Goold's chat: Are Cardinals 'settling' for mediocre if they don't sign Jordan Montgomery?

A real-time transcript of your questions and the answers is provided below the window for easier reading on the laptop, mobile, or tablet of your choice. Questions are not edited for spelling, grammar, or content — only deleted for vulgar language.

Spring has sprung.

Here were the questions on the eve of pitchers and catchers report day.

Derrick Goold: Greetings from Florida! Sorry for the delay in the chat today. There's been some -- well, some adjustments to the schedule and, brace yourself, there will be a few more. The Cardinals have baseball activities going on the back fields of the RDS campus and there may be a chance or two here to check in with the professional athletes about these baseball activities. I'm going to attempt to take the chat on the go here. And, ahem, see how it goes.

Please be patient with me for a stretch here, but then -- soon -- I'll be able to plunge into your questions and also provide the real time transcript below this window.

Thank you for understanding.

Spring has sprung. Let's chat.

For example, right now I'm waiting outside the clubhouse with the off chance that I can ask Lance Lynn about his pink Ford Bronco. It is the standout addition to the parking lot so far this spring.

Willie: There seem to be metric evaluations for Everything. Do you know of a site that you could direct us to that somehow gives objective analysis of MLB managers ?

DG: Fascinating question. Not really. There are some metrics available, that in concert, would do that. There is the Pythagorean method that looks at run differential and gives a sense of where the team's record should be, with the idea that the manager nudges it one way or the other with decisions. There are the catalog of replays/results that Baseball-Reference keeps. But as far as a Wins Above Replacement for managers -- no. That was something that Mike Maddux and I actually discussed. How valuable (for evaluation, for salaries!) a WAR for coaches would be. Internally, there are evaluations that teams use. An example is the metrics they have for third base coaches, as an example, and they are an offshoot of the baserunning metrics and defensive details they can get on outfielders.

Wilbur: Are there any Visa issues so far?

DG: It's Day minus-1, so none have shown up.

DDD: At Goldy's age, an extension is not a good idea. Trade him at the deadline and go after Pete Alonzo in the offseason. We still need a power hitter.

DG: If the Cardinals are trading Paul Goldschmidt at the deadline then something has gone sideways with their season. That would mean likely trading a fulcrum of their lineup, a presence in their clubhouse, and also an acknowledgement that they are not going anywhere in the standings so might as well get him going somewhere to contend for the rest of the season. That does not seem an appealing scenario for the Cardinals or their fans, honestly. Hard to imagine a series of events that end with Pete Alonso at 1B for the Cardinals.

Coleman: Hope the Cardinals can rebound from last year and still time for some more changes before the season starts

DG: Exactly. And during the season, too. The bullpen open the season with is not the one they'll close the season with. That always changes. Spring will begin to reveal what other adjustments on the fly they need to make, too.

Wilbur: How many catchers do the Cards plan on having at ST?

DG: There are 10 on the camp roster.

DDMN: If there are injuries to what might be the oldest rotation in baseball, do the Cardinals have the depth to sustain something on a long term basis?

DG: Not at the moment.

Ryan: In your article about " trust " you wrote the following, " They feel they have better answers this year. Gray, Lynn, and Kyle Gibson joining the rotation is a start.". Can you elaborate on who specifically " they " is? Thanks

DG: The Cardinals -- ownership, management, coaches, the clubhouse, the aforementioned Cardinals from earlier in the article.

Craig: Hi Derrick, thank you for chatting from Spring Training. Hypothetical question: if one of the 3 new starters or Mikolas were to have a significant (2+ months long) injury this spring, what would the Cardinals do to address the rotation opening?

DG: Shift the alternative who is performing the best at that time to the rotation -- Thompson, Liberatore, Graceffo, etc. -- and begin combing the market for alternatives at the right price, either via trade, waiver claim, or the possibility that a free agent is still available.

Kevin in DC: Derrick, my concern is that inevitably 2 of our starters will go down at some point and, except for Thompson, we don’t have effective reinforcements. That’s why I think we need another starter, even if it’s not a 1-2. I just think we are 1-2 injuries away from another tough season.

DG: That appears to be a fair assessment. It also applies to a lot of teams, let's be candid. There are some that are hinging their rotations -- even the top of their rotations, or the bulwark of their rotations -- on such health goals, too. It's common for a team to bet on the starters they paid a lot of money to start to be good and healthy and then not have a similar player in the wings. That is because of budgets, yes, but also free agents don't want to go boxcar on a roster waiting for an injury when they can get an opportunity to start elsewhere. That invites the fact that -- goodness, every team in the NL Central and beyond is a 1-2 pitching injuries away from a tough year. The Cardinals don't spend to cover the depth, and they haven't had the development to do so. That is perhaps why you feel their situation is more acute.

JKB: Asking the important questions....what year is this Bronco? Classic or new?

DG: I was distracted by answering questions and missed the chance to ask him. He slipped by. The other reporters here are now talking to Steven Matz. I'm not sure he'll know.

Goold Digger: Televised spring training schedule?

DG: I don't know. That hasn't been my area, honestly. The Post-Dispatch will have someone covering every game, every single one, even the split-squad games, and we'll get coverage posted to this site as quickly as we can from those games. The TV schedule is probably available from the team's broadcast partner, Bally Sports Midwest.

Kevin in DC: Derrick, were you surprised with the projections for this team, particularly Pecota? Do you think the Cards win the division with 85-86 wins?

DG: Nope. Those projections are a) conservative and b) really dig a bedrock of innings. The Cardinals have the latter which they have not had in recent years, and the number seems to fit right in there with a) being conservative. If anything, those projections show how volatile the Central could be, with one team making the one move that shifts the whole division.

Steve L: Finally, spring training has arrived! You must have been at the great Jacob Bosiokvic presser. Its always good to keep stacking the pitching. What is your favorite part of spring Derrick?

DG: The best part of the best springs is the environment/atmosphere that allows for conversations with players and management that can give us good stories to tell now or good details to use in stories later. Spring training is a great place to learn more about the game, to talk about the game, and to see where the game is headed. The regular season is so fixated on that night's game or that day's game that spring is really the best time for bigger picture conversations. I like that.

Ryan: " A gifted fielder with elite speed, improving instincts, acrobatic aggressiveness, and the best infield arm in the majors, Winn is ready defensively for the demands. " How can we be sure of this. in 318 innings last year he had negative fielding numbers. I'm not saying he won't be good, I'm just saying I don't think the " Winn is ready " theme might be a little premature.

DG: I'm relying on the evaluation of scouts who have seen him far more often than just in the majors, my time seeing him in games beyond the majors, evaluations of peers who have played beside him in more games than the majors, and just the data that we also have from his hundreds of games/thousands of innings before reaching the majors. That sentence is not based at all on 300 innings.

TomBruno23: How is Benjamin Hochman doing over there? If he is near your keys tell him TomBruno23 said hey.

DG: Benjamin Hochman says, "Hey. How's his mustache?"

Capstone: Cubs have been relatively quiet in free agency. If they sign Montgomery or Snell, do they become odds on favorites in NL Central and what, if anything, could be Cards response? Aiming for a wildcard then seems very risky.

DG: They become better. Not so sure they become the favorites, candidly. They would be replacing what they lost, but arguably a little bit better. And where does that put them without Bellinger? Where does that put them considering they were already a team that did not win the division? Does it make them that good again, just good enough to not win the division? The Cardinals -- or other teams for that matter -- aren't really a call/response team when it comes to the Cubs do this, they'll counter with that. They'll probably stick with what they've got. Injuries and performance will shape their moves more than anything that the Cubs do.

WIT: Good morning, Derrick, Long time subscriber and I truly appreciate your work. Do you think the BBWAA would ever consider opening up the Hall of Fame voting process to other valid media outlets, such as baseball radio and TV personalities that would meet the standards for qualifications? I believe that people like Bob Costas, Brian Kenny and John Rooney for example would be just as knowledgeable as members of the BBWAA.

DG: That is not the BBWAA's decision. The National Baseball Hall of Fame has selected the BBWAA as its preferred voting body for the Hall of Fame. Any change would come from the Hall, not the BBWAA. I appreciate your question, and I hope to stress that it is not the BBWAA making that decision. The BBWAA has taken on the responsibility and the structure set by the Hall.

Jim fan since 64: Thank you for these chats and the work that you and your colleagues put into the paper. Who do you think will be the young pitcher that surprise's us the most this spring? We sure need someone to step up from the ranks of the young guys.

DG: Tink Hence probably doesn't qualify for your question, but I feel like he should get a mention just in case he does. Riley O'Brien is one to watch in this arena. Andre Granillo is a name to know and could surprise with how long he sticks around in camp, especially if he shows the same performance and stuff that he had this past season in the minors. Underrated rising prospect.

Give me a minute during an interview.

Tyler H: What is the slash line for Winn to stay in the majors this season?

DG: Depends on what the other eight spots in the lineup are doing. We've seen that before. Remember that time Kolten Wong was demoted and Mark Ellis was installed as the starter at 2B mostly because the overall offense was struggling? Yeah, it's that kind of thing. Or, think back to 2005, and the fact that they eight spots in the order carrying a robust lineup so that La Russa said Molina didn't have to get a hit to play. So, his slash line is not independent of the performance of the team around him. The team struggles? They'll have to find offense somewhere, and if he's not providing it, that could mean a choice for the Cardinals.

Ed AuBuchon: Don't care about Lynn's latest car did he appear to be in shape?

DG: I'm sorry to bother you with trivial info such as the color or make of someone's car. Others might get a kick out of that detail. One never knows. Did not see Lance Lynn pitch today. He was around other pitchers who were throwing their bullpens, but I did not see him throw. And, as I mentioned, I missed him walking out of the clubhouse because I was deep into a question.

Matt Carpenter reported, moved his gear into the clubhouse. He knew the way.

BobG: Derrick, When players work with private training facilities through the winter, do they pay for the training themselves or does the Cardinals chip in. Maybe not a big deal for those on teh major league roster, but could be for those in the minors.

DG: The players pay unless they are doing rehab from an injury, and then that is organized through the team and its insurance because injuries on the job are, as you can imagine, workers comp. And, yes, it is a significant cost for a player to zip off to Seattle or over Baton Rouge, and you're right there is a limitation when it comes to younger players doing that while players who have made their riches can do more of that. Absolutely. That's the system.

WarrenL: When you get a chance, please track down all details about Lance Lynn’s pink Ford Bronco, including why he chose that color for it. Clearly an important story for you or Benjamin Hochman to write about.

DG: Will do, Warren. Keep your eyes peeled. But, in an incredible turn of events, I am also able to multi-task and seek out other stories, too. I will keep in mind how important this one is to you.

Birds on the Brain: At Winter Warmup, it sounded like Tommy Edman would be restricted on swinging at the start of spring training. Does this give Dylan Carlson any chance to assert himself as the starting CF, or is the Edman definitely the starting CF so long as he’s ready to go and not needed at shortstop, regardless of how Carlson performs?

DG: The opening is definitely there for Dylan Carlson to carve out more playing time. Overtake Edman as the starter? That is more likely to involve Edman moving to shortstop, at the moment. That said, if there is a competitive spot in the field for the Cardinals it's up the middle -- Winn vying for shortstop, Edman trying to pin down center, the second-base tandem of Donovan and Gorman, and Carlson tried to outplay them all in some way for playing time so that Edman moves around and creates playing time for Carlson. Edman will be delayed. That does mean playing time for Carlson. What he does with that puts all of the decision in motion that the Cardinals figure they already have decided, but he could change that.

Jackie: When Masyn has negative fielding numbers at the end of April/May are we going to get the"he wasn't ready" article pointing out his below average fielding. Because I am not as optimistic having looked at his minor league numbers, which document 48 errors in 315 games, as well as the published scouting reports, which note instinct problems reading the ball off the bat, and deficiencies on balls to his left. Add to that his uninspiring MLB numbers through 318 innings, which you seem to dismiss out of hand. When has "acrobatic aggressiveness and infield arm strength" been a good determiner of defensive proficiency for shortstops at the MLB level over the last 50 years.

DG: If you do, it won't be from me, not about his defense. I'm not sure how much of an answer or explanation you want. You seem to have committed to an opinion.

And that opinion can be that I'm a poor writer when it comes to describing a young shortstop or you don't trust the young shortstop's defense. Either way, whatever I say isn't going to change your view.

AG: Not Max Rajcic? My money is on the kid!

DG: A fine choice. On the rise.

Max: How long do you give it until future Ford Frick Award winner Adam Wainwright takes over as lead MLB analyst for Fox Sports? Is he calling the World Series within five years?

DG: He'll be the color commentary on World Series Games in less time than that. I set the over/under at 10 1/2 months.

Vernon County, Missouri: big hype on herrera, see a trade at catcher if things dont go our way?

DG: No. I'm not entirely sure what you mean, but the catchers have options, so there's no real move to trade a catcher or need. The Cardinals explored trades for catchers last year in case there was interest in their depth. Now, they have Herrera, Crooks, and of course Pages so there is the depth there.

TomBruno23: When you shop the produce section do you specifically go for the low hanging fruit?

DG: I'm flattered that you think baseball writers have a healthy, balanced diet with an assortment of fruit mixed in. That's not usually what people suggest in the chat.

RP: In your story yesterday, you mentioned Arenado changing his off-season routine in response to his (relative) defensive decline last year. Can you tell us what he’s doing differently, or perhaps what he did differently last year? Thanks, as always.

DG: One example that leaps to mind -- literally -- was how he was throwing less and with less intensity last year to save his arm and out of concern for what rigorous fielding practice might do to his body, which was getting older, over the full course of the season. He recognized that he was recovering in a different way, and he talked to teammates and other players about how they adjusted their workouts to be aware of aging. He eased off his throwing, and then during the season felt like he just didn't have any zip on the ball, like there were plays he usually makes that he didn't. He could list a few. He said going into this year he would rethink that approach, and so far it appears that he has.

Jake G: If cards don’t extend Goldy do you see Gorman/Walker getting some time there?

DG: Gorman for sure. Walker is RF.

DDD: The Cardinals need to get off the nostalgia train. What kind of contribution are they expecting from Carpenter as far as offense goes.

DG: Left-handed pinch-hitter off the bench. Sometimes spelling Goldschmidt at 1B when the matchup is right for a left-handed bat and the timing is right for Goldschmidt to get a break.

Vernon County, Missouri: with yadi around more, does contreras get extra work with the legend

DG: He gets to work with Yadier Molina. The Cardinals are still not sure how much of spring Molina will be around, how often he will. But considering that Contreras got zero work with Molina this past year, I'm not sure extra is the right word. Any work at all is more.

Jordan: In respect to the nature of the game, they’ll likely be a catcher other than Conteras or Herrera to appear in the majors this year. Who are positioned to be that player in 2024?

DG: Pedro Pages.

CrampyCrampaneris: Interesting that bith Monty and Snell are Boras clients. Boras tends to wait out the market to get the better deal, so injuries could prove him right (again). But this free agent season seems different, more cautious. You noted teams with fragile SP staffs, yet here we are. Is Boras reading the tea leaves correctly? Or is the market showing a recession of sorts. Overseas pitchers went like the second coming. Established Cy Young level starters sitting on their hands as ST begins. Weird...

DG: Never bet against Scott Boras. I don't find it all that odd that two lefties -- one a Cy Young winner, the other a World Series winner -- are being positioned to maximize the value for the other. If a team is interested in one, wouldn't that team be interested in the other, and that does give the players the chance to create leverage for each other, especially if one maximizes the return on a deal, signs, and then leaves the other lefty with one fewer team in need, but one fewer lefty available. Demand could increase that salary, too. Seems to make sense to me. Especially if the market has not yet been as expected for one of the candidates.

CardsfanintheOzarks: Or, if Goldy isn't signed to an extension, what about Conteras at 1B w/Herrera & Pages behind the plate?

DG: Sure. But I'm not sure that's where the Cardinals want to be offensively, with an well above average offensive catcher at a position that brings a lot of thump when compared to other spots.

Taguchi99: Hi Derrick! Excited for another trip to Spring Training. Do you have recommendations for dining etc. around Jupiter that you could share? Best spot to get autographs from players/prospects/Post-Dispatch scribes? Thanks!

DG: Leftovers. Food Shack. Hogsnappers. Hurricane Wings. Those are favorites. Solid choices. Great food. I'm working on something here in the near future with some tips on autographs. I hope to get it off the ground this week.

Bryan C: Is there any chance Bill and Mo sign Montogmery or Snell?

DG: There's always a chance. There is a price the Cardinals would get involved in those talks. There just hasn't been movement to date toward that price, not when both lefties are looking for far more. But, sure, there's a chance.

Mike: Glad the cardinals r coming to ft Myers for back to back games. U coming? Lunch on m

DG: I will be there, yes. Minnesota has a great complex. Great place to watch a game. Really enjoy that trip. Boston's City of Palms park was old and had its issues, but I still enjoyed going to games there. Can I name drop? Got a chance to sit with Stephen King long ago and talk baseball there. Won't forget that. I appreciate the offer of lunch, but I'm not sure there will be time for that, honestly. Afternoon games make the lunch time writing time usually.

Cherokee: Good afternoon, Derrick. Thanks for your time. With the organization's shift to strikeout pitchers, do you feel we're in store for an overcorrection where the club takes on guys who can rack up Ks, but have trouble locating in the zone consistently? Does the organization have someone within their player development department that has proven to successfully harness throwers?

DG: Fascinating question, and it touches on a subject that I was interviewing a few folks about earlier today. That is entirely possible. The seesaw of trying to build a roster. Remember not too long ago the Cardinals felt they had to add some power, some thump, some real offense, and they were willing sacrifice a little defense to do it. Well, that didn't work, so then they double-down on defense and that was when a few offense-first outfielders didn't get the playing time they're now getting elsewhere for other teams. And so on. So goes the tradeoffs of making a team. There is something to what you describe, and it is clear in the Cardinals' acquisitions how they attempted to address that. They sought pitchers who get strikeouts in the zone, some of whom just don't have the walk rates at all. Kittredge has a slider/sinker combo but he also doesn't walk anyone. He misses bats, not the strike zone. Robertson has an interesting mix for those same results. But that tradeoff is possible, and it is definitely something to watch for -- because the Cardinals will be as well.

Tyler H: What is the organization's response to the accusation they are settling for mediocrity. Why settle for 85 wins when a guy like Montgomery is there who could boost you to legitimate contention?

DG: When they're asked about that by the media for the past several years, they push back on the description and insist they are not. They don't believe they have a roster that is "settling for 85 wins." They see their current roster as better than that. That is their opinion. You can disagree. And when confronted by the media with the question on how they always seem to come one move shy of going all in, they argue that will always be the case -- and that, in their view, they go one step beyond to be in contention. Again, you can disagree. But that is the response they give when asked over and over and over again about that.

Scott Stewart: I know you have been consistently bullish on Adam Wainwright's potential career as a broadcaster. Seems like a nice guy but can you share more on what gives you that opinion?

DG: Have you had a chance to listen to him on a broadcast? That's all. Google some of his time on the postseason coverage. Or consider that he came up with an idea along with ESPN broadcasters to take fans inside his warmups in the bullpen, and if that didn't win an Emmy it was sure nominated for one. He has a joy for the game that is welcome from a broadcaster -- but it's a joy for the game, not a blind love for the game. Those are different. And he's willing to spin stories as well as he spins curveballs, plus he's got a good way of simplifying things. Check out his explanation of what makes a sweeper different from a slider, and know that he put in the research to be able to explain that.

Matt: Does the org make players go to church and read the bible?

DG: No.

If they do, it's by choice.

Phil: Fans' prayers have been answered! Minor-leaguer Jacob Bosiokovic has been brought back for system pitching depth on a MiLB contract. {/s}

DG: I was not aware that he had developed such a following after his strong spring training a few years ago. But I learned something new in the chat today. I will be looking for you in his jersey at the ballpark.

Brian Hoffman: When it comes to the bullpen, do the Cardinals internally have an idea of the roles they want Gallegos, Kittredge, and Middleton or is that a future discussion after some time in Jupiter?

DG: They have some rough idea of a best case scenario, but they know it's going to change through the weeks, through the year, based on who is available and who is effective. They would like all of them to be late-inning high leverage options, even arms they'd use in the safe. That is their preference because there is a good bet at least one of them will be available each day then.

Guy D: Did anyone get to the real reason Mozeliak fired Mike Shildt ? He was the last best connection to the “Cardinal Way”. It seems like it’s been all downhill since then…

DG: Yes, it was in a lot of the coverage in the weeks, months that followed. It's been written about a lot in multiple media outlets.

(And that includes this chat, in the past.)

Matt: You're the man, DG. A few years ago, the org had a study done and were contemplating moving the fences. Have you heard of any changes to Busch Stadium this year? Moving fences, Retired numbers (Rolen?), different grass?

DG: They did the study and decided not to do it with the current roster, the current approach with the team, and given some of the other considerations that would have gone into it, construction, etc. They had new grass this past year, dug it, and word is they're going to stick with it. Newcomer Andrew Kittredge, the reliever acquired from Tampa Bay and mentioned in the previous question, has been issued No. 27.

Ryan: Are the Cards prepared to give Helsley a 5 year after this season and buyout 2 Arb years? If not, there's another who should be trade bait.

DG: Ryan Helsley has one year of arbitration remaining. And this will be an interesting situation to watch develop this spring. He has a new agent going into this offseason. The Cardinals have not done an extension for a reliever in a while. They see him as their closer. Both sides at least are open and curious to what security would mean to him. So, yeah, it would be a longer deal, and it would be a pricey one. But better than trying to sign a talent like him on the open market.

Ryan: Thanks for the response to his question. So for clarity purposes, are you saying they tell you that, Mikolas, Lynn and Gibson are as good as Montgomery, hence why they don't need him. The " one move shy will always be the case " statement is a very poor response. That's kindergarten. Monty is not the same pitcher as Mikolas or Gibson or Lynn. He's better. One of those things is not the same as the others.

DG: They're not saying that pitchers are as good as another pitcher. They know that we can all look up the stats and point out whether they're telling the truth or not. They're saying that the characterization that that they settle is incorrect. Again, you can disagree. And they argue that the pitchers they did sign gives them the best roster and, to them, that means getting the right price to make moves elsewhere on the roster. A simplified example of their point -- and, again, you can disagree -- is if they signed Snell and then, say, did not trade for Kittredge or sign Middleton because they'd keep the cost down there by going for minor-league relievers to try and fill those spots. They'd argue that is not the contending team they want, so they made choices on how to spread the spending, if you win. Again, that is their view, that is their opinion, that is their explanation and their response when asked often about why they don't flex their payroll muscle, as a Cubs executive once put it. The Cardinals contend they do to get the roster they believe can win the division. You are welcome to disagree with that response. It won't change that response.

Boyd Crowder: New PJ music dropping at midnight - FYI

DG: Will be ready when it does.

ICCFIM: In your last answer, one move shy of going all in, is really hitting the nail on the head. The Cards have a young starting 8 that is exciting. While they did not build as much certainty into the bullpen as I would like, what they did could work really well. With the starting pitching, they are that one move, say Monty, away from having a rotation that you could see being that of a potential WS contender. With this rotation, it takes a lot of squinting to see that. I am excited for the year, but one more move and they have the budget to do it.

DG: They suggest otherwise, and that's in part because they aren't just seeing this year's budget, but the fact that signing that one more move takes commitment for several years that they want to avoid, or they want to spend elsewhere. Is there a Witt contract in the future for Walker? Is that on their mind? That's how they view the spending.

Joliet Dave: The Balley thing has me confused. For years I have paid for a streaming scrip through MLB to watch the Cardinals. Is that impacted? live 40 miles south of Chicago.

DG: It could. But most likely it's going to give local fans -- in the St. Louis area, those who are blacked out from access to games on streaming -- the same comfort you have of just being able to stream the games. That is ultimately where this is headed. Yes, it will cost a subscription fee, and, yes, it may be higher than the one you're paying.

South City Steve: Mo loves to talk about arbitrage, trading Mikolas or Matz in a pitching needy market for a draft pick, freeing up the cap space and signing a better pitcher to help bridge the future would have been a good time to deploy that.

DG: One issue with that -- unlike the NBA and NFL, MLB teams cannot trade players for draft picks. Only a few specific picks can be traded, and that is recent development. For the vast majority of the MLB Draft's 60-year existence teams have been unable to trade draft picks. They have to rebuild another way.

Jojo Disco: Is this TV crutch here to stay as the easy button for suppressing spending?

DG: Shouldn't be. Short-term pinch. There's a jackpot though eventually that will be more fruitful. But a team can always find another reason, I suppose.

Amir: Hey Derrick - Is it just me or are team managers and executives making themselves more accessible now than ever? I’ve been able to read and watch coverage from leadership within organizations more now than ever, specifically this past offseason. Do you think this is a concerted effort by MLB to have more online reach/engagement with fans?

DG: I wish I could agree with you. I'm not sure that's the case or that I agree that's happening. There was a real lack of it during the pandemic, and maybe relative to then it seems like more especially as MLB tried to find its place and assure its fans after the lockout that followed. But I don't get the it's back to what it was before the pandemic. That said, MLB executives -- especially leaders of baseball ops -- have been available and front-facing for awhile now, and that is part of how the league has shifted from the manager being the face of the franchise for comments to the GM/President. Heck, you've seen that with the Cardinals as it went from Tony La Russa with the daily commentary and loudest voice, to now it's Mozeliak who is really leading the messaging on many things. The manager is the daily face of the franchise, obviously, but it's become more and more that the leader of the front office is the biggest public presence. I think what you describe we're seeing with the players, and increasingly so since coming out of the lockout. Which is a good thing. Labor stoppages always spur the kind of outreach that you're describing.

Jackie replied Derrick Goold: Actually, my opinion is based on his performance, and subject to change if he prints good defensive numbers. Rather, your opinion seems somewhat concrete in that no matter how poorly he performs defensively in 2023/2024, “he was ready.” You have called him a few strides from elite. However, there is nothing, literally nothing in his minor league defensive data that suggests he is a few strides from being an “elite” MLB shortstop, and his 318 MLB innings was not inspiring. Your analysis of his defensive acumen going back several months is way over the top, and it has nothing to do with your writing, but everything to do with the analysis.

DG: I'm not sure what data you're using. Scouting reports from evaluators with the Cardinals and not with the Cardinals rave about Masyn Winn's defense. His footwork has improved. His feel for the position has improved. Jose Oquendo is high on Winn's ability and his readiness for the speed of the game in the majors. Those are data points, too. You want advanced metrics? Winn grades out well in reaction time and sprint speed, and he does well with outs above average, but those numbers aren't so readily or publicly available, so I have to piece together what I can from talking to the people above. It's data. But it can be data from the same source.

Are you hung up on his errors? Yikes. Let's move past that. Consider for a moment that a player is in the minors to improve and does not arrive there as the same player he'll be when he gets there. Players improve in the minors. That is the point. They are not finished products when they arrive and just punch the clock and log at-bats until they get promoted. Nope. They improve. Winn went into the minors intent on using the most from his arm all the time, no matter what. As you can imagine, that was a challenge to the first basemen, too, and Winn got errors on throws that would have been outs at higher levels, but Winn also created those errors by throwing with a sizzle when all he needed was the substance. Now look to when he got more experience and ease back it and started playing the game at its speed, not showing off his. If errors are your thing -- and that's fine -- consider he made 24 of the 44 in his first 718 2/3 innings as a pro. That means, he made 23 errors in the next 1,939 1/3 innings he played. Oh, and he made six errors total in 673 innings at shortstop at Class AAA Memphis, nine total in nearly 1,000 innings at the top two levels of professional baseball in the world, against the best of the best. Nine. I believe the kids say I have receipts.

Capstone: They don't need deficit spending but better player acquisition and development, to overcome the lost, last decade -- money doesn't solve all problems but not spending wisely is leaving them consistently short.

DG: Well said.

Sam replied Jackie: Data points can be misleading. The eye test is really all you need to see how good he is defensively. Watch the kid settle in and play. He gets to balls that a majority of players in the game, at every level, simply cant. Arguably the best infield arm in baseball. He's special out there, and its pretty evident

DG: It is to most of us, yes. And longtime chatters here may recall that I brought up how one question was whether his defense was ready for the speed of the game in the majors or if he would just speed up again and struggle to adjust. Well, that didn't happen. Kudos to him. He played a superb shortstop. And there is only every indication that he'll be get better.

South City Steve: You mentioned on the BPIB that even a Montgomery signing would leave a portion of the fanbase complaining and you seemed genuinely confused by that. I think I have the answer: distrust. A growing distrust from the fan base over the motives of an ownership group who has profited to the hilt over the last two and half decades. Yes, they have supplied year-over-year success to this city, but that didn’t happen in a vacuum. They did it off of the financial backing of a fanbase who is now left wondering why has turned DeWitt into John Fisher in 2020 (baseball being non-profitable). There was an unspoken partnership between fans and this organization; we’d show up for games, buy their overpriced concessions and swag, watch games on TV, and DeWitt would finance a roster that was capable of winning a World Series. Some seasons we make deep playoff runs, some seasons we miss the playoffs. One of us is still doing their part, the other isn’t. That’s how partnerships crumble.

DG: That does not answer my question at all. Comparing Bill DeWitt Jr. and the current Cardinals ownership to John Fisher is ... rich. Not sure I see the similarities at all. But you have proved my point. Criticism will follow no matter what they do -- and that's fine -- it's criticism that isn't tethered to facts that I don't understand, the angst for angst-sake, the seeking distrust or distaste in anything. It's clouding the conversation, making it difficult to have a discussion. I could list all of the things that have been specifically reported in detail complete with sources and then show how on social media the fake/false legend persists .... When fiction gets more likes and impressions than facts, that's alarming. And we see it happening. I'm sure your comparison between Fisher and DeWitt will tickle the socials, but if really pressed to prove it -- could you?

You might win fist-pounds and follows and rexweets. But could you actually support that statement with facts? The fact that no one will ask you to before pounding the like says a lot about accountability. I'm happy to explain and defend my stances. But then I'm boring and no fun, all factual and stuff.

Is this where I mention they could spend more and choose not to? Is this where I mention that owning an MLB team is significantly profitable -- when you sell that team. It can be a huge windfall then. Or, can I avoid couching answer with, yes, they could spend more and they could add to be a better contender. And also payroll went up from 2022 to 2023, reporting clearly shows and sources galore confirm.

Welcome to the Health Barn: I wouldn't complain if they signed Montgomery. I'd be very pleasantly surprised and super pumped for the season.

DG: There's one. I imagine this would be the majority view, but not the most vocal one.

BoiseCardsFan: The Cardinals seemed less aggressive on the base paths last year. Any chance we see them run more this year? I'm ready for a 20/20 seasons from someone with the Birds on the Bat.

DG: They want it to change, for sure. Oliver Marmol has specifically said that part of their calling card and edge in past years was lost because they weren't as aggressive on the bases, and they want to be that way again, within the parameters of the probabilities they use. What held them back last year was what you'd expect -- playing from behind a lot, not being able to risk the outs, changing that management, and, yes, some of their high-steal players who did not get on base as much.

Tyler H: When you say paroll went up is that accounting for inflation?

DG: Sure. And deferments, too. The coverage is publicly available.

South City Steve: First off, no social media posts here. Secondly, the club has dialed back their aggressiveness any way you skin it. I've been a fan my entire life, and I gather we are close in age, so I've seen the ups and downs. It is no longer an equitable partnership between DeWitt and 3 million+ fans a year. A wobbly TV contract shouldn't offset two decades of probability, just like one 91-loss year won't offset two decades of success. It's a two-way street, that's all I'm saying.

DG: It is a two-way street. Consumer activism is real. I read all about how fans are going to make a stand, as you say. We'll see. The Cardinals noticed when they did not sell out a playoff game. They noticed when they didn't move tickets because they didn't win games. Fans can send a message -- because that is their right as consumers. But please note that facts make your arguments stronger. And there are facts to back you for sure. The standings are real. The fade from NL prominence is real. All of those things are real. You don't need to repeat the legends to make your point.

Lu: Couldn't there be certain positives to the whole TV issue? I understand there is a good deal of uncertainty in the short term, but to me it feels like such huge opportunity for teams like the Cardinals. If the value of their TV rights increases YoY isn't it kind of like signing an aging player to a back loaded contract you know is going to be bad toward then end, then halfway through it (lets pretend the inflection point between the good and bad years of the deal) you no longer have to pay the player.

DG: There are major positives. Huge positives. Short-term pinch, short-term headache, but long-term jackpot. The troubles now give MLB and its teams the reason to vaporize the black out rules, to just get away from them, obliterate them. They give MLB the opportunity to increase the access to the game through streaming. Which is great. And ultimately that will be a far more lucrative revenue stream for teams, too. They're going to come out better after some turbulent time here. But it will be better -- for teams and for fans, though it may cost more for fans, so brace for that.

Tyler H: The NBA in-season tournament was a relative sucess. Has MLB discussed adopting a similar competition?

DG: Nope.

Jordan: I feel I’ve read remarks and heard from enough astute fans to feel aligned in that while always wishing for the best, there’s little enthusiasm to start this season. Following a disastrous season returning the key coaching staff and front office, does the team truly need to sign a remaining front-of-the-rotation starter (Monty) or go all-in with a young breakout prospect (Victor Scott III) to hype up the fan base?

DG: I'm not sure either of those moves will do so, but I'm open to being proven wrong. It does entirely depend on where you go to find fan opinion. It's difficult because so many of the places to go for feedback cater toward anger, reward anger, proliferate anger and the fans who are contently buying tickets or are just guarded about their views, don't say much. The noise is on the extreme.

Craig: Hi Derrick. There’s been a lot written about the whole RSN situation, but I haven’t seen anything about what the Cardinals ownership stake in Bally Sports Midwest means for them specifically and how that makes their situation different from other teams, if it does. In other words, is their position stronger or weaker relative to other teams whose rights are held by Diamond Sports, but who do not have a similar partnership with the local broadcaster? Thanks.

DG: It doesn't change much until they know the direction it's headed. The biggest thing -- and this has been written about a lot, I know -- is that the Cardinals did not give over their streaming rights. They're kind of on hold right now. That appears possible because they own a part of their broadcast partner and thus could maintain the hold on their streaming rights. They did not need to include them to get a better deal. That's the biggest part of this. As for the rest, obviously sharing an endeavor for a group that's in bankruptcy court isn't grand, but until there is some resolution/direction the benefit or bind the Cardinals find themselves in as part owner is TBD, with the exception of the streaming rights reported about often.

Jack: The Reds look like the team to beat in the NLC followed by the Cubs. The Cards add a few more wins but not much else. Mil takes the biggest fall in the division. Do you see it the same?

DG: Not really. Cubs and Reds are thin on pitching. That doesn't play well in the projections, and that usually catches up to a team in the standings, too.

S: I really enjoyed the last BPIB ep where you and BenFred talked about all-things Cards on the eve of Spring Training. I was intrigued by two points you both discussed. You mentioned the Cardinals potentially "squandering" (my word) the prime years of Arenado and Goldy by not supporting them with enough quality starting pitching (the refrain from last year). More interesting to me is that you both talked about leadership and what that has meant over the course of the TLR and AP teams and how that has evolved in recent years with Pujols, Yadi, and even Waino, and what we saw last year with Contreras and what he went through. What I found fascinating is that while #28 and #46 are great players and probably destined for the HOF, they are not the alpha leaders in the clubhouse. Leaders by example, but not overtly demonstrative. That seems to track to me. With a number of players on one year contracts and with the FO in flux, if the Cards have something of a repeat of last year, why not try and trade #46 and #28 (this is a big "if") and just move on from MO and Oli and reset? This FO has the feel of an administration that has had a run but is tired and is in need of a reset.

DG: Thank you for listening. I think the answer is that they don't want to bail on 2024 before 2024 has begun. They've tried to build a team to contend for 2024 with the contracts you mention. If they were going to just bail on 2024, why bother with the Gibson, Lynn contracts. They could save money, use younger pitchers -- if they were betting on a repeat of last year, and just wanted to get to the rebuild already. It seems like you're saying that if they do repeat last year -- well, then, yes, they have not hid from the fact that there would be a lot of changes and that his team has been built with some exit ramps to do so. There would be significant changes following the first back-to-back losing in full seasons seasons since Stan Musial was at 1B. That is for sure.

Gregory: Mo consistently talks about the Cardinals being opportunistic. Wouldn’t signing Jordan Montgomery at this stage in the off-season be opportunistic? Yet, nobody expects the Cards to do that. When will the Cardinals be opportunistic and surprise everyone with a bold move? What will it take?

DG: It would be if he was going for the opportunistic price. There has been no indication that he's suddenly looking for a shorter deal or a less pricey deal. So, just because the calendar has flipped to February doesn't mean much if his asking price hasn't changed from when they weren't interested. That's what has to change for there to be an opportunity.

Joe: Injury concerns for Sonny Gray? He's 34 and pitched more innings last year than he has in a decade; and way more than he did the 3 previous years. Aren't the sudden increase in IP often a harbiner of arm injuries?

DG: They don't have to be, no.

Matt: Hey DG, love the annual 10 questions going into ST! I think a normal ST will go a long way for this club. These vets are creatures of habit, ya know what I mean. Anyways, Any tidbits from Spring Training so far? Like jersey number changes, new pitches, different batting stance, etc. THANKS and Go Cards.

DG: There has not been much time to talk with the athletes yet this spring. A slightly different schedule than usual, adjusted access, etc. Those talks will begin tomorrow. Zack Thompson ahs a new changeup; Andre Pallante has a new curveball. Number changes? Daniel Descalso is at No. 34. Alfonso Rivas took No. 22. Thomas Saggese debuts at No. 92. Keynan Middleton will be the first Cardinals player to wear No. 99 since So Taguchi.

Craig: Hi Derrick. You’ve reported on how the Cardinals have expanded their presence in Asia in the hopes of better tapping into that market. But is that money well-spent? If geography/market size is truly a handicap and the only way to overcome it is to outbid other teams, and the Cardinals are unwilling to do that—which seems to be the case, at least based on this off-season (and I’m not talking about Ohtani or Yamamoto), then shouldn’t those resources be allocated in a more productive way? Thanks.

DG: I really like this question. If the Cardinals are not going to get over their geography to land the highest-tier players from Asia -- or they see their geography as an impediment to doing that, then why invest the money. Or, if they're going to spend that time and make that investment then why not bump up those offers so that money becomes the deciding factor, not the map. All of that makes for compelling debate. There is an argument to be had that they need to increase their presence there to find the overlooked talent gems, too. Miles Mikolas has been a strong addition for the Cardinals from Asia. Won-Bin Cho could be a top-10 prospect for them by the end of this season. Those are the extreme ends of the same goal, right? And it's investment in the area that is going to make it possible to find more of each and -- and this is key here -- be better evaluating how that talent will translate. It's not all about Yamamoto or even bidding on Matsui. Though, sometime the Cardinals would really like it to pay off with that addition, too.

Alan: Hi Derrick - thanks for the chat, as always. My question is a little dated, but I've been curious about since you've suggested it in chats last year. The Cards didn't run much last year, and you've attributed it to the risk of losing runners when behind in games. But if running is beneficial to scoring, shouldn't they be running more when behind? If they're struggling to score, one would think they'd look to eke out the extra bases wherever possible to reverse that trend. And if running is not beneficial to scoring, why would a team ever try? Thanks!

DG: I get the question. When a team is behind, outs have great value. Outs are always the coin of the land -- the currency that matters most. And if a team is down three runs, four runs, as the Cardinals found themselves in 2023 then they need to do two things 1) horde baserunners and 2) avoid outs. At that point the 80/20 risk of stealing a base isn't worth the loss of the out in that 20 because they still need a lot to go right to tie the game and the 100% of having a runner on base is better than the 80% of having that runner in scoring position when they need three runs to tie. That's the calculus. Now, they still go if they feel they have 100%, but it just made them more risk adverse because they had to save their coins, if you will, and were always running out of those outs, so why run into them?

Bruce: Why do we not hear about Luken Baker as a potential for first base? He did great at AAA.

DG: Mostly because of Paul Goldschmidt. But, sure, yes, if Goldschmidt moves on there is Baker to make a play for the spot, too. Not sure he would surpass Nolan Gorman in the previous question. But Baker and Burleson would also be contenders, for sure.

ud: Late to the chat, but I noticed an early comment you made about one move a team could make that could change the whole dynamic of the NL Central. Could you elaborate on that? Is there a Cubs or Reds move that would make them the favorites instead of the Cardinals?

DG: Sure, the Cubs could sign Bellinger and that would shift the predictions for the NL Central. The Reds could wow the league and sign Snell, and that would shift the predictions. Any move like that would see a shift in the models and likely change who ends up on top.

Lennie: What is the delay in renovating Roger Dean?

TomBruno23: How will you be commemorating this 30th anniversary of The Summer When Bud Selig Tried To Destroy MLB?

DG: Taking a midseason hiatus and going off the grid where you won't hear from me for a while.

Redfred: Derrick, have you read the book The New Ballgame by Russell Carleton?

DG: I have not. Will look into it.

BoiseCardsFan: Which would you recommend a fan experience first: spring training or a home run derby?

DG: Spring training.

Ed AuBuchon: If TV revenue increases the players will take most of the added profit as a few owners will go wild with spending.

DG: That's great news for the game. I am a big fan of elite talent that is in demand getting paid whatever someone is willing to pay.

AG: DG - I was reading the "10 questions heading into spring training" article, great piece by the way, and one of the topics covered had to do with the involvement of Chaim Bloom. There was mention that he's had his fingerprints on some of the offseason moves already. Was that the ONeill trade? Assuming his history in Boston played a part? Any others you can mention? I have such a hard time understanding all that goes into these moves, and who is involved in the process. In my mind I imagine Mo texting the Boston GM throwing names around, but I'm sure its more complex than that. Does the whole front office take part in these moves? Does one guy like Girsch or Chaim "own" the acquisition process and just seek approval from Mo? Is Flores involved at all? Any insight would be much appreciated.

DG: I won't pretend to know the logistics of how they spoke -- whether it was in a group text, on a email chain, or over zoom, facetime, what have you. In my experience, it's just texts and discussion, and heck they may have even patched him in for a conference call. I don't get the sense it's anything telling or formal. But if I find out, I'll be sure to use that in the details of a story. The Cardinals got feedback from Bloom before trading for Kittredge with Tampa Bay. From what I've been told, Bloom advocated for the move -- he's long been a fan of Kittredge, tried to sign him in Boston, made the deal for him from Seattle, and so on. So, yeah, he's definitely a part of that trade. The Cardinals acquired Robertson and Fernandez from Boston, and there's some feedback there that Bloom gave. Riley O'Brien came to the Cardinals before Bloom was really on board as an advisor, but he's got ties to Bloom, too. Bloom was with Tampa Bay when O'Brien was drafted there. So all four of those new additions to the bullpen have some connection to Bloom and he can offer first-hand reviews, whether those came before or after the deals.

Dick: Really surprised Cardinals didnt pursue Maton or Stanek, 2 proven relievers, what is cost/contract that held them back or what? Counting on Gallegos to bounce back seems really risky to me, red flags were flying in 2023 with him, and JoJo Romero doesnt have a very long track record, this was a big miss in my opinion, I dont see how this bullpen can be trusted, whats your take

DG: Agreed. Either would have fit the description the Cardinals gave of moves and additions they wanted to make elsewhere on the field -- but did not do so with the bullpen. The commitment was part of it. The volatility of the role pushed the Cardinals closer toward the shorter term deals. And, yes, the cost too. The Cardinals had talks and interest in at least Maton there, but they were shopping at a different price point. If Middleton signed elsewhere and Brasier went back to LA, it likely would have been Maton that became a Cardinal.

Millo Miller: Derrick, thanks for the time. Do you know if Nolan Gorman has been doing any work with Jose Oquendo? I know he is going to get starts at 2nd base this year and I consider him an average fielder at best. What concerns me is his double play pivot for one. I've seen him receive throws from the SS that are on the money and his bare hand is no where close to his glove hand. He basically takes the throw one handed without his hands working together, wasted time in transition of ball from glove to throwing hand. This is a fundamental move he should have learned years ago. I'd prefer to see Edman at 2nd and you would have a lock down infield defense of Arenado, Winn, Edman, and Goldschmidt. Doesn't get much better than that.

DG: Yes, he's been working with Jose Oquendo at second base for years now. Oquendo has overseen Gorman's transition from third base to second and will continue to be a daily part of Gorman's work as long as Oquendo is around in major-league camp.

Max: Marmol seems to be entering the season on a hotter seat than any Cardinals manager in a very long time - expiring contract, coming off the team's worst season in decades, and as the P-D has covered in detail, with a front office that has set up multiple potential replacements should things go south. Do you get the sense that Oli is coming into spring ready to prove himself and show that he's the right man for the job going forward, or is he hearing footsteps and looking over his shoulder?

DG: By far, it's the former. I've known Oliver Marmol now for almost two decades. I don't know him as a person who looks over his shoulder when he can charge ahead. And the only footsteps that he's heard was back when he played shortstop and was readying to take the collision to the runner to get a double play. He's definitely going into this confident that he can do the job. Prove isn't the verb that he's chosen when asked about this. He has flipped the question -- saying that if he has to feel like now he has to prove himself, what was he doing the previous 17 years? Fair point.

Pdpuppy: Derrick, thank you for your efforts and insight. Always appreciate your perspective as to why things are. Hypothetical, player signs a contract with opt out clause (team doesn’t perform to player’s expectations). Can team sign player to contract agreeing to a reciprocal opt clause to player not playing up to standards?

DG: Yep. In both cases, those are just options. The player opt out is a player option, and the other one is a team option. I'm not sure how it's happened that they've gotten new terms, but a four-year contract with three player opt-outs is just what we would have called 18 months ago a one-year deal with three player options.

JohnB.: Does a guy like Michael McGreevy have a future with the Cardinals in light of their new focus on guys with high strikeout rates? Jordan Montgomery has showed that strikeouts aren't the only way to success as a starting pitcher.

DG: He does. John Mozeliak has made it quite clear that his goal is to get outs, and that he isn't obsessed with how they get them as long as they get them consistently. With a better defense and an arm like his, there's a place for him if he gets outs and gets them consistently. There's a role for that kind of pitcher, too.

Don Guzy: Hey DG - thanks for doing these Q & As! Question: When Mike Schildt took over he made a priority of addressing fundamentals like fielding and baserunning and there was an absolute immediate improvement on these. He received much well-deserved kudos for these changes. Under 2 years under Oli, the metrics have trended the other way. Is there reason for this that you can attribute to both managers' approaches?

DG: Interesting question. You're right about Mike Shildt having that impact on the team there in 2018 coming out of the break and the vast improvement that happened quickly. Two things on that. One, the team put an emphasis on it and that was vital, said it would get better, put in the time to make it better, and got better. Two, Marmol was a major part of that. Do not discount the role Marmol had on Shildt's staff and the part Marmol played in helping enact the plan and purpose to improve those elements. Shildt will tell you Marmol was a major part of that. Mozeliak will tell you that was part of what got Marmol hired as manager. Etc. Etc. So, now to what's happened in the past year. Well, in 2022 the Cardinals had five Gold Glove winners and were a robust defensive team that became the first with that many Gold Glove winners. Does Marmol get credit for that or is that year erased by the bigger picture of two years? In 2023, the defense was hardly golden. The defense was also hardly healthy. Arenado had the first down year defensively of his career, and one of the all-time greats had his DRS pivot to negative, which was a substantial team loss. Donovan was a loss defensively. Walker's play in RF reduced the overall team defensive score, too. And on and on. Whether it was health that led to a scramble on defense at times or the dip in performance from golden gloves, the numbers in 2023 plummeted, and there was reason. Not sure it was the manager behind it. And baserunning was discussed earlier. It's a correction they intend to make again.

Ryan: Speaking of the BBWAA, can you name a few of the " Honorary Members ". I'd be curious their background how it would apply to voting for HoF voting. Also, what is your reaction when there's an obvious 1st ballot guy, say Beltre ,Jeter, R. Johnson, etc.. and 5-10% of your colleagues either don't vote for the player or don't even turn a ballot in? I would take that personal, as it's discrediting my vote and the whole process in general. I would hope the general consensus would be to rid the group from voters who do that.

DG: I don't know the names off the top of my head, not at this moment. We're just into the new year of credentials being issued. I just got mine, passed out others, so I don't know the "honorary" right at my fingertips. I do know that they are BBWAA members who have at least 10 years. That is the baseline to be eligible. There's more to it, but that's the part I know. The Hall makes the call on the voting body. I've only been involved in the discussion to remove one voter's ballot, and that was due to a violation of the BBWAA's policies with the ballot. It was in the news. You may have read about it. It was a whole thing. Anyway, I don't have a problem with abstaining and not submitting a ballot. That's fine. That doesn't count in the total. That doesn't count as a zero against a player. It doesn't support a player, but it also doesn't detract from all players, either. A blank ballot does that. I have long maintained and expressed his distaste for blank ballots. I wish they were not permitted and have made my case to the Hall. As for the people who didn't vote for Beltre, I'd like to hear from them, or the folks who didn't vote for Griffey. An explanation would be great. If they are trying to game the ballot because of the 10 limit, fine. I get that. I don't agree with it. But I get that. Maybe there is another explanation. I don't have to agree with it. I would like to hear it. That's part of gig -- have the opportunity to vote and the responsibility to explain it, too.

Mike: Derrick, great podcast on how last year the tone of spring training contributed to issues once the regular season started. Could any of that be attributed to the late change in the bench coach and how is it different now with Descalso?

DG: It could, but not through anything Joe McEwing did. He rushed to the rescue in a lot of ways and got right to work for the Cardinals so they didn't really lag behind when they had to scramble to make that higher. Plus, he came in with a working knowledge of the organization and relationships with people. But it was a lot all at once, and that WBC was thrown in there, too. We'll all see how Daniel Descalso is different. Right of the hop he's closer to the having played and he's been teammates with these Cardinals, so that gives him a different relationship to the current clubhouse, and that is something that Marmol highly values, wants in the bench coach role. I described it as he doesn't want Yoda, he wants Luke. He doesn't want the strategy sage, he wants the up-and-coming Jedi. One of the things that has not changed for the Cardinals is the difficulty of their opening schedule -- and that, combined with the crater of innings they encountered, put them in a spot where they acted like a team that had no idea how to stop losing. That's not related to the late change in bench coach.

Dyle: Why not try to sign Montgomery to a similar deal as Gray and have a solid 1, 2 for the next several years? Especially when 3-5 are on short contracts and unpredictable. Plus, nobody within the organization is ready to be a top rotation guy and trading away a potential offensive star is eliminated for now. In other words wouldn’t signing Montgomery help them win now and buy players the time to develop as well?

DG: I think mostly because that's not the deal Montgomery has been looking for. If he was willing to take that deal, there would be many teams looking to make that offer. Yes, Montgomery would bridge the time to develop pitchers, he would also mean having to develop one fewer pitcher because he'd be with the Cardinals for several years even on the Gray deal.

DDD: Until there is a salary cap in baseball, the Cardinals will never catch up to the Dodgers, Mets, Braves, etc.

DG: That is correct, financially. But will they catch the Cardinals in World Series trophies? That is the bigger question for the local club that has made that part of their global identity.

JP in TN: Derrick thanks for chats, I am a proud subscriber and the Cardinals coverage you provide is a big reason why I pay. Like Gordo and BenFred but . On to questions. Hypothetically, if Jordan Montgomery fell to the 5 year range 25 per would the Cardinals listen and potentially offer? If... they could get him there in your opinion, how much stronger is the lineup with a Gray/Montgomery at the top?

DG: Thank you for being a subscriber. Much appreciated. We know we have to earn your investment by keeping up with the standards set, for sure. That hypothetical seems closer to the Cardinals appetite, but still not the years that they've been looking to commit elsewhere. They've looked for more flexibility in the deals. I wonder how backloaded such a deal would get and what opt-outs it would like. Now, say it's just straight, the AAV ($25m) would make for a compelling conversation for the Cardinals, a stretch based on how they're describing now, so it would be a case of could they shave two years off of that, one year. That's where I think those talks would go. So not a done deal, but far closer to the conversation they're not having now.

Start with questions on Montgomery. End with them, too. Surprised the chat took that direction -- but I welcome it. Lively questions, thoughtful questions.

Alright, seems like a good spot to stop the chat here for the evening, for the first week of spring training, for the first Day Minus-1 before Pitchers & Catchers Report. My colleague Lynn Worthy had a chance to talk with Steven Matz today on the eve of P/C report day, so look for the story in the Post-Dispatch. Columnist Benjamin Hochman is working on a piece from camp today as well. Team PD is on site. The deluge of coverage is only ramping up from here.

Aloha.

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