only minor league depth to call on as rotation relief. Seems like a big gamble to me.
Shildt Tuesday morning comments:
Relievers will start pitching on back to back days in the next couple of days. Webby and Gio got extra work yesterday.
Likes closer options we have. Multiple people who can do it and have done it. Expect bullpen to be strong unit. Position of strength for club. Other than 12-13 decision, not a lot of surprises on who from the pen will make the team. Relievers have been together, know staff, know routine. Playoffs last two seasons. Keep moving forward and some taking next step. Bryan Eversgerd tracks every throw when guys get up and down. Communications huge, taking care of players.
Cannot declare Gant’s role, but will in the next few days. Has done everything he could do.
Expect KK to join rotation when back. Says feels great. Will be in game before they break camp.
Justin Williams has one of highest exit velos in camp. Put himself in good position to make club. Team exit velo up. Done everything asked. He’s had a nice camp, put self in a good light.
Carpenter has been a great Cardinal and I’d like to see him have a proper farewell.
Maybe give him a month on the roster then he retires and finishes the year with an ‘injury’ but gets to stay with the team? Almost like having an extra coach?
As for the outfield & rotation issues: give that 6 weeks to sort itself out with the current assets. After that they should know exactly what they need and could then look to acquire players from outside the organization.
I’m not getting a chance to actually see game action due to the stupid FSMW feud, but looking at historical numbers I don’t see why Rondon would get the nod over Sosa for a roster spot. No power, speed, batting average, poor walk/strike out ratios, 27 years old, and been passed around multiple organizations including the Orioles. At least Sosa has started to put up power numbers, is 4 years younger, and is one of “our guys”. Is Rondon some kind of wizard with the glove? Looks like AAA depth to me. All the big media folks outside of St Louis write as if he has cemented a spot.
I think Rondon has made a lot of noise with his bat this spring and it has been hard for the brass to ignore.
Perhaps Rondon is our next Jose Martinez, picked off the scrap heap and made into an adequate MLB player. More likely he will ride his hot bat a few weeks into a major league spot and be back in Memphis by June. It would be unfortunate to lose Sosa because of it.
Waino post-game:
Feels like he is turning back clock. Told training staff to keep him right where he is physically. In 2017, he thought he was toast. Problems with knees, back, shoulder, etc. Felt like 47 or 57 years old. Loves being the guy to carry pitching load. Don’t want to have any physical restrictions and just go. “If I get hurt, it’s been a great ride.”
Likes veteran-young player mix. Reyes is future superstar and will be in league for a long time. Liberatore really smart and will make trade good. Also Oviedo and Thompson could be no. 1s.
Shildt Tuesday post game:
Good competitive day for guys off bench. Dean hit slider for 2-run HR. Rondon and Moroff took good at bats. Williams doubled, Nogowski walked. Had idea (before game) about which guys would get ABs off the bench.
Wainwright was great again. Good pitching (WW and Lester) plays. Always has and will.
Carlos is starting Wednesday. (Would have been Ponce’s turn.) Noting wrong with Daniel. (BW believes this is a pen signal for Ponce.)
Late innings scoring (innings 7-8-9) is combo of two factors – talented players and a get it done spirit and culture.
Today wanted Alex to face Turner, Soto and that group. (Starters playing deeper in games now.)
Told Cabrera he pitched real well. Only problem was 2-0 pitch to Schwarber, who had a big day. Very positive day.
Pen has different looks. For example from LH, Webb, Cabrera, Andrew have different angles and how they attack guys. Likes changeup use by relievers. Helsley, Alex (wipeout version), etc.
Nogowski said he has an Andrew Jones-esque mentality in OF. Did some back field work in OF before. Decided to put him in today. Didn’t get much action.
Nogowski said he has an Andrew Jones-esque mentality in OF.
This is hilarious. Thanks for the laugh hidden in this report, BW.
Check out Goold’s article on stltoday. Quotes from hitting coach Albert. Good god. I’m sure we can crush virtual reality fastballs but who cares.
Shildt Wed pre-game:
Hicks, Woodford and perhaps Whitley to follow CMart today. Miller threw a sim game with KK and Oviedo the other day. Will be in game the next day or two.
Ortega earning opportunities behind plate. Big agile catcher. Good winter ball in VZ. Heineman to backup Knizner tomorrow.
Starting to tell players who made team and their role, but will not share until end.
If 13 hitters, offense less impactful. Edman can cover short. Carp can cover second, so there is coverage. Decision will be based on offense, defense, versatility, taking good at-bats. Handedness also considered but may not be in this case. Need to make holistic roster view.
If only 13 pitchers, would put an MLB ready player on the outside, but could go 14th pitcher later.
Telling them, you are a big league player. stay ready to go, we will use you later. Deep roster means not enough room at the moment. Always a tough conversation to have.
Bader will open season on IL. Flareup in his forearm. PRP injection then rest. Solid 4 weeks out as a minimum. Had affected throwing before, yesterday told it is affecting his hitting. Requires more time, rest, more serious treatment. Earlier treatment would help short term, but it came back. Impacts game defensively. Gold Glove caliber defender. Other guys have opportunity to step up.
Strong possibility that Carlson will be in CF. Leadoff today because Edman is off. Lane has also played CF. Carlson has proven he can do it in the past.
Nogowski in OF is also related. Exploring all options. Thomas, Dean and Williams also. Find best solution.
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