And, thank you to Jimmy.. . Woodford would be a trade candidate but could help here, too.
I don't think management is putting any eggs in Carlos' basket and is taking the approach of being pleasantly surprised if he bounces back.
After 19 years, I don't think the family needed to have been consulted. The number wasn't retired. It just wasn't given out. I know Thompson has done his research and appreciates the honor.
The players' union's point was that it didn't want the contract to be devalued. Its power would have been in the strong recommendation category.
Only if you had another catcher. With two catchers, it would be dangerous to have both in the game because if the catcher got hurt and the DH had to come in to catch, you'd have to have the pitcher's spot hit for the original catcher.
Can of corn. Texas Leaguer. Walkoff homer. And there are thousands of others.
Gorman could wind up at first base, too, someday. The Cardinals just want him to be the impact hitter they thought he could be. They'll find a position for him.
I haven't heard much scuttlebutt about Martinez's trade value. The Cardinals are better off holding onto him for now. If he's good enough, he could help them, or he could help someone else that might trade them something of value.
Teams aren't obligated either to spend all the money in the world. You'll see even the Dodger Blue payroll take on a different hue next year when the contracts of Kershaw and Seager expire, among others. The Padres are spending only to catch the Dodgers, who are in their division. The Cardinals are trying to get to the playoffs and then beyond but they didn't see $9 million a year in Wong as a good investment when they had somebody they liked who would cost a lot less in Edman.
He's going to have to hit a lot better than he hit during last season's two training camps. The Cardinals do value him as a lefthanded hitter, of which they have few, and that's why he's still around.
You would have to admit that Wong didn't exactly light it up at bat last season either. As for the Cardinals' plan in the outfield, it is patience being rewarded that a couple of these young outfielders become consistent threats. I didn't say it was my plan but the front office has confidence that something good will come out of the outfield.
I could see the Cardinals dabbling in the free-agent pitching market next off-season if Wainwright retires and, say, Kim goes back to Korea, and Martinez is gone. The Goldschmidt and Arenado contracts are significant ones already but there will be some money with which to play.
Like the old days, those players will be serviceable players for Memphis and be available for call-up.
They're all pretty good. Maybe Justin Williams from right field.
I guess all these things are possible but I'm more of a mind first to get this season off the ground and then finish it without too much incident. There is going to be some labor strife heading into the off-season to be sure, so that might dominate more than which free agent will be available.
And thank you. I'm guessing "Bush league" or "Bushers," refer to off-the road, off-the-map players or teams playing in some kind of semi-pro or low-minors setting.
Goldschmidt, Edman, DeJong, Arenado, O'Neill, Bader, Carlson, Molina, Flaherty.
I would like to see more of a running game, for sure.
I would not at all be surprised if Liberatore made his debut later in the year, if only out of the bullpen. He is talented but hasn't had much pro experience.
Rick: I hope Cardinals’ management is not putting all its eggs in the Carlos Martinez basket. He has been given so many chances yet he has failed to consistently produce on the field and continued his off-the-field antics. I really don’t think he has earned the team’s trust to make the starting rotation. Your thoughts?