ANAHEIM, Calif. — Westward bound for a third time in the first two months of the regular season, the Cardinals are a fourth of the way into their schedule and the math is unkind.
At 16-24 they remain rooted at the bottom of the National League Central. A double late in Sunday's game at Milwaukee is all that stands between them and being swept by the Brewers and an eight-game losing streak. To reach 90 victories this season they must win 74 of their remaining 122 games, and that means playing at a .608 clip -- or the pace a 98-win team keeps all season. Still, they reach Anaheim to find a team not all that different from them. A losing record. At the bottom of its division. And both are missing Mike Trout, for example.
So, no time like the present for the Cardinals to put something together they have not done all that often recently.
How did Lou Brown put it?
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"OK, we won a game yesterday," Cleveland's silver screen manager said. "If we win today, it's called 'two in a row.' And if we win again tomorrow, it's called a 'winning streak'... It has happened before!"
You've got questions, complaints, and commentary. I'll do my best to field as many as possible and provide answers when asked. A real-time transcript is available beneath the window. Questions are not edited for spelling or grammar. Let's hope the answers are ...
Away. We. Go.
Paul: I find the use of Libertore as a starter to be an illustration of the Cardinals problems. They take a pitcher who has shown some promise in the bullpen and put him back into the starters roll, further depleting the bullpen and not solving the problem of the starting rotation. There seems to be no plan going forward to replace Matz, just cobble together something every fifth day and hope for the best. Your thoughts?
Derrick Goold: You could add Zack Thompson into this illustration. Or Andre Pallante. And it's not isolated to this year. What's different about this year is that they start from a better place the rotation because of, notably, Kyle Gibson, as an example. But back to your point. You sum it up well. It's a lot like the phrase you see kicked around, right: "Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth." Or something like that. The Cardinals, like other teams, have a plan for developing young players. And then the Cardinals, like other teams, encounter the reality in the standings and they have needs to compete at the highest level. It takes discipline then not to break from the plan to fill the needs, and not every team has the same approach when it comes to that discipline. And it's not the same for every player. For example, you're not going to see the Cardinals get to a point where they're yanking Tink Hence from their plan for him to plug inning holes in the majors. But we are seeing that with Thompson and Liberatore -- their roles seem to shift with the wind, the team's need of the moment defines their role. It can be jarring for the pitcher, and it is a fair question to ask if it's impacting the team's ability to help the pitcher reach their "best version" -- i.e., the role that brings out the top performance.
To your last point, the Cardinals remain in a spot where they need Steven Matz to contribute to the rotation. Maybe that changes. Maybe the time at Class AAA allows Thompson or Pallante to flourish in a starting role, maybe one of the prospects emerges and seizes a spot in the rotation, maybe Liberatore runs with this opportunity and does not give it up. That's a lot of maybes. Throw in the maybe they put a winning surge together and they're a buyer at the trade deadline for a starter. Even more maybes.
It's not a maybe that the roster is built for Matz to be a starter.
BG37: Have you seen the City Connect uni's? Seems ironic as the Cardinals seem to have a growing disconnect with their city.
DG: I have not seen the complete look of them. Few people have -- but that's coming soon, obviously. If you've been to the ballpark, you've seen some of the teasers for them. The water ripple icon that is part of the pre-game scoreboard presentation and plucked off the city flag. Heck, the hashtag on social media includes the Lou.
My turn to ask a question: What do you think of the City Connect jerseys? Which one is your favorite? I think they're ... mostly ... fine. Some are great and I hope, for example, the Cubs' one has staying power. I like the idea behind Boston's. Anyone have thoughts on this?
DDMN: The Rays city connects are far and away the best ones. There are a lot of mediocre ones at best.
DG: One vote for the Rays. Cool inspiration for them, for sure.
Ryan: Or maybe it’s asinine for a FO to believe Matz as a starter and expect quality results. I know you just report the facts, so by reading your last statement to me means that somebody you talk to says that’s a good idea. Matz starting. No wonder their record.
DG: It's pretty easy, honestly, to read the team's opinion on a player, especially when they sign him as a free agent. They are quite literally putting money into their opinion. They signed Steven Matz to a four-year, $44-million deal. It's not somebody telling me this. It's a check they wrote that tells everyone what they think he'll do for them ...
Mike: Pittsburgh and Braves are my fav's so far
DG: Pittsburgh's is strong. Thanks for bringing that one up.
Seth: Listening to Mos comments yesterday it kinda felt like Oli was on the hot seat do you think the win yesterday changes that?
DG: No. Oliver Marmol will tell you it's been that way for awhile. A losing season does that in ºüÀêÊÓƵ. And don't get lost in the fog of the extension. That was guarantee of more money, not necessarily time.
Cardinals are not in a spot where one win changes anything. They need wins, many of them, accumulated in bunches, to change things.
Albrownie: the only city connect I like is the Whte Sox--the stripes look like 1920 gangster suits.
DG: The Sox might be the best of them all, yes.
SiYol: How much longer are the Cardinals going to wait to make a move for a bat or a starter to take the offensive in the standings? Or are we going to have this same conversation at the deadline where its too late in the standings to make a push...
DG: You make a compelling point. The team is struggling in the standings and on the field, so where is one place where they could get an edge on their opponents, jump the line, and get a win -- a trade. That's a savvy thought. And we've already seen one move like that with San Diego. No surprise there. There are two things in play here. First, they would have to have the means to make the trade -- that is the talent that other teams want and that they're willing to move. At least one team has tried to trade for Ivan Herrera. Well, that's not happening now. If the Cardinals let teams know they'll listen on Jordan Walker, then there would be teams calling, for sure, and the Cardinals would be faced with the hesitation of seeing him rock in the middle of another team's lineup. But let's -- for sake of argument -- say they have the means to make the trade at this moment.
That brings us to the second thing.
Second, it would require a break from their usual M.O. They've become reluctant to overpay, and that's what it takes in season, especially this early in the season, and especially to jump ahead of the market. That said, maybe it's just that kind of jolt that regains an edge for them. Clearly it would be a change. And given the direction thus far of the season, a change -- in practice -- wouldn't be bad. It would be a risk. But they're already in last place. Maybe this is exactly where the change should start.
TomBruno23: Unsolicited PSA to anyone out there who loves baseball...you will love The Rawlings Experience at Westport.
DG: Hope to visit soon. Even this week.
tom: What day in June does the Chaim Bloom era begin?
DG: Hasn't it already? He's an employee. He's been asked to give influence and direction and an outside view of the Cardinals' approach. He advised them on some of the pitching moves made over the winter. Sure seems like his fingerprints should have shown up already, no?
Seth: do you think the cardinals would be interested in trading Helsley at the deadline? (Obviously if we’re where we were at record wise last year)
DG: They'll explore that if they're out of the running and going into sell mode. They'll look to get a big return on him, yes.
DCG: DG, In your recent BPIB, you noted the recent struggles with the Cardinals being able to "level up" hitters. I did a deep dive over the weekend, and, actually, this is not a new phenomenon. Consider: During the DeWitt era, the number of players the Cardinals have drafted and developed and had at least one .800 OPS season for them (min. 400 ABs) is nine (AP, MCarp, Craig, Molina, Rasmus, Piscotty, Gorman, Drew, and, believe it or not, Ankiel). Telling is that only five have at least two more more of such seasons. Five! in nearly 30 years. For perspective, in the last 10 years, the Dodgers have had 9 homegrown .800 OPS players. The Braves had 4 on their roster last year alone. To get to 9, go back 13 seasons (compared to 28 for the Cardinals). Even crazier: if you add players whom the Cardinals acquired as minor leaguers, it only ups the total by ONE (O'Neill). I think having only 5 players whom they've developed reproduce an .800 season in 28 years is rather alarming, especially with the best franchises accomplishing the same in a fraction of the time.
DG: Excellent research. I did not have time in this chat to dig in for the same research, but you've illustrated well something we've looked at before re: the need for an impact bat and the lack of them coming from within the organization. Part of this definitely reflects two things: 1) Not drafting high. So, no Schwarber or Bryant or Bregman available, for example. Clearly that doesn't hinder the Dodgers. So ... 2) Not hitting -- no pun intended -- on high-dollar international signings, and then not bidding on the highest dollar international signings. This is an area where the Dodgers have just put their pocketbook to work, and it's an area where Atlanta has thrived, seriously. For the Cardinals, it's probably No. 2 that has the most influence on why they've not had that impact bat. The late Oscar Taveras was expected to be that player, as we all know.
The research you've done here dovetails with the actions we see. They trade for Goldschmidt and Arenado to be the pillars in the middle of the order. They didn't have the power in the system that they craved, so they traded for O'Neill. Remember they traded for Lane Thomas, too. I really think that for too long the conversation has been about the ones who got away and thrived. The question must be why have the Cardinals not been able to "scale up" the hitters who stayed. We're watching to see if they do it with Nootbaar, Burleson, Donovan, Winn, Walker, and company. This is a talented group. But if they plateau -- the Cardinals have a bigger issue than last place.
Craig: I would argue they need a starter more than bat. Mikolas has struggled and any combo of Matz/Liberatore/Thompson is simply not good. This offense should come around, based on precedent. Why not give themselves another top starter...haven't we had this conversation before :)
DG: We have. We will again. Pitching is a perpetual pursuit.
Georgia Cardinal fan: This has been discussed but nothing seems to change re: the Cardinals' talent evaluation specifically the personnel. The club has rose-colored glasses when it comes to their home-grown and acquired prospects going back at least 9-10 years. Piscotty, Grichuk, Jay, Bader, Descalso, Dejong, Carlson, etc. Mediocre at best but it appears no front-office/couting/evaluation accountability? So different than the Cardinals used to be. Any idea what Michael Girsch's role is? Is he a legitimate Gm talent? Any hope for a trade of any substance? Happen to think Arraez would've been a good addition even if it cost Gorman. Thanks.
DG: A lot to unpack here. You are correct -- that isn't going to change about talent evaluation, not for the Cardinals and not around the league. I'm not sure how much you follow the other 29 clubs. But they're all really optimistic about their prospects. I don't know of single club that only comments on how bad their prospects are. That would a) be a bad way to tell ownership how you're doing on the job and b) not really do much for the fans. Also, as we've discussed before, it's easy to be optimistic about prospects because they haven't failed yet. So, what exactly would you be hinging these poor, downplay reviews on, exactly? You have successfully described how 30 teams go about looking at their prospects because that's the game ...
It's not any different than the Cardinals used to be or any different than the other teams are.
If I misunderstood what you're trying to convey about this, or you have an example of how the Cardinals "used to be" -- because the biggest difference just seems to be that they used to get results. And the also the minors weren't covered all that well. That doesn't change that internally there was a lot of hype more than 20 years ago for the 13th-round hitter who vaulted from Class A to Class AAA in a season.
Michael Girsch is the general manager of the Cardinals. He is No. 2 in command in baseball operations. He is heavily involved in player signings, trades, and also oversees a lot of the analytics and advancements. He works closely with Mozeliak, No. 1 in charge of baseball ops, when it comes to making offers, talking with agents, and structuring deals and contracts. An anecdotal example: Girsch orchestrated the trade for Jordan Montgomery from the Yankees.
Finally, I get the sense that you didn't come to the chat looking for hope.
Sue: Oli Marmol says he welcomed Daniel Descalso to his coaching staff, even if Descalso may be considered as a future replacement for him. Do you think John Mozeliak feels the same way about Chaim Bloom? I would assume Bloom has Mozeliak's ear, but does he have Mr. DeWitt's? Thanks for taking my question.
DG: Yep. That's how the hiring has been explained and presented. DeWitt and Mozeliak both, independently, thought about the benefit of hiring Bloom -- to bring in an outside voice and looked into it. They arrived at that spot, and, yes, both welcome input from him.
Walt: Rockies/ Mountains like the license plates😀
DG: I dig them. That green is my favorite color.
Ben S.: Where is Yadi?
DG: Let me check Instagram. Hold on.
I believe he's with his basketball team in Puerto Rico.
Jrmomo1000: Do you think they need to get rid of the veterans and play the young players and what about the management
DG: I do not, no. They need to win. It's pretty bottom line around here. They need to win and win a bunch and win regularly. And they should make decisions through that lens. Yes, that will require the veterans playing better.
Millo Miller: DG, before Luis Arraez was traded to SD, do you know if Mo inquired about his availability, or did he take a pass on him?
DG: I do not know if there was some 11th hour involvement by the Cardinals. I doubt it, though. This is what I do know: The Padres had been trying to make that deal for months. They were aggressive and they were very interested in specifically acquiring that player. They pursued and pursued and pursued. The Cardinals did not show past interest in acquiring Arraez. I don't have reason to believe they did ahead of the trade to San Diego -- only that San Diego was the team pushing for the deal. I doubt there were other teams involved than those two, honestly.
TomBruno23: 87-117 since Helsley entered Top 9 against Philadelphia.
DG: Also 562-508 since Cubs won a World Series.
That's regular season.
4-11 in the playoffs.
Cherokee: Do you think a loss yesterday in Milwaukee would have prompted change in either the front office or the manager position? It feels like we're approaching rock bottom.
DG: I did not get that sense, no. Full disclosure: I was not there in Milwaukee -- so my reporting, my view was not from the ground there. My colleague Lynn Worthy had excellent coverage and I read, like I hope many of you did, the comments from Marmol when asked about his job security.
Jojo Disco: Unless Nootbaar turns things around and/or Walker returns and tears it up, is it time for the Cards to go get a veteran anchor for the OF for 2025? We can’t go through another cycle like Bader/Carlson/O’Neill where we are just waiting and waiting
DG: And yet they do. Yearly.
Joe B: I have a question about the Cards' inability to develop a homegrown hitter. Is it the ballparks? For so long we've heard that Roger Dean is a bad place to hit, so it seems like those numbers are discounted. But it appears that the ballparks in AA and AAA are BETTER places to hit, but those numbers are not discounted. Busch famously is more like Roger Dean than Hammons Field. Should the organization be putting more stock into who can hit in Roger Dean?
DG: They actually do, yes. They always have, really. Looking back at Colby Rasmus and the reviews of his advancement, and scouts/evaluators would talk about what they saw from him there that hinted at what he could do as he advanced -- and then what he did with all the doubles in Springfield. For more than 20 years the Cardinals have also normalized the stats internally so that they can compare hitters from ballpark to ballpark, and not just their ballparks, but the other professional ballparks and college parks around the game. This was one of the projects that Mejdal had a role in all those years ago as the Cardinals sought to better understand and scout talent at all levels of college baseball. They wanted to have park factors as part of the evaluation. So, this has been going on for a long time -- and the data they have internally is far better than what you or I could pull up. The approach you're describing has been in place for a long time now.
Tommy Pham: Not to be that guy, but the list of Cardinals hitters who were either drafted or began acquired as minor leaguers and posted a season OPS above .800 at least 1 time is higher than previously discussed. I have Pujols, Pham, Matt Carpenter, Aledmys Diaz, Allen Craig, Paul DeJong, Rick Ankiel, Stephen Piscotty, Colby Ramus, JD Drew, Gorman, and Molina as drafted and O'Neill, Freese and Jose Martinez as acquired as minor leaguers
DG: Thanks for being "that guy." I welcome the backcheck on the research. It remains a compelling and present challenge for the team.
John: Thank you for your great work covering the season despite the results! I remember earlier in the year you reported that the Cardinals were undergoing an audit of sorts on their minor league pitchers, is that audit still ongoing? is there any known results that have come from that?
DG: Thank you for the kind words. It is, yes. At last check, they've had some changes -- including the use of pitchers in new roles, out of relief and into the rotation. At the highest level, that was done with Pallante. At Class AA, that was done with Edwin Nunez, as an example. We are also seeing more breaking balls and off-speed pitches thrown by Cardinals minor-leaguers and an emphasis on developing sliders, as an example. In general, the pitch mix has shifted throughout the lower affiliates and, overall, fewer fastballs.
LawBird: Good afternoon, DG. Apologies if I've missed it, but has there been any update on Packy Naughton's injury status? I don't recall seeing anything regarding him since spring.
DG: Good question. At last check, he's in the early spring training-like stages of his return.
Lu: Maybe because they were some of the first ones, but the Nationals City Connect jersey's are flawless
DG: They are indeed great, and I am disappointed that they are retiring them. They should keep them.
JohnB.: What do you make of the stat that the Cardinals are pulling the ball less often than most other teams? Is that just a reflection of them having several players who hit the ball to the opposite field frequently (Gorman, Goldy, Contreras) or a sign that there is something wrong with their offensive philosophy that is contributing to their decreased power?
DG: It is something that hitters have openly discussed because of the ballpark they call home. Busch Stadium is a factor. Nolan Arenado, for example, has discussed that. It doesn't always reward the pull-side power, especially for right-handed hitters.
DCG: I applaud "Tommy Pham's" correction on my oversights re: .800 OPS hitters. That said, in some ways, it reinforces my point. Of those I whiffed on (DeJong, Martinez, Diaz, Freese, and Pham), only Pham repeated his .800 OPS as a Cardinal. Also, I didn't add minor-league acquisitions to the totals of the Dodgers or Braves. Just originally drafted/signed players.
DG: This is real-time research happening in the chat, and it is all forwarding the conversation that should be happening around and within the Cardinals.
Travis: To continue my point - less than 10% of the total salary is on "home grown" talent (assuming you don't count Lynn because it's his second trip through) - there isn't another contending team that could survive with that kind of result. Another 25M in payroll doesn't solve the problems, you need a very drastic change in vision on how you identify and develop young players.
DG: Push back if you wish. But I don't see the "identify" as an issue. They clearly identify the talent. There are examples on the roster and on other rosters -- you know them by heart now -- for how the Cardinals identified talent. Development is where the focus and question rest.
TomBruno23: How is that Robert Butler and his Performance Department doing these days?
DG: Dr. Robert Butler left the Cardinals this past offseason. The Performance Department continues under new guidance, with some of it split so that individuals are now in charge specific areas within the larger department.
New guidance might be the wrong phrase there. The people now overseeing elements of the department were already in place -- so it's a new structure, not new people. Sorry for the confusion there. New structure, not new people.
Sue: I've heard a local radio fellow say more than once thar both Dylan Carlson and Jordan Walker have been reluctant to follow some of the directions they've received from the coaching staff - that Carlson doesn't work hard enough in the off-season, and that Walker was not taking suggestions on his swing. I've not seen anything about this in the PD. So I am assuming that you aren't getting that same information because you would have reported it by now? Or did I just miss it in the paper? Thanks.
DG: I have not heard those reports. I do not know the source of those comments or the source of that information. You don't have to assume. We report what we can confirm. If you don't see it in the newspaper it's either because we cannot yet confirm it or it's not the case. It would be a waste of our readers' time if we spent our days chasing and shooting down every assumption or legend belched online. It's better for the readers if we spend time that reporting and developing solid, accountable stories and trust that readers know the difference and what it means when they cannot find something repeated in the chat, at this site, or in the pages of the Post-Dispatch.
I know first hand, from multiple sources, what I've seen, and my own conversations with the individual hitters, that the details you describe are false.
Ryan: Do you believe in age regression when it comes to athletics?
DG: Are you asking if I believe in Father Time? Yes, I believe in Father Time. We have -- what? -- a human existence worth of data on this subject, right?
TomBruno23: You know there is one local baseball club at the top of the table in their league...the SLU Billikens. 15-6 A-Top the A-10.
DG: And a coach with his 1,000th win.
Jrmomo1000: How is walker doing at AAA
DG: He's hit .326 and 11 of his 14 hits have been singles. He's getting the ball in the air more than when he was last there. He has a solid on-base percentage of .388. All three of his extra-base hits have been doubles. The work continues for him -- but this tracks with what we discussed on a recent BPIB about just letting that average soar. He hits the ball hard and that's going to create some singles for him on the ground and raise his average up, up, up. Over time the SLG will follow.
Kevin in DC: Derrick, it seems like the perfect storm of veterans declining and young players not performing. I think we created a gap by trading Arozarena/releasing Garcia, who could be the mainstays of the offense right now. We are missing the middle guys in their prime. That’s on management.
DG: Would they have received the playing time with the Cardinals needed to show the talent they have had elsewhere? I'm skeptical that would be the case. The approach/trends here suggest they would not have had that opportunity.
Jackie: We keep hearing Bill Dewitt III and Mozeliak characterize "rebuilding" as "tanking." Do you see a difference? Because rebuilding in the proper sense insinuates a larger long-term plan writ large, and while tanking could be a part of that plan, it does not necessarily need to be.
DG: I see the nuance in what you're saying, sure. But that's because you've taken the time to explain it. For many, those two things are interchangeable. One is a euphemism for the other. Same thing with "retooling" or "rebooting" -- they all have some little accepted inference. Having talked with both executives about this -- if they had a chance to explain it, like you have, they'd echo your view. There is a difference. They have both said they don't think the brand and the fanbase has a "stomach" for either -- a dramatic tank or a complete rebuild, whichever way you want to present it. That's because, even as you lay out the difference, there is one thing both of those approaches include: A time when by design they will not be contending.
(Some, ahem, could argue they've been forced into that time and not done any rebuilding with it.)
Jack: Is this what happens when ownership sets its goals no higher than to compete in baseball’s worst division all the while missing the signs that every other team in the division is getting better?
DG: I don't believe they missed the signs that other teams were also getting better. The Cardinals believed their moves would pay off more.
Rob in St. Charles: Derrick, I see in the chat questions about replacing Oli. That's not going to happen. Mo would be hiring his 3rd manager in 5 years. Mo should be the next to go. Everything has a shelf life. Mo's has expired I believe. I've been watching Cards baseball for almost 60 years and I can't recall a POBO or GM being booed on Opening Day.
I stand by the reporting and writing here, from October 2021: "Two out, pressure’s on: After firing his second homegrown, hand-picked manager, Mozeliak’s next choice a defining one for Cardinals."
Joliet Dave: City connect Jersey?? I see absolutely no reason to sway from the Traditional Birds on the Bat. Improve the team, not mess with uni’s.
DG: As long as there is a market for new looks and new jerseys, Nike will make them.
Jordan: Since around the first series of the 2023 season, the players look visibly stressed, pressing. Yes, players are accountable for their own performance. But, is it possible the tone/messaging in the clibhas created a stressful environment that may be a big factor in the team’s performance the past two seasons?
DG: The pressure is real in ºüÀêÊÓƵ. And it's not new. And it's not for everyone. Players who come from other markets -- yes, this includes New York -- have described that. Not too long ago I spoke with a former Met about the difference between pressure there with the size of the city and the questions about what could go wrong vs. the pressure in ºüÀêÊÓƵ with the size of the attention and the focus on did they win that day. There is a college football-like pressure at times. That's why I've joked in the past after a loss that the Cardinals won't be going to the Rose Bowl. And whether you believe it or not that comes from the brand, from above, from the media, from the fans, and from all of the attention that is fixated on the Cardinals and that daily drumbeat of did they win today. They are the sports centerpiece of the city -- and part of the identity of the city. Their winning is, not just their existing is. Winning is the brand. I trust you wouldn't want it any other way.
You have hit on why Lance Lynn said what he said about "relaxing" to his teammates.
Ryan: What specifically did Shildt and MO disagree on. Minor league players ability, payroll, pitching, organization direction, his staff? I don’t recall ever seeing what actually was the reason for dismissal besides “ philosophical differences “.
Ken: Hi Derrick. We were watching Mikolas pitch against the Metropolitans last week ( it was brutal) . I told my wife Mikolas is a better pitcher than this . Absolutely no question he must be tipping his pitches. Sure enough Kieth Hernandez tweeted ( or whatever you call it ) he was tipping his curveball. Seems like someone should have picked that up . I’ve heard J Edmonds notice that from pitchers from time to time on the broadcasts.
DG: I asked Miles Mikolas about this. He said that wasn't his opinion or what he thought happened. He went back and looked -- whether he was tipping his curveball, or giving off an indication on whether he was going hard (fastball) or soft (off-speed). He seemed skeptical that was the case. The Cardinals have coaches and some players specifically assigned to watch for this during games. They have had that for years. Ryan Franklin and Jim Edmonds are two of the best I've been around at picking it up -- and then helping a teammate to solve it. Rather than tipping, Mikolas felt that he was falling into some sequences that gave him away, but that the bigger issue was the execution of the pitches to location. He gave an example of a Nimmo home run -- where he meant to get the pitch closer to the hitter, where the bat would swing over it, and instead put the pitch right in the swing path where Nimmo crushes it.
Tommy Pham: I posted a .931 OPS with 444 at bats in 2017
DG: One of the best years in recent memory by a homegrown Cardinals outfielder.
john clark: Does your observation on the FO reluctance to overpay include the last several extensions for meh results? The Brewer FO is running rings around the Cards by having a better group of players at a lower cost.
DG: I was speaking more specifically about trades, not extensions or contracts. Yes, the Brewers are doing more with less, and that is one of the things that doesn't get brought up enough, to me. The Cardinals are headed toward their highest payroll ever. They've had back-to-back years here where they were on track to spend more than $200 million on the roster for the first time in club history. And what has that gotten them? So far, last place.
Millo Miller: Listening to Ollie on the radio yesterday, you can sense his frustration. He has basically tried everything he can do offensively as a manager, but nothing works. And as baseball goes in cycles, I can see the offense picking up but at the same time a step back by the bullpen and the top 3 starters. He's caught between a rock and a hard place right now. The mission for this team is to somehow get to .500 by July 1 and then worry about where you are in the playoff picture. Is that how you see it?
DG: I'm not sure there's the patience to see where they are on July 1. This is the month they needed to make a move. It's not gone well for them so far. They need to put together a run of wins -- and you've outlined it well. The lack of offense has put them in such a bind because they haven't created a lead for a top bullpen to hold, they haven't rewarded the starts that they needed last year to contend. And, yes, at any point one of the other legs of the chair could get wobbly and the offense definitely hasn't shown that it can carry a team for a few innings, let alone a few weeks. They need a surge just to get in the neighborhood of .500, which is probably implied by your question, and that has to happen before July 1. That's just my view.
CO Redbird: I like the Red's and the Diamondback jerseys
JohnB.: My thought on the City Connect jerseys is that they aren't made for middle aged guys like me who prefer the classic uniforms of the Cardinals, Yankees, Tigers, Dodgers, etc.
DG: And that's OK.
cbow: Most that I've seen remind me of something you see in a weekend softball league
DG: What kind of posh softball league are you hanging out around?
Marlon Taylor: I like a few of them such as Atlanta, San Diego and the Angels.
TomBruno23: Mostly fine is about right, although I am 47 year old suburban father so not really the target demo. My kids (12, 10, 8) love seeing all of the different varieties that are out there and cannot wait to see STL's. Personally, Seattle's is my favorite.
DG: I dig the Mariners', for sure.
Mike: Apologizes if you've covered this before...Is the collective hitting problems this team are facing a result of a chance in hitting philosophy?
DG: It is not. Not from what I can tell, or from the answers we're getting to the questions about what's gone sideways. It is very much individualized.
Millo Miller: Derrick, do you think that Mike Siani will hang with the team? He's starting to hit a little, plays excellent defense, and brings that element of small ball that is drastically needed. And he was inches from going yard yesterday.
DG: Yes. He's done well, elbowed his way into a role and more playing time, and he's a gifted fielder at a position of need for the Cardinals as long as Tommy Edman is on the IL.
Zaidin31: Did Jobu bust the slump, or did they do it themselves?
DG: I'm not sure how much credit he deserves. He was there during the losing streak -- for all those games, too.
riskrow: Good Morning Derrick, as of today's standings we are 1.5 games better than we were at this time last year. We would have to win 65 of the remaining 122 games to finish with a .500 record. I don't see us coming close to that with the way this team is structured at the moment. Do you think we will be looking at a lot of changes before the trade deadline if we continue on this same pace we are at right now?
DG: Yes, it will be another sell-off. And it could be busier and more dramatic given the goal of the team would be to hasten a rebuild forced upon them.
Marlon Taylor: Hi Derrick, I really appreciate your reporting. My question is about Jordan Walker and his development. From the clips that I’m seeing, he’s still hitting a lot of hard ground balls. Do you know if they are actively working on him hitting for more damage or are they just letting him work through it on his on?
DG: They and he are actively working on his swing, yes. He is getting some positive feedback with that average and don't discount the need to see some results, any results, and the power of those for a hitter. He needed some feedback on the field. But, yes, he and they are actively working on that adjustment to his swing and it comes over time. It didn't happen overnight for other power hitters. For some it happened in college with a metal bat against college-level pitching. For Walker, it's with a wood bat against pros at the two highest levels of the game.
Mark: DG, what is your sense on the management's feeling of the starting pitching staff, both for the current season and next year? Do they still feel confident that we can make the playoffs with the current group, or does it need to be added to/subtracted from? Thanks as always.
DG: Interesting question -- and quite a curveball from many others in here. Entering the season, it was clear that that the Cardinals believed they would have to add to the rotation during this season (either from a prospect arriving or a trade to fortify) and that there would also have to be then additional moves for 2025. The contracts were structured that way. Gibson and Lynn have options for 2025. So the team could go for the encore or move on, pending performance and direction. Or, if they're even on the team when the season ends. But, yes, the Cardinals are not going to be able to fill out a rotation without some outside addition along the way here before opening day 2025.
TomBruno23: This 2024 club's .120 ISO is currently sitting 28th of 29th teams in The DeWitt Era (1996-2024) ahead of only the 2014 team's .116. And that team went to the LCS (famously, they even won a game in the LCS) so how about that!
DG: Entering the weekend series in Milwaukee, the Cardinals were hitting .217 as a team -- which would be the lowest batting average for any team in the past 101 seasons. They upped that average to .220 over four days in Wisconsin. Still, it would be the lowest average for a Cardinals team since at least 1924. The lowest team average in that span for a full season (non-strike, non-pandemic) is .236. To raise their average to that area, the Cardinals will need to hit .241 from here.
DDMN: Did you listen to the comments by BD3 on the Kilcoyne Conversation? What are your thoughts on his discourse on fan angst and comments about boycotting to send a message to ownership?
DG: I have not, yet. I will. Post-Dispatch staff writer Austin Huguelet and myself had a lengthy conversation with Bill DeWitt III a few weeks ago. The information in that conversation led to several articles, but most notably the one Austin wrote about the plan for Busch Stadium and the newsworthy explanation DeWitt gave about the ballpark being a 100-year fixture in downtown, the Fenway for generations in the distance future, if you will. That is going to take upkeep. For sure.
If you're a longtime reader -- either in the chat or in print or on social media -- I have often advocated for consumer activism. That's because you've seen it work. The Cardinals were stunned by a playoff game that was not a sell-out. Mozeliak specifically mentioned ticket sales and flagging fan support as a driver for the Arenado trade. That's on the field. Consider the most obvious response the Cardinals have given to fans not purchasing tickets -- more stuff when you purchase tickets. The team's giveaways are all geared to sell tickets and when you see more of them, that's a direct response to wanting to sell more tickets and adding something to them when just the game isn't enough.
Donald N: Derrick, Nolan Arenado side steps a double play ball against the Mets and then tries a tag and through rather than an easy 5-4-3 DP in Milwaukee. What gives with his defensive mind set? Thanks for your hard work and expertise. Donald
DG: He's trying to end the losing streak, win the game, get the team back, grab momentum, inspire -- all in that moment, all at once. That's how he is comfortable leading -- with the great play that lifts a team, and he's trying to do it all at once right there.
His mindset is aggressive and to attempt every play because that is what has made him among the greatest third basemen to handle the position -- he often pulls the play off.
TomBruno23: $5 on Stubhub to get into this Friday night's game against Boston. Sign O' The Times.
DG: That is astonishing.
Cannot say it's a school night.
Though, there are graduations that night and the next day throughout the area.
Ryan: MO has had a heck of a run. I have to believe he wants to get this fixed or this really tarnishes his resume' if his last 2 or 3 years before leaving were all spent in last place. Bad look.
DG: It may not be coming through his radio appearances or TV spots, but in conversations with him during spring, that motivation was clear. How it manifests ...
South City Steve: DeWitt has said that he expects Mozeliak to finish out his two-year extension that runs through 2025. Is that without exception? DeWitt has allowed the likes of Wainwright and Molina to go out on their own terms rgeardless of fading perfromance, will Mo get that same treatment?
DG: That is DeWitt's preference, yes.
Jack: Has there been interest from either side in bringing in Jim Edmonds as a coach or advisor? I know he's a controversial figure in the booth, but his knowledge of the game is undeniable.
DG: Ah, the Edmonds question. I should have this copy-pasted by now. They spoke to him about it. And you know where this is going. The time commitment is not appealing to him. Coaches work long hours. They travel. They are there every day. That is not his schedule with the TV broadcast.
Capstone: Cards have been determined to establish a pitching lab but it is a snail in molasses
DG: They have the tech and essentially a mobile one. They're adding to that. They have repurposed some areas in Jupiter to act as this too. They're not at zero anymore. Haven't been for a few years. And it was very present each of the past two spring trainings.
Houston cardinal: Dgoold, have teams started poaching the coaching staff and front office of the Braves yet? That organization seems to be able to take any minor leaguer and turn him into a productive major leaguer. Seems like what the Cardinals were back around 2013
DG: The Cardinals are facing a former Atlanta coach tonight. He's the manager of the Angels.
Bruce51: Mr. Goold: Did you notice the players played better yesterday after Marmol left the dugout? Hint, hint.
DG: What a fascinating time to be alive. One day, the most vocal fans are saying the team needs to show more fire and the manager needs to get thrown out of a game to motivate the team to win. That happens. And the next day, a different group of fans becomes vocal and suggests that they only won one because "hint, hint" he wasn't in the dugout. Can't win at all.
The tail is always wagging the dog these days.
Houston cardinal: Dgoold,
DG: Houston? Do you have a problem?
(Couldn't resist.)
mikemk: Is there any chance of the cardinals letting Bally streaming carry the Cardianls like they do the Blues?
DG: Yes.
South City Steve: Are the Cardinals the worst organization in sports over the last decade when it comes to handing out 2-year extensions?
DG: No.
Sammy: Has the team considered bringing in a psychiatrist? It seems many players are over-analyzing everything and its "paralysis by analysis". This collective team between the ears seems really off, their own individual struggles supercede the team goals and it shows in the standings
DG: The Cardinals, like almost every professional team, have specialists available for the players, and the Cardinals have long worked with sports psychologists and mental trainers. They have one staff who is around the team regularly.
eddie: regarding the city connect uniforms coming up. i sure hope they don't have "the Lou" anywhere on these uniforms as it means toilet in british english. hate that terminology for ºüÀêÊÓƵ and it's unfortunately the state of the cardinals right now. in the crapper....
DG: Toilet in the UK is actually spelled "loo" so it shouldn't be an issue when you see it.
Did not expect to have to explain that in today's chat. But, the chat always surprises.
Ben S.: I understand that it's easier to have a loose, fun clubhouse when a team is winning, but it just doesn't seem like there's a lot of joy in the dugout, even back to the start of the season. I'm not saying we need to throw sausages or wear samurai hats after HRs, but......maybe we do? Is this just a reflection of the players on the roster and their personalities (or lack thereof), or the team's philosophy (The Cardinal Way)?
DG: It's a reflection of both, and also some recency bias. They did have a hamburger phone not too long ago. That was a thing for a hot minute. They had an oversized pepper grinder for a few days -- but then the losing started and it just didn't seem all that fun to them. They have the Jobu statue that appears every so often. But, no, they don't have a trident or a summer sausage.
Ryan: Since we were told about all the grit and determination Lynn brings to the team all winter, can they go get Pham for the same reasons plus he has a 123 OPS+. He's another one they should've hung on to.
DG: He agrees with you.
Jackie: Your colleague, Jeff Gordon stated last week in his chat that Carlson was "rushed" back prematurely in his opinion due to "desperation." This appears mostly consistent with Carlson's public comments since his return in as much as he has stated that he never got to do any weight bat drills prior to his return, did not get any at bats vs LHP prior to his return, which is his bread and butter, and did not feel he had his timing prior to his return. What is your read on this situation? He is 0 for 16 since his return without a single barreled ball.
DG: You and Jeff covered it well. He's being asked to rehab on the job because the team thought that he was the best option doing that vs. who else was available. Tells you about the bind they feel they're in.
eddie: sorry but the lou and the loo are way too similar.
DG: In the same way Gould and Goold are. Which is to say, they're not.
Unless they're spoken, not written.
TomBruno23: That note from BenFred about Pham showing up to Jupiter looking for a job and being turned down...man...
DG: Yep.
Patrick: DG, given that all we have seen from the team regarding jupiter improvements is "delay delay delay" and then the cubs / cards series in Arizona, are they positioning for a move here instead of a refurb of Jupiter?
DG: They have more than $100 million in construction approved and set to begin there. Some of it has already taken place (the hitting barn, for example). Doesn't seem like they're delaying to move -- and if not for a permit issue they would have had construction underway already.
Dewitt's (deleted): "Though, there are graduations that night and the next day throughout the area." That's a reach. This team is horrid. Coaching is horrid. The bow tie and Dewitt brain trust is horrid. They refuse to see the error of their ways. Adjust the way build a team. I personally believe they doubled down on how they want the team run and it has back fired. Too many coaches has left and seen success. Too many players have left and have seen success. So sad. My grandfather would be embarrassed.
DG: (sigh)
I wasn't being serious about the graduations. They are happening. That's not why tickets are cheap. C'mon.
Ed AuBuchon: Enough with the soccer jerseys we have a baseball problem.
DG: They're called kits.
Ed AuBuchon: You can tell I'm not a soccer fan.
DG: I had not noticed.
South City Steve: Thoughts on Matz talking his way into his last start despite being physically compromised? Do they ever learn?
DG: It is -- and this has been true and will be true again, and we'll have this discussion in 10 years above another player, probably -- important for a coach to trust a player. The coach cannot crawl inside the player and experience what he's experiencing, and thus must create an open exchange so that there can be trust. That is true for the reliever who says he can go and true for the reliever who says he's fatigued and cannot go. That is true for the hitter who has a sore shoulder but insists he can give a competitive at-bat. The coach has to trust the player and then use that info knowing that how much the player trusts the coach/manager will be part of that decision, too. Remember Scott Rolen at Shea Stadium in 2006? Remember how he insisted that he could change the game defensively and just wanted his manager to trust him, trust that he could do something with the sore shoulder? This is that same dilemma. Different outcomes.
Travis: Mr. Goold, can you describe how far extension talks got with Paul Goldschmidt before and during Spring Training? While things may certainly turn around, it seems like a very good non-move at the moment.
DG: An expression of mutual interest. And then a discussion on not doing it during spring training. An agreement that during the season they would revisit those talks.
That's where it went.
Dewitt's (deleted): Then why mention it? Sigh.
DG: Because my kid is graduating.
I'm not going to apologize for having that on my mind. Hope you understand. I'm quite proud.
TomBruno23: Managing is very hard...
DG: He should try chatting.
I kid. I kid. I kid.
He shouldn't, just as I shouldn't orchestrate a double-switch.
Dewitt's (deleted): Ok. Calm down dude. Seemed like you were getting defensive for being called out on something. You didn't mention your kid before. Don't appreciate you trying to act like I did anything wrong by questioning it. Congrats for the graduation. Exciting day. Go back to being triggered.
DG: I didn't ask for your appreciation. I know better.
You tried a gotcha. Got caught. Moving on.
Dave: Can you provide more info on Contreras injury and surgery? Was there any damage to his wrist bones or joint? Were both bones in his forearm broken or just one?
DG: The details came in Milwaukee, where my colleague Lynn Worthy reported on them. He fractured one of the bones in the forearm, not both. Surgery put a plate in. The damage was to the forearm. Strength and recovery from that will, yes, involve the hands, grip, wrist, and all of that. But the break and the surgery was for the forearm.
Bret German: I’m squinting as much as I can but can’t see a way out of this bind anytime soon for the Cards. With Goldschmidt’s contract expiring at the end of the year or time with STL possibly expiring in July via trade, do think a 1B glove will be in Jordan Walker’s future? May make sense to start the reps now in Memphis.
DG: As he advanced in the minors and arrived in the majors, scouts/evaluators all saw him as a future corner outfielder. That would have to change for them to put him at first base. It's an interesting question, just not sure he'd be there ahead of Gorman or Burleson. And the view was that his future was in the corner outfield spot.
Travis: As we are getting closer and closer to the draft, are there any names in particular that the Cardinals seem to be circling around with that high pick in the first round?
DG: Good question. I think it's come up in recent chats. I am starting to get some clarity on this and will in the next week or so have a better answer for you. Keep an eye on Wake Forest. There are three or four players of interest there.
Walt: Maybe I'm unnecessarily concerned about Libby starting and relieving. Would the pitches he threw Friday be similar to what a SP throws during side sessions?
DG: Yep. That's a good way of looking at it.
Sammy: Why the early noon start on Sunday with Red Sox?
DG: It's part of the new rights package -- it's actually the debut of the new rights package with Roku. So instead of being on Peacock, as before, it is now another streaming service. It's free if you have an internet connection. The best part, honestly, is that if you pay for MLB-TV, none of the Roku games will be blackouts. That's a step in the right direction. Still, all blackouts should be gone.
Taguchi99: Hi Derrick, any word on Tommy Edman? Last I saw he was hitting off a tee from both sides and would progress "as normal". Could you give us a timeline of his next steps and when we might see him go out on a rehab assignment? Thank you!
DG: He's going through that hitting progression to build strength and, yes, it's a slower ramp up pace than, say, a player would do in the offseason to get ready for spring training. There will be more information available today on his progress, so you've caught me just before I get clearer details on that timetable. He was, within two weeks here, expected to face some pitching at pace. Not sure if that was off a machine or the step beyond that -- which is facing pitchers in a live BP setting. All of that will come before a rehab assignment.
Jackie: Please explain why (Jordan Walker) had less than 30 starts in the OF in the minors prior to being called off than. There was significantly more divergence in opinion of what his natural position would be in the majors by scouts/evaluators than you have eluded. Many scouts and evaluators had him projected as a corner infielder. Several of these scouting opinions are still available online. Jordan himself has been quoted as stating that he never played outfield in travel ball or high school prior to being drafted, and his minor league numbers indicate that he only played outfield the last month of AA in 2022 before making the team the next spring in 2023.
DG: It's common for teams to have a player play the most at the most demanding position on the defensive spectrum as much as possible and let the performance determine when the player moves. That's why, for example, you'll see a young outfielder play center field all the way coming up through the system, even if that player projects to be a corner outfielder. Why not find out in the minors if he can play the more demanding defensive position? That's how DeJong moved to shortstop and how Mercado moved to center. And that's where Walker was at third base. He was playing there as long as he could and then there's the other part -- as long as the Cardinals could see him fit there. That became less likely with Arenado at third. Donovan. Gorman. Etc. Yes, there were scouting reports that had him as a corner infielder. I imagine those were going into the draft, though I am not certain which reports you're referencing. Yes, Walker did not play OF at travel ball, again, for the reasons above. A lot of second baseman or outfielders in pro ball never played anywhere but shortstop when they were the best player on the team. They move. They find the spot that fits them. There were many scouts/evaluators who believed that would be a corner outfield spot for Walker, given his size and the positions played by similar players with that frame and his arm strength.
Peter: To piggyback on the misuse of Liberatore and Thompson topic - Why aren't we seeing Robberse and others from AAA that were supposed to provide the depth the team lacked last season? Liberatore was doing well in the pen, which is a strength for the team, and now they're detracting from that strength in a way that has a snowball effect on the following games.
DG: It's a great question given how well Robberse has pitched in the minors. One element of this decision is definitely a tell on how long the Cardinals plan to be without a starter. The news of Matz not throwing a bullpen as scheduled shifts that a bit, so the answer could, too. But a short-term need is one reason they wouldn't dislodge Robberse from the schedule/routine just to make a cameo. Longer term? He'd be part of the discussion unless they don't believe his pitch profile will translate to the majors with the same success, and he's actively doing things right now at Class AAA to improve that and give him a better chance. Spoke to some evaluators recently about how Robberse has movement and command, and while he's not going to wow the radar gun, he's getting outings. A pitch-maker is how one scout put it, and he meant that as a high compliment.
Mike in KC: Overall, I am indifferent to the city connect jerseys. Mostly because so many of them are so boring. To me, the Rockies knocked it out of the park. Those are fantastic especially when worn with the green pants. Rays are excellent. Boston as well. Both Chicago teams did a decent job. Padres don't particularly suit my tastes, but I like that they tried something different. Most of the others are just okay. I think the Rangers, Royals, and Phillies are pretty bad.
DG: I like the fountain-inspired KC logo. That's a keeper.
pugger: Sorry if this has been asked before.. IF the Cardinals embrace at least a retool, could this work for them, in that they can legitimately put the young players in a position, then tell them "Your our __________, your going to play every day,don't worry about being pulled, benched, we believe in you." Couldn't that foster more players blossoming, reaching their potential? Example is Winn-- They just said "Your out guy, go do your best, we believe in you." Dont' you think that mindset helps young guys not stress out and look over their shoulders?? Thanks DG!!
DG: That is the approach they took with Masyn Winn last year when he was brought to the majors to close out there year. And this was also the approach they wanted to take with the outfield this year, specifically with Walker. He's the right fielder. Nootbaar in LF. Edman in CF. And to make that all work and not lean on Edman to be backup SS, too, they signed Crawford. This was the idea -- exactly as you outlined it. Commit the player. Tell them it's his job. And stick with him (rest/fatigue, permitting). The Cardinals' plan suggests they agree with you -- and that was their preference.
JJ: Alex Cora, a very good and proven big league manager, will likely be a free agent after the season. The BoSox haven't held any extension talks and it seems he isn't sure he wants to return. He'd be a great outside voice to lead the next phase for the Cardinals.
DG: Well, outside, but not too too outside. One of the last places he was as a player was with the Cardinals. He was in spring training. They talked to him about sticking around as a coach. It was one of Mike Matheny's first difficult conversations with a peer/player, telling Cora that there wasn't a place for him on the roster, but there was a spot for him as a coach if he wanted to make that move. He declined. This winter shapes up for an interesting offseason in the post-Counsell manager market. Cora and Schumaker are both going to be free agents, it appears. And Dodgers and Yankees both have high aspirations for this season ...
Billy: Derrick - Thanks for the chats! Is it possible for the Cardinals to be overcoached and overusing metrics? These are major league players, so how much more can they be taught? Seems like they need a voice that breaks it down to "See the ball, hit the ball!" Maybe I'm over simplifying!
DG: There's probably something to this -- and it's that part of the art of coaching. The coaches/manager take in all of the data and then form-fit it for individual players. They've got to get a read on who craves the most info, and who wants it in what form -- all metrics, detailed, or broader brushes and baseball lingo. Sonny Gray is going to want scouting reports one way, and Miles Mikolas is going to seek the same info but packaged in a different way. That's the skill of a coach. A lot of time that becomes getting it to the player as simple and direct as possible. See ball, hit ball? Not quite. Probably never was like that. Hitters always went to the plate knowing what kind of ball they were going to face from that pitcher. It's about informed instincts. That's what takes over.
ud: This response made me think. Who makes the decision to give Garcia or Arozarena and all the others like them the opportunity to sink or swim? It seemed like that was Schildt in Arozarena's case. And I wonder if Richie Palacios is another in this long line. At some point, if whoever is making these decisions chooses wrong too many times, the team has to find decision-makers who are less likely to make the wrong calls. You've swayed my opinion about Marmol, I still don't think he is the right guy for the job, but the losing is less on him than on the hitters who are old enough and experienced enough to filter out what they consider bad advice, but still can't hit their weight. But I'm less convinced that the front office deserves any absolution.
DG: The roster is, ultimately, the front office. It's not quite as church/state separate as it was years ago when Tony La Russa said the front office makes the roster, but he makes the lineup and chooses how to use it. His point was about the front office putting a pitcher on the roster that he didn't see a role for -- and how the pitcher could be there, but he didn't have to use him. Similarly a few years ago when Kolten Wong wasn't getting in the lineup much as the Cardinals searched and searched for offense and Mark Ellis got the starts at 2B. The front office didn't want Wong sitting on the bench as a young player so the manager's choice led to Wong being sent to Memphis to play more. There is much more collaboration on these decisions than that example lets on, and that has increased over time. But it still comes down to this -- manager makes the lineup and moves, front office makes the roster. Decisions like leaning hard into defense are going to be made a group, but the manager is the one who sticks to it. Mozeliak has said in the past -- and I find this interesting -- that he trusts the manager to have a feel for the players (who needs a day off, who is just off, etc.) and has to rely on the manager to make those calls with info the front office doesn't have because the manager is closer to the players.
Bk: I liked the Mets city connect unis
DG: I wish they would have taken the opportunity to use Queens somewhere on the uniform. They had that chance.
BradBaar: Please address DeWitt lll's comment that says your advice to the fans is illogical.
DG: I'll have a chance to listen to them later this evening. Haven't had that chance yet. Not sure how you could argue my "advice" is illogical. I outlined early the clear actions that are in response to fans support.
JavierFan: Hi Derrick. Thanks for the chat and thanks for all of your tweets that keep us informed. Enjoy the podcast as well. My question is if you perceive ownership reverting back to the ways of ownership attitudes toward the team from the 1970’s and the period between Gussies passing and the sale to the DeWitts.
DG: I don't see it that way. Bernie Miklasz and I recently talked about that on his show, and he offered far more detail than I could -- as I was not on the beat in the 1990s or, heck, the 1970s! I know from what I've researched and what I've learned from colleagues who were there. There was an austerity to the 1990s that isn't in play now. About the only thing that is similar is the result.
TomBruno23: I know a team OBP of .298 good for 27th in MLB is not good...however...has anyone ever told you that "Hitting is hard, Derrick."?
DG: I've heard that a few times over the years and many times in the span of 2 minutes, 45 seconds or something like that.
JohnB.: The Brewers look like the team that the Cardinals were supposed to be. Good #1 starter with depth in the rotation and bullpen and young prospects contributing. A lineup with a core in the middle but guys throughout the order who can do damage. Young prospects playing but not asked to do too much. How is it that the Brewers can do this and exceed expectations after losing their top 2 starters and 2 relievers and their manager but the Cardinals are flailing?
DG: That's an interesting way to put it. I like the phrasing. A lot of truth to it. The Brewers are the team that the Cardinals thought they'd be, but the Cardinals also thought they'd be built upon MVP-caliber corner infielders, too. The Brewers are excellent at roster churn -- and they've been quite good at pitching development and deployment. I am guilty of downplaying those aspects when looking at what I thought was going to be a pitching shortfall in Wisconsin. It's a really interesting contrast between these two NL Central clubs because the Brewers don't have the pressure to contend every year, and yet they have adopted that as the goal. When the Brewers made the trade for Yelich, one of the things an official with their team told me was they could be patient to "get the guy we wanted" and risk not getting a player at all, while the Cardinals felt they could not be left emptyhanded. They had to get an outfielder to contend. The Brewers felt like they could risk coming away without an outfielder from the Marlins and either pivot into something different or push the contention for a year. But the Brewers don't always move patiently. Their quick move for Willy Adames a few years ago changed the division -- won the division. The Cardinals were late to address their pitching need; Brewers struck fast to address their need. If anything, that's the knack Milwaukee had and has maintained -- timing, a feel for the move, and the fortune to know if they come up empty they could reset for a year.
Schlay: Has there been changes in the no contact rules with a play at the plate. When the rule was originally implemented I can remember Yadi having to be completely out of the path of the runner which makes the tag more difficult. Several times this year I have watched the catcher actually block the path to the plate (intention or not) and the runner was still called out. Thanks for the Chat.
DG: It's about the throw. The catcher has to leave a lane. But if the throw takes them into the path of the runner, then so be it. But the catcher has to leave a lane otherwise. We're seeing throws take catchers into the path.
Donald N: Derrick; Brewers have a smaller payroll than Cards, lose their top Front office staff and manager and yet retool into first place. Please share your opinions on what they do much better than the Cards. Thanks Don
DG: Good question. Sorry I didn't see it to go with the above one. Please see above. Thanks.
Petz: When did Edman's injury become known?
DG: October by the team. It was not publicly acknowledged until January.
rl: why is Goldy still batting 3rd? he swung at pitch saturday that was in the catchers glove a full second before he swinged
DG: What would be your alternative?
Birds on the Brain: I’ve never seen one inning change the fortunes of a team like the 9th inning of game 1 between the Cards and Philies in the 2022 NL WC round. It seems like Oli and the team have been lost ever since. It’s astounding.
DG: I don't trace this downturn to then. I see it more as spring training 2023 or thereabouts. When the Cardinals knew they had a clear deficit innings-wise, saw it manifest, and then didn't address it, believing they could conjure the best from the pitchers they had, not preparing for the need, like say the Brewers would have ... Just saying.
ud: Recent reporting suggests the Cardinals are not all that impressed with Herrera's defense. Did they just notice this or did they know it when they anointed him the big league backup? Is there really any hope he can fix his perceived defensive shortcomings in season? Not sure it's a great idea to give away his offense for Pages playing regularly. Yes, he can DH, but they have several hitters who are competing for this at bats.
DG: That's not recent. And they knew it. It's been a topic of conversation during his advancement toward the majors, and it is the reason why when his bat was ahead of the level, he remained at that level. You may recall it was a major part of the conversations they had when he came to the majors, played at Fenway Park, and then returned to the minors with some homework to improve upon. They gave him a detailed plan, and he's done well with it ... Continues to improve. Just not a complete product yet, as you'd expect.
rl: come on DG yoou do better then that!
DG: I think that's a fair question.
It's not news that the Cardinals need Paul Goldschmidt to be Paul Goldschmidt if they're going to have the offense they planned on.
TomBruno23: If this 2024 club was a Black Crowes album or song which one would it be, and why?
DG: She Talks to Angels.
Which is what I also need to do.
Chat with you soon.