@jmjones Even if it was a balk(which I don't know if it was), why would you be running at all if you aren't the tying run and risking an out? I don't care if you have VS2 speed and a great read on the pitcher, don't run if you aren't a tying run.
@STL_Stats_Facts We've seen countless examples of SPs looking good/promising one year and then falling off the next. Not saying don't do it but it'd have to be on team-friendly terms considering the possible package they could get right now.
@bschaeffer12 Love the core offensive building blocks that are taking shape but they just don't have a pitching staff that can justify adding pieces at TD.
@STLCardsNews They are not in a position yet to be adding ML pieces. Pipeline is still developing, their SP is mediocre at best, and BP is volatile. Best course is to stick to the plan and keep adding long term pieces. It sucks but it's the right move.
@RedbirdFarmhand Agreed. They had to do something. They got to the point where allowing him to continue to look completely lost was not helping him. I'm not sure how he can develop in AAA since the gap in pitching quality is worlds apart but a definite total reset was needed.
@BlakeSempsrott@STLSprtsCntrl@bschaeffer12@JoeRoderick Although 28 isn't really old, he prob doesn't fit their window for true contention, and they've been pretty clear they're not giving up prospects for short term solutions. My guess is they won't have an answer for 3B this year.
@ExitVelo314 3B might have to be bat that they trade for/sign down the line when they're close to being serious contenders that'll put them over the top. They have nothing coming of impact at 3B right now.
@xxretiredguyxx Absolutely but they're prob stuck with Gorman until there's a better option. Right now there isn't. A long term answer at 3B isn't likely to be found this year.
@hmwhitten331 Yes and no. He was obviously struggling and needed a reset but you also had Noot/Church coming back and they need Noot to play to build trade value and Church has earned more playing time. Served multiple purposes IMO.
@b_miklasz Which is why Church is prob being groomed to supplant him.
I'm excited for Baez too but bringing him up now seems like a short term gratification move. Plus with Noot/Church return, there isn't a clear spot for everyday reps. Don't see how he gets call up with Noot still here.
@calebnoble08 A lineup core is def starting to take shape no doubt. Regardless of how well the development goes with JJ, Walker, Ivan, Baez, etc, they'll still prob need to buy/trade for at least one more tentpole bat in the middle to put over the top. SP is the bigger issue though long term.
@RedbirdRiot Maybe as a late inning replacement but at this point Church has more than earned an opportunity for runway and with Noot coming back, I don't think they can justify him as a regular anymore.
@FoulTerritoryTV@Ken_Rosenthal LAD is doing what any team would do given their market advantage but even if all these smaller clubs were willing to spend a 10 years worth of budget, it still wouldn't come even remotely close to what LA can spend.
@STLSprtsCntrl Really going out on a limb with this hot take.
Realistically Noot will have to be traded for Baez to get an extended shot. Don't see CF as an option as church has earned the opportunity to be a reg.