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I think everything I put is all very realistic. I also agree with all the negatives you listed. I just look at the overall data and it looks like they balance out. But Donovan and Romero would impact that. I just haven’t counted them in yet because I think there’s a decent chance they are still with the team.
Contreras was a very good player. No question. The problem with having Contreras though was that the team had 4 1B/DH types and only 2 legitimate spots to play them when they were all healthy. That meant Contreras at 1B, Herrera at DH, and Burleson being forced into the outfield, with Gorman on the bench. This left us with some reduced returns on investment because of Burleson’s defense offsetting some of his offense. It also gave Gorman inconsistent at bats probably making him worse. I don’t care as much about the latter even though it’s probably true. Having a position for all our better hitters where they don’t hurt us in the field creates tons of positive benefit. This probably offsets Contreras’ loss or at least most of it.
As I pointed out above, Gray is likely mostly offset too because we are just replacing his actual results on the field which were mediocre. And we’re likely to get better results from our new pitchers than what Mikolas and Fedde gave us. Helsley wasn’t all that great last season but Donovan and Maton would both be big losses (assuming Donovan leaves). Also, can’t forget about Matz who also pitched very well. Our young arm talent may be able to fill all that void but in all likelihood, the bullpen will be a bit worse especially if Romero leaves too.
Right now I see the starting pitching being slightly better than ‘25, the bullpen being a little worse, the defense being slightly better, and the offense being better overall if Donovan stays and Wetherholt plays every day. Without Donovan, the offense gets worse compared to last season, but there’s a big question about how much worse.
I expect donovan to be traded. Probably arenado though he doesnt move the needle either way. Probably a couple more pitchers. The pitching staff wasnt good last year including any of the young guys that would presumably replace any that left. Serviceable at best. They overexcelled last year though still not that good. I expect worse this year. 75 wins if they overachieve. 65 to 70 if they dont.
the offense being better overall if Donovan stays and Wetherholt plays every day. Without Donovan, the offense gets worse compared to last season, but there’s a big question about how much worse.
Hats off to Jnevel for coming up with this battle cry. And it is the best scenario for the team going forward.
Bling – In my version, Donovan would be LF, Wetherholt at 2B, and one or a combo of Arenado/Gorman/Saggese/Fermin at 3B. Noot goes to RF where he’s a better defender when he returns (unless Walker has completely done a 180).
Projecting anytbing on wetherholdt is fools folly. Weve had guys who have had far better minor league numbers and were a dud at the mlb level. As always ill wait to see what my eyes tell me cause that has been far better evaluator than prijections or analytics.
You are right Willie. But from where we sit at home all we can do is hope. ala Mozeliak. We’ll find out if we’re fools by 2027.
Well 14NyquisT i guess i long ago came to the same conclusion about hope that Red did far as the cardinals go. Hope is a dangerous thing. I guess you can go with Andys interpretation but far as cardinals go,ill stay with tried n true wait see see approach before i get any hopes up. Its a lot easier on the mind.
I’ve personally watched Wetherholt quite a bit both on TV and in person. He’s the best hitter I’ve ever seen come through the Cardinals system. Note that I never saw Pujols play in the Minors so I’m not going near that far. But I saw Lankford, Gilkey, Zeile, Walker, Winn, Carlson, a whole lot of Luken Baker, and most everyone in between. Prior to Wetherholt, my favorite was actually Luke Voit. Man I loved watching him hit and I was so disappointed when he got traded. Wetherholt is far better. I have zero doubt that Wetherholt will be a good Major League hitter. 100% sure. The only question is how good. I’m sure he’ll need a few months of adjustment time though just like everyone else.
Simmons, Hernandez and Pujols are the sequential best 3 home grown bats in my tenure as a Redbird fan. In my view, all 3 belong in the HOF.
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