Welcome to The Write Fielder – a weekly newsletter on baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals from the Post-Dispatch. Every Friday, lead baseball writer Derrick Goold delivers behind the seams stories straight to your inbox that builds upon the baseball coverage in a city celebrated for its deep roots and deepest fondness for the game.
JUPITER, Fla. — It won’t show up in the box score, but on Wednesday, right before the final off day of their spring training schedule, the Cardinals hosted the Washington Nationals, and third baseman Nolan Arenado had a spirited game at third base.
On a slow-dribbler that got just past the mound, Arenado cut in front of both middle infielders in an attempt to make the play at first – and came just shy.
A few innings later, former teammate Andrew Knizner nudged a slow-roller down the third baseline that brought Arenado hard-charging in from the dirt. Arenado barehanded the grounder, whipped the ball to first base, and then celebrated complete with euphoric scream as his throw beat Knizner by several feet.
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“It only mattered because it was Knizner,” manager Oliver Marmol deadpanned.
He was asked if the Gold Glove winner enjoyed the play.
“There has to be a word that is stronger than enjoy,” the manager said.
As the Cardinals reach their final weekend of Grapefruit League play and the trucks rumble their way toward St. Louis for the regular season and opening day Thursday, here are a few snapshots of the top performers that you probably saw in the headlines and some of whom you’re like to see at Busch Stadium:
• Center fielder Victor Scott II had a “phenomenal” camp according the manager, and there has to be a word that is stronger than phenomenal. Scott showed improved routes in center field and aggressive athleticism at the plate. Going into Friday’s game he’s hit .359/.457/.692 for a 1.149 OPS. He had a 400-foot homer in the same game where he nearly made a catch at the same wall.
• Freed from the tools of intelligence, Willson Contreras reached base more often than he was out, so far. He has a .512 on-base percentage in spring with a .412 average. He had an epic bat flip, as well, on a walk.
• JoJo Romero has been electric and may have answered a question for the Cardinals concerning who they call on as closer if Ryan Helsley is unavailable (or traded). Romero struck out 13 in eight scoreless innings and allowed as many hits (three) as walks (three).
• Likewise, Kyle Leahy, Chris Roycroft, and Ryan Fernandez have been strong from the right side. Roycroft and Leahy have combined for 18 scoreless innings this spring.
• Luken Baker thundered his way onto the big-league bench with some lofty hits, but he also impressed with under-the-hood metrics that showed he was hitting the ball and often.
• The prospect who made the biggest impression in spring: Tekoah Roby, right-hander.
• Lars Nootbaar and Steven Matz had some of the strongest springs, especially for two Cardinals almost certain of their roles with the big-league team. Nootbaar made strides in center field, especially where the team wanted him to in tracking the ball and expanding his range. Nootbaar reached base 24 times in 16 games. Matz has allowed 13 hits and 19 baserunners in 19 2/3 innings while setting a brisk tempo to his outings. In both cases, the returning Cardinals are set to leave spring training with what they haven’t had enough of in recent years: health.
A FAREWELL TO SLUGGER
This past week, the Cardinals released Chandler Redmond from minor-league camp so that he could pursue opportunities as a minor-league free agent. Redmond spent parts of four seasons with Class AA Springfield and hit 31 homers there in 2023. Drafted in a round that no longer exists (32nd) in 2019, Redmond burst into the headlines when he hit for a home run cycle in 2022 – slugging a solo homer, a two-run shot, a three-run blast, and a grand slam in the same game.
He later .
Redmond, now 28, played as high as Class AAA Memphis with 20 games this past season. His longevity and production for the S-Cards leaves some remarkable numbers and those most baseball of minor-league records – ones that are so impressive, but no one wants to chase. In 341 games for the Springfield Cardinals, he hit an affiliate record 66 home runs. That surpassed the previous record of 59 held by Xavier Scruggs.
Cardinals minor-league infielder Chandler Redmond attends batting practice on Monday, March 7, 2022, on the first day of spring training at the team's training facility in Jupiter, Fla.
FROM THE ‘PEN
With his start against the Twins next week, Sonny Gray will make 26 consecutive opening days for the Cardinals started by a right-hander. The last time a lefty had the ceremonial assignment? Donovan Osborne in 1999 against Milwaukee. … Scott went to one of the deepest spots at Roger Dean Stadium and almost robbed an extra-base hit with a leaping catch – until he crashed into the wall. Or as he put it: “I would have had it except there was Ray Lewis out there.” … An emphasis of spring for the outfielders with new coach Jon Jay has been their routes on fly balls and their angles on base hits. Marmol explained why: “If you look at bases hits to our outfield and their ability to keep the guy to first – it’s pretty good. Their angles and just the intent behind that first step has been pretty elite. They’ve cut down some people from advancing by the way they get to the ball. That’s been good to watch. That has happened more than people realize.” … One of the things pitchers won't miss about the backfields of spring training is the wind. Newcomer Phil Maton pitched into the wind during his early appearances and saw inches added to the break of his curveball. Steven Matz had a windswept start in West Palm Beach, Florida, and talked about how he couldn't get a read on the movement of his pitches because of how the moved. "Don't have that problem with a third deck," said one observer. ... While reporting the cover story for Sunday’s 2025 St. Louis Cardinals preview section, I spoke to Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker about the times they’ve talked about winning together and chasing a championship together as Cardinals. They said some of it happens while playing the video game NBA 2K online as part of a team where they each design their own characters. Here’s the twist. Walker, a 6-foot-6 outfielder, plays point guard – a smaller water-bug running the offense. Winn, a 5-foot-9 infielder, plays a center or power forward crashing the boards. … Yes, Walker’s point guard wears No. 18, and of course the mountain in the middle played by Winn sports No. 0. … Cardinals Productions visited Brendan Donovan at home in Alabama and . … The Cardinals’ Hall of Fame and Museum is unveiling a new exhibit this Sunday (March 23) that will “explore the childhood baseball experiences of Cardinals fans across the three” stadiums that the Cardinals have called home. … Alec Burleson hit a home run this past week that put a dent in the moving truck used to transport equipment back to St. Louis. ... By the time the next edition of the newsletter drops opening day will be behind us. This is the earliest regular season game in Cardinals history, edging games played against Milwaukee (2019) and the Dodgers (2024) on March 18. Both of those games were on the road, so this home game is the earliest the Cardinals have risked that spring weather. They hosted Toronto on March 30, 2023. … Here are the Cardinals with more walks in Grapefruit League games than strikeouts: Nootbaar (13-10), Nathan Church (6-1), JJ Wetherholt (6-5), Jose Fermin (5-2), Noah Mendlinger (3-1), Redmond (1-0), and Wade Stauss (1-0).
IN OUR TIME LOOP
My mother gave me a copy of Ernest Hemingway’s “In Our Time” to read during spring training, and there is the reason that I finally got to in the final week of Florida. It's right there on page 40 of this edition in a conversation started by Nick Adams, Hemingway’s protagonist (and sometimes avatar).
“Got anything to read?” he asked.
“Only the paper.”
“What did the Cards do?”
“Dropped a double header to the Giants.”
“That ought to cinch it for them.”
“It’s a gift,” Bill said. “As long as McGraw can buy every good ball player in the league there’s nothing to it.”
“He can’t buy them all,” Nick said.
“He buys all the ones he wants,” Bill said. “Or he makes them discontented so they have to trade them to him.”
A former ink-slinger at the Kansas City Star, Hemingway pollinated many of his works with references to baseball and sometimes used it as a modern mythology. The Yankees and Joe DiMaggio play an important role in "The Old Man in the Sea." "In A Farewell to Arms," a character is recovering in the hospital and will only read baseball updates, and he wonders if the United States goes to war will the games stop. (“They probably won’t.”) Before going to war himself in 1918, Hemingway stopped for a game in the Bronx between the Yankees and White Sox.
Nick and Bill continue talking about the Cardinals for a bit and Bill references a trainwreck where some of the players rescued people. (That’s a story for another newsletter.) The sentiment of Nick and Bill talking baseball a century ago sounds familiar to an exchange that might happen now on barstools or group text.
“I’d like to see the World Series,” Nick said.
“Well, they’re always in New York or Philadelphia now,” Bill said. “That doesn’t do us any good.”
“I wonder if the Cards will ever win a pennant?”
“Not in our lifetime,” Bill said.
Alec Burleson talks with teammates on Feb. 15, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida.
THE PD-Q
There was a stretch late in 2024 where it appeared that Alec Burleson would lead the Cardinals in both home runs and RBIs. He finished with a team-high 78 RBIs and the second-most homers (21), and he’s poised to spend most of this season in the lineup as either designated hitter or the first baseman. Standing at his locker this spring wearing a bucket hat, he answered the PD-Q.
1. What advice from a parent or role model stays with you?
My dad just always told me to have fun. I know it’s talked about a lot because it is a game and you should have fun. With as hard as he was on me growing up in baseball, it was refreshing to hear him say, ‘Just have fun.’ Because he was pretty hard on me about it. So that stays with me.
2. Describe a memorable holiday, Christmas, or birthday gift.
I’ve never been asked that question. The one that comes to mind is I was maybe 6 or 7 years old, and I got my first stereo system for my room. It was cool. You could put five CDs in it. My parents may still have it.
3. What word or phrase do you use too often?
It’s probably the F-word. That shouldn’t be my answer, but if I’m going to be truthful.
4. What is your favorite motto?
“If you don’t like it, play better.”
5. Who is your favorite superhero?
Spider-Man. For sure. But Tobey Maguire Spider-Man*.
* Aside from author: I once appeared in an issue of Amazing Spider-Man reading a comic book at Roger Dean Stadium during spring training. 'Tis true. You can look it up. Issue No. 662.
6. What is the best baseball movie?
“The Benchwarmers.” Funny. Grew up on that one.
7. What is your greatest achievement?
Graduating from college (East Carolina University). Just being able to say I have my degree (business management) is something special.
8. What is your current state of mind?
You’re getting deep. With the bucket hat on it’s just chill vibes. Maybe a little anxious for tomorrow (with) starting games. But, yeah, just chilling out.
9. What is your greatest extravagance or indulgence?
Cheesecake.
10. Who was your favorite ballplayer?
I always liked Derek Jeter and A-Rod (Alex Rodriguez) – watching those guys. But one that’s close because he was my first baseball card was Jason Bay.
11. What was your first car?
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Dark green. It was beat up. But it was nice.
12. Your current car?
2022 Dodge Ram truck.
13. Where must you visit before you die?
I think I’d like to go somewhere super-tropical not in the United States. Just my wife and I going somewhere really beach-y.
14. What embarrassing song is on your playlist?
“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
15. Name the movie that you’ll stop to watch if it’s on.
Any of the Avengers movies.
16. Do you sing in the shower or the car?
Yep.
17. Finish the phrase: You know you’re in the minors when …
When the best meal of the day is the pre-game PB&J sandwich.
18. You tune out when people talk about …
Football.
19. What is your greatest regret?
I don’t think I have any regrets.
20. What is your greatest fear?
Drowning.
21. What other talents would you like to have?
I wish I could play the guitar. I wish I could be able to pick one up and just play it whenever I want to.
22. What is your treasured possession?
My dog. Her name is Macey, and she’s a German shepherd-lab mix, but she was the runt so she’s a little bit smaller than you’d expect her to be. She is (almost) 5.
PAPERCLIPS
• Turns out that young kid I probably watched help Jose Oquendo skip fungoes to infielders about 19 or 20 years ago is now in charge of developing catchers for the Cardinals. Meet Ethan Goforth. He had a memorable experience with Tony La Russa, mimicked Yadier Molina on his way to becoming a pro catcher, and is now the Cardinals’ new minor-league catching coordinator with a clear sense of how to shape the next generation while honoring the past.
• Fascinating angle and reporting here by columnist Lynn Worthy as he discusses the pressures on Cardinals manager Marmol to develop the future while trying to win games in the present.
• A inside look and deep dive into the changes in player develop, courtesy of baseball writer Daniel Guerrero.
• Guerrero also released his annual Dispatch Dozen, the top 12 prospects in the Cardinals' organization.
• SԳ a couple of hours talking with (and sometimes debating) Cardinals executive John Mozeliak, and this the Q & A that came from that interview – an exclusive to the Post-Dispatch’s season preview section.
• Joe Capozzi, a former baseball writer and award-winning news reporter who covers the Palm Beach area now for his site, , has this fascinating story about . How can you not be romantic about baseball?
• A new Best Podcast in Baseball will appear Friday.
ON THE ROAD
The go-to spot for coffee near Roger Dean Stadium and the possibility of seeing ball players on their way to work in the morning or sports columnists hard at work in the afternoon is Crux Coffee. As the Cardinals prep to depart from Florida for the regular season, a place that will be missed – from closer to outfielder to baseball writer – is Crux Coffee. The independent coffee shop in Downtown Abacoa has an exceptional choice of coffee, from a stockpile of single-cup to drip to nitro off the tap. The late owner was always eager to talk baseball or roasting beans.
ON DECK
The final weekend of Grapefruit League games begins with a split-squad game Friday afternoon, speeds into a couple of games, and then, on Monday morning, the Cardinals gather to jet from Jupiter to Memphis and an exhibition game. The Cardinals will be barnstorming, essentially. The only time the big-league roster will spend in Memphis is when they play the game in Memphis. A day that begins with a bus leaving Jupiter will end in St. Louis that night after the pitstop in Tennessee. The Cardinals have a mandatory day off – as dictated by the current Collective Bargaining Agreement – and then a workout day at Busch Stadium Wednesday.
Sonny Gray will pitch against his former team and opposite his close friend Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez on Thursday afternoon at Busch Stadium.
This will be the third time in four seasons the Cardinals host opening day.
From 2012 to 2019, the Cardinals only had MLB’s opening day once at home.
Write back to you next week from St. Louis.
— Derrick Goold, Post-Dispatch lead baseball writer
Replies to this email will not reach me. If you would like to offer feedback or suggestions for The Write Fielder, please contact me at dgoold@post-dispatch.com.
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