I expect some regression. If he stays healthy (and they can keep his eyesight adjustments on track) I think we will get plus production both offensively and defensively (above league averages) in a key position.

His plate discipline and plate coverage is excellent. One year wonders are usually because they have holes that can be exploited. His hole will be his sight. If he can see fine, I doubt we see a significant dip in production.

The huge plus is he costs us peanuts.

This is the player I am more curious about whether he is for real.

"The best hitter you know nothing about"

https://www.mlb.com/news/jose-martin...18/c-264948180

and because of his injury history and eyesight, he’s not worth anything in trade what is value is to us if he can repeat 2017.

Just booked my hotel for opening day weekend.

April 5th 6th and 7th @ the Hyatt Regency at the Arch.

I've never been to opening day before, there is a lot a of hoopla before the game right? Don't they have a parade? Anyone know when single game tix go on sale? I think late Feb.

Should be especially fun this year, usually the Home Opener is a day game. 6:15 start this year, which means people will be lubed up and ready to go.

I'd plan to hit Paddy O's starting around 11.

That's usually where i go pre-game!

Enjoy! I have only made two opening days. One in St. Louis at Busch II in 1981 vs the Phillies, great seats behind home plate and one row behind the Phillies. wives. We were brutal to them as drunk college assholes can be.

Second one was ironically in Philly in 2006, Rolen is booed vociferously, then proceeds to hit 2 homers and send them home losers. I enjoyed their foiled rath as much as just about any regular season victory in memory.

St. Louis puts on a great show, have a blast, hopefully I’ll be able to get back there for another one some day.

Brewers get Yelich

OF Lewis Brinson, OF Monte Harrison, INF Isan Diaz and RHP Jordan Yamamoto. #1, #5 and #9 in BA's Top-10

Good deal? What would have been a comparable deal from us?

And they just signed Lorenzo Cain.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Outfield by combined WAR:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLCards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLCards</a>: 13.4<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brewers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brewers</a>: 10.1<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a>: 3.6</p>&mdash; Cardinals Rant (@CardinalsRant_) <a href="https://twitter.com/CardinalsRant_/status/956712882716082176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The sad part is how meh the Cards OF is...

quick look at brewers fan boards is ugly. They think Binson is going to be better than Yelich and had to give up more on top of Bindon.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lorenzo Cain has agreed on a 5-year, $80M deal with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brewers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brewers</a>, source says. It’s the biggest free agent contract of the offseason. The deal includes no-trade protection and significant award bonuses. Milwaukee building a super outfield with addition of Yelich and Cain.</p>&mdash; Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcrasnick/status/956685103878557696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Seems like 1 year too many for a CF that's about to hit 32.

I'd still take the Cubs OF over the Cards, assuming that the Cubs put Almora lead off and not ****ing Schwarber.

Heyturd is that bad

Defensively I'll take him in RF over Fowler.

Last year was Almora's first year actually playing a meaningful number of games and you could really see his progress at the plate as the season went on. He was probably having the best consistently good AB's of any Cubs player.

And as long as Schwarber isn't leading off I dont see why he cant match or beat Ozuna's offense. I'm eager to see what he looks like in the field this year since hes been working all offseason on his body.

I don't expect Ozuna or Pham to maintain what they did last season.

Pham is a .270 20 HR guy. In the 2 or 3 Meh.....He s a 6-7 guy

PECOTA sees the Cardinals finishing the season 84-78. What say you?

I think it’s too low. Going with 88 wins.

Either way, if they stand pat with their current bull pen and rotation they won't make the post season.

Rotation really seems like it could use another proven arm. Hoping there might be some decent values with many of the top FA starting pitchers still on the market but haven’t read of any interest shown by the cards.

Still need a 2 or 3 hole hitter. Top is a joke.

Rotation is driving that down now. Too many ifs...

Not sure why the Cardinals are so damn loyal to Wainwright and aren't being linked to either Arrieta or Darvish. Maybe they are just holding out for Kershaw next year because the Dodgers are clearly going to let him walk away after he opts out.

I doubt they are serious about Kershaw. I did think they might go after a middle of the rotation guy. Mikolas could easily be a bust.

Apparently they only spend big on shitty back of rotation guys like leake.

Mega deals for starters don’t have a great track record.

This!

These deals for 30-32 year old pitchers just dont fit us. They never work out. We should not be sacrificing later to win this year. This isn't our year to make a push.

the only one we ever missed out on was Scherzer's contract 7/$210 million. That off season it seemed that we were not hurting for pitching that year but having a local kid back..... missed opportunity.

Next year with Reyes at full speed our minor league pitching maturing, I think combining that with us sign/spending some money for offense, we will be competitive again.

I dont think either Arrieta or Darvish is looking at a "mega deal."

I think 5 years is probably what they'll get, maybe 6 with an option, and an opt out somewhere in there. Less than a Jon Lester deal.

It's simple.

Wainwright is a franchise icon. With his production. The last 2 years, really 3, he his production hasn't been that good.

Cardinals FO is perfectly fine with letting him and Yadi right into the sunset, like they would've if the Angels weren't stupid.

Understatement of the century. He's been awful. Mike Leake was a better option. Loyal to a fault.

I am not disagreeing.

This can be seen from other teams as well.

Jeter and the Yankees, David Wright and the Mets, Todd Helton and the Rockies.

thats the problem. That’s not a “reasonable” contract. A team guarantees an aging player in your prime money into their mid 30’s. What pitcher was in their prime in their mid-30’s? And if somehow they have a couple of good years, they can move on to a better contract.

Teams are guaranteeing everything and giving them a no trade clause. There is no cost to the player if it goes bad, only to the team.

Now, this only applies to these 30+ year old players that are wanting long term deals. <30 are still making bank.

Cubs sign Yu Darvish to 6/150 million

So much for suspecting he may get something more reasonable due to the market. **** that.

Actually 6/126

For Darvish to reach $150M he would have to earn multiple Cy Young awards. I would say $21M/yr for Darvish when guys like Samardzija are getting 18 is pretty reasonable.

If he does earn that $24M incentive then you really cant argue he wasnt worth the money.

Draftkings Live originally reported 6/150. My bad.

6/126 actually seems like a decent deal but sounds like they gave an opt out after just 2 seasons.

Dont see him exercising that opt out unless the Dodgers or Yankees become players for him again, since those teams were his first choice but they didnt want to exceed the luxury cap. I can't imagine him making more money over the next 4 years with a new deal unless he goes ape shit, which I wont complain about.

And another example.

Why not give him 3 years of good money? Wacha cant pitch to teams a 3rd time. Waino is a big ? and hope success in Japan translates to MLB?


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cardinals</a> shouldn’t give Arrieta a lot of years, but you give him a lot of money. The Cardinals have a lot of cash. Have you looked at the starting staff? Do you not think Arrieta would help?</p>&mdash; Frank Cusumano (@Frank_Cusumano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Frank_Cusumano/status/962432472716890112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Does anyone know when single game tickets go on sale?

Arrieta turned down 4/110 from the Cubs. Boras is not going to let him sign for 3 years because he'll likely lose out on several million over the remainder of his career.

Apparently before the Cubs signed Darvish, they went to Arrieta with the same offer and he turned it down. So good luck getting him to sign a 3 year deal.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Free-agent right-hander Bud Norris in agreement with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/STLCards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#STLCards</a>, pending a physical, sources tell The Athletic. Excelled in first half with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Angels?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Angels</a> last season, but performance suffered after right knee inflammation twice forced him to DL.</p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/963073539074150405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Key to a World Series

Yippie

Since the Cardinals are absolute shit against Bud Norris, they decided to sign him.

Brilliant.

Yes, about 8 years ago. The dude has a career ERA+ of 89. Sounds like a great signing! :banghead:

I 70 Series is gonna be a sack of shit

Didn’t realize he was still in the league. Apparently switched to a relief role last year.

3M plus significant incentives for a guy I was expecting might have been signed to a minor league deal/invite.

im assuming he is an additional long relief guy to backstop Wacha and Waino when they leave early.

2018 STL Cardinals Thread
 

You guys signed Bud Norris? Why not Jason Vargas?

Wish you guys would sign Hosmer or Moose or both. Would give me a reason to follow the Cards.

The Cardinals are throwing numbers at the bullpen, which isn't a bad plan given the volatility of relief pitchers. Norris was actually pretty good for the Angels last year before he got hurt. Looks like he's relying more on the cutter, and his fastball is average enough.

Yep, their value has went up. Every team wants more relievers.

Might as well throw Mitchell Boggs and Kyle McClellan into the mix.

Coming from truly dirt poor to driving anything you desire.:clap: Still dresses old school middle class.:rolleyes:

His skills may be diminishing because of age but he is still working hard to stay in shape. He lives in Jupiter in the off season to keep working between vacations. Spends time with the minor leaguers there coaching them up.

I loved the guy ever since the NY playoff game when I had already had tickets to the WS. He made it possible for me and my son to see a WS won in person. Forever grateful.

When he is done, he's going to get "something" at the stadium. Statue, area named after him etc.

Why not? Sign DJ up. keep the bodies coming.

Meathead is going to run a successful reliever into the ground so we are going to need more bodies.

Jorts and a neck tattoo. Does Yadi live in Lee's Summit in the offseason?

He looks like an El Chapo errand boy

I still love him though.

Yep, best catcher the cards have had in my lifetime.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/...son-motte.html

Brought back Motte JFC ROFL

Also signed Mujica to a minors deal a couple weeks back.

I understand putting together a huge bucket of relievers and see who still has it, has recovered to prior form or is ascending. And I approve.

Relievers in 2018 are a violate bunch, You never know from year to year what performance you will get from these guys.

I hope that its just a friendly deal to retire a Cardinal. He was a fun guy to watch in 2011. He contributed significantly to that championship. Was more of a down to earth player than most. I liked the guy a lot. But, as a MLB pitcher, he is done.

:deevee: ****

I always liked Motte, but does he have anything left? I guess a minor league deal can't hurt.

Izzy, Franklin, and Big Cheeks have as good a shot as these scrubs...

motte? Yes. Norris? He might have some value if he pitches like the first half of the season. None of these guys are making bank so it’s not a gamble that hampers us.

I liked Motte, but no he has nothing left. Honestly even 2011 Motte would not be as effective now. His velocity then stood out still, it wouldn’t be enough now. Hitters see too many of those now. He would need at least an average secondary pitch that he could throw for a strike. Kimbrel has had staying power as a closer because he can drop that hammer for a strike with consistency. Something Rosie could show at times, but far from consistently.

I think they know these guys are all crap, but they think they have in house options that are within a year away and they don’t want to pay a reliever or starter for a multi year deal when they think they can fill in next year from depth. I think they still could have gotten a Reed for the pen in that same thought process. They are also banking big on a Waino miracle.

They're minor league deals. They mean nothing. It's an invite, not a spot on the club.

I hear Dave Veres and Jeff Fasero are available.

I would take the Hungarian over bringing that turd Motte back.

Motte ain’t making this team.

Carp already having back issues. So that’s nice

bigger issue is him not batting leadoff. He has some mental block about not batting lead off. We lost games because they dropped him in the lineup. He goes back to leadoff and he’s back to his old self.

Maybe he’s over that mental thing now?