From the Bay Area, where the Cardinals open a three-game series against the Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland/TBD Athletics, baseball writer Derrick Goold fields your questions, concerns, complaints, and criticisms during the weekly Cardinals live chat at .
Caffeinated for a lively exchange.
Submit questions below. A real-time transcript of the chat is available underneath the window for easier reading on desktop, mobile, or tablet.Ìý
Questions are not edited for grammar or spelling.
Answers should be.
Derrick Goold: Greetings. Getting the chat set up. Let's get this going ...
Salutations from the Bay Area, where there's a great little place to get a sourdough bagel and coffee (OK, OK, two cups) -- and the fuel that's needed for a morning Cardinals chat here at StlToday. You've got questions. I'll do my best to provide answers or analysis. Let's see where the conversation takes us before the afternoon takes me out to Oakland Coliseum ...
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Illinois cardinals: If Lynn and Gibson continue to flounder, and hence continues to start, when would you guess hence will be in the rotation?
DG: Not immediately, no. The Cardinals aren't too far from having Zack Thompson in the rotation, and that would be the first call -- one they've already made. Ahead of Hence on the depth chart would be at least one of the Class AAA starters. Sem Robberse has 14 strikeouts and 14 hits allowed in 14 innings for Triple-A Memphis. Only four walks. Is Tink Hence on the horizon? Absolutely. But your question suggests a move ahead of his current timetable. This is a big year for Hence to build up innings -- and we should all watch how the Cardinals do this. Cannot expect a pitcher to reach the majors and crank out the quality starts if he's rarely ever pitched into the seventh or eighth in the minors.
kr: Seems like every week, Crawford plays instead of Winn. Last night was a crucial game and Winn sat on the bench. Is he injured? He is batting over 300 and wasn't playing.
DG: It seems that way, because it is that way. He is not injured. This is going to be THE QUESTION of the chat, and I'm braced for it. It also is going to be one of those examples of where you may not like THE CARDINALS' EXPLANATION, and that's OK. It is an explanation. Take issue with it. Not the fact that the question didn't illicit a change in their stance. It's their stance, for example, not mine. They haven't asked me input.
Me input?
Weird. They haven't asked for my input.
So, here goes. Their explanation: They didn't want to play Masyn Winn every game every day all the time every inning to open the season and then have him run out of gas later in the year -- which will be his longest season ever as a pro. Their thinking is to be preemptive with the rest, not reactive to his exhaustion. Manager Oliver Marmol has also said that it's a mental and physical grind that they want to be ahead of for the young player.
The other side to this discussion is that Brandon Crawford had such a limited look in spring training. He signed late. He had the hand injury that kept him out several days. He only had a few at-bats. So, the Cardinals entered the season aware that if he went another two, three weeks without playing that would only put him further behind, no rhythm, no timing -- and not prepared if they needed him, due to injury, to play everyday. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ wanted to find a balance to keep him ready, too. Not cold starting.
GD: Never been to A's ballpark. IS it really that bad that they move on?
DG: It is. It has sadly fallen into disrepair. Umpires have horror stories of the conditions of their room. I've been here and the floor is squishy from a previous flood that left the visitors' clubhouse a mess. And so on. And it used to be such a great place. Before Mount Davis, it had a great view going out to center field. And it's fans gave it distinction. There have been a few times I've been here and the vibe at the ballpark is great. Small crowd. Big crowd. Either way it was a lively, loud, and vibrant crowd. It had the feel of a soccer game at times with the constant chanting and the vuvuzelas. Drums. All of it. It's really frustrating that the fan base that had such an identity, such heart is also having this happen. Heck, a field named for Rickey Henderson also deserves better.
kr: Not acceptable when the team is trying to build momentum. Yesterday said a lot about their urgency..........and the fan base is trying to get excited.
DG: That is certainly one argument. The Cardinals would counter -- and have -- that maybe Winn is playing so well because he's getting those days off. And then we could counter that maybe Victor Scott II should get the same schedule. Round and round we go.
Craig: Hi Derrick, hope you are well and a big thank you for the chats. Really enjoyed the podcast with Kevin! The comparison to Walker and Judge was one I had not thought of and reaffirms patience with letting him play and develop. On to my question: what do you make of the Cardinals team? It seems the talent is there (potentially) but they never bust through to the next level like other clubs seem to do. Starting pitching could end up just being mediocre. They might be the 3rd best team in the NL Central, would you agree? And I can't decide if that is talent level or a lack of execution.
DG: Thanks for giving the podcast a listen. I'm glad to hear that the comparison was compelling for you. It's one that's easy to overlook because they're both in the majors now. And, for those who haven't listened, that's not to say that the comparison is about Walker becoming Judge. It's about their size and the fact that some of the adjustments Judge made at the same age were in college against college pitching, and Walker is doing it in the majors against the best pitching in the world.
There is a lot packed into your question. It's a common criticism of the Cardinals that they stop one move shy of certainty. They go for Gray, they sign the three pitchers that they seek, but they don't -- when the market seems to shift in their direction -- add Montgomery, for example. That's the recent one. There are others. But here's where your question takes a contemporary turn ...
How much can we really say the first 16 games of the season are indicative of the entire season. It's 10% of the season. Are there great truths coming from the 10%. Maybe. One of them definitely: They've yet to play a single division game. Not one. They've had more West Coast trips than they have had NL Central games. They've had infinitely more games against the past two NL pennant winners than they have had NL Central games. Where do they rank in the NL Central? Just about where you'd expect in the muddle of a division. In the middle of it. I see it mentioned that they're on pace for a 71-91 season. That's some cool sleight of statistic. They also on pace to not play a single NL Central series. All that changes in the near future -- and that brings me here ...
... the Bay Area.
This is where the Cardinals schedule shifts.
They played the first stretch -- the stretch that I recall many in the chat, and some even around the team in spring -- thought could amplify the pressure on the manager. Remember that? It came up around his extension.
There was speculation they might win one game every series. That they might start the year 1-7 on the road. Maybe go 2-1 vs. Miami. Then 1-2 and 1-2 vs. Philly and Arizona. That would put them at ... 5-11. That's ugly. All that different from 7-9? Optics-wise? What about perception-wise? Certainly 8-8 would be far better and maybe calm the waters here. Not sure. That said, they've been in more games than they've won. That's something of note. And I think the question becomes have they outplayed the expectations of this early schedule?
I suspect they are right where many expected them to be. Hovering around .500. Losing series to teams like LA, PHL, and AZ in the desert. And unable to sweep when they have the chance. They don't, as you suggest, break through with the sweep.
A lack of execution, on a large scale other than mistakes that happen, is not the issue that holds them back.
Florida OBI-Wan: Also, any word on the timeline the Cards are looking at as far as when they think or hope Edman and Carlson will be back and ready to play , atleast on a minor league assignment?
DG: Impossible to know until they get deeper into their current rehab schedule. Both have started/been cleared for baseball activities. But neither is close to game-speed action. Keep that in mind. They'll know more then. Edman is, at this point, slightly ahead of Carlson on the swing program. Carlson's injury is slightly more predictable with its recovery than Edman's.
Kevin in DC: Hey Derrick, more info is coming out about the A’s move to Las Vegas, including the deliberate moves by the owner to downgrade the team and stadium to give more justification for the relocation. What is your sense of the situation? Do you think as more info comes out that the relocation won’t happen? There are also claims that Manfred looked the other way.
DG: The hope is that all of this ends with the Athletics in Oakland at a new ballpark that comes complete with a new owner. And if the owner then moves to Vegas, it will be with a team that is starting in Vegas, born there, as an expansion team. That seems to be the best outcome here. Las Vegas would get to start with a team, not inherit a nomad. The A's would stay in Oakland, get what seemed from afar -- granted, please, from afar -- to be a potential strong new stadium. MLB gets the Vegas market, gets money rushing into the coffers from expansion just as they lose some money due to the RSN crater, and they also sidestep whatever RSN-related change there would be with the Giants as the lone team remaining in the Bay Area. (Crazy to think there was a time when the Giants were going to move to Tampa Bay ... Add the Tampa Bay Giants to the list of nearly teams that also includes the Denver Pirates and Saskatoon Blues)
I don't know how realistic that outcome is -- no new city, new home, new owner -- but at this point, reading all of the coverage and having casual conversations, it seems like a non-zero chance, as they say.
kr: It will be too late when the team is in a funk and has lost confidence. Rest won't be needed because they will be out of contention.
DG: I get the sense that there are handful of fans banking on that so that they can say they're right. The team continues to operate as if it will contend. That's not a surprise. Teams are usually the last to give up on themselves -- sometimes months or even years after the loudest voices on social media do.
It's a win-win for those voices. The team loses, and they can say they were right. The team wins, and they get to celebrate and cheer for their favorite team winning. They'll be in line next year for the replica ring giveaway.
TomBruno23: What is the timetable, if any, on Carpenter's return from the IL?
DG: He's with the team here in Oakland. Or, at least, scheduled to be. He's on the verge of return. Should know more today.
Craig: I think Herrera needs to be playing just about every day. His bat is too good to ignore. He seems one of the few Cardinals not up there guessing at pitches. I love his aggressiveness and desire to hit. Too many Cardinals batters look like they are on defense.
DG: The Cardinals agree. Well, not everyday. But a lot of days. They are, as we've discussed a few times, changing their approach with the backup catch spot. Goodbye 25-player roster. So long spot on the bench or in the bullpen that the team doesn't want to use. Marmol has outlined how he'll use Herrera at catcher or DH vs. lefties and then, if something happens at catcher, play an NL game from there. He's even set his lineup a few games to make that possible -- with Herrera coming off the bench, if needed, to pinch-hit.
TomBruno23: Isn't "Ambivalent" the answer from the FO (and, really, Ownership)?
DG: I doubt it. There sure seemed to be ample pressure on both facets of the team during spring training. Not too often you see an owner saying that he had "a bad year" when it comes to putting forth a contender. To me, that doesn't sound ambivalent. To put a finer point on it, how ambivalent would you be after guaranteeing more than $90 million of your money. Ambivalent is not the adjective I'd use. Seems more applicable to fans, especially if ticket sales slump.
Jordan: Is Molina’s currently active in some capacity the team?
DG: He is a special advisor to the president of baseball operations. That's his title. To date, he has not had any official presence with the team.
Dave in KC: No question, just an observation. In the spirit of Jackie Robinson Day; the 60s were a successful decade and the team featured Lou, Gibby, Bill White, and Curt Flood. Another great decade was the 80s. Ozzie, Willie, Vince, Silent George. Now, we have another potentially great nucleus of Masyn W, Walker, VS2, and Tink.
DG: Thank you for putting that together. Count me in the group that likes how the players take the field wearing 42. Great idea by Ken Griffey Jr. that has spread to such a great visual for all the photos and all the games today. The visuals are powerful.
TomBruno23: By ESPN's MLB RPI the Cardinals' strength of schedule ranks 24th and by RS-RA their Pythag record is...7-9.
DG: Take that Strength of Schedule with a grain of salt, please. It's early in the season. It's volatile. And consider that Baltimore has the highest SOS per the RPI -- at .598. Their schedule so far? Angels, Pirates, Royals, Red Sox, and Brewers. That's ONE team that made the playoffs last season, ONE team (maybe two) even projected to be in the playoffs this season, and two teams off to hot starts at the moment. Hardly a definitive measure on strength of schedule, at this point.
eddie: Hi Derrick. Any thoughts on what happened to the comments sections in PD articles?
DG: Yes. They're still there. And I can help. One second, please.
I still see people commenting, and then I get many emails/notes/xweets/ and whatever like yours that believe that commenting section is closed. It's not.
Here is the solution (follow link). Hope that helps.
Brett M: I saw your update on Edman/Carlson. Anything on Middleton?
DG: He's further along in his throwing progression, but he's going to have to recreate the latter weeks of spring training with as much as he's been slowed by the injury. He had that 72-hour of inactivity following a PRP treatment. From there, and in the past week, he's working through the throwing progression that you'd see for a pitcher in spring training. So, off the mound a few times. Vs. hitters in live BP a few times. And then you're into what 12-15 days by that point, and then on a rehab assignment to get in limited/controlled game action.
Programming note: A new addition to the Cardinals coverage here at StlToday is First Pitch. Every game day you can get a rundown of the lineup and all of the injury updates, too. That's available each day before the game, if you're interested.
A.J.: Hey Derrick! Thank you for all of your awesome Cards talks, chats, and of course, reporting! You hear a lot about the Cardinals trades gone bad. Of course, hindsight is always 20/20, and the BFIB just knew Alcantara, Gallen, Arozarena, and Garcia would all be superstars. That being said, what move do you think the organization regrets the most in the last 4-5 years?
DG: The Marcell Ozuna trade. It's not even close. They didn't get the cleanup hitter they wanted. They didn't keep the pitchers they'd worked to identify/develop. It left them with a production hole in the outfield for years and a gulch on the pitching depth chart. Seriously, it's not close.
Point of information: They did, however, come out of that deal with Alec Burleson, as a comp draft pick.
Paul S.: How does starting both catchers with one as DH limit Marmol’s options in a game?
DG: It currently doesn't with the way the Cardinals have their bench setup.
Darrin: Hi Derrick - From your early observations, do you think this team will start to "click" on both pitching and offense? And will they be able to "stay in it" and contend or will this just end up another frustrating season for everyone?
DG: I don't know if they'll click. It would be good to see them at full health, if that ever happens. It hasn't yet. It's only starting to look that way for the lineup with Lars Nootbaar in it along with Donovan and Gorman. It's been a long time since that trio was together for a long stretch. All I can promise you is this:
It will undoubtedly be a frustrating season for everyone. There will always be something not going as well as either the team or the fans want.
That's true for all but one team.
And it's not even true for that team until the final out of the season.
And then there's free agency to be frustrated about.
So maybe it's never true anymore.
Angst rules.
Nate: When the market pivoted late in spring training, would Jordan Montgomery have even entertained an offer from the Cards seeing as we had 5 SP's locked in?
DG: Good question. Yes. He would have -- because he would have known that he would have dislodged a starter, not had to compete for a job. That would be part of the talks. The Cardinals wouldn't go into those talks and suggest to him that, hey, we think we have five starters better than you but we're about to make you the highest paid starter we have. That would be impossible to reconcile, right?
Jordan: It feels like every team has at least one former Cardinals player in a productive role. For all the finger pointing, I feel it’s the evaluation and development that somehow gets a pass. Is the team taking steps to improve the function of those roles, or are they too involved in it themselves?
DG: You've got to be kidding me. We've spent so many inches of the paper and words from this keyboard over the past 4-5 years about the Cardinals' difficulty developing impact pitchers and the production from the outfield they need. Heck, just 5 minutes ago, I wrote about it in this very chat. Gets a pass? There's quite literally video of Mozeliak and I discussing how they fell behind when it comes to pitching development and what they're going to do about it. They cannot hide from it. If you have the time, or interest, I urge you to read the coverage from the Post-Dispatch or an outlet of your choice. Over the past 24-32 months there have been dozens of stories on these subjects.
They have to be too involved to make the changes. They are quite literally hired to improve the club. That's the job of baseball operations.
And, while we're at it, and I'm going to try and not go on a rant there ... But ... If the Cardinals are crosspollinating other rosters with talent, clearly it's not an issue of identifying talent. It could be developing or accessing that talent. That's part of development. There are three stages for a young player.
Draft*
* or amateur signing
Development
Debut
Draft/signing gets all the attention.
Debut gets all the hype/patch, etc.
Don't overlook development.
And, finally, don't discount the role the player plays in this. Randy Arozarena is a great example. He added muscle and strength after leaving the Cardinals to enhance what was an obvious ability to hit. Garcia was also DFA'd by the Texas Rangers. Yeah, that happened. So they got lucky he wasn't taken, but also all 30 teams passed on him. 29 of them did twice. So, credit him with playing to prove everyone wrong.
If you want some logs for your criticism, consider the coverage here in this story of the Cardinals' internal review of their pitching development, and how they've delayed or not advertised any changes to it. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ want more time to look at it. That also implies more time to correct it.
Bryan C: I know it is early in the season. But to me this season has the same feel as last year. When the pitching staff keeps the other team below 5 runs the batters do not score runs. If the pitchers give up 8 runs the batters scores 7 runs. Am I wrong?
DG: It is not for me to tell you that how you feel is wrong. That's just how you feel.
Here are the numbers, if you're interested. Through 16 games, the Cardinals have allowed five or more runs eight times, and they've allowed fewer than five runs eight times. So it's even steven.
In games where the staff has allowed five or more runs, the Cardinals are 3-5 and they're averaging 4.63 rpg.
In games where the staff has allowed fewer than five runs, the Cardinals are 4-4 and they're averaging 3.25 rpg.
So they are scoring fewer in games when there is less scoring overall, and they're only slightly better are winning them in an absurdly small sample size.
Kirkwood1970: Did you mean "elicit" in an earlier response? You do write for a living.
DG: You're going to have to be more specific. Thank you.
My son, as a young lad, liked to remind me that I type for a living. And he's not even on Twitter.
Timothy S.: Anything going on with Pallante? He’s seen a fair amount of action recently with some terrible results. Possible injury or potential AAA trip in the cards?
DG: Nothing as of this morning. There's been no indication of an injury.
Jay Lewis: I love your work. Do you have the copyright to "Angst Rules"? It would be great on tee shirts and hats.
DG: Thanks. I do not. Maybe I should before -- what's the group in Chicago ... Obvious Shirts picks it up. Are you suggesting merch for the chats? Or maybe we could get some BPIB gear going ...
TomBruno23: Spurs Down after that performance Saturday.
DG: Could be worse. Could be Liverpool.
chico: Is there a stat for most pitchers being shut out during their performance,like Miles being shut out on 20% of his starts?
DG: This is a fascinating question, and I'll admit that I did try to figure that out. Looking for run support numbers, looking for average run support, and then trying to pull those back to more specific numbers. What I did look at was how many pitchers have had their team shut out in games they've started -- and who leads the majors in those games since Miles Mikolas returned from abroad to pitch for the Cardinals.
According to Baseball-Reference's Stathead, the Cardinals have been shut out 14 times in starts by Mikolas. That is the third-most in the majors since 2018.
1. Sandy Alcantara -- 18
2. Pablo Lopez -- 17
3. Mikolas
And then not too far behind is Max Scherzer with 13.
Bryan C: Good afternoon. Why not send Walker, Scott and Gorman to Memphis, let them bat 1,2,3 in the line up and play every day until they relax and get their hitting worked out? Then bring them back up to STL?
DG: Mostly because ... well, let's just get to the theme of the chat ... how would fans react to lineups that don't have those three players in it? Imagine the lineup the Cardinals would roll out there at that time, who are the alternatives, who gets the playing time while they're not in the majors, and are the majors better during that time? If they are, why not stick with those lineups? I'm not sure that's a recipe a) to win and b) to relax. Pressure would only intensify.
Wondering Aloud what it is: DG You okay with how the Ohtani invesigation went?
DG: It was a federal investigation. If anything, as Cardinals fans, there should be some familiarity with that. Federal investigation. As one of the officials in the hacking investigation told me long ago, paraphrasing: We can demand things MLB and the media cannot, we are looking for who is at fault to press charges, not who is at fault to put in a press release. Whether the federal investigation went well is for someone more well-versed in it to comment on. But I do try to keep in mind what we know and saw reinforced -- federal investigations are not MLB investigations and should not be covered as such.
Wondering Aloud what it is: Didn't Arozarena partiallt get moved because he leaked Schidts playoff winning rant?
DG: No. Not even partially. Look at the timeline. He got traded because Tampa Bay wanted a depth move in addition to their stated target of the deal, Jose Martinez. And the Cardinals needed top-end pitching depth. Please see earlier answer about Marcell Ozuna trade. QED.
(Aside: Arozarena had several champions within the Cardinals organization. Just FYI. Plus, he and Shildt spoke immediately after the incident, had no issues following it, etc., etc. You saw how it played out ...)
Phil: Speaking of frustration, seems like this was a pretty rough offseason for Boras clients, topped off by Montgomery switching over to a new agent. Do you think this is just a blip for Boras, or perhaps more of a sign that he's losing his touch and may not pull as many elite players in the coming years?
DG: Blip. Underestimate him at your risk.
Go ahead.
Some owners have tried. It hasn't worked out all that well.
Seadubb in Las Vegas: Hi Derrick ... Cardinals fan/St Louis area native now living in Las Vegas. One comment on your expansion-team-to-LV scenario ... not sure there's a viable ownership group here that can pony up the potential expansion fee ($1.2 billion?) + stadium build + other et al. Always a possibility that someone from out of town wants to be a player here but that's always been the rub around local water coolers about the LV expansion scenario.
DG: Exactly. Enter the A's owner.
MLB has done it before.
Seadubb in Las Vegas: Ahhh ... got it. Thanks.
DG: You bet.
Jackie: Candidly, Derrick, it has nothing to do with the fans. But rather everything to do with putting the most competitive lineup on the field at the MLB level. Putting VS2 aside, what is the more competitive alternative to Walker/Gormon on the 26-man or 40-man. Really, I would like to hear what it is.....
DG: Me, too. The floor is yours.
Sean: When is Turner Warner going to get some heat for this terrible offensive production. Goldy, Walker, and Gorman seem lost at the plate.
DG: Seeing as how he's the hitting coach, I would imagine that heat arrived about 17 minutes after he was hired, and only then because it took between 10 and 11 minutes for people to realize it wasn't Jeff Albert anymore. If there is a constant in Cardinalsdom, it's that the coaches are at fault first. Nature of the game or market. It's probably true elsewhere, too.
JKB: The biggest problem I see is that the Cardinals stars are not being stars. If Goldy and Arenado do not perform like superstars this time will flounder. The line-up is built around them.
DG: Exactly.
Tink around and find out: Any update on when the Cards will debut their City Connect jerseys? I Need something to look forward to this season.
DG: They're looking at before Flag Day, think perhaps that Memorial Day weekend. Or thereabouts. There's a Cubs series that may be a fit.
Uncle Morty: If the Cards were to finish this season with a similar result as last season do you think they would break up this group and retool?
DG: That is what they're built to do. To move on. To move in a new direction. The roster isn't so subtly made that way, and the front office recognizes that. It's why the media coverage of the team from the Post-Dispatch tries to stress all that is at stake for them this season.
Jordan: Sorry you took “get a pass†to be directed toward the paper. I meant from the most vocal fans who likes to lay blame solely on the manager and GM. Perhaps I should rephrase my question. What steps, if any, is the team doing to change/improve their evaluation and development?
DG: Understood. Thank you for clarifying. I don't think the fans give it a pass either. Many do not. Credit where credit is due, I think there's been plenty of questions in the chat and elsewhere that has scrutinized the development -- in real time, identifying or asking about issues as they arrive or ahead of them.
As I mentioned above, and provided in the link, the steps they're taking are mostly in the audit phase at the moment. That was the word that Mozeliak agreed upon when I asked if it was a good way to describe it -- an internal audit. Chaim Bloom is involved. So are some of the new hires and coaches involved in pitching. They are taking stock. We'll see what changes it leads to. There have been tech advancements over the past two, three years of note. It's interesting to see Nunez being used as a starter, for example, at Class AA. These might all eventually be examples of the change that the Cardinals say they're looking at now to do later.
South City Steve: Do the Cardinals have an organizational comfortability problem? I know DeWitt has always valued continuity but at some point, when the results begin to wane, if you’re not making changes then your focus is more on the comfort of the continuity than the actual outcomes it produces. Since the Shildt firing I think it is fair to ask if this ownership down through the leadership values hiring the best and the brightest or just the most obedient?
DG: That's quite leap when you only give those options. You have charged the question in such a way that there is no answer. Only insults. I think you've hit on a topic that is of interest -- it's one I've asked often about, most recently during the podcast with Lance Lynn and previously during interviews with Skip Schumaker, John Mozeliak, and Bill DeWitt II, to name a few. Briefly talked about it with Mike Shildt in San Diego.
But the way you've asked the question is by framing at is two options -- you're either not bright & obedient or bright and & not obedient. What kind of options are those? Talk about being hemmed in. Maybe you want to rethink your question because I'm not sure you'd put it to the individuals that way in person.
Attilla: Why not move Goldy and Arenado dow to 3 & 4 in the batting order because they always seem to do better thaere and 2 & 3 ain't cutting it!!
DG: Nolan Arenado already hits cleanup. A change to the lineup could happen. We'll see.
Larry M: Am I wrong? Goldy does not break for home with no one out on NA's grounder. Had a marginal affect on the inning, but it was a bad play. Runner always tags up on any fly ball to the outfield with less than two out to provide the opportunity to score if the fly is caught. Bad on Gorman if he did not do that - 3b was not shown on the TV replay. If Goldy was still there he likely would have scored.
DG: The Arizona broadcast, specifically Mark Grace, had a lot to say about the baserunning in this inning. Goldschmidt breaking on contact and getting into the rundown allowed the Cardinals to still end up with two runners in scoring position and the one out. It's the tag up on the fly ball to right that stands out. Tough spot to be in. That ball was tagged. So, did it appear like it was going to get down, but get to the field swiftly and thus give him a play at home, and if they made the call in that split second it was hit too hard for there to be a sac fly. Not sure. The actions of the moment suggest that they did not think they would make it from third to home for a sacrifice fly and didn't want to get stuck if the ball got down. That's where the debate should be had.
Tony: Springfield is off to a 9-0 start. Beyond Hence looking good, are there any lessons to be gleaned at this point about their performance? Too early to tell, I bet.
DG: It's pretty early. Super early. So many dozens of games to go. That said, one thing to watch this season is the winning. The winning is part of development. Or, at least it was for the Cardinals. Yes, the minors can be about individual improvement and advancement and a losing team can produce impact prospects, for sure. But one thing that has been lacking from the Cardinals for the past few years is the winning. They're three years removed now from the mess of 2021, when as an organization they had one of the worst minor-league winning percentages in the history of organized minor-league play. So around six decades. One of the worst organizational records ever. Not for Cardinals. For all clubs. They used to stress playoff teams, push for wins in the minors so players had the sense. Heck, it was a hallmark of the Memphis Mafia before it arrived in 2011 and ... won, and won more, and reached two World Series. Getting back to that would be a stride for the Cardinals in the minors.
TomBruno23: "They're looking at before Flag Day." Pun Intended...
DG: Indeed.
Larry M: One more comment on Gorman at 3B on fly to right. Played select ball in HS, 4+ years in Cardinals farm system, - Wouldn't you think a player would know how to play the game better. Maybe he needs the rest allotted to Wynn.
DG: Give me a break. You are assuming a lot about one person, one player based on one play. That makes no sense. I'm certain he knows how to play the game. If you look back at the description I gave ... never mind. You've got your view. It's just nonsense to suggest that a) a player, with any level of experience, cannot make a mistake or b) a player, with any level of experience, might know the situation better in that moment than us.
cbow: "That's quite leap when you only give those options." what? its a legit question
DG: Sure, if you think of a question as two mousetraps and you have to choose between the two. That is what most of us see as a rigged outcome.
Trust me, I've asked a few double-mousetrap questions in my career.
Larry M: My observation and would like to know your take. Most throws from the outfield - I would go as high as 80% - are off line to the base and would allow the runner to be safe. For that reason, I think the Cards are way to conservative with their base running.
DG: I would have to know the specific numbers, the exact number, because that data is available, and also it should be individualized. Because, let's say your estimated number is the actual number that teams definitely have from all the data sets available, not all throwers are going to be in that same number, because it might be a few RFs who are well below 50% that bring the overall number down and then you have that 95% on the other end. Is 1 out of 10 worth that risk for that individual right fielder? What if the jump is bad? The foot slip? The ground gave out? Or the ball was hit just too hard for that calculus to take place ... Lots of factors. And teams don't have to guess on those numbers. They have them. They just have to process them quickly, in an instant. And then also respond if the foot slips. Tough game.
Colin B: Those Marlins sure are having an awful start to the season. I wonder how much the abrupt change in management has to do with that. Early rumors (I know, I know...rumors, not reports) are pointing towards earlier trade possibilities with Luzardo, and even the injured Alcantara. When I think of early (re: May) trades I keep thinking of the Adames trade to MIL that vaulted them back into perpetual contention. Should the Cardinals go #deepseafishing as the late Joe Strauss used to say?
P.S. I would absolutely purchase BPIB merch.
DG: It absolutely should be seen as a signal of the message/direction/abrupt change there. It also should suggest what the Marlins were able to do last year and how the sag of NL contenders -- including the Cardinals -- opened the way for that to be possible. Yes, some deep-see fishing is something that Cardinals should explore. Luzardo is going to come up, for sure. And, heck, while the Cardinals are collecting former Cardinals ...
BPIB merch. That would be something. I could trade one for a Tony Messenger mug!
Kevin in DC: Is it just me or is tonight a big game for the Cards? Falling 3 under .500 begins to look like a slide southward, like last year. Let’s hope Gray steps up again.
DG: Sonny Gray games are big games. Goes with the circumstance. Not only was he the centerpiece of their offseason and their planned ace, but he's also building arm strength on the job. Oh, and this comes against his original team. Lots of context, lots of narrative (if you like using that word that way), and so lots of gravity for the Cardinals. It's going to be a long season of games like this. We should probably pace ourselves on the all-caps big games, but, yes, this is a significant one.
Ken: Derrick I want to apologize in advance but I am a little optimistic. They’re a little flat but let’s give it a couple months. Hitting is contagious first of all. It is likely to come around. 3 new pitchers getting to know 2 catchers they haven’t pitched to. Tough schedule at the front end. Grey is back. ALL IS NOT LOST !
DG: No need to apologize. I appreciate that you chimed in. Too often we see on social media that the swarm arrives to force out or drown out any sort of positive view. It's good that this chat remains a forum for you to express an opinion and explain it.
Joe B: The Cardinals are in Oakland, home of the team that no one really wants. The Coyotes in the NHL appear on the move after failing to get someone else to pay for a stadium. Their desert neighbors, the Diamondbacks, want a new stadium, but that doesn't seem to have any traction. Across our state, voters rejected a stadium plan for the Chiefs and Royals. All of this combined with regional sports networks blowing up — is the bubble on sports franchises getting ready to burst? If owners can't make billions on broadcast rights and taxpayers won't pay for your stadium, what's the point in ownership these days?
DG: Real estate.
WP: I just restarted my subscription to your paper. So I apologize if you covered this already. What was your reaction to the criticism of the front office by on air talent with MLB network?
DG: Thank you for subscribing. It is appreciated. And I know subscribers have to be earned. We must give you a return on your investment.
As for the MLB Network segment -- I found it compelling and interesting. It is not something that I've written about, honestly. Brian Kenny and Chris Russo did touch on topics that I've had the chance to talk with both of them about on their shows. They used the evidence that is all there, public, on the back of baseball cards, to outline the current situation for the Cardinals and also echo some of the team's own consternation with how things have gone. Worth watching for sure. And conversations like that are only going to continue.
GJM: Whatever happened to Yadi?
DG: He remained in Puerto Rico rather than joining Cardinals for a week at some point during spring training. He has been involved with his children's sports and also the basketball team he owns.
wil: it seems that you doth protest. perhaps being the ownerships mouth piece?
DG: Yawn. Back from a break to find this. We're on the back nine of the chat, for sure. I urge you to read the answers again. I agreed that it's an important topic, I've offered logs to fuel the criticism (for years now), I've offered their explanation and the questions they don't have complete explanations for, and I've pointed out how the question is rigged. That's called being fair.
Jock Ewing: Derrick - What is the actual attendance floor? I know that tickets sold is what is reported, so given that, do you know the number of season ticketholders for 2023?
DG: For 2023? They've been in that 22,000-24,000 range. Could be 25,000. But keep in mind the number also grows with the monthly passes. Those are part of it, too.
WP: You brought up the criticism the Cardinals front office receives for stopping short. I have been on that band wagon for several years. I’ve always wondered if it had something to do with Mike Shildt firing. Did he push back too hard on Cardinal’s front office 80% effort? Will the details of his dismissal ever come to light?
DG: They have come to light. In multiple outlets, including the Post-Dispatch. All of the specific phrases used have not been quoted; some have, but, I'll admit, not all. What happened has been detailed, and what Shildt expressed has been detailed. It was even covered recently in the PD.
His criticism had more to do with the direction and some of the drain that he saw of what he viewed as the Cardinals' fundamental traits. He also was critical of some decisions that had been made. The stopping short? Not that I know of. I don't have that confirmed by anyone in the know. But he was critical that some decisions and some directions were going in a direction that was not the identity of the Cardinals, or his view of it.
JM: Just wanna say I appreciate the work you do on here. I certainly don't envy your job on the Monday chats ... That said, you gonna be catchin any Crows shows this year ? - saw announced make up dates with Aerosmith.
DG: Thanks for the compliment. I am not sure, yet. I was hopeful ... But now I'm doubtful. There are a few things that, coming later in the summer, will fill my schedule away from the ballpark and take priority.
Jock Ewing replied Derrick Goold: "For 2023? They've been in that 22,000-24,000 range."… Yes, I meant 2024. Apologies. Long weekend
DG: It's going to be pretty similar. According to the Cardinals they actually had a relatively strong renewal coming out of a losing season and the worst season yadda yadda yadda you know all the numbers. They felt their season ticket numbers held strong, relatively.
Leon Wahlbrink: I watched Scott hit a series of at bats with pop ups and flies. I would think, with his speed, he should be encouraged to keep the ball on the ground. Not everyone should be focused on launch angle, wouldn’t you say?
DG: Launch angle is line drives, too. It's where damage is. Keep an eye on how he's being pitched, too. How would you go about negating his speed if you were a pitcher with the ability to do so?
wil: sorry about that, getting a bit frustrated. it does seem sometime that our team diverts from solid baseball at times. i think these negative questions could be the majority of the season. how do you stay positive? Im headed to the liquor cabinet way too often by the 5th inning.
DG: I try to stay pragmatic, neither positive or negative. That gets people frustrated when the Cardinals are in first place, and it gets another group frustrated when the Cardinals are in last place. Perhaps that's a good spot for the beat writer to be? I do try to be upbeat about the game. It's a great game. And it can be the source of great conversation, great debate, great stories, and great performances. How do you not find some way to be positive about those possibilities -- and they could come from either team. So, maybe I've answered your question that way. Pragmatic about the club I cover. Positive about the potential of the game I have the fortune to cover.
GJM: To be clear, do we hear any further development on Yadi's position or his joining the team in the near future.
DG: No. Not at this moment.
Jack: "And then not too far behind is Max Scherzer at 13." Sounds like this stat is an indicator of who pitches a lot...
DG: Well put.
At the Coliseum. Got about 7ish minutes to crank through some final questions. Let's
Jack: I was very interested in why Oli pinch hit for Walker Saturday night, but not Winn.
DG: Handedness, style of pitcher, and also the fielding position. Mostly in that order, based on the answers reporters in Phoenix received. I was not there. But going off the comments/explanation retrieved from the reporters on site, like my colleague Lynn Worthy, who asked the question, that was the answer they got.
Sue: Derrick, i give you tons of credit for putting up with the agitators during this chat. I appreciate your coverage, and can separate your reporting from your opinion. Just because you report it doesn't mean you agree with it. Thanks for coming back week after week. Do you see a situation where Edman comes back and rather than being in CF he joins Donovan as a super sub and Crawford is let go?
DG: That is a possible chain of events, yes. A lot will depend on where the Cardinals feel their CF performance is at that point. Carlson's health/performance. It's all interlocking. Not to mention the health elsewhere on the roster. There is certainly a chain of events where what you describe happens. Thanks for the kind words.
LawBird: Good afternoon, DG! Apologies if I missed the reporting on this, but I don't believe Travis Honeyman was assigned to a team out of spring training. Is he still injured or are they just taking it slow with him in the complex? Thank you!
DG: That's a great question for my colleague Daniel Guerrero, who has also asked the same question. The injury contributed to the schedule, and the ease into the season. More work down on the complex, and then into his pro career.
Colin B: Whatever happened to Kris Bryant?
DG: He's a Colorado Rockie.
Kevin in DC: I got a sense that Gallen was extra motivated yesterday to show the Cards that they blew it by trading him. Ouch.
DG: From talking to him through the years, Zac Gallen strikes me as someone who is always extra-motivated. That's the only setting he has. Should be part of his scouting report, and should have been a telling trait as he moved up through the system.
nahte: So what is the plan if this team continues to flounder? Lean more on the younger players or try once again to bring in veterans in the offseason?
DG: I think they'll give it to Flag Day. At the latest. Definitely not making that call during April.
Actually maybe even later than Flag Day, given this division. Maybe.
TomBruno23: Do you receive autograph requests the mail to sign 2020 Topps Allen & Ginter #281 and also in my head I say it Alan Zinter every time I may have had the 1989 1st round printed out and thumbtacked to my bulletin board as a not too popular middle schooler...
DG: I do, indeed. It's quite a cool thing. Something I never expected. It's great to receive letters from collectors -- and it's given me a chance to see different versions of the card, too.
Colin B: Something that seems noticeable after the reviewing the offseason is the number of MiLB free agents the Cardinals signed to populate their AA and AAA teams. They may just have needed depth, but I wonder if it has more to do with the recent few years of minor league losing seasons. The Cardinals certainly used to (and I believe this was a Mark DeJohn feature) highly value winning in the minor leagues. Are they trying to rekindle that? The Springfield Cardinals are 9-0.
DG: Good catch, and it is a little bit of both. The Cardinals rushed their prospects coming out of 2021, got young young at almost every level, didn't have the readily available depth or the glue there to hold some teams in place. All of those things are factors.Ìý
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