Good afternoon. I hope you've all had a great week. Fire away.
He definitely signed for much less than he expected, but it's clear that the market has been set by the teams more than the free agents this year. I don't know that it helps or hurts the Cardinals either way because they're not actively in search of free agents to sign.
Actually, Alex Reyes did lose some weight in the offseason. We noticed the leaner look last month when Reyes attended the Cardinals' Winter Warm-Up. He looks good.
I'm still confident that they'll reach the playoffs. With all that said, surely you realize I was teasing about betting my job.
I'm not sure the context here, so I will not comment or try to interpret what BenFred meant. You can ask him next week. I will say, however, that nobody is singing happy tunes in the Blues' dressing room after losses. The mood after games has been what you would expect from a team after a loss, and I would say that's a good thing. I've spoken to the players quite a bit over the last two weeks, and I was there after Tuesday's loss. The players understand they must turn it around.
I'm glad you brought this subject up. I recently had a conversation with a top St. Louis sports person, and we both were wondering what exactly fans would like the media to do when they say they want us to hold players or front offices accountable. For instance, when I was a beat writer I didn't have as much freedom to opine on what I saw. As a columnist, I have more freedom to give my opinion. I like to think that my recent columns on the Blues, including the one from Tuesday night's game, have pointed out the team's need to step up.
What do I get if they make the playoffs?
I cannot imagine the Red Sox saying that.
I'm not in the Blues' dressing room enough to know if there's a problem in the dressing room. Moreover, it seems a tad overboard to use the term cancer, considering that cancer actually destroys lives and families. It's all entertainment. Nothing more, nothing less. It's not life or death. At least it shouldn't be for fans, although I realize that some fans really do think it's life and death.
I try real hard to be nice and ignore stupid comments on this chat. I'm sorry your ridiculous question got through as I tried to rush to answer the next one in the queue. I'm sure you're proud. Congrats. I hope your day is better because you had the chance to take a shot at one of the greatest baseball writers of our lifetime. I'll try to do a better job ignoring such ridiculous comments.
Grichuk wasn't exactly a homegrown talent. He was acquired from the Angels. I wouldn't judge Piscotty or the Cardinals too harshly on last season because of what Piscotty was dealing with after his mother was diagnosed with her illness.
I stand by my opinion on Goodwin and SLU's basketball program. I also agreed wholeheartedly with the correction because I should have rephrased one sentence in question better. Goodwin was investigated for a Title IX violation. He was suspended from school and is no longer at school this semester. He has said he plans to return after the semester in mid May. I don't think he's the victim here, and he took responsibility for violating school policy. Coach Travis Ford recruited three of the players who were initially accused of sexual assault. Considering what has happened at Baylor, Michigan State and Penn State, it is important for school officials to take all of these accusations seriously.
That is not how it works.
Thanks. I actually enjoy these chats. I don't mind disagreements as long as people are civil.
Yes. Actually, Bud Norris and I spoke twice the night before he reported. He reached out to me, and we had two good chats. As I wrote in an online column that night, he is adamant that he has grown a bit personally since I covered him in 2013.
As I wrote early last week, the Cardinals have promised Norris that they would stretch him out early in spring training in case they need him as a fifth starter. There's nothing wrong with having a veteran who might be able to help in the rotation or as a closer. Norris is hungry. As the trite saying goes, you can never have enough pitching. Moreover, a guy like Norris can help you buy some needed development time for Jordan Hicks, Ryan Helsley, Dakota Hudson and even Jack Flaherty if Norris is needed in the rotation early.
At the risk of offending a proud Adam Wainwright, I would say a quality season for him at this stage in his career would be 180 innings, 28 starts, a 3.60 ERA and 1.250 WHIP with a 2.8 WAR. I pulled all of those numbers out of thin air after looking at his last few years, by the way, but I would bet the Cardinals would be ecstatic if Wainwright hit those marks. Hell, they might re-sign him for two more years if he has that type of season.
Rob, I know you didn't mean anything by the use of that word. I just didn't want to use it. I also try to avoid using battle in sports. Thanks for understanding. But to be clear, I don't think there's one guy or two who is spoiling the Blues' dressing room.
