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Memphis opens its season Friday with three games at Nashville continuing over the weekend.
Not surprising in the least that RHP Michael McGreevy, coming off his 1.08 ERA, 12/0 K/BB in 16 2/3 IP with the #STLCards this spring, will be Memphis' Opening Night starter at Louisville on Friday. pic.twitter.com/XNH0KZaM1W
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 27, 2025
The #STLCards system was 0-1 on Friday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, catcher Jimmy Crooks, was 2-for-4 including a home run and three RBI in Memphis’ Opening Day loss at Louisville. Other standouts include Ryan Vilade and Matt Koperniak. https://t.co/EblE7RmMMA pic.twitter.com/EhVCaHPFpy
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 29, 2025
McGreevy not sharp. Disappointment from not getting a shot with the big league club despite a stellar spring, or another reminder that spring training stats rarely mean anything?
I saw this on VEB today.
“In 33 plate appearances, Koperniak slashed .355/.394/.645 with two home runs, three doubles, and six RBIs … during Spring Training for the Cardinals. Instead of being rewarded for his efforts, Koperniak was optioned to the Triple-A Memphis squad near the end of camp. This was a very surprising move, as Koperniak is on the club’s 40-man roster.”
If Koperniak mashes at Memphis it might bring about a tough decision for the FO.
VEB either is over dramatizing or isn’t very aware of the roster status with how many lefty hitters were already going to be on the roster. Koperniak was a long shot to make the team despite having a good spring.
McGreevy looked a little shaken to me when I watched him in the 4th. Hopefully he can shake it off though and get past the disappointment of not making the MLB team.
This time of year, some take take the “low hanging fruit” and complain about so-and-so being left off the roster despite having a good spring. That is easy to write, especially when they ignore the reality of a defined roster size, which includes just a four-man bench.
They rarely tackle the hard part, which in this case would be which OF would be left off the team for Koperniak. Scott also had a great spring and he deserved to make the team even more. Siani is the only real possibility and he gives them a late game defensive/baserunning option that Matt would not. Plus this way, we don’t have to see Noot as the backup in CF. And they already have Burly as a corner reserve in a pinch, not to mention Donovan.
I like Matt and he will get his chance soon enough, but the right time for him is not now. Him not making the team was not “surprising” to those who see the complete picture. Just the opposite. It was expected.
I’d rather see Koperniak keep playing every day in Memphis until the Cardinals need a regular in the corners vs. him sitting on the bench and getting four at-bats per week with St. Louis. But that is just my opinion…
The #STLCards system was 0-1 on Saturday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, RHR Roddery Muñoz, dominated in his system debut, striking out five batters in two scoreless IP of Memphis’ 2nd road loss. Other standouts include Yohel Pozo & Ryan Vilade. https://t.co/tqpRSho8M7 pic.twitter.com/YOXysoZs5i
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 30, 2025
Brian, agree that is it low hanging fruit writing. I never read VEB because of this and the lack of insight or realistic takes from the few things I have seen from them in the past. Many props to you for your writing being much more ingrained in the realistic takes as that is the type of info as a consumer I appreciate.
Also agree with Koperniak needing some every day at bats in Memphis rather than being the last man on the bench. I think he will get his opportunity at some point this year when someone is injured.
The #STLCards system was 1-0 on Sunday. The Cardinal Nation’s Player of the Day, OF Bryan Torres, was 4-for-5 including a HR, walk, two runs and two RBI in the win at Louisville. Other standouts include César Prieto, Jose Barrero, and Thomas Saggese. https://t.co/uhqHUmR2RD pic.twitter.com/XpviEa6Tn1
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 31, 2025
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