Good afternoon. I hope you're all well. Fire away.
Sorry for the wrong link. Fire away.
The Cardinals added a much needed bullpen arm for a fourth outfielder who clearly was only going to play as a backup here. This might be the fresh start that helps spark Grichuk. Dominic Leone could be a key piece to the bullpen, and Conner Greene is a promising arm who could pay off if he develops control.
Even with Darvish, I wouldn't say the Brewers are a better team than the Cardinals.
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I would envision that Kelly is most likely to start with some of the younger starters. I assume Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina will remain a battery regardless of days off for Molina.
It's all up to the players. These days I don't think a coach can have too many punitive practices with professional athletes. It's a stick that can be brought out once in a while, but it will backfire if Mike Yeo goes to the whip too many times. Ultimately, as I wrote, it's about the players taking ownership and showing some professional pride.
Regardless of where Darvish signs, the Cardinals are pretty set with their starting rotation unless some of the free agent starters decide that they want to play in St. Louis on a bargain one-year deal.
Yes, I covered Gregerson's first season with the Astros and his first two spring training camps there. I think very highly of him as a person and professional. I definitely think he can be a good caretaker for the closer's role until one of the young studs is ready to assume the role. He'll be a crucial mentor to the young relievers as well.
I cannot tell you what fans should care about. Every fan feels differently. I'm of the opinion that none of the free agents remaining on the market are worth the long-term commitment that they want. With that being the case, it's in the Cardinals' best interest in the long term to go with what they have. Keep in mind that the Cardinals make decisions with more than just this season in mind.
I'm sure there will be quite a few non-roster invitations to spring training.
I won't be surprised either way. It might make sense to just wait to bring him back after the All-Star break. He's very close, though.
I didn't see it as a shot as much as his way of trying to explain to Toronto fans why he thinks he can play better than he played in St. Louis. I'm sure Matheny never told him he needed to get two hits or two hits and a walk to be back in the lineup the next day. Whatever the case, he has a chance to prove he's an everyday player now in a hitter's park.
You make good points. They need to start winning again. They let the rest of the division catch them and, in some cases, pass them.
I wouldn't use the cliche you used. Rosenthal, Carlos Martinez and Adam Wainwright all pitched pivotal innings in relief as rookies. It's not just one guy. Those are special arms, and the Cardinals think they have some special arms who could play well out of the bullpen this year. I tend to agree with them.
I've learned not to bet against the Patriots.
The Cardinals are counting on Alex Reyes, Jack Flaherty and Dakota Hudson proving to be ready to compete and excel in the majors at some point this season.
There are 30 teams in the majors. Only eight teams have more prospects in Baseball America's Top 100 than the Cardinals. No team has more than six prospects in the Top 100. Did you know that the Cardinals have as many prospects in the Top 100 as the Astros, Dodgers, A's and Blue Jays? Sandy Alcantara, who was developed by the Cardinals before he was shipped to the Marlins as part of the Marcell Ozuna trade, is also in the Top 100. So that would have been five in the Top 100. The Braves have eight players in the Top 100, but the other seven teams that have more prospects than the Cardinals in the Top 100 have either six or five.
I do not envision Gilbert selling the Cavs to a St. Louis ownership group. Any group looking to move an NBA franchise would want a new Arena, and St. Louis' city and county leaders don't seem primed to work together to come up with the public funding for such an arena.
Clemens has never admitted to using steroids. He fought to clear his name all the way to congress and then federal court. People I respect tremendously vote in completely different ways, so I promise you that very logical baseball-loving writers view this issue in different ways. There is no right or wrong answer. You just have to vote the way you deem best.
I'm sure they got the message.
The free agent market isn't very good. I cannot say this enough, obviously.
