Salutations. It's been a minute. Due to some deadlines there at the end of spring and travel at the start of the season, I've not had the chance to be at the keyboard here for the weekly Cardinals chat, fielding your questions, concerns, criticisms, and complaints.
Let's see if I'm rusty.
Looks like I can do some fancy new things with text here, such as [object Object] and [object Object] and even underlining. That should be a hoot.
Well, looks like I need some practice on that. We'll have a few hours here for me to figure it out. The chat will go until the questions run out or the reporting begins at the ballpark. Let's see what happens first. The chat starts in 5 min, 4 min, 3 min...
As always, there will be a transcript of the questions and answers below the chat window so that you can read it easily on your desktop, tablet, or phone. (I am currently wrestling with the tech to make that possible.) Questions are not edited for grammar or spelling. Answers should be. Questions are ignored for vulgarities, cursing, and threats of violence.
Got the tech going!
Enough prelude. Away we go.
DenMizzou: Hello, Mr. Goold. Thanks for the chat. Did the umpires say why there was no interference called on the Pirates during that crazy play in Pittsburgh where Saggese tried to score on an infield popup? It looked like there clearly was obstruction. Also, Mikolas was lamenting the "one mistake" that cost the Cardinals in Saturday's game against the Phillies. I get that, but why is no one talking about the poor route that Scott took on the double that Costellanos hit in the first inning? With a better route, Scott likely catches that ball. Scott still seems to have trouble with his routes in the outfield.
DG: Full disclosure: I was not at the game, and to the best of my knowledge there was not a request for a pool reporter to ask the umps. That has to come from the press box there at PNC Park, and there's a protocol to follow, etc., etc. I did ask around about it when the Cardinals returned to ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, and it sure sounds like -- from folks I spoke to, the umpires got it wrong. They should have called obstruction. Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said he believes that they would have made a different call if they got a do-over on the event. He spoke to the umpires on the field and then also afterward. MLB will sometimes offer a review of the play and let a team know if they were right to have an issue or if the umpires nailed the call. I wrote a bit about that in Saturday's Cardinals Extra, if you're interested.
I don't recall the route that you mention and I certainly didn't hear any chatter about it after the game. I'll go back and look but that doesn't help much with giving you and answer now. There wasn't much talk about it from the team either.
Jim: I’ve been a fan for 60 plus years and finally after all those years I just don’t care anymore. Going to cancel my streaming, I’m done!!
DG: I promise you we'll have coverage in the paper available if you feel interested in catching up at any point on the team.
Mark: How much is attendance down for the cardinals? And,is it true that it's down for almost all teams this year?
DG: It's April and it's been cold/rainy many places, so drawing any conclusions from around the league about attendance trends is a fool's errand today. Let's give it time to find out -- and get into the time of the year where there are larger crowds, better weather, you know, less school nights. I'm writing here about MLB at large.
As for the Cardinals, let's look.
The Cardinals sold more tickets to opening day 2025 than they did 2024 -- 47,395 to 47,273 ... and from there it's been a steep decline in tickets sold for the first nine home games of the regular season.
The Cardinals sold 344,628 for the first nine home games in 2024, and this season that number is 263,460. So it's a 23.6% decline in ticket-sold attendance.
A few things to consider:
• In 2024, the Cardinals had a Brewers series in the first nine; in 2025, they had two American League series.
• They hosted the Phillies in each year during their first nine home games, and in 2024 the Phillies drew 97,697 for three games. In 2025, they drew 95,609 this past week. That is a decline of only 2.1%
Let's be honest: The Cardinals themselves expected a bigger drop over the past weekend than that. They've been braced for a significant decrease in fans, and the biggest reason for that is the team's performance over the past two years, and a contributing factor to it is the fact that the Cardinals played their third home series of 2024 on April 19-21, and their third home series of 2025 came April 11-13, a harder time to move tickets.
The Cardinals got a bump in ticket sales this past weekend apparently for reasons on the opposite end of the temperature spectrum -- the Frozen Four and the fantastic weather. On Friday night, the Cardinals experienced a lift in ticket sales and attendance at the ballpark because, it seems, of the people sticking around between the semifinal and final games of the Frozen Four. So they saw an uptick, and what has also happened so far this season is with fewer tickets sold the turnstile number is a higher percentage, less tickets but also less no-shows of those who purchased tickets.
All of this is worth watching, and we'll see if this team can do what Willson Contreras suggested and what past two seasons the team did not -- capture the imagination of the fan base. Sometimes it's not enough to be a good team. It needs to be a charismatic team, too.
Mark1082: Hi Derrick, I must admit that I have found this team kind of entertaining to watch, especially with the younger position players. With decent pitching the key, if I squint real hard, this team with some luck might not be too bad. Perhaps winning 85 games at tops. It will be interesting to see what they do at the trading deadline this year, especially regarding pitching. I am anxious to see McGreevy and the young left hander, cant remember his name, in the rotation. What do you think? Am I overly optimistic?
DG: This is a feistier team than recent ones. It looks like a team that can defeat evenly matched teams and might not keep pace with the titans. But then in come the Phillies and the Cardinals smother them with pitching. It's definitely a more aggressive team. If last year's team felt like it was constantly on its heels, this one feels like it's on its toes.
Ed AuBuchon: How many season tickets have been sold compared to last year?
DG: I don't have the exact number, but costs went up and the renewals went down -- but it was not the huge chunk, not like what you're seeing in the above drop. The Cardinals figured they would sell fewer tickets outside of the season tickets and that has happened.
DCG: Given the way the offense has started, is there any regret from the FO of not spending at least a little money beefing up a pretty weak pitching staff?
DG: You're not going to like the answer.
No, there is not.
The front office had a mandate from ownership to reduce payroll. That was the goal. Even when they finally waded into the market to get the reliever they so obviously needed, they did so with a limited budget that was below the market.
milyabe: Can you share a great Lance Lynn story we may not have heard before?
DG: milyabe, Sure! How's this one? I don't remember the year, but it was on the back fields of spring training. During live BP, there was a practice of the catcher telling the hitter what pitch was coming, and that was in part for player safety. Well, the catcher whispered to a young hitter that a fastball was coming from Lance Lynn. (Shocker, I know.) Anyway, the young hitter let it rip on the fastball he knew was coming -- and then watched as the ball soared over the fence. When he came up again, the catcher whispered the pitch call, and on the mound Lynn shook his head. Catcher whispered it again, put down the sign, and Lynn I believe shook his head again. Catcher shrugged. Lynn delivered. And planted a fastball in the prospect's thigh. Message sent. Don't admire a hit when you knew what pitch was coming.
Ravelo Enjoyer: Looking at the Phillies this weekend - I can’t help but remember the Cardinals lack of pursuit of Bryce Harper and not moving a young outfielder for Zack Wheeler. Obviously they didn’t do either of those, but is it fair to say that was a possible outcome of they wanted, to have both players? Obviously most moves are *possible*, but it felt like thoughts were truly within their reach.
DG: Both misses for the Cardinals for sure. The Cardinals withdrew from any interest in Harper for a variety of reasons, chiefly that they had just acquired Paul Goldschmidt via trade. There was also some hesitance to just play a part in increasing the bidding when they weren't a legit option for him. (Harper's side insisted that wasn't the case and that he was a baseball nut intrigued by the Cardinals' history, their devoted fans, and raising a family in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, etc., etc.) As far as Wheeler -- yeah, that's a great one to bring up. The Cardinals declined to trade either Harrison Bader or Tyler O'Neill for him way back when. They did recover a bit by making a similar trade later with Bader, sending him to the Yankees for Jordan Montgomery. Whatever has happened since is separate from the fact that like Wheeler, Montgomery was about to become a free agent. Would the Cardinals have been more inclined to make a play for Wheeler after the deal or just move on as they did with Montgomery? Unsure. And they would have given up more years of Bader/O'Neill for that time ...
JP in TN: Have you heard any "informed rumors" regarding who the Cardinals migh favor at 5th pick in draft.
DG: I know where you're coming from, I do, but I try to avoid "rumors" because they tend to be written on water or made of smoke. Not much substance, and increasingly they get all of the attention. Let's go with reports. Informed reports had Randy Flores visiting Stillwater, Oklahoma, a few weeks ago to see Ethan Holliday, and it's hard to see him getting past the fifth pick if he isn't taken No. 1 or by the Rockies at No. 4. It will be interesting to see if Xavier Neyens gets more attention as this season continues and the draft nears. Jamie Arnold if he's available. Or, Jace LaViolette, likewise. Cardinals want an impact pick and know they cannot miss on it, so polish and as well as high-ceiling is what they feel they can get at No. 5.
63303Jim: What reason is being given for going to 6 man rotation?
DG: The schedule.
JB: How do the Cardinals plan to cover the innings that Matz has provided from the bullpen once he moves to the rotation?
DG: With Roddery Munoz.
Ryan: If a team that Arenado agreed to offered today the equivalent of the Astros offer would the Cards accept it?
DG: Probably. That doesn't guarantee that Arenado will accept it though. I cannot stress this enough: It's not just agreeing to a location, it's agreeing to what that new team wants to do with his contract, if anything, too.
Craig: With the failure to trade Arenado, and with Scott winning the CF job, Nolan Gorman’s playing time (before going on the IL) got squeezed. They could have chosen to use him as the primary DH over Burleson, but didn’t. Did that surprise you?
DG: It did not. He'll see some time at DH. There is still a way to get him plenty of at-bats this season.
Rizzle23: Morning DG! As always, thanks for doing this chat for us! Do you think the Cardinal brass will now rethink their backup shortstop approach since Winn hit the IL? ... Or do they value having Siani as nothing more than a defensive "closer" from a roster stand point?
DG: If they do, it would almost be too late. If they were going to carry a backup shortstop on the roster to spell Winn at some point, it sure would have made sense to do it in the cold weather period when loosening the back or muscles is a concern for all players, let alone one who has had back issues before. When the summer arrives and the rhythm of the games and warmth of the temps come with it, then maybe Winn doesn't need to proactive time off, and then what does a backup shortstop do but then sit there?
Yes, the team values having Siani in that good-hands team rotation.
What would change that? Improvement in right field by Jordan Walker would be a factor in rethinking that role.
Paul: Hello, thanks for these. On a recent broadcast, an analyst said that a ball thrown from 3rd base to first, picks up speed if it bounces off the infield grass. That seems to defy the laws of physics. What do you think? Thank you. Paul
DG: I believe friction, air resistance, and gravity exist.
And that fastballs don't rise -- but they do defy our expectations of their fall.
cbow: Didn't want to part with either Bader of O'Neill for Wheeler? Another of the many horrible decisions that have plagued Mozeliak in the last half of his time in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½.
DG: That is correct. The Mets wanted one of the two young outfielders. I seem to recall that fans were on the front office's side with that decision at the time ... Hindsight rules.
Heath: Do you see a scenario down the road a bit where Herrera is moved to 1B or DH and Crooks is the catcher?
DG: Not at the moment, no. That does not mean it isn't possible. Herrera's bat is superb, well above average when it comes to catcher. The Cardinals still have to see if it's enough for first base. A lot more offense is expected from that position.
Mark M: I know you're probably tired of ownership questions, but do you believe they would prfer
DG: I'm not tired of such questions. Questions are great. Speculation, legends, and unfounded rumors can be exhausting. And I'm sure that's true for readers, too.
tnbirdwatcher: Granted, pitching today is generally better than ever, and that places added import on damage in at-bats and perhaps less ability to string hits together. But it's been very nice so far this season to not have everyone 1-9 locked in on launch angle but just putting the ball in play. The fundamentals of baseball for the last century still have a place today. Tweaked, not abandoned.
DG: Ah, I'm going to be the bearer of bad news here.
The Cardinals still do dig the launch angle, and they are still chasing it for some. Like a lot of teams -- they are talking about launch angle as it relates to what that means -- line drives and a-swings. And the Cardinals are still seeking those, and their hitting coach wants them to use that a-swing in counts that call for it. What you are likely seeing is improved situational hitting and that is true for the situation on the bases and the situation for the count. As Brown has said, and you've probably heard, there is "a time to slug and a time to hit." These two approaches can coexist and for the best hitters and the best teams they do. Let's put it another way ...
There is a time to launch angle and there is a time to make contact. Same thing different words. Launch angle isn't a bad thing -- and often when hitters talk about it and coaches talk about it they're not using it in the same way critics do. They're not going for golf shots; they're seeing the angle to launch baseballs. That's not a parabola. That's a liner.
tnbirdwatcher: Not bad news. That's what I was trying to say.
DG: Excellent. Thanks for circling back to say that.
Wally: Why did ticket prices go up this year? From a fan’s perspective that doesn’t make sense. I think fans are tired of making Dewitt’s pockets larger
DG: It's a great and fair question. Everything seems to have gone up in cost. I don't want to plunge into an economy discussion, but you're probably seeing a rise in cost for many things -- and that is also true for businesses and eggs and baseball teams. It's not ideal for sure, but it's not like baseball or movies or other entertainment industries get to live outside the same economy we're in.
Mark M: Sorry I hit send to soon. Just wondering if you think they prefer the "trying to contend, but needing a good profit" model over winning alone...
DG: I think you may be describing a payroll efficiency model? I'm not sure. The way you phrased that, it seems like that is a description that fits most of the contending teams, with maybe the exception of the Mets? The Dodgers are definitely in the "good profit" business. Winning, too. But they also like profit, and they get a lot of it. I guess the Padres would join the Mets in contending at a deficit. The Cubs certainly don't. Red Sox certainly don't. I've got the Toronto press conference in the background, and I don't get the sense that they're going to forsake profit for winning. Payroll efficiency is a different discussion, and that may be where the Cardinals fit best. What that means is that they project what a roster will win and what adding to that roster will do to add wins toward the threshold they believe is a playoff team. The Cardinals are not alone in this calculation. Other teams do it, too. An example would be this: Team A has a $150-million payroll that its internal metrics suggest will win 78 games. The team believes that a 92 win season is necessary reach the playoffs. They have the chance to add a $10-million reliever who will add 5 wins to the team, and, using payroll efficiency, they would rather not be a winning team at 83 that doesn't reach the playoffs than a team that saved $10 million.
Team B, however, has a strong youthful nucleus and a $150-million payroll that it projects to win 88 games. Given the chance to sign that same $10-million reliever that brings 5 wins, well that is appealing to Team B because that $10 million they believe is the difference between 88 and 93 wins or being out of the playoffs and contending for a division title. Ain't this fun?
All owners like profits. Even the ones out to win want profit.
Ron: Whats latest on tink hence
DG: Recovering. They're going to be conservative as always with him, and the team is still hopeful that he can make a real consistent run at remaining a starter. There is conversation about whether he'll be more durable as a reliever, and that's something that is going to gain volume this season as it unfolds for him and he returns from this latest delay due to ribcage/torso soreness.
ICCFIM: What was the Cards budget for payroll this season? COTS has them at $137M albeit, that is reduced by the $5M that CO pays Arenado so $142M. This is actually a quite interesting team. Add one more Phil Maton type reliever and this team may have a chance to win the central. The team should be ecstatic about the young hitters. But what happened to all the pitching depth in the minors? They don't seem to have much to help the ML roster as of now.
DG: What pitching depth in the minors?
The Cardinals had to go outside of their organization and sign Gray, Lynn, and Gibson to fill out a rotation. In the three previous seasons, they had to trade for Happ, Lester, Montgomery, and Quintana. The Cardinals have been thin when it comes to pitching for awhile -- and they knew it, and this was all covered at the paper and discussed in these chats. That they lacked the wave of pitchers rolling toward the majors to give them help, so they needed to sign those pitchers, and when they did not they had to trade for them in a rush at the deadline just to solve an innings deficit.
I don't know the precise number of the budget, and to be candid it was described by people in the know as fluid. The target to cut costs was a lot in November -- and then a TV deal happened, and the need to cut costs was less. They were encouraged by some revenue streams by spring, and that opened up the way to spend some on a reliever, though they had a budget of around $2 million for that signing, apparently. I too have the Cardinals opening with a 26-player roster cost of $138.2 million. (That does include estimates for 0-3 players, and one player on the IL, so it's just about what Cot's has.) The 40-player roster is, of course, more that's important to point out from year to year. The Cardinals were able to cut more than $30 million from one opening day roster to another, and that was definitely a goal going into November.
If you're tracking the percentages at home that is an estimated 19.2% reduction in opening day payroll to pair with a 23.6% drop in ticket-sold attendance so far.
Sue: Hi Derrick. Is there any scenario where Pozo plays so well they send Pages down when Herrera comes back. It looks like all three are popular with their teammates, and they all catch well, so it seems to me if Pozo can hit consistently there may be a rough decision to make. Or am I off my rocker? I also know Pozo's only been in a few games, so small sample size. Thanks for taking my question.
DG: There is, for sure. To be fair, it might be slim, but it exists. Anywhere performance can make the decision that possibility exists. The Cardinals have some flexibility here that they do not with Jose Barrero, as an example, at shortstop. There are options and they can make a call based on the performance.
Tim from NJ: I was wondering if you know of or if there is a metric ( a WAR so to speak) on how managers and coaches at different levels are evaluated beyond what we as fans see with our own eyes and read about from reporting? A sort of analytical analysis of performance for on field management.
DG: A WAR for coaches? Not example. Run expectancy is one way that managers, coaches, etc. can be judged on metrics. Think of it as expected slugging for a batter, OK. With Statcast, we can get the data on launch angle, direction, and exit velocity and then calculate based on a huge set of data what "hits" with the same profile usually result in -- and that gives us the expect batting average of .110 or expected batting average of .920. That number helps us know how great a defensive play is, for example. If an outfielder made a catch on a ball that has an expected average of .720 then that outfielder stole a hit. Make sense? Similar data can be used to partially (emphasis on partially) evaluate, say, a third base coach. There is a lot of data on speed, baserunning, and run production, and a hit of this type, with this speed of runner at first, results in a run 93% of the team, but with Third Base Coach Y it's only 67% of the time and Third Base Coach X it's 95% of the time. Is Coach Y too conservative, and Coach X gifted? Run expectancy can help frame that conversation and use data to do so. Same thing with all of the info we have on close games, what wins them, and how a manager's calls influence that. It's one of the reason why Oliver Marmol gets such credit for his bullpen management in 2024 because of how the Cardinals outplayed their run differential, how they were better than than their expectancy due to success in close games which came down to a robust and strong, available bullpen. So no WAR. Though I did talk with a coach once who said he would love to have a "WAR for coaches" because it could be used to improve salaries.
ICCFIM: Will we see the ABS in 2026? If not, will MLB pull an Angel Hernandez on CB Bucknor? There has to be accountability at some point right? In particular when the calls appear to be deliberate as in the case of the Jordan Walker AB.
DG: The earliest you'll see an ABS-powered challenge system will be 2026, and that seems unlikely at this point as it is more likely to be folded into the next CBA negotiation, not thrust into this one. And even then it won't be full ABS. Challenge system is the preferred approach at this point, and players have given solid reviews of it. I don't know what you mean by deliberate -- to the player? to the Cardinals? Either way, MLB grades its umpires, lets them know when they're missing calls, and does make assignments accordingly.
Chris: Has Marmol addressed his thinking on pulling starting pitchers with low pitch counts and a 4 run lead while at the same time talking about how to lessen the heavy workload on the bullpen with multiple extra inning games? Last week Gray is pulled at 71 pitches and a 4 run lead. Yesterday, Libby is at 88 and a 4 run lead. I'm not harping for the days of old and complete games but the math is the math with 9 innings to cover every (most) game. These seem to be opportunities to take a little risk with the benefit of covering an extra inning with a starter that could add up by the end of the season and matching the words he's saying. Maton is already on an unsustainable appearances rate, like Romero was last year and didn't need to pitch yesterday.
DG: He did ahead of making the decisions. You may recall during spring training, when he talked about the approach with the rotation and the idea of putting a six-man rotation in play for this upcoming stretch of games. He also discussed the wish to carry two long relievers in the bullpen because -- and this is specific to what you've seen -- the starters would not be plunging deep into games in April because of the real concern (and real evidence) that pitching injures mount in April as they go from spring to cold weather, the pitch counts of spring to the grind/adrenaline/stress of the regular season, and so on. There is data that suggests that injuries spike in April, and that Cardinals response to this for a second consecutive year is conservative use of pitchers. If there is such a thing as pre-addressing this, then the manager and pitching coach did that in spring as they outlined for those of us asking how we might see a six-man rotation unfold and relief decisions made to proactively protect the starters for the longer haul.
v: The Phillies are serious contenders with one of the best rotations in baseball I heard? Didn't the back half of the Card's rotation just outpitch them? What is that conversationi like if a statistically representative amount of hard-hit ground balls get through on Sanchez?
DG: Any given weekend. The Cardinals pitched well, won a series. Sanchez was on that day. Sink from the left at 97 mph. Yowza. The weekend doesn't change what the Phillies are capable of as a contender. The weekend does show what the Cardinals are capable of if they get pitching like that.
Scott Stewart: Can you explain more about "what the new team intends to do with his contract" means? TY
DG: Sure, the Cardinals wanted to defer money, add a year at the end, and had to do all that and still meet the union's calculations that didn't change the modern-day value of the contract. That's why they had to add a second opt-out that neither the Cardinals nor Arenado wanted. But it had value that balanced the contract. If a new team wants to shift the numbers around, how they maintain the modern-day value would be something that Arenado would take into consideration when approving the trade.
Buck Dancer: How long are the Cardinals going to stick with Miles Mikolas? I know he got more swing and miss on Saturday, but John Mozeliak got downright defensive when asked this question by Tom Ackerman yesterday on KMOX. He said a start in which Mikolas posted a 5.40 ERA (3 ER in 5 IP) is one of his best starts in the past three years. Another couple of rough outings this month should make Mikolas a DFA candidate, but I get the sense they'll do the same thing they did with Matt Carpenter in 2021 and keep Mikolas on the roster all season, regardless of performance. What do you think?
DG: I stirred up a hornet's nest on Twitter when I asked why the DFA? I guess folks thought I was arguing against a DFA -- when really I'm more curious why DFA is this ubiquitous term used when people really just want a player released. Why not say released? It come across as if a fan wants a punitive DFA, like that skewers a player more than just being released. A DFA, in some cases, is used to actually KEEP A PLAYER IN THE ORGANIZATION. Yeah, that happens. If that's what you want, interesting, and cool, I get it. If you use DFA because that is the MOST COMMON move to immediately clear a roster spot and then either release, trade, or demote a player, then that too is cool. Anyway, I just find the use of DFA fascinating in the same way when people want someone fired they usually say "accountable" as euphemism to avoid going all in on the word they really want.
That said, Mikolas makes $16 million for a team that has guaranteed that salary, has advertised its wish to reduce payroll, and is unlikely then to cut him a check to go away so that they can spend his salary and more to cover those innings. So, yeah, he'll get more than April to be in the rotation. And if he builds on what he did this past weekend, doesn't that make sense?
Even a team in "transition" or trying to get more playing time for young players does need to get innings (regardless of what happens in those innings) from somewhere so as not to capsize the youth. It's not what fans want to hear, but it's the reality because those innings have to be pitched, and would you rather a young pitcher wear the tough ones or a veteran player used to shouldering a lot of innings.
Buck Dancer: Are you going to answer the question or just pontificate on the semantics of DFA vs. being released?
DG: I'm going to do both! I can multitask.
If more folks asked me questions and then told me how to answer them, at least make it fun. Ask a question -- and then demand an answer in the form of a limerick. Or ask a question and say that you need the answer in 17 words or less, they must rhyme, and feature the word "pomegranate." Go all in.
BenL: DG - accidentally submitted question about Winn's back early - is there growing concern given last year's issues too? I just think about Christian Yelich, his issues earlier in his career and some of the "what could have been" questions, how it's continually hampered him.
DG: There's ongoing concern, and there's going to have to be ongoing vigilance, and the team appears to be aware of that a long with the player.
Heath: IF Oli isn't back next year, can you rank these 3 from most likely to least likely being the next Cardinals manager? Skip, Albert, Yadi.
DG: Chaim Bloom will make the decision, and that means someone not listed -- and not yet clear -- would be in the top three. Stay tuned. Skip Schumaker is a leading candidate well positioned to replace Bochy in Texas. Of the three you mention, Albert Pujols is the one of the three best positioned for a manager offer from teams going into 2026.
v: OK you asked. C'mon DG. You know that DFA is a ridiculous option for a guy making $16 who has a no-trade clause. Nobody is going to claim him when they can wait and sign him for the minimum and the player would never approve a trade when a couple days later he would be a free agent with a choice, while making the same money. Just say it's ridiculous, or another synonym worthy of a world-class scribe.
DG: You spelled it out well. I ask so I can get answers like yours to better explore what people mean -- or don't mean -- by throwing around DFA. In your example, the DFA opens a spot on the roster immediately and that has value. So not entirely ridiculous from a boring, paperwork, transaction oriented viewpoint.
Chris: I have an 11 year old really getting into baseball this past year and the lower priced resale tickets have been perfect timing to go to a ton of games last year and this year. Please tell Contreras to quiet down!
DG: Interesting. I recently had a conversation with someone who was telling me all about how kids don't like baseball. They may not enjoy baseball in the same way I did -- chasing box scores, clipping box scores, and reading newspapers. But that doesn't mean they don't enjoy baseball highlights on YouTube or TikTok ... or whatever. The medium changes, and the challenge is making sure the game finds the medium to reach the next generation of fans. Thank you for sharing your comment, and for the wink you gave at the end of it.
South City Steve: How different do you realistically expect this roster to look in 2026, aside from expiring contracts (unless Mo gives Miles a 3rd extension)?
DG: I don't know. And I have reason to believe from talking to the Cardinals that they don't know either. That is the whole point of this season, after all. To give Chaim Bloom more information for what to do with the roster when he inherits it.
There have been no discussions between the Cardinals and Mikolas on an extension, according to multiple sources.
Crabby: Just popped in. 1. Is it just me or is Walker looking real good defensively in RF?
DG: Wrote about this today in the newspaper. The Cardinals are top-five in DRS as a team, and the position that leads them is plus-3 DRS in right field. Jordan Walker is a plus-2. The numbers agree with your assessment.
You can find more info, including comments from Walker and Marmol on this, in the article linked here.
Heath: What do you feel is Saggese's ceiling as an MLB player?
DG: I've heard him described as a right-handed Brendan Donovan with more power upside at the plate. That seems fair. There are a lot of similarities in what they do. Donovan probably naturally takes more walks, is more patient, but that will happen for Saggese as he does damage on pitches in the zone and pitchers get a little more selective with him and he takes the walks. Donovan is the superior fielder at this point.
Donald N: Derrick; 3 batter minimum relief pitcher rule question; Does the extra inning ghost runner count as one of the 3 batters faced in extra innings? Last week in Pittsburg, the Pirates had a left start an inning, record two outs, and then brought in a RH reliever when Jordan Walker was announced as a PH. I have gone over that half inning repeatedly and am certain that lefty who started the inning only faced 2 actual hitters.
DG: The answer is no, the "ghost" runner does not count against the three batter minimum for relievers.
I looked back at the situation you describe, and I hope this helps: The Pirates began the 12th inning with a left-handed pitcher, Borucki. He pitched to the final two batters of the 11th inning, and by rule he could have left then because he finished the inning. That's cool. When the started the next inning, he had to face only one batter to meet the three minimum. He actually faced two -- and was the pitcher of record for an intentional walk to his fourth and final better -- before yielding to a righthander, Lawrence, who finished the game.
Bryan C: How is the Cardinals attendance so far? Up or down from last year?
DG: Covered earlier in the chat. You can find all of the details immediately before this window.
Bryan C: How many Cardinals are using the torpedo bats?
DG: Contreras is the one for now, though Brendan Donovan has used a bat for several years now that is slightly differently -- more like a bottle than bowling pin -- but it's similar in theory.
bundy1967: Who would you say is the most underrated player on the Cardinals right now?
DG: Andre Pallante.
Bryan C: Where is Nolan Gorman going to fit into the field?
DG: Second base or DH.
U R ON THE INTERNET BUDDY: Intra-divisional trades are rare, but with Steele out for the year could Fedde end up on the North Side?
DG: Cubs-Cardinals trades are ultra-rare. Hard to see that happening at the moment.
cbow: "How is the Cardinals attendance so far? Up or down from last year?"
way down, aside from opening day
DG: The numbers are literally in this chat. If you can read the questions, you can read the answers -- and the data is all there, not even a click away, but right here in this very conversation. What is going on here?
Heath: Which current Cardinals (excluding Arenado, Gray, Contreras) do you think can make multiple All Star teams?
DG: Interesting question, and it's one that many readers may not like the answer at all. Longtime chatters may recall that I suggested Kolten Wong would be an All-Star at some point representing the Cardinals. That did not happen for many reasons. One of the things I learned in the years after I said that is this: Cardinals fans do not rock the vote for the All-Star Game. It's really interesting because ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ has great ratings for the All-Star Game. There have been years where the highest rating in the country for the broadcast is here in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½. And yet ... the fans do not come out to vote for the All-Star Game. Milwaukee does a great job of mobilizing the vote. The Cardinals and their fans have not in recent years, and maybe this speaks to the feel for the team or maybe it is an example of how moving the ballot online and not in person made it less appealing. I'm not sure. Any thoughts would be welcome. But one thing that must happen for the Cardinals to get multi All-Star Games for the players you're asking about is fans have to show interest in voting them into the starting lineup. Masyn Winn could be the answer. He's got the ability. He plays the position. And if he can somehow generate the support of the fan base, then you bet it's possible ...
U R ON THE INTERNET BUDDY: Good morning, Derrick. Between the general discontent of Americans and a humdrum offseason by the Local Nine, I do not envy your job whatsoever. Nevertheless, your access is greatly appreciated by many. From what you've seen since Bloom joined the org, do you get the sense that the Cardinals are getting with the times? The MiLB season is young, but is there legitimate hope for optimism?
DG: Yes. Significant and tangible strides, and Bloom is only one of the people leading this. Rob Cerfolio has also accelerated the Cardinals' staffing approach and development approach in ways we saw with tech at spring training and we'll be watching with pitching as the minor-league seasons start.
Lu: I like to think of myself as a fairly easy to please fan, but I have a gripe about one of the updated fan experience changes this year. They no longer play the radio broadcast in the concourse during games. How can I express my dissatisfaction with this ?
DG: I believe you just did.
Heath: Will Mikolas be in the rotation all year?
DG: I don't know.
He could be traded. He could be injured. He could excel. He could struggle. I just don't know.
larry harnly: why do you think it took so long for mo to sign phil maton? could he have been unhappy with the $2 million he signed for after making $6 million in 2024?
DG: Of course. There should have been better, bigger, real offers for relievers like Maton, but teams waited out the market, it was chillier for those types of relievers, and spring was warming up. The Maton-Cardinals connection was obvious going into 2024 and again in 2025, and it came down to the price point, like so many deals do.
Millo Miller: Derrick, welcome back. Have been there the last 2 Sunday games and I find the team very entertaining. I know there are going to be ups and downs, but if the team stays in playoff contention all year I hope management rides it out and doesn't try to unload key veterans. My question is where is the out of town scoreboard? I'm from the old school and like to scoreboard watch even this early in the year. I'm one who does not have to be bombarded with spray charts and pitch tendencies. Or am I in the minority? Thanks Derrick.
DG: Count me in the group that digs the additions to the scoreboard and how they've made it more similar to the info and experience at other ballparks. I like it. I think it's an improvement for Busch Stadium. And it's great that they're showing a willingness to change and look at what other clubs and ballparks are doing. That's a positive.
The out of town scoreboard is now on the seats atop Ballpark Village. You can see it right there beyond left-center field.
Speaking of Busch Stadium, gotta head to the ballpark for some interviews. I will plunge back into the chat in the space between reporting & the start of the game.
Thanks for your patience. The chat will resume, likely around 3,45-4 p.m., pending news and interviews. Cool?
At the ballpark. Astros are taking BP. Sorry for the longer delay than planned. Let's get back into the inbox.
Schmuck: Your pitch clock is running down, and you haven't engaged the batter...
DG: Fair.
Nick: Derrick, isn't this just arguing semantics when you know the meaning behind when people say it? While a lot of Cardinals (and baseball) fans are knowledeable on such terms, a great many use "DFA", "Released", "Accountable", "Let go", "Not on the roster anymore", "Not taking up space from someone else", "" synonymously, especially online. As someone who has had these kinds of conversations with you on social media, it can get irritating as a reader when we feel like we are asking a good question and the answer is a snarky version of "why do you say accountable instead of how you really feel?" - I mean, you know what people mean when they say these things, why harp on word choice and belittle people? I'm a fan and a subscriber, but come on, man....
DG: Thank you for being a subscriber. There are times where I don't know why people use the phrasing that they do. There are times when someone says DFA and they mean doing it to keep a player in the organization, and times when they want the player to feel the wrath of the fan base. And there are times when people want accountability -- answering for mistakes public, explanation -- and then there are times when people use accountability and they mean they want the person embarrassed on TV. So, I ask. And I apologize if asking for further explanation is somehow belittling. Say what you mean, and mean what you say, and that's not all that much to ask.
A.J.: Hey Derrick! Thank you for doing these chats. I know you don't get a lot of time to get down to the minors, but I'm curious to see if there has been any reaction yet to the increased coaches and instructors on the minors league staffs yet? Did it impact Spring Training for the big team at all?
DG: It absolutely had a presence in spring training. It seemed like the players in camp -- big-league camp, too -- always had a coach or support to do something. There were analytics folks nearby and at least one coach there for the work. That hasn't always been the case. They were able to keep the workouts moving, flowing, and active as a result, and there wasn't waiting around for a coach to be done one place or a tech to be finished with one group and then move over. We'll see how it manifests in the minors, but there is a clear plan for making development stuff available to more players by getting them in the hands of coaches even at the level. An example is the catching drills that the catching coordinator will run -- but also provide videos and instruction so that even if he's not at the level, coaches can continue doing them.
Ken M: I’m amazed at the lack of teams bunting the free runner to third in extra innings. Do the percentages say to take three at bats and try to not only get one run but maybe more?
DG: You'll see if from the home team if they need that one run to walk-off after a scoreless top of the inning. Visiting teams are going to slug for crooked numbers to outrun the advantage the home team has. The numbers do support that and stress not giving away outs even with the head start of a player in scoring position.
Bob the Subscriber: How staffed/coached up are the minor league teams? I understand that there are several new hires for pitching development (Pierpoint, etc.), but is there a dedicated Memphis pitching coach? Or does Springfield have a hitting coach? etc. thanks!
DG: There has been a pitching coach in Memphis for many years, and it used to be a feeder to being a big-league coach. Eversgerd was the Class AA pitching coach before he was in the majors as pitching coach, same with Lilliquist if you want to go back further. The minor-league teams have hitting coaches too. The expansion of staff as added pitching coordinators and additional coaches for those sides, but also given them more access to the analytics/tech. An example would be how the Dodgers had a pitching tech coach at every level, and the Cardinals had one for the system. They've expanded beyond the traditional setup that was in the minors15-20 years ago.
Iowa fan: Welcome back to the chat and please forgive chat etiquette buster with a multi-parter: 1. Was Cards' ownership preference to have all 3 (Nado,Gray, Contreras) gone in offseason? 2. Did Nado play w/bad shoulder in 2024 (if so, which one) 3. Who is your favorite sportswriter and why?
DG: 1. They didn't demand that because they knew that no-trade clauses were involved. They were willing to OK the trades of all those players if those players wanted out and that would have been a much larger cut to the payroll.
2. He had several physical issues that were part of the first half of the season, discomfort in his arm, shoulder and then at times in his back were part of them. He spoke candidly about that going into the All-Star break about needing that time to just rest, reset, and then surge, and that's what he did defensively feeling better with his health.
3. This is a great question. So many answers. Do you have a few hours, maybe a whole semester and we could read the selected works? I'll offer up a baseball-themed answer here because just trying to isolate on one will take me forever -- I have many, and I've learned from even more. I learned a lot about baseball beat writing from reading Buster Olney and Jack Curry at the New York Times, and then later from working with Rick Hummel and Joe Strauss. From Olney and Curry I saw the command of the beats they had and how that showed up in the details they reported -- whether it was glimpsing into the personality of the players or the nuances of the games. There was a real wellspring of knowledge that enlivened their writing. Other sportswriters were doing that on their beats, too. When I could get a copy of the Boston Globe, I devoured the work of Gammons and others who you know. The writers in Colorado while I was there included Kravitz, Reilly (briefly before going on to LA and SI), Lincicome ... So, good group to read. I'm going on too long and I've left out so many. My apologies.
bundy1967: Which Cardinals prospect do you think has the best chance to break out this year in Double-A or Triple-A?
DG: This is the easy answer and it's the real answer: JJ Wetherholt.
Also, Chase Davis. He's on the brink.
Dick: Contreas HR was Torpedo aided if you watched replay and PD photo
DG: That photo runs with a story about that very thing ...
Eastside: Could someone at the PD attempt to report on actual attendance at Cardinals' games, with a number? You'd have to account for how many people might be at concession stands or in restrooms at any given time, but surely you could survey the seating areas and derive at a good number. I get weary of seeing "tickets sold" numbers when they often have little to do with attendance.
DG: Hand-counting the attendance one by one and then guessing at the concessions and bathrooms sounds a lot time that could be spent doing something more productive. Yes, there are times when the actual turnstile numbers are sought and reported -- and those will definitely happen this season, for sure.
I want to push back on the notion that "tickets sold numbers ... often have little to do with attendance." They do help show revenue, and when you're talking about a team and its spending, revenue is a big part of reporting to the fans what is happening with their club. Moreover, for more than 20 years now the Cardinals have actively linked their spending on players with their ability to sell tickets, so pointing out the ticket sold number was a key factor in holding them to that. Empty seats for no-shows are noteworthy, for sure, because they reveal the temp of the fans at the time, but let's bottom line it -- they still sold that ticket. So use that number (not no-shows) to illustrate revenue. Consider: If the Cardinals sold 42,000 for every game this season and only 21,000 showed up, which would you use to determine the revenue that should lead to spending on payroll? Would you give them a rebate on the no-shows? Or would you say, hey, that's revenue?
JP in TN: Derrick, thanks for chat. What is your take on the revitalized offense? I enjoy the at bats and like what I see. Second question. REgardless of standing, do you feel the Cardinals will be open to discussions on moving some of the higher priced and or free agent to be players near trade deadline?
DG: Brant Brown deserves credit, for sure. His approach has energized the group, focused it, and given them some things that La Russa would call "keys" to latch on to. Let's also note that he came at a time when the hitters were receptive to a new voice, and he resonated. Plus, there have been some real strides for hitters who are either showing signs of improvement or, as in Victor Scott II's case, already improved in obvious ways. The support that the hitters are getting is also part of this.
You have added that key caveat -- regardless of standings. Really interesting question and in a way a real litmus test of the team and if it's going to reward a group that contends or ignore the standings and go for the payroll cut and prospect add of trades no matter what. I think there will be a real push-pull there, and I have asked, and I will ask again, and I'm eager to see how this develops this season. Let's all keep our eye on it because it's a really good question and the answer is yet to come.
DCG: Derrick: Obviously, one of the highlights of the season thus far is the nice start from so many of the young hitters. Cards are, I believe, third in the NL in runs/game, around 5.5. That's elite. One thing that has disappointed me, though, is the clear decision to platoon Burleson. I don't get it. If the commitment is to develop young players, give them a "long runway," and prioritize that over winning, why wouldn't you give one of your most promising young hitters a chance to fail and learn against lefties? How is he ever supposed to develop otherwise?
DG: That's a good question -- and it appears like the answer will evolve over the course of the season. Yes, there's a real platoon approach here, and some of that is apparently workload management early in the season, and some of that is giving the "runway" you discuss to a bunch of players to see how they perform. It is entirely likely that Alec Burleson performs well in this spot, and then he gets starts against lefties more often and then he's starting all the time ... and there you go.
That would fit the definition of development, and it's not going to happen in early April, but rather over time by June or sooner.
Uncle Redbird: Looks like Mathews has been a bit wild to start the AAA season. Did you see any of that in spring training? Perhaps something to do with the ABS zone?
Bob the Subscriber: Quinn Mathews just went on the IL after a start where his velo was down significantly. Any info on what is going on? Is it time to panic?
DG: He was just placed on the IL with shoulder soreness and is being evaluated for what's next for him. My colleague Daniel Guerrero got that information, and he'll have more in the Cardinals Extra.
Simple.10: DG - Can you tell us something about Mo that the fans don’t know, but should?
DG: That he was more heavily involved in the draft than he gets credit for, whether that's the drafts before he became GM, the drafts while Luhnow was in charge, or the drafts since. Whatever your feeling about the drafts and however much credit you want to give others, that's fine, but Mozeliak came from a scouting background into the role, and he oversaw some successful drafts -- and when there was a chance of a rupture in the front office, he was part of putting it together for what was a cohesive group that had strong player development from that 2009-2014 era.
Millo Miller: Derrick replying to a previous comment about out of town scoreboard. We usually sit in upper deck on 3rd base side in the shade. That explains why I never see it. Thank you
DG: Ah, that makes sense. You're welcome.
DCG: Ah, but in terms of long format, it's hard to beat the Rogers--Angell and Kahn--the best. I remember as a kid, I "discovered" their books. I was one of those kids who was junkie for sports history, so while I was way too young to have ever seen Bob Gibson pitch, for instance, I felt I had thanks to writers like them.
DG: Roger Angell is one of the best writers ever to also then write about baseball. My high school English teacher who inspired me to go into newspapers and understood by fondness for baseball (now it can be told: I missed some of his classes to go to Rockies games in their first spring) introduced me to Angell, and one day his copy of Angell's book showed up at my house, a gift from my teacher's widow. It's a treasured possession of mine.
Lu: Can you give your thoughts on the attendance situation in the form of a haiku?
Personally, I fall into the camp of "they've got me." In that I'm going to go to 15-20 games per year no matter what. I think more people are in this camp than the vocal minority would like to see. I found your stats about the opening few series YoY being fairly similar comforting. I'm pretty nervous about what significant dip in attendance could do to the operation. At the same time I look across the street and see the cash cow BPV is and think "wasn't this kind of the point? to have that fallback for cashflow even in down years"
DG: BPV, indeed/but real jackpot for spending/rich TV deal burst
As for attendance, let's give it a go.
April chill in air/more empty seats expected/tells temp of fan base
Andthenisaid: What are your biggest surprises of the young season so far?
DG: Paul Skenes may not be the best young pitcher in the division. Hunter Greene is.
Ryan: What is the reasoning for not using a natural first baseman at first base? Are they saying that Contreras never playing first before is better with the glove than Burleson? I’m confused… If Burleson is really that bad then yikes. They have a cluster of DH’s to sort through.
DG: They are saying that Willson Contreras, a third baseman who converted to catcher and now a catcher converting to first base, is a skilled athlete and capable of becoming a reliable and even strong defensive player there. Yes, that is what the Cardinals what the Cardinals are saying with their actions.
Brian: Great question, Derrick, about ASG voting. My 2 cents is I think Cardinals Nation is pretty old school. And we make a big deal about how many fans there are in the seats. The whole "go online and vote multiple times per day and the teams with the best social media campaign get more representation" just feels very off. To me it feels like they took a cool thing and ruined it, so it's actually something that lessens my enjoyment. Hard to get motivated to participate in something that lessens my enjoyment.
DG: If that's the prevailing opinion, it would fit with the voting trends for sure. Up to the Cardinals to mobilize a fan base that, if the above is true, isn't likely to modernize enough to mobilize. That's going to be a challenge for the team.
pugger: Hey Derrick! Good afternoon. If your manger would you put McGreevy in the rotation and put Mikolas in the bullpen? His 18 mill salary be damned??
DG: Brace yourself -- or maybe I should brace myself -- I would not. Not today. Not at this moment. The answer may change as the season unfolds because I don't need to make decisions in April and stick with them in May or June because the decisions I make now may actually allow for better decisions in May or June. At some point this season, McGreevy will be the rotation, should be in the rotation. This right now? I understand why the Cardinals have not made that choice now, and I also understand why it's not popular for the fans. Only at the end of the season will we see what starters have the most starts. We can't know in April, but choices made in April make it possible for, say, a McGreevy to be part of the stretch run later.
pugger: Do the Cardinals, in your estimation, have any top end, or even solid #2/#3/#4 starting pitchers coming anytime soon-- within 2 years? Save for Quinn Matthews? Maybe McGreevy? Hence cannot stay healthy, same for Roby. Who am I missing that could come up to MLB team and be that guy.. even if it's a middle of the rotation guy?? Teh Cardinals 'donut hole' of pitching is more like a post apocalyptic sink hole...
DG: Don't be so quick to dismiss Tekoah Roby.
Paul W.: I think your comment about moving the voting online is definitely relates to the lack of Cardinals starters. When I was at the park and voting happened, I voted. Now, no I don't. I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
DG: Thanks for the honesty.
South City Steve: I grew up in the back-of-the-baseball-card stat era, where batting average indicated success at the plate. I realize modern analytics has shifted more focus towards OPS as an indicator of success, leaving batting average is an afterthought. But if you look at Nootbaar’s (an analytics darling) last 7 games you can see where the OPS confusion sets in for the average fan. Nootbaar is 3 for his last 29, zero extra base hits. That’s not good. However, he walked 6 times in that 7-game stretch too, so his OPS remains a defensible .765. You could argue “even while he's mired in a slump, he’s still finding a way to get on base.†True, and I’m not dismissing walks, but his value to this team is as an elite hitter, not a guy who can work counts. My point is that OPS, while a stat more reflective of overall production, also papers over some realities by not factoring in batting average at all.
DG: OPS includes batting average. Batting average is a fundamental part of OPS.
Plot twist! It actually includes elements of batting average twice so that hits get a little extra nudge ahead of walks. How is this possible -- well, you have hits are in the S (slugging) and also hits are in the O (on-base percentage), while walks are only in the O.
So OPS is doing exactly what you suggest it should.
Batting average is obviously in slugging percentage, it's just that slugging percentage is better because it reflects the damage a player did. And slugging percentage is the S in OPS, so batting average is in there, it's just its stronger sibling slugging that's used.
I too grew up with baseball cards and batting overage on the back, and I won a few Fantasy Leagues by drafting for slugging percentage while others drafted for batting average. That's not to say that batting average isn't valuable. It's fine. But getting on base and "working counts" and doing damage are all part of being an elite hitter, and the best number of them all is the one that builds upon batting average and reflects this: Who does the most damage and makes the fewest outs? Give me that hitter's rookie card, and regardless of what it says on the back it will be worth something some day.
Heath: I didn't necessarily mean an All Star starter, just which of the young guys do you think can take the next step to be that type of player. Just seems like a very wide variance with this group. I wouldn't be shocked if 4 or 5 become all stars. I also wouldn't be surprised if none of them do.
DG: Fair. I used started to make the point that support of the fans is a good way to get multiple appearances. Energize the fans who want to vote for you. Star there.
Brad: Hi Derrick! I sent my thoughts about re-signing Ryan Helsley by you on The Write Fielder but I have a question concerning his potential free agency and what the Cards might do after this season. Let's say the Cards want to keep him a Cardinal for 4 yrs. Theoretically, they offer him $15M annually for 4 yrs (4 yrs, $60M) and he declines and enters Free Agency. Do the Cardinals receive a comp pick after he signs with another club even tho they technically didn't offer him the minimum QO $$ for 2026 ($21M or whatever it is for 2026)? Contemplating this scenario, I guess they could make the total offer of $60M, but adjust the annual amount to $21M for '26, and $13M for each of the following 3 yrs. What's your take on this?
DG: Thanks for reading the newsletter. I see where you're coming from, and I hope that I answer this correctly if I am indeed reading your suggestion as you meant it. You have to separate the two. If he declines the extension offer, that extension offer is separate from the QO. The QO still has to be made, and he'll still have the right to accept it or decline it. It's the QO that triggers the comp pick, not any discussion or rejection of an extension offer. They are entirely separate. The QO is a one-year deal at a price to be set that, yes, will be in that $21-million range, maybe $22 million. Whatever offer was on the table before that is academic to the QO and the pick. Hope that helps.
RNase-free Jeff: Hey Derrick, glad to have baseball back and enjoy all you and the P-D team's coverage of the Cards. I've got a history question. I though the game last year at Rickwood Field was extraordinary, and am really happy that MLB has integrated the stats for Negro League players into MLB history. From a Cardinals/ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ baseball history, should the Cardinals start doing more to honor some of the Negro League players? Cool Papa Bell has a statue outside of Busch. But digging into the Negro League stats, it looks like Willie Wells was also an absolute legend for the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Stars in the 1920s. Has there been any discussion among Cardinals brass in further honoring Wells or other Negro League players? Are there exhibits for them in the Cardinals museum (I live out of town and haven't gotten to visit yet).
DG:Â Thank you for the compliment. There has been discussion. I know about this first hand. I did some of the same research you did. Stay tuned.
Jim from DeBary FL: I enjoy Daniel Guerrero new position, but I do really miss having the added minor league reporting that he provided last year. Any chance that Indepth reporting will come back soon?
DG: There is indeed. We are currently working on new earlier deadlines and having two people on a beat again where once there were three. As we get our footing with the new elements of coverage and maintaining the quality that subscribers expect, then look for us to roll out our plan for that next. I guess ... um ... stay tuned on that too? I promise it's on our mind as we adjust to a few new things being thrown at us at the beginning of the season.
Seems like a good spot to end the chat here. A ballgame is nigh.
I'm old enough to remember when this was a National League matchup. Instead, it's the team that Nolan Arenado stayed with against the American League team that tried to trade for him. Writes itself if he has a big series ...
Thanks for the strong questions. Made for a good conversation. Enjoy the ballgame.
Aloha.
CardsFaninLalaLand: Dear Mr. Goold, thank you for the chat, your professionalism and the respect you have for baseball and your profession. Revisiting your example earlier in the chat about how a club might determine whether to spend $10 million on a pitcher based on whether the pitcher projected to add the necessary wins to get into the playoffs - if the team decided not to spend but save the $10 million, would it typically bank that amount so it would be available for the following year's budget, or is each year's budget independent? Also, I may be wrong but I think the person unhappy with the lack of radio broadcasts in the concourse may have been asking who to contact at the Cardinals to register his complaint.
DG: At the buzzer, a great question -- and not just because of the compliment. Thank you for the compliment. The question is great because it strikes at some of the things that the Cardinals have said, both ownership and front office leadership about this subject.
The short answer is -- depends on the team, obviously, what they do with that $10 million saved in the hypothetical. The longer answer is for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals are saying that it will, effectively, be saved and used from year to the next. In fact, that is part of their model that they're moving into. The Cardinals believe a reduction in spending now, investment in development and infrastructure, and then riding that prospect wave back into contention will allow them invest that money they've spent, and new revenue they have in (streaming?) when the team is, as one official put, "ready to win." Another official I spoke to talked about creating and securing a core of players and then "augmenting" that group with spending. Mozeliak even used that phrasing when we spoke for the Q & A that ran in the special section, and he described getting the Cardinals to a point where they have the homegrown core to then outfit with outside talent and rise back to the levels of spending from previous years. Your question hits right at that promise -- which we all will discuss again and when it looks like the Cardinals have that team we can see if they spend or ask why they did not and point back to these comments.
