St. Louis 2026 Game #61 thread – Friday, June 5 vs. Cincinnati Reds

[Gagliano]

Following up on that last, I had managed to forget that Noot has 102 starts in CF, 23% of his starts in MLB. Maybe he’s the guy there for next year? I wonder if they will start to think they might have a chance in 2027, if there is a season, with Doyle, Cijintje, Roby, Mautz, Fitts, and Molina as possible start the season in AAA, but could help for the playoff push, and if jnevel is right about Mathews. Two or three of the Mathews, Doyle, Cijintje, Roby, Dobbins, Fitts, and Molina hot in September and this could be an interesting team.

This thinking likely affects what they think of offers for Noot and Burly.

[Brian Walton]

IMO, the only realistic and reliable CF options here or close are Scott and Church, neither of whom are likely to become MLB-average hitters.

[Gagliano]

Brian-

Thanks. You don’t think Noot can do it because he doesn’t have the defensive chops, the health, or something else?

I’ve not watched Baez play CF much, so don’t have an opinion, but have been struck by the fact he has mostly played there this year. I could imagine a less strong defensive CF if Walker continues to improve in RF and there is a left fielder with good range.

[Brian Walton]

Gags, yes and yes. Like Noot, Baez can play center but not at expected MLB level. Kyle and I discussed this during this week’s podcast.

I think Baez and Walker will be the eventual corners but I have no idea what the CF answer will be until Tai Peete someday?

[blingboy]

neither of whom are likely to become MLB-average hitters.

Winn’s OPS+ is around 90. I look at CF similarly to SS. A slick fielder doesn’t have to be MLB average with the bat. (but better than Scott obviously)

[blingboy]

I am old fashioned and look to the 4 corners for offense first and the 4 up the middle for defense first.

[1toughdominican]

For the first time in quite a while the middle IF looks to be set for more than a minute or two. Even during the happy and prosperous days of the LaRussa/Pujols/Molina era, the middle IF seemed to take on the look of a revolving door.

[Gagliano]

Thanks, Brian. I will hope that Church can be an only slightly below average hitting CF then. That also would call for Noot being traded either at deadline or in the offseason to give Baez his shot. Hate to see Noot go, but I trust this front office.

[blingboy]

Here is the nightmare scenario that has to be avoided. If the rebuild of the system is successful, then guys will come up to displace guys already here, like Noot and Pages. Maybe like Crooks when Bernal is ready. We don’t know who will be coming. We didn’t know Baez would be coming not that long ago. That should be kept in mind when we start talking about the guys we want to sign to contracts before they get to free agency. Its hard for an up and comer to push up when there is a contract guy blocking him. Then somebody needs to get traded, but we don’t want to trade somebody playing well and we don’t want to trade the best performing prospects. We end up shifting guys positions and playing musical matchup ball trying to cram bats in the lineup and end up with a misfit team. Then before you know it guys tail off and contracts are under water but they have to be played because they make the money. It even sort of sounds familiar.

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