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Game 1 will be on Sunday at 12:05 CT. At home against the Nationals. Jack Flaherty threw today and Sunday would be the fifth day since, though that is just my speculation. No announcement yet.
Same with TV, no announcement, though I highly suspect the spring opener will be on FOX Midwest.
I don’t think so. I’ve tried to explain the impact of the schedule delay, including in the article on the home page today. The key point is that the Memphis roster is coming from the players in camp right now.
Springfield’s opener isn’t until May 4. Herrera will likely be at Memphis for its Opening Day on April 6. My guess is that he will get a month to show whether he is ready for Triple-A.
Substitute Liberatore or Thompson or Gorman and my answer would be the same. The only caveat for Gorman is if he needs more practice time at second base and isn’t ready defensively to play in games. Can’t tell about that here on the second day of camp.
Bader Tuesday Zoom:Puts it on himself to communicate with other outfielders (and infielders). Need to play as unit.
Dexter Fowler was always a positive influence on his career, on and off the field. Nice to be able to lean on guys who experienced the same things before. Will always stay in touch with him. Trade is business. Will try to be to others on team as Dex was to him.
Means a lot that the organization has confidence in current outfielders. Referenced Wieters quote, “Does confidence get you hits or do hits get you confidence?” Couldn’t be any better than to have personal confidence and organizational confidence. Mental is important part of game and these can be little separators.
On Gold Glove: “I want to win one more than anything.” His contribution starts with that side of the ball. Gold Glove = standard for how you go about your business. Standard he is achieving. OF is capable of winning a bunch of GGs.
Wasn’t surprised about Arenado. Have great front office. StL expects playoffs and championships and they should. FO reflects that. Goal is to put the best team on the field. Arenado is a baller. Goldy is best player he’s played with. Bader wants to go out, soak up energy and compete.
Euro said:
Carp’s defense at: 1B, 2B & 3B. One of these things is also not like the other. Carp has routinely made a mess of things over the years at 2B and that’s why he’s played relatively sparingly there.
I wouldn’t trust much that Mo or Shildt have to say on this right now. It’s a delicate situation for them. If they decide to double down on the idiocy of giving Carp more than infrequent token appearances at 2B, Carp will quickly remind them of their idiocy.
I can appreciate your prediction. However, I base what I say on my reading of the situation. Mo was crystal clear when he said if Carp hits, he will play. I happen to believe that.
Certainly, one can argue what percentage odds to attach to the scenarios, but there are only two possible outcomes. If Carpenter doesn’t hit, he will ride the pines. If he does hit, Edman seems the most likely to lose playing time. It isn’t any more complicated than that.
Flaherty Tuesday Zoom:Arbitration not a fun process. It sucks. Going back and forth with team, hearing not a fun process. Made for a long day. Does not see winning as validation. We stuck with our guns and were right, but could have gone the other way. Kind of sucks that it has to be considered a victory.
It does not change his relationship with the organization at all. The arb process is bad as it does not consider inflation. Looks back 7-8 years. Especially bad since 2020 was a different kind of year.
Three different contract routes for young players. Tatis (big deal now), Acuna (extension two years ago, see difference now – compared to Tatis) and Soto (same level as other two, two more years in arb). System is difficult to manage as a player.
Does not need to draw outside motivation. (Asked if going to hearing and what happened motivates him.)
Dodged talk of long-term contract. Focus on what he can control. Take care of business in weight room, on mound. Wants to help team win.
Went into offseason feeling pretty good because 2020 was short season. Good to have a normal offseason.
Exciting to have Waino and Yadi back. Leaders, camaraderie, team chemistry.
It was smart in long term perspective for Cards to take it easy with him in 2020. Starts and stops and time off. He appreciated it.
Players speaking out is never going away. Thinks they believe in.
Would not say if his view of a long term deal is affected by new CBA. Went back to the control what I can control line and see what happens later. Hope to win the whole damn thing.
Preparing for 200 innings, starting every fifth day. Will probably be gauged as year goes on.
On whether him becoming an free agent is inevitable, he said, “Nothing is inevitable”. Stay in present moment. FA is 2 years away. If he said it was inevitable, he would have had to have thought about it.
Felt like back to normal in 2020 playoff game. Did not think stuff was as crisp and sharp as expected before that. Tried to do too much coming off outings that were not his best. Will try to carry playoff start into this year.
Threw today. Felt good to have a hitter in the box. Looking forward to going against another team again.
As #stlcards 2021 spring training camp begins, I predict which 26 players I think would make the roster and why if Opening Day was today. ($) https://t.co/c5bKjwCOBm pic.twitter.com/gg1NyDlDnO
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) February 23, 2021
Ny said:
Simply put, for Carpenter to play, one of Edman, Goldy or Arenado has to sit. Which one is not like the others?
Now I’m confused.
I am sorry that the reference is unclear to you. I will spell it out in detail.
1) Carpenter can play one of three positions, third base, second base and first base.
2) The starting third baseman is making $35 MM per year, is a five-time All-Star, has eight Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers.
3) The starting first baseman is making $26.5 MM per year, is a six-time All-Star, has three Gold Gloves and four Silver Sluggers.
4) The starting second baseman is a third-year minimum salaried player who was 13% below MLB average offensively in 2020.
5) If Carpenter earns more regular playing time by rediscovering his hitting stroke, the one of those three he would most likely replace is the second baseman.Yep, never questioned Edman’s durability. The matter is getting Carpenter playing time and 2B is the prime source.
DeeDee Pujols again got out in front of her interference. On Instagram yesterday, she announced this is Albert’s last season. Later, she had to back off, since Albert’s official answer is that he is undecided.
https://theathletic.com/news/albert-pujols-retire-angels-wife/f2vb5G5AwC4g
To be clear, I did NOT say that Carpenter will be the REGULAR second baseman. I took exception to the incorrect assertion by GC that Edman will start EVERY day he is healthy. That just isn’t going to be true.
There could be a change in the starting role later in 2021, but it would require Carpenter to rediscover the fountain of youth and for Edman to not stand out (or an injury to Tommy). The combination of both happening seems less than likely.
For 2022, if Gorman can handle the defensive intricacies of 2B, Edman will probably return to the utility role that Carpenter will have in 2021 (with the benefit that Edman can also back up SS). But a lot can change between now and them.
Shildt Tuesday Zoom:Kim, like Miller, is more experienced, so will ease into camp. He is a little bit of the pace car. Will throw live sessions coming up. He is in a good spot to start the season in the rotation. He is a pitch maker. Can adjust to Central Division hitters who saw him and will be ready for East and West batters this year.
Gorman has to show confidence in turning double plays before playing in games. The blind pivot is where he is exposed to potential injury. When he gets comfortable through repetition… Possible he could play there in games this spring, but they have other options at 2B.
Never said he liked three-batter rule. Working within the rule. Have to be aware of the lineup (next three hitters) and bench to set up best matchups. Know tendency of opponent to pinch hit. If pitchers’ spot is one of the three, it changes the dynamic. A factor in play this year that was not in 2020.
Carpenter has put his ego aside. He is very happy about Arenado decision. The two couples have vacationed together. Carp will get defensive work at three positions (3B, 2B and 1B) and get at-bats to be ready for the season.
mudville asked:
Okay. Let’s talk about what will ‘really happen’. You go first.
Please read my post above. It explains the situation adequately.
Thanks, bccran. I will check that article out once I get the link.
What is the source of your below-average scouting report on Edman’s arm, bccran?
Fangraphs gives Edman’s arm a 50, which is average, and better than his 40/45 fielding grade.
https://www.fangraphs.com/players/tommy-edman/19470/stats?position=2B/3B
GameCard, you will quickly be proven wrong that Edman will start every day when healthy. Just this week, both Mo and Shildt said Carpenter will get some starts at second base. Mo was also very clear that if Carpenter hits, he will play. It seems obvious that second would be that spot. But of course, that is a huge if.
Simply put, for Carpenter to play, one of Edman, Goldy or Arenado has to sit. Which one is not like the others?
Take off the blinders regarding Edman, please. Let’s talk about what will really happen vs. what you hope will happen, pretending it is fact. They are not the same.
Mo Monday Zoom:
Two readiness criteria are intake (all players and staff tested negative) and what kind of shape players were in entering camp (had a “download” meeting with medical staff and was encouraged by shape every one is in.)
Using all 6 fields creates distancing. Different this year.
Tent mode. Seeing more people having “team-building conversations”. Helps take place of some of clubhouse conversations held in the past. Roger Dean almost built for being outside. Movement between tents is seamless, inviting.
Two questions on Carlson.
1) Performance. Want to see if second MLB stint last year continues this year.
2) Confidence. He felt that way last year too.
O’Neill should play more in LF and Carlson will play more in RF…Bader defensively. We were blessed with opportunity to watch Jim Edmonds play. Some parallels there. One of the more elite defenders in the game. Having 4 of more Gold Gloves on the field at once is exciting.
Arenado feels good about players, meeting them. Moving from informal setting to program starting now.
“We feel like we’re going to be pretty good, so let’s go to work,” say players.
3 questions to answer in camp next 5 weeks:
1) What is rotation? Bullpen jobs evolve from there. No head scratching over 4th/5th starter candidates like some years before.
2) Competition in outfield. Very comfortable with depth.
3) How to maximize Carpenter?
Confident they have internal answers for all.Offense. Last year frustrating. It would stall. This year, keep the line moving. Score more runs. More runs in 2021 due to Arenado and more production from OF. Likes Carlson’s style. Can turn lineup over.
Reyes is talented enough to start. Will have to earn spot. Hasn’t pitched a lot in last 3-4 years. Maybe take baby steps in 2021 and pencil in top 5 next year.
Outfield. Cleared the deck to create opportunity. Now take advantage of it. Is athletic group. 4 of 5 could play CF. Unique power in group. Give them a chance to play.
Monday Shildt zoom
Bader – Shouldn’t minimize success, give credit for success vs lefties. Needs consistency vs. righties.
Normal 1st day speech with entire staff and players cannot do. So this year, mandatory Zoom on intake also included various department heads this year. Shildt focused on guidelines.
Today, Shildt delivered same 15 minute message with four groups (P. C, IF, OF) Last stop as part of physical process. Maybe better in smaller groups as more intimate.
OF competition. I like competition. Super healthy. Hope they embrace competition. Some people are super intentional helping other people even though they are competing for their job. Wants healthy competition…
Hitters still getting acclimated. Not Game 7 intensity day 1.
All players present and accounted for and ready to go.
One hitters group (he wouldn’t say who) had to face Cabrera/Reyes/Helsley/Gallegos today. “Welcome to camp.”
Factors in putting together hitting and pitching groups. Want to have LH and RH in both groups to give different looks. Also put more experienced guys together. NOT targeting any matchups.
Andrew Miller had a good offseason. As 13 or 14-year veteran, ne knows what he needs to get ready for season. Overall, have individual plans for everybody. Knows what schedule needs to be to get ready for season.
NL Central win over/unders per @betonline_ag:#stlcards 87 1/2
Reds 83 1/2
Brewers 82 1/2
Cubs 80 1/2
Pirates 58 1/2— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) February 22, 2021
bb asked:
Do you have enough info for at least a guess about how Quezada might fare with that rating scheme?
Matt grades him a 35.
The full contingent of #stlcards are now in camp, with their first full-season workout today. The team’s first game in the reduced 24-contest spring schedule is coming on Sunday. Our final Ozzie Smith history segment focuses on his post-playing endeavors. https://t.co/fsmc809De6
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) February 22, 2021
With the #stlcards first full-squad workout on Monday, The Cardinal Nation's Roster Matrix is back – though with a different this time. The 67 players currently in camp are slated to make up the season-opening St. Louis and Memphis rosters. (free) https://t.co/kgXHs6Ml8v pic.twitter.com/e7XsvLnxNP
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) February 21, 2021
You are correct on timing. Ideally, I would get to see them first and get the informal word on them in camp.
Shildt Saturday Zoom:
On time to get pitchers ready. Nine fewer games than historically and one extra off day. Nothing that can’t be overcome. Guys will still get built up with the help of B and sim games. Will be able to get them all ready.
Maddux likes B/sim games. Good tool, doesn’t require forcing guys into the stadium schedule. Using this year because there are not enough (game) innings to go around.
Hudson is unlikely to pitch this year. Never say never. Going good for him. Reported early to FL. Flexibility ahead of schedule. On a non-throwing program including PFP and running game info. Is where they expect him to be. Could rehab late in year in minors, assuming and hoping such assignments are allowed. Much to see between now and then.
Hudson has evolved over last couple of years mentally. He has a lot of support and great mindset. Head is in the right place.
On how to balance winning daily and evaluating outfielders. Balanced it the last several years. Feel they’ve been able to accomplish this, though some players likely wish they had more opportunities. Cited Bader having been “pretty much an everyday player” and O’Neill “2020 Gold Glove” as those who had chances. Noted Thomas’ hamate setback in 2019 and COVID in 2020. Dean had good spring and summer camp, but injury and other things took him away. Williams had great 2H 2019 at Memphis. Fowler trade created more opportunity. Guys will continue to grow.
Having minors in 2021 changes the equation. Opportunities for guys to compete in game setting against guys wearing other uniforms. Made best of alternate camp in 2020.
Had Reyes at Memphis in 2016, but did not have a lot of prior experience with him. Plan by he and Gerdy (them Mem pitching coach) was to watch him and let him share his assessment after, then discuss. Saw super talent – change up, curveball, fastball with life – three plus pitches. Fierce competitor, strong competitive fire, desire to be great, committed to work hard.
Meeting with groups of players every day. Guys want to know “What do I need to do to make the team (or for Reyes, the rotation)?” Tells them it doesn’t happen in one day. Need consistency. Sometimes others do the job, too, and there just isn’t enough room.
Wrapping up the 64-article series covering The Cardinal Nation's #stlcards Top 50 prospects for 2021. The pitcher with the most above-average offerings is also the most anonymous top 10 prospect in the system, Angel Rondon. All the top pitches here. ($) https://t.co/YZkGORRP9c pic.twitter.com/Kk7wFeL7df
— Brian Walton (@B_Walton) February 20, 2021
