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Mendoza played 1B again. I think most of his appearances this Spring have been there. As far as I know he didnt play there in the minors up to now. Seems like the waste of a premium glove and his power profile for 1B is worse than it is for 3B. But he is making the most of his chances.
Given the logjam at this position, I have been pleasantly surprised to see Mendoza get on the field this much period.
Reminder: Today's #stlcards game against the Houston Astros will be televised on @FSMidwest Plus due to overlap with Blues hockey. Channel numbers for Plus can be found here: https://t.co/mOXDMU3KHv
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 9, 2019
1. Dexter Fowler (S) RF
2. Yadier Molina (R) C
3. Jose Martinez (R) LF
4. Marcell Ozuna (R) DH
5. Rangel Ravelo (R) 1B
6. Drew Robinson (L) 3B
7. Harrison Bader (R) CF
8. Tommy Edman (S) 2B
9. Ramon Urias (R) SSOf the big four 3B (Gorman-Montero-Nunez-Mendoza) its Mendoza who should make the easiest transition to 1B. The Goldschmidt contract extension is still up in the air and if he goes FA the opportunity opens up.
Although his ’18 was below his potential, he is a serious candidate for a breakout in ’19. He and Kruczynski are the most advanced of the ’17 draft class. Evan will need to work on his power swing, his glove and arm arm superior.
He could be getting some playing time at Memphis in ’19 depending on his early performance at Springfield either at first or third. Getting the feel at 1B would improve his chances to play at Busch which is doable for him. Having a younger 1B prospect at the higher minors would be a great plus for the system.
It has been reported that Mendoza is a capable SS and has played a few games there. I would think he has a much more plausible path to the majors converting to a MI utility guy.
You may be right CC but if Mendoza shows more power he would project as a corner starter. His defense is far better than Carpenter’s, especially his arm and that MI utility spot is cluttered right now.
It will be interesting to watch what direction his career takes. Any added versatility would be advantageous for him and the organization seems to like his approach to the game.
The Goldy extension or non-extension will give the organization a much clearer picture of 1B for the next fewer years. Until that is resolved we are just guessing. Also, Carp has this is year and probably next year then who knows? All of these stud 3B prospects we currently have would increase their value by learning 1B but hopefully Goldy makes it a moot point.
Waino close to locking down his rotation spot. Hudson pushes ahead in the race to start the season in Martinez’ spot.
Reyes continues with control problems but his overall ability keeps him out of serious trouble. The high pitch counts caused by his control issues probably doom him to start the season in the pen until his control improves.
CC, where was it reported about Mendoza and playing short? I would appreciate seeing the remark in context. Thanks.
FWIW, my gut tells me that if the organization was considering it, he would have started the move in instructional camp to get the most reps as possible. That did not occur.
When DeJong made the switch from third to short, he began late in his Double-A season, then continued in the Arizona Fall League and he focused on short entirely the next spring before moving to Triple-A. Mendoza would already be behind that schedule.
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— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) March 10, 2019
CC is right about Mendoza playing short well according to reported info. He is a prime breakout candidate, too. Mendoza’s philosophy is that he will worry about power output as his body matures, but right now his focus is on other aspects of his play.
OK, but where did you read it, please? This “reported info” had to be reported somewhere. I searched and all I could find is that Mendoza was a shortstop in high school. That was some time ago at a very different competition level. After all, all these guys were the best players on their high school team.
The Cards almost always prefer to have a player focus on his most valuable position. So why isn’t Mendoza playing short, then?
Brian, I dont remember where I saw the Mendoza as SS info but I do know it was shortly after he signed. Too far back to find it. As too why he has been playing 3rd instead of SS it may be because at the time the 3B pipeline was thin. Also they may think he can be a great defensive 3B but an adequate SS. Where would you play him in that scenario?
There is still time to impress, but it appears Wainright and Hudson have the edge for the last 2 spots in the rotation. Gomber will have his chance today. It will be interesting to see what they do with CMart when he returns, and the wild card Reyes’ role still has yet to be determined.
O’Neill gets his first single in ST. Wait, that might be his 2nd single. He looks much improved this year.
Tommy Layne is doing little to show he is ready for a lefty relief spot. Mets up 7-0 and still batting in the fourth.
All the talk about the Cubs pitching and the Cardinals pitching as been pretty sad outside of Mikolas, Flaherty and Hudson.
gomber didn’t do himself any favors with his performance today. getting behind and not being able to locate fastballs. layne didn’t do much better and im not sure he has the rope gomber does. gomber pitched well for us last year. the mets starter totally shut the cardinals down though they had a couple of opportunities.
Carlson homered off Mets closer Edwin Diaz for the only highlight on a dreary day. Cards crushed 9-1 to fall to 6-8-2 on the spring.
Monday’s matchup is Jack Flaherty vs. Max Scherzer. Radio only. Next TV game will not be until Friday.
Let’s check the data. Prior to today, the Cards’ spring ERA of 4.37 was fifth-best in the NL. The Cubs were sixth at 4.47.
Wainwright’s ERA is 2.00. Wacha’s is 3.00, with both lower than Flaherty (3.38). I’d have to say the rotation is looking pretty strong. In fact, coming into today, the starters this spring have a 2.86 ERA, third-best in the NL and fourth-best in MLB. Cubs starters are eighth in the NL at 4.30. Pretty big difference.
Most of the guys pitching today do not have a real chance to make the team, so I would not worry too much about that.
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