Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images Possible future Cardinal contributor has a very clear weakness. Whether he can change that (or wants to) will determine his MLB success. For a team that is interested in giving young players a shot, the Cardinals don’t really have many objectives this offseason. The rotation is mostly set, depending on who ends up getting … [Read more...] about Meet Ryan Vilade
The Mets are going to pay Juan Soto almost* a billion dollars
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images It is a big contact, folks. Juan Soto was never going to be a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. We all knew that, but we like baseball here so even though he was not joining our favorite baseball team, as baseball fans, it was certainly interesting where he would decide to land. Reports before this weekend had narrowed it down to four … [Read more...] about The Mets are going to pay Juan Soto almost* a billion dollars
Dugout Thrones: Several years of Winter
The Cold Heart of Buschfell Prologue In the aftermath of the Great War of the North, several winters have passed since the Wrigley Walkers broke through the Wall, casting down their rivals and after many false dawns at last claimed victory in the Centrle Kingdoms and set the realm alight with their … [Read more...] about Dugout Thrones: Several years of Winter
Is Draft-and-Develop a Complete Strategy?
A major part of the intriguing 2020 draft class | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images There are other ways to build a roster. What works best? Last week, I updated my rankings of how teams do in “draft and develop” over time (here). Over the last 10 years, the Dodgers, Cardinals, Astros, Blue Jays, and Braves occupy the ranks of top 5 of rated draft-and-develop teams. While it … [Read more...] about Is Draft-and-Develop a Complete Strategy?
Holding onto Ryan Helsley is a grave mistake
Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images Let me just start by saying that I think Ryan Helsley is a tremendous pitcher who had a hell of a year and has done great things with the Cardinals. I’ve sure enjoyed watching him come in close games out with “Hell’s Bells” playing as he enters the game at Busch Stadium. But if the Cardinals are really planning to “reset,” then it … [Read more...] about Holding onto Ryan Helsley is a grave mistake