- This topic has 591 replies, 25 voices, and was last updated 2 days, 11 hours ago by
.
-
Posts
-
After a 3-2-2 week, the #STLCards are 9-9-4 on the spring. Manager Oliver Marmol received a two-year contract extension. Our history feature returns to the shortened spring of 2020. (free) https://t.co/CpmON0aKH2 pic.twitter.com/uMVuv2bSk8
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 18, 2024
The #stlcards closed out the 2024 Grapefruit League with a 2-3-1 week and 11-12-5 overall. Left-hander Zack Thompson will start the season in the rotation for Sonny Gray. Our history feature returns to the shortened spring of 2022. (free) https://t.co/INWn0gi3Bq pic.twitter.com/WpMegEggRZ
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) March 25, 2024
Mikolas
Thompson
Lynn
Matz
GibsonIf you had that order this winter, here’s your atta-boy. Is this a decision based on player readiness? What’s the scuttlebutt from those in the know?
@jj-cf-stl . Thompson is 2nd b/c of the Dodgers heavy lefty lineup. According to KatieWoo with the Athletic :
“That leaves either Thompson or Gibson for No. 2 behind Mikolas, but with a predominantly left-handed Dodgers lineup, Marmol opted for the left-handed Thompson.Gibson goes No. 5 and will start the first game against San Diego on April 1.”
and
“Matz needs one more ST start (bc of his planned slow progression) to get him to 80 pitches, so the earliest he slot into the rotation is No. 4. “
Thanks. Makes sense when you know the reasons. Good opportunity vs a quality opponent for Thompson, and then they double down on the handedness splits decision, with Matz in game four.
I would also add that Oli (or whoever makes the decisions) is obsessed with alternating lefties and righties when it comes to the lineup so it stands to reason that obsession would carry over to the rotation.
The #STLCards opened 2024 with three losses in four tries in Los Angeles. Offense was scarce and pitching was spotty. The returns of Lars Nootbaar and Sonny Gray are nearing. Our history feature looks at opening series from 1900-1950. (free) https://t.co/t49g1kwZbX pic.twitter.com/u9L0cNUVw7
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 1, 2024
The #STLCards won both series last week, evening their record at 5-5. When the starters have pitched well, the pen has held the lead. Willson Contreras and Brendan Donovan paced the offense. Our history feature returns to Opening Days of the past. (free) https://t.co/f1vBSJy16w pic.twitter.com/34TUbLe5hs
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 8, 2024
The #stlcards lost both series last week, going 2-4 and remaining in last place. As the offense struggles, Sonny Gray made a strong mound debut. Our history feature revisits notable events during the week in team history. (free) https://t.co/G6XzCRsj1C pic.twitter.com/OVAjn2SoV9
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 15, 2024
After another 2-4 week, the #STLCards have the same 9-13 record as in 2023. The struggling offense scored just 15 runs in the six games. Baseball mourns the passing of Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog. Our history feature highlights teams happenings this week in prior years.… pic.twitter.com/veljvxRWLx
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 22, 2024
For the first time this season, the #STLCards won consecutive series, but remain in last place. The back end of the pen – JoJo Romero, Andrew Kittredge & Ryan Helsley – has been strong. Our history feature highlights team events this week in prior years. https://t.co/pVUWbs45EH pic.twitter.com/eDsijjcLX1
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) April 29, 2024
In TCN's Monday review of the past week for the #STLCards, they dropped both series and returned to last place. Closer Ryan Helsley is the National League Reliever of the Month. Our history feature highlights team happenings this week in prior years. (free)… pic.twitter.com/OCBXlBUQtu
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) May 6, 2024
The last-place #stlcards dropped both series for the 2nd week in a row but broke their 7-game losing streak on Sunday. Due to injury, the club lost its best hitter, Willson Contreras, for an extended period. Our history feature highlights team happenings this week in prior years.… pic.twitter.com/5VoDrUT2U4
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) May 13, 2024
The #stlcards went 4-2 on the week but fell short in two chances for series sweeps. Despite the loss of Willson Contreras, the offense is improving, but the starting pitching has not. Matt Morris, Whitey Kurowski and Dave Duncan are new team Hall of Famers.… pic.twitter.com/Nfo7SZW9FS
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) May 20, 2024
The #stlcards went 5-0 on the week. The offense continues to get better as Masyn Winn led the charge with a 1.307 OPS during the week and a 15-game hitting streak. Our history feature looks at notable events during these dates in team history. https://t.co/xf1yyObfyM pic.twitter.com/OYXfS0tEv1
— Ben Kinealy (@ben_kinealy) May 27, 2024
“This coming week will be a challenge”.
The next two ballparks are launching pads. Pick your ground ball guy carefully. Does Pallante have a shot at the Wednesday start BW?
I’m not a big fan of starting Pallante quite yet. He’s still ironing out issues. But if you’re going to start him, GABP is one of the best places to do so. Ideally though, we’d have a GG second baseman to pair with him because we need someone to reign in all those grounders.
I assume it will be Liberatore for around 3 innings again. So pretty much a bullpen game with Libby and Andre piggybacking.
But I personally have no strong preference. There’s no good options. If it was must-win, I’d start Hence. He gives us the best chance to win one single game over other options. But I absolutely do not want to promote him before he’s fully knocking on the door. I feel similarly about Robberse. And I have little confidence in Thompson. So I’m fine with piggybacking for lack of a better option. But I’d probably prefer a Pallante/Leahy piggyback with Liberatore back to a 1 or max 2 inning BP role.
Libby desperately needs to be moved back to the pen. He was thriving there and the big 3 are out of gas. A Pallante/Leahy piggyback sounds reasonable in the meantime.
The #stlcards went 3-3 for the week on the road. They remain in second place but are seven games behind the Brewers. Kyle Gibson continues to be solid in the rotation. Our history feature looks at notable events during these dates in team history. (free) https://t.co/DPZ8WsFr6H pic.twitter.com/XYgZkwhbPo
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) June 3, 2024
The 31-33 #stlcards had another losing week, struggling to split at home with the last-place Rockies. OF Dylan Carlson had a .929 OPS for the week and may be earning more playing time. Our history feature looks at notable Cardinals debuts during these dates in team history.… pic.twitter.com/0PnjVwlNPT
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) June 10, 2024
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.