I don't get that sense. Though the Cardinals will be fiercely protecting and what serious return, especially on Gonzales.
Grichuk left last night's game after experience some soreness in his groin as he ran the bases. The move was considered "precautionary" and about 20-30 minutes after the game he had already left the premises, presumably under his own power. Have not heard yet any update because the players have not reported to the ballpark yet. Some of them may have just woken up, for that matter. He'll be seen by the medical staff today. If anything, his absence for a stretch would only heighten the need for offense as he's been the Cardinals second-most consistent source of power this season.
I get the sense, and I believe Joe Strauss has reported this very thing, that there is an agreement in place that the Cardinals won't offer him a qualifying offer. That cannot be iron-clad in the contract, but I know that the Cardinals have had that same approach with other veterans. Or at least considered it. That said, a conversation about a mutually beneficial extension makes sense. I don't think there's any problem with a two-year deal for Lackey, depending on the salary commitment.
I get where this question is coming from and the answer is, no, they don't. They don't have a Cueto or a Kershaw or a Scherzer or any of those big-name, high-watt, surefire aces, like a Wainwright. But then in August 2013 the had a Wacha and he outpitched all comers in October that year. The point is that it takes three quality pitchers -- a three-headed monster -- to rule in October, and sometimes aces aren't aces in the postseason (ahem) and the hottest pitchers shine (see: Weaver, Jeff).
They did focus on it in spring training. They way they did it was interesting. They wanted the team to be ultra-aggressive on the bases during the games that didn't count. They wanted them to find their limits by reaching them and surpassing them. Matheny gave the example of taking leads off first. He didn't mind if a player got picked off because that's how the player would learn where to go -- and not go past. Did this approach work? Well, the Cardinals are a) not as aggressive on the bases as they hoped and b) running into outs on the bases. This is clearly an ongoing area of attention, and the approach they take in spring training this coming year will be interesting.
Sources, plural. And no, nothing concrete about what they're asking. There's been no word that they are asking about Cooney, though. That was a reasonable suggestion last week in the chat by a reader, and it's that kind of talent that would make sense.
Coming week or so. Already moving better.
Do you mean in this very chat? I'm not sure I have stamina.
Do you mean in this very chat? I'm not sure I have that kind of stamina.
Thanks, Craig. Hope the story worked out well for you. And, no, there will be no shoe-horn. Jay will return, at best, at a time when the players who play the best play the most, and while he'll get a role, it will be hard for him to dislodge another outfielder if that outfielder is playing well. Matheny won't be looking for a reason to play Jay. He'll be looking for production.
You answered your own question. Pham is the one who doesn't fit.
No. A player who is traded during the season is not eligible for a qualifying offer. That was Kyle Lohse's biggest complaint years ago when he was trapped by the QO and Greinke, because he had the advantage of playing for a team out of the race and was thus traded, didn't have to carry a QO into free agency. Lohse wasn't saying that he deserved the same deal as Greinke, just the same free market. The union has to protect players so that all of them, when they reach free agency, has the same access to free agency and isn't penalized for ... being on a winning team.
Because all things have an end, and runs are still needed to win. Your point is taken.
But a mean can be mean.
Two. Though, his salary would need some reworking before he goes into the arbitration process. His salary is based on being a closer, and the Cardinals don't need him at that rate, so they'll be reluctant to let that salary rise through arbitration for the role he has.
Why would Bourjos be out? All three co-existed on the opening day roster.
Entire control. Complete control.
There is no movement in the market for Garcia. Don't believe the Cardinals are offering, and there wouldn't be a team looking for that kind of deal.
At some point in 2016, at the latest. Could have a Rosenthal-like arrival. Heck, he's on deck for the majors in Class AA Springfield. Cardinals see that as a possible move, from Springfield to majors, especially when you're talking about a power arm who could be either a starter or a Thor out of the bullpen.
Sad, of course. He's a pal. He's a talent. He made us all better. Now we all have to be better on our own.
Hotels, mostly. Some may crash with a teammate. Sometimes a player is invited to live at a house of one of the veteran players who has space.
Mr. Goold: Do you know whether or not the Cardinals have any interest in bringing John Lackey back via his acceptance of a qualifying offer? I can't imagine the Cardinals would want to sign him to anything longer than one year. I think the Cardinals' preference would be his rejection of the qualifying offer so they get a compensation pick. Thanks.
