St. Louis Cardinals 2022

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Goold reported earlier today that A's were wanting Nootbaar, Donovan, and prospect Gordon Graceffo for Murphy. Asking price was too high for Cardinals so they decided to go back to Contreras and meet him somewhat in the middle between what they were willing to offer and what he wanted.
 
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the national

the Front Range
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pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Derrick Goold
SAN DIEGO — In the traditional ending to the winter meetings, the Cardinals snagged a “nontraditional” pick in the Rule 5 draft, though one with some classic Rule 5 traits.
A few months after trying to acquire right-hander Wilking Rodriguez from his Mexican team, the Cardinals plucked his rights from the Yankees’ minor-league system with the 25th pick in Wednesday’s Rule 5 draft. At 32, Rodriguez is one of the oldest Rule 5 selections in memory, and he has not played for a major-league team or an affiliate team since 2015. What he did do was overwhelm hitters this past season with something rather appealing to the Cardinals.
He throws strikes — often at 100 mph.
 
#2,157      

Derrick Goold
SAN DIEGO — In the traditional ending to the winter meetings, the Cardinals snagged a “nontraditional” pick in the Rule 5 draft, though one with some classic Rule 5 traits.
A few months after trying to acquire right-hander Wilking Rodriguez from his Mexican team, the Cardinals plucked his rights from the Yankees’ minor-league system with the 25th pick in Wednesday’s Rule 5 draft. At 32, Rodriguez is one of the oldest Rule 5 selections in memory, and he has not played for a major-league team or an affiliate team since 2015. What he did do was overwhelm hitters this past season with something rather appealing to the Cardinals.
He throws strikes — often at 100 mph.
If he was a lefty he could be Jimmy Morris.
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pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Contreras’ vision became his reality Friday as the three-time All-Star starter and the Cardinals finalized a five-year, $87.5-million contract. Freshly stitched with a No. 40, that Cardinals’ home jersey he imagined — he wore it during a press conference at Busch Stadium. According to sources, the contract includes a no-trade clause and an option for 2028 worth $17.5 million, bringing the total possible value of his contract to $105 million, the highest ever for a free agent signed by the Cardinals who had not previously been a Cardinal.

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First I saw of a 6th year option and no trade clause.........Well , I'm relieved and happy to solve priority # 1..........Now , what about
priority # 's 2 - ???????....................
 
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pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Free agents predictions from Bleacher Reports...........

J.D. Martinez (DH): He's strictly a DH at this point in his career, and he has definitely tapered off since shining in 2018 and 2019, but Martinez can still hit at a respectable level. The White Sox, Mariners and Guardians could all use an upgrade at DH, but there's just something about Martinez that screams "St. Louis Cardinals." He isn't chasing 700 career home runs, but he could fill that Albert Pujols-sized void in their lineup. Prediction: Two years, $23 million with the St. Louis Cardinals
 
#2,165      

Free agents predictions from Bleacher Reports...........

J.D. Martinez (DH): He's strictly a DH at this point in his career, and he has definitely tapered off since shining in 2018 and 2019, but Martinez can still hit at a respectable level. The White Sox, Mariners and Guardians could all use an upgrade at DH, but there's just something about Martinez that screams "St. Louis Cardinals." He isn't chasing 700 career home runs, but he could fill that Albert Pujols-sized void in their lineup. Prediction: Two years, $23 million with the St. Louis Cardinals
Just my opinion here, but I'd be very surprised if we spent this kind of money on a 35 year old DH, particularly a right handed one. JD Martinez had some great seasons in recent memory and he could be good, just really doesn't strike me as the kind of move we'd make unless it was for around half the $$ the article predicts.
 
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pruman91

Paducah, Ky

Q: How much money did Arenado leave on the table by not opting out? It made me like him even more seeing these deals.

A: Quite a bit.
More the more you look into it. Xander Bogaerts, a year younger than Nolan Arenado and playing a premium position but not nearly as well as Arenado plays third and a good hitter but not as good as Arenado, got an 11-year, $280 million deal. Several of the players who signed got deals that take them to their age 40 season (or more). A year older and a better player at a position not quite as in demand, why that still puts Arenado at a nine or 10 year market with an AAV greater than Bogaerts. Goodness. Maybe chatters will believe me now when I mention how much he's enjoyed being a Cardinal.
 
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Did anyone else notice the salary for Contreras this season? 2023 only $10M than jumps up to annual $18M in 2024. This could be a sign that the Cardinals are looking to sign another quality FA this offseason. If sticking to "The Cardinals Way", I would say DH Martinez. Short term deal and the guy can still hit.

I look for Rodon to get some nice money out of our range and wouldn't be surprised if someone like the Cubs over pay for Swanson.
 
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pruman91

Paducah, Ky
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McLaughlin, who was arrested last week for driving while intoxicated for the third time — this one a felony charge as a “persistent” offender — is leaving by mutual decision, he, BSM and Cardinals officials said Thursday.
Please Dan get some help.
 
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Did anyone else notice the salary for Contreras this season? 2023 only $10M than jumps up to annual $18M in 2024. This could be a sign that the Cardinals are looking to sign another quality FA this offseason. If sticking to "The Cardinals Way", I would say DH Martinez. Short term deal and the guy can still hit.

I look for Rodon to get some nice money out of our range and wouldn't be surprised if someone like the Cubs over pay for Swanson.
Martinez hits ok but he's another RH bat on a roster lousy with RH bats. Is it really worth around $10MM to go from Yepez (OPS .742, OPS+ 111) as primary RH DH to JD (OPS .790, OPS+ 117).

Looking through who's available, I think the one guy I can kinda see who'd help is Brandon Drury. He'd be a good DH who can also take spot starts at all 4 IF Positions and in the OF, and he's being projected at an AAV of $10 million which seems like a bargain. Yes he's also a righty (I really wish Joc hadn't re-signed with the Giants), but at least he offers some positional flexibility as well.
 
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Ryllini

Lombard
Hearing some things about Brian Reynolds. Birds give up DC, Liberatore, and Burleson and get BR and a throw in.
I like BR. He has produced pretty well with zero protection in that line up. By all accounts his center field is up to snuff and he is a switch hitter.
Sorry if this has been brought up previously. Might’ve got it mixed up with the Kane article from 2 years ago in the other thread. 😂🫣
 
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Martinez hits ok but he's another RH bat on a roster lousy with RH bats. Is it really worth around $10MM to go from Yepez (OPS .742, OPS+ 111) as primary RH DH to JD (OPS .790, OPS+ 117).

Looking through who's available, I think the one guy I can kinda see who'd help is Brandon Drury. He'd be a good DH who can also take spot starts at all 4 IF Positions and in the OF, and he's being projected at an AAV of $10 million which seems like a bargain. Yes he's also a righty (I really wish Joc hadn't re-signed with the Giants), but at least he offers some positional flexibility as well.
Cardinals don't mind forking out money if a 1-2 year deal or 1 year with team option deal. It really is rinse and repeat. Not saying they will land Martinez at all but he is a good fit. Veteran that brings leadership and can hit. Goldy and Arenado are given hitters....so is Martinez. I would love the Cardinals to land him but if FA continues the way it has been going Martinez will see more money than the Cards want to spend.


The other post....I like Bryan Reynolds. I don't like Reynolds for those 3 guys together but I have heard some rumors about trying to get him. Pirates are putting a high ransom on Reynolds at the current time.


We have some inconsistent outfielders and guys like Walker and Burleson are held back. Projected starters for OF bounce back this season from last? O'Neill .228 BA, Dylan Carlson BA .236 and Lars Nootbaar BA .228
 
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Hearing some things about Brian Reynolds. Birds give up DC, Liberatore, and Burleson and get BR and a throw in.
I like BR. He has produced pretty well with zero protection in that line up. By all accounts his center field is up to snuff and he is a switch hitter.
Sorry if this has been brought up previously. Might’ve got it mixed up with the Kane article from 2 years ago in the other thread. 😂🫣
I would honestly be surprised if that was enough to get Reynolds but if is, that's a no brainer. Reynolds is the kind of guy DC becomes in the best case scenario. Just get the real thing now while Goldy and Nado are in their prime.
 
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McLaughlin, who was arrested last week for driving while intoxicated for the third time — this one a felony charge as a “persistent” offender — is leaving by mutual decision, he, BSM and Cardinals officials said Thursday.
Yeah the writing was on the wall. All about giving a person another chance but the 3rd one was a KO for him. I hope he can get some help and stick with it...alcohol addiction is no joke. Hope nothing but the best for him and his family.

Uber/Lyft/friend, family, etc are always an option when impaired. No shame in your game if you use one of these options.