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Agree gscottar. He has no interest in extending with the Cards. I felt his early comments gave insight as to how he would progress. At that time, I felt very strongly that he would follow the arbitration process (versus having his arb rights bought out with a three-year deal) and then file for free agency. He has followed this route thru arbitration. I have no doubt he intends to file for free agency.
I am hoping for a reasonably priced streaming service package. This service would allow the viewer to get all games – home and road. It would include pre and post game analysis and commentary. It would also allow the viewer access to the games regardless of geographic location.
I can always dream!
This is a mess! I was looking forward to a “Bally App” to watch the Cardinal games this summer. So much for that dream!
It really appears that Bally Sports will be out of business. Hopefully soon … the sooner they exit, the sooner MLB could move to Phase II.
I am hoping that Phase II could be MLB stepping in. This could allow consumers to purchase a package of all games of a team impacted by Bally (e.g. creating a Cardinal Network package). Sold thru an App could eliminate a lot of the obstacles an RSN faced with Cable Companies.
My hope here is that MLB has recognized all the BS that has been created over the years. How many times have witnessed cable package disputes, which team gets covered in which area, etc.. Given this, there is an opportunity to improve fan access to the product and create a reasonable price package for the fan.
Agree … Carlson will not be moving. I believe the club believes he will bounce back after resting over the winter (based on quotes from Mo).
I would be surprised if the White Sox would be willing to part with Giolito. I agree that he had a tough year, but everything I hear and read leaves me believing the Sox have confidence in him. I feel their story line is to compete by filling a few holes. The Benintedi signing fills the outfield hole and second base is next.
I would be surprised if PDJ is moved thru any deal other than a “Fowler-type” deal. Just cannot see anyone wanting to take that contract without offloading another really bad deal.
Thanks bccran! No doubt, revenues play a big part in financing salaries. It is also important to consider the strategic intent of the ownership group or owner.
– For example, the Ricketts family paid $900M for the Cubs. They are motivated to win as well as earn a return on their investment. So, the bottom line is very important to them. They will strike a balance between funding a winning team and earning a return.
– The Mets are owned by a billionaire that wants to win and win now. The return the club earns appears to be less important than winning the National League and potentially the World Series. Of course, Cohen understands that sustained winning drives improved revenues and profitability.I feel the actions of the Dewitt family more closely align with the approach being taken by the Ricketts family … only in a smaller market. As Bccran says, we cannot expect Cardinal ownership to pursue top end free agents.
MLB needs to study the NFL and NBA business models if they want to improve parity. This means a hard salary cap coupled with revenue sharing. I am not sure all owners or the MLBPA would agree to these changes.
I doubt the Braves would part with Max.
I agree there should be interest in both Reynolds and Lopez … they would be great additions. Not so sure Reynolds is really available … reports are that Lopez is. However, my guess is the Marlins and Pirates would be interested in the same group that Mo was unwilling to ship to Oakland.
Maybe Mo can work some magic here.
– Agree with Knizner comes off the bench … Herrera in 3A for further development.
– Back up SS is a bit of an issue IMO … DeJong probably stays at ML level as he can field the position but his bat is an issue … Donovan only logged 56 innings at short last season … the only way you move PDJ is a “Dexter Fowler-type” deal … who backs up Edman if PDJ is moved?
– I am guessing Donovan starts at second unless Gorman is ready … Gorman has potential but I feel the FO believes he has work to do to prove he can hit consistently at the ML level (more contact, fewer strikeouts) … does he prove he can hit consistently or does he needs more 3A ABs?
I am guessing that the FO will determine if Walker gets called up around mid-year … they want him to play everyday.
I listened to an interview with Mo early in the post season. He was asked about Knizner and Herrera. Here are my impressions of those comments:
Knizner – they like him, but they do not see him as an everyday catcher now. They have provided him with a list of things he needs to work on. They will see where he is this spring.
Herrera – they feel he has a lot of potential. However, he is not ready for the big leagues. He needs more time at 3A to address what they see as areas for improvement.
My guess is that Knizner is slotted for the ML back up and Herrera will start at 3A. Herrera’s pace of development will determine Knizner’s fate as a Redbird.
The A’s GM was just interviewed on MLB TV. It sounds if they have a defined asking price for Murphy. I interpreted it as young, controllable players that can help at the Major League level now. It sure sounded as if they intend to hold on to him unless they get their asking price.
Well, if they can sign Contreras this will be an important upgrade to the line up. The Redbirds will get a catcher with a career slash line of .256/.349/.459/.808 with an OPS+ of 115. I am just concerned that it is reported he is asking for a fourth year and the Cards are only offering three.
I agree ZTR … my gut reaction was a Maikel Cleto-type signing. We must have someone in this system that thinks
they can turn Guillermo around. Thanks for the insight Brian.Now I am a bit worried about the Front Office approach this off-season. Have they underestimated what is going to cost to add needed pieces? Is this signing a signal that they cannot “fit” veteran bull pen arms into their 2023 Budget?
Walker has a ton of potential and I am excited to see him play in St Louis. However, I do not want him rushed to the major league level. I would prefer the Redbirds call him up when: a) they believe he is ready to perform well when facing major league pitching on a daily basis, and b) they intend to play him every day.
He has less than 1,000 minor league plate appearances … none above the AA level except for the AFL (90 PAs). He has not consistently faced the caliber of pitching he will face at the major league level. A little more seasoning may pay big dividends … especially if you bring him up and do not intend to play him every day.
If I remember correctly, Aquino started his career with a loud bang. I thought the Reds had a superstar in the making. It just never developed. Hope he works things out in Japan.
I have long believed that Flaherty will play out his arb years and then file for free agency. The Cards will need to either trade him (which I view as unlikely) or make him a Qualified Offer (which I expect he will decline and test the market). Hoping that Jack bounces back and has a career season!
Yeah, I think there is no chance the Cardinals will pursue Judge due to affordability. No doubt he had a great year this year. However, he has had one ability that he has struggled with over the course of his career – availability (ages 26, 27 and 28 seasons). Next season will be his age 31 season. IMO, the winner of this bidding contest is taking on a lot of risk with an eight-year deal.
I am not surprised by this move. He pitched well and is under team control. Thought his contractual status coupled with demonstrated performance was a reason why the Cards had him included in the trade.
The Redbirds do have a lot of young talent. I agree that getting reps is a major part of the answer. Preparation is another part. I have always been impressed with the amount of prep work Albert put in …cage and reviewing video.
Have the Cardinals talked to Albert about coming to spring training? Is there any chance the Redbirds would want him to be an additional instructor to work with the younger players? I am not implying the hitting coaches are not up to the task. Rather, a well-qualified assistance could provide great value.
Interesting write up from MLB Trade Rumors: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/st-louis-cardinals
Any interest in Brandon Nimmo? He is a free agent outfielder, hits left-handed and owns a career slash line of .269/.385/.441/.827 and a 130 OPS+. In addition, he has played all three outfield positions.
As for catchers, what is the read on Navaez. He had a down year with Milwaukee, but his career numbers are good. Again, he is a free agent, hits left-handed and owns a career slash line of .258/.343/.386/.728 with a 100 OPS+.
I was of the opinion that “microbetting” was the driver for Sinclair teaming with Bally. If MLB is serious about streaming you can be assured of two things:
1. Microbetting will be part of the streaming product
2. Regional Sports Networks will have a diminished roleI am planning on scrapping my cable plan once a streaming product becomes available. My hopes were raised when Sinclair announced that their product would be available next spring for Cardinal games. Sounds like that is unlikely now based on what I have been reading.
The Cards definitely need a third power bat … preferably a left-handed hitter. I would vote for signing or trading for a veteran outfielder who has a track record of consistent production (similar to the Berkman and Beltran signings). I do not believe it would be prudent to go into next season assuming that two of the outfielders referenced in Bccrans post will all become contributors. O’Neil may be able to bounce back and Carslon may break out and become the offensive player many think he is capable of becoming. You may only get one of those two to emerge next season. Hence you need a player that has demonstrated a consistent level of contribution.
My thoughts …
– Need a starting catcher … current roster does not contain a good solution.
– Could use an upgrade at Shortstop … Edmund will do, but it is time to move on from PDJ. I like Donovan as a super sub as he can handle numerous positions and it provides roster flexibility.
– Need starting outfielder who can put up numbers (e.g. another Bergman or Beltran type of deal) … Dickerson not the answer, two guys struggled with injuries and Noot can bring enthusiasm from the bench.
– Need a quality starting pitcher (Q would fit)Pitching health was an issue this season and I am concerned they will remain an issue to be followed with Flaherty, Hicks and Reyes. Matz is another question mark for me. I do not think you can count on these to deliver big. Great if they do. However, Mo needs to have a very good Plan B ready to go when they cannot go.
Disappointing end to a season that showed promised during the second half. I now feel that this finish confirms the Cardinals had the best team in a very weak division. This team Ned’s a lot of attention if they are to compete next year … a lot of holes to fill this off-season.