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3rd & 7 37yd

As well as Chuckie Sideburns played as a fill-in, I see the Blues adding one more veteran goaltender. Does Lindgren get a one-way contract and the other guy get a two-way deal? That would be the question. Either way they need two veterans to have behind Jordan Binnington or next to Joel Hofer in his development. If Perron goes to market and doesn't get a huge offer, he could still return to the Blues. It's less certain how other teams view him at his age -- and with his injury history -- compared to how teams felt about Alex Pietrangelo.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:30:07 PM
It seems as though Gallegos is having a much harder time with left-handed hitters this year than last. Is this actually true? What gives?

by Colorado Birds 7/8/2022 7:30:09 PM
He's just not as sharp. The blow saves are adding up. He may slide further into middle relief in the young relievers hold up and/or the Cardinals add proven late-inning specialists before the deadline.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:31:13 PM
So I think it is fair to say the Blues are not willing to offer Vladi and extension. So if he plays out his contract this year and get seriously hurt, his value could go back to what it was before last season. But if he is traded soon (not as a rental) it likely cones with an extension. Could that be why he might be thinking trade?

by Reggie Dunlop 7/8/2022 7:31:25 PM
Sure, these are considerations. I believe Doug Armstrong is fine playing out the scenario with Tarasenko as just a rental player next season, as long as he is in the right frame of mind still. But he is also willing to listen on almost any player and other teams see what you see and figure he could be available.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:33:00 PM
I appreciate the explanation below on why the Blues were able to get a decent pick for Husso. But, if you had told me last night that could happen, I simply wouldn't have thought it possible given Husso was a soon-to-be UFA. Kudos to Armstrong. Fantastic value.
So, now that we have no safety net in Husso, what is your best thought for a backup? When Lindgren was here, he was, obviously, great. But was he 'good' during the rest of his minor league season (and last year) so that he could be the guy?

by Joe 7/8/2022 7:33:14 PM
Good question. The goaltending market is quickly sorting itself out. The list of potential free agents included older guys like Braden Holtby with starter experience and here are prime-age guys trapped in backup roles like Eric Comrie. Others have brought up Jaroslav Halak, if he would be willing to come back here.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:39:03 PM
Happy Friday Commissioner Gordon. The Blues are more exciting in the off-season than the Cardinals are in-season. Rock on Army!

In my opinion the odds are better than 70% Vladi stays a Blue for the 2022-23 season. What GM would trade their shut-down d-man or other valuable players for a guy one year away of being a UFA that may not sign with you? Plus Army has to find a team he is willing to be traded. Vladi will have another great season as a Blue to get maximum jack in 2023, Army/Chief will squeeze out every goal/assist he has in him while he's a Blue then use his salary to sign a UFA. My analysis makes sense, but of course 15 minutes from now Vladi could be traded to the Carolina Hurricanes!

by Barry - Blues Fan in Orlando 7/8/2022 7:39:31 PM
That is a pretty good take. If the Blues do move No. 91, it might be for future assets and the cap space needed to spend on a defenseman in free agency. Trading Vladi directly for a Top 4 defenseman would be hard. Carolina is a wild card team because you never know what that owner is willing to do.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:41:04 PM
Jeff, the catching spot is atrocious. It looks like Molina stayed around one year too long, Knizner can’t hit major league pitching and the Memphis hotshot Herrera is not ready for prime time. The recent add Romine might be the worst hitter of the bunch. The pitchers would offer more in the 9th spot since they can at least sacrifice bunt more than this motley bunch. In the meantime, can we assume the only answer is for Molina to get healthy and provide a lift over the last 40 games of the season?

by Jack 7/8/2022 7:41:20 PM
There aren't a lot of highly productive catchers in baseball, period, and the rotating cast of backup-types includes lots of bad hitters. Your assessment is accurate. If Yadier Molina can't mount any sort of comeback, the Cardinals will have a big lineup hole the rest of the way.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:42:32 PM
Are you surprised with the buzz the Blues are shopping Krug and Scottie? It makes sense the Blues only need one 5'9" d-,man who is a PP specialist.

Also, will the Blues look for a backup netminder or go with Chuckie "sideboards" (a little "Come Together/Beatles/John Lennon" reference for everyone's Friday).

by Barry - Blues Fan in Orlando 7/8/2022 7:43:08 PM
There will always be speculation about Torey Krug and Scott Perunovich, given their redundancy as small, skilled playmaking D-men -- and the Blues' need to get a Top 4 defender who can kill penalties and take some matchup work against top lines. I can see a world where they both stay here, splitting the power-play QB work while Perunovich gets sheltered usage 5-on-5. But that doesn't seem like the ideal world for the Blues.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:46:38 PM
How do you think most fans feel about the new manager, and how do you think that’s going to mesh with the front office long term? I love how honest he is, and for the most part he seems to be fair across the board. Edman and Carlson both got moved out of the lead off spot when their production didn’t warrant the position. I don’t think the previous manager would have done that. Do you think the same honesty/candor will be applied to the front office? I don’t but I would love to be proven wrong.

by WP 7/8/2022 7:46:55 PM
Oliver Marmol never hedges and John Mozeliak always hedges. So the communication style of the two men will continue to be in contrast.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:47:41 PM
Hearing that Bader is suffering from plantar fasciitis has me concerned about his future, especially since so much of how he plays relies on his speed. Any idea what the long term impacts might be from this? Do you expect a sharp decline in his playing ability?

by Senator Astronaut 7/8/2022 7:47:45 PM
This is a manageable condition, but it is nasty and he can linger. There were already questions about Harrison Bader getting 600 play appearances a year because of his hitting limitations. This foot issue could force the Cardinals to play Dylan Carlson more in center field, which he can handle. This could lead to more Juan Yepez adventure in the outfield even when Bader is back from the IL. But I imagine Bader can manage the condition if the Cardinals use him more carefully.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:50:48 PM
How do the number of streamers who watch Cardinal baseball compare to those who watch on Bally?

by Mike 7/8/2022 7:50:50 PM
That will be good topic for Dan Caesar to explore for us. I don't know how much info is available the penetration of these streaming services in this market. For old timers like me, it's probably not a high number.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:52:21 PM
If DeJong doesn't build much value before the trade deadline, wouldn't they rather have him as a late inning defensive replacement and pop off the bench instead of Sosa?

by 643DP 7/8/2022 7:52:25 PM
Edmundo Sosa is pretty good defensively and he offers speed. But despite all my efforts to promote his potential, Sosa has failed to advance his case at the plate. Like you say. at least Paul DeJong can rip the occasional homer.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:53:51 PM
Regarding ROR, what do you see in terms of a reasonable offer next year? He'll be 32, with a LOT of miles on him (14 seasons). I would imagine the salary would be less. I would think 3 years is the most the Blues would be comfortable with. I don't see a center in today's game aging that well unless he slowly downshifts into more of a checking role, and then you can't overpay for that, though his faceoff skill will have a lot of value. What would you imagine the AAV would look like?

by Dave G 7/8/2022 7:54:07 PM
Tough questions. Teams will try to get the AAV down by offering longer term, as the Penguins did with defenseman Kris Letang. So I could see four years in the $6 million AAV range if Ryan has a strong year. The league is getting faster by the year, though, so he will draw heavy scrutiny in his final contract year.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 7:55:40 PM
Has there been any chatter about players like Donovan being considered in ROY voting? I was hopeful for Carlson last year and it seems like Donovan putting up some similar numbers batting wise. What about any of the other rookie regulars now like Yepez or Gorman?

by Senator Astronaut 7/8/2022 7:58:08 PM
Yes, Brendan Donovan and Juan Yepez are among the few rookies putting up numbers. Nolan Gorman is threatening to do the same. Back in April Seiya Suzuki seemed like a great bet, but then he got hurt. Oneil Cruz could soon become a monster for the Pirates, but hasn't been consistent at the plate in his small sample so far.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:00:34 PM
Is there a corresponding 40-man move coming today if they activate Cabrera? If so, who goes?

by 643DP 7/8/2022 8:01:22 PM
We may have that answer before the chat ends. Oliver Marmol has become a big Packy Naughton fan, so I'd expect him to stick around at least until T.J. McFarland comes back, But we shall see.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:03:18 PM
There was an article in the Post regarding ticket prices. Personally I think the Cardinals should ask for more $ on tickets when it's the Dodgers, Cubs, Yankees, etc...and especially when it is a weekend series. But, when it is Pittsburgh and their AAAA ball club or the Reds and their AAAA ball club those tickets should be in the $5 to $25 per ticket range. Especially when it is Monday thru Thursday. You don't charge the same amount for The Stones as you would some band playing at a local pub on the weekend. I go with friends and the tickets are free, I still drop $100 easy. I can't imagine what a family of 4 pays counting parking souvenirs food/drinks.

by Thowardmax 7/8/2022 8:03:32 PM
Dynamic pricing is a trend in pro sports -- higher prices for choice games, lesser prices for the Pirates. As it is the team picks its spots to do some discounting. But this franchise's ability to sustain good crowds for weeknight games allows it to limit how many specials it runs. But I'm with you on this.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:06:03 PM
I predicted last week the Cardinals will be five out at the All-Star game thanks to mediocre Moe What do you think now?
Everybody said all spring they need more pitching and Mo says no we’re fine because I am smarter than you!

by B 7/8/2022 8:06:08 PM
Many teams have pitching injuries right now, the Cardinals included, and yet the only pitching moves we have seen around both leagues are fringe guys like Chi Chi Gonzalez trading places. It's not like the Cardinals are passing on trade opportunities. Nobody has been making notable pitching trades.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:08:50 PM
I saw you said DeJong was hit on the hand...How about a trade with the Angels for Syndagaard? Who says no on that one?

by Thowardmax 7/8/2022 8:08:57 PM
The Angels.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:10:04 PM
The front office answer to improvement is for the Cards to get healthy. Pardon me if I don’t take that bet since as soon as one exits the medical office someone else finds it. The organization isn’t going to move prospects or spend tons of money to externally improve the club. Roll the dice, beat up on the horrific bottom three teams in the NLC and hope for that third wild card. Do you really see it any other way?

by Jack 7/8/2022 8:10:27 PM
The Cardinals have always been willing to trade prospects and take on money, as they did to get Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. I can see them doing both before the trade deadline if the right opportunities. If you watch the rest of the industry, nothing much has been happening on the trade front.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:12:13 PM
Any idea if the Blues will stay with the current jerseys for the upcoming season?

by Thowardmax 7/8/2022 8:12:15 PM
No idea on that.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:12:27 PM
Please advise, someone like Corey Dickerson on the IL has to get healthy before the team can either send them down, DFA, release, etc? Isn't there a limited number of days they can be in the minors on rehab?
I have to think there's at least a couple in danger of DFA when their IL is up.

by Fred 7/8/2022 8:12:41 PM
Sure, if everybody is healthy there may not be a spot for Corey Dickerson. But to Jack's earlier complaint, will there ever be a time when everybody on this team is healthy?

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:13:53 PM
I really thought that the Blues and Coyotes would make a trade. Barby and Scandella for some kind of draft choices. Arizona had a ton of them. We'll give you Barby to take Scandella off our hands. I thought an early 2nd would have been fair.

by Thowardmax 7/8/2022 8:14:08 PM
The Blues would need to have a great use of that salary cap space to accept so little for Ivan Barbashev. Marco Scandella carries a high cap hit for his role, but it's not THAT high and he at least at depth where this team needs depth.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:15:23 PM
I like reading trade speculation as much as anyone, but as a Cardinals fan it’s pointless. When was the last time the team traded for a quality player in season? I understand why the Cardinals don’t make the trades. They will claim it’s because of the prospects they would have to give up, but that’s a half truth. You don’t have to trade your very best prospects. Regardless of how the Cardinals front office tried to spin it. I think this is the real reason. Let’s say Montas is healthy and the Cardinals trade for him. Then let’s say Flaherty comes back and he’s healthy/good. This team could still loose in the playoffs to the Dodgers,Braves,Padres. There are some good teams out there. One counter to this argument is that adding a quality pitcher would give the Cardinals a better chance in the playoffs. I would argue that without making the big trade their chance for success is almost nonexistent, but the Cardinals don’t have to make the big trade to keep the stadium full. The team can dumpster dive and still make their money. The front office has nothing pushing them to be aggressive. Why do you think so many Cardinals fans talk about trades when, if they paid any attention, they would know it’s not going to happen?

by WP 7/8/2022 8:16:07 PM
Fans get excited about midseason trades because they like magic wand solutions. Thinking about them is fun. Upgrading your team at multiple spots via minor league promotions is not as entertaining. Nor, apparently, is adding superstar players in the offseason so you can get a full campaign from them rather than one-third of a season.
How many big league teams have made more in-season improvements than the Cardinals this season?

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:19:41 PM
Thank you for doing this and answering so many questions. If we have and elite 1b with Goldy and 3b with Arenado - both offensively and defensively - and we do ... are you not concerned about the question marks offensively of the other 7 offensive production people?

I felt we were settled at 2b with Edman both defensively and offensively - but with the disappointment of Dejong at short we moved Edman there. I know that was his natural position there and I think he is awesome ...

My question marks offensively are:

Catcher?
LF? Unless O'Neil can be more like he was last year and then I love it.
CF?
RF?
2b? Is too early to judge offensively but I think defense is what it is.

It seems like the teams are doing well have production in all 9 or at least 8 positions.

In the old days we would justify a player in their early years like Ozzie who was so good defensively or Molina - thank goodness they both turned into well rounded players but I respectfully worry we have too many question marks offensively. Thoughts?

by Faus 7/8/2022 8:20:14 PM
When healthy the Cardinals can roll out a good eight-man batting order. Catcher is another matter and barring a remarkable comeback by Yadier Molina that won't get fixed this season.

by Jeff Gordon 7/8/2022 8:21:47 PM