Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
The interesting things about the 25 man roster.
1) Doesn’t this mean Mercado goes back to Springfield? Playing may be a little scarce at Memphis.
2) Still a logjam at Memphis for the starting rotation.
3) I Am glad a deserving Mayers makes the team. I hope his spring wasn’t a mirage.
Munoz has played very well, but I would rather have seen Bader make the team due to the injury history of Fowler and more so, Pham. The fact that Jose Martinez can play a corner outfield spot doesn’t make me feel much better. Jmart seems less likely to get hurt if he plays mostly first. Now it comes down to Brebbia versus Mayers for the last spot.
I have not heard or seen much on majors or minors pitchers velocities. Is this discouraged during Spring training? I have hear a little about Hicks, Reyes, Mayers, and Mikolas. is there anyone else out there that has had a spike in velocity? Seems like Brebbia gained a few mph last year.
It’s early but I really like Mendoza. If only he had more power. Maybe he starts at Springfield. The Cards are pretty short on 3rd base prospects. Young at Springfield also might perk up his bat some. And finally I think Seijas has a good year at Peoria.
Scott Rolen is one of my favorites all time. He will be one I vote for. the other is more difficult.
I think Mayers makes the team, Brebbia is sent down briefly, unless there is an injury, or they decide to cut Norris, which is doubtful due to 3,000,000 reasons only. Also, Bader makes the team. and Munoz does not, but as Brian said earlier, Greg Garcia is probably non tendered next year. Or ideally. this would be an ideal time to make a 2 or 3 for 1 trade to alleviate the 40 man logjam.
I wonder what player might be available from another team at cut time next week, possibly as a reliever upgrade? I surely think we could pick up someone on waivers better than Norris.
I will also expand that Mayers gets a multiple inning role, which will go to Reyes when he comes back
Also, I favor the 7 man bullpen with Munoz making the team as well as Bader. but that cuts out Mayers probably..
I wish the game was televised today. I’d like to see the minor leaguers mentioned. I saw Evans a couple times, and he has a NICE breaking ball.
I don’t think much of a value of Valera, a utility infielder, who can be replaced, depending on a later need, with Schrock, Wisdom, Tovar, or Mejia. with a hit tool as a calling vard, who is not hitting in ST. And with Munoz, who has far more offensive and defensive potential waiting next. I think It is essential to get Kelly regular at bats at AAA, so a trade value can remain high, or of an injury happens to Molina, if necessary. If moved off of 40 man roster, Valera becomes a free agent, right?
I have been impressed with Pena, but I say you send him to Memphis. But at some point, perhaps with an injury midseason, you swap Kelly and Pena.
It will be interesting to see the trickle down effect for the starters. I hope I am wrong, but there seems to be a falloff after AA starters. Outside of Oviedo and Seijas, the ceiling seems lower on possible Palm Beach and Peoria starters. Of course there are bound to be some surprises, which is what makes following the minor league affiliates most interesting.
I did forget Hicks. Which bumps at least Ellis. Still wonder what role the Cards favor for Gant, Poncedeleon, etc. Perhaps they will do a 6 man rotation for AA and AAA?
Quite a logjam
Assuming STL rotation of:
Wacha. Wainright, Weaver, Martinez, and MikolasMemphis starting candidates:
Flaherty, Helsley, Hudson, Gomber, Gant, Poncedeleon, Molina, ColonSpringfield possibles:
Woodford, Fernandez, Jones, O’ Reilly, Ellis,I would list Greene and Gonzales, but they appear to be moved the bullpen, with Gonzales their likely closer.
Also Alex Reyes isn’t even included yet until he is more ready.
With the signing of Lance Lynn, that should add another 2018 draft pick. After the second round, correct? Picking 19, 42 and 59, plus the Lynn compensation pick. Hopefully, they can restock the cupboards after losing a lot of picks in 2017.
I just don’t see how they have room for all of the minor league free agents they signed. Sure seems like they will be releasing a lot of signees, at least those at the AA and AAA levels.
I really wish we had not signed Norris. Mayers has pitched so well that he deserves a 25 man roster spot. But barring injuries, the only way he makes the team is with 8 relievers, and Brebbia being sent down. Also, a good reliever might become available when teams make final cuts.
I think an 8 man bullpen is foolish to start the season. Arms are as fresh as management controls when and how much they are pitched in ST. I find keeping Munoz for depth, and sending down Brebbia or Bowmann to the minors, if needed, or whoever else has options. Of course injuries, and perhaps trades could alter this as well. It sure seems they need to lessen the logjam of their similar relievers on the 40 man roster, it will continue to hamper moves. Gomber should start at Memphis, and Gonzalez, who looks like the best reliever candidate, but has little experience, ought to be the closer for Springfield. Sherriff looks like the first lefty called up.
I hope Waino uses a couple curveball speeds. He seemed to do his best last year when used a harder and slower curve.
A question I meant to ask after signing Mikolas is about precedence. There have been plenty of Japanese hurlers who have made it in MLB, Darvish. Nomo. etc. But I cannot recall any pitcher who went to Japan from MLB, came back to MLB and had success. If that has happened. it has been many years. Particularly a starter.
Sign Huston Street at midseason
https://www.hookem.com/columns/bohls-huston-street-34-competitive-ever-finds-retirements-doorstep/
What a strange play in the 9th. Red Sox shortstop boots the ball towards their 2nd baseman, who is standing on the base and gets the force out. Very lucky.
I am more down on Carpenter than I used to be. Granted, maybe he can redeem some value this year. The problems are:
1) He plays average defense at first, below average at 3rd, and worse at 2nd.
2) He is a below average base runner
3) His career average versus our main rival, the Cubs is horrible, sub .220. Even his great eye at the plate doesn’t get him on base enough.
