All due respect to Fat Strat here, that's a really weird way to frame the comparison. They have virtually the same number of MLB PA's. TON has been way more boom-and-bust, along with being the more injury prone player (though Carlson is not much better). But TON's career wRC+ is higher.
Carlson should be playing OF most days. So should O'Neill. So should Noot. Walker needs more time out there, but should be getting reps at DH too. The real shame here is that Burleson has played way too much OF and DH, and is still probably going to be in the rotation. There should be enough playing time to go around in the OF and DH that Carlson/TON/Noot/Walker are playing at least 3 out of 4 days, with Burleson getting very spot starts and PH opportunities.
Trade Goldschmidt for high level pitching prospect(s). Gorman/Walker to 1B platoon. Walker can also spot 3B. Gorman can spot 1B, 2B, 3B. Either can DH.
Trade Flaherty for electric development arm with swing and miss stuff. That prospect(s) will come with warts. It is what it is.
Trade Montgomery to contender, if it appears there’s no way he’s re-signing. We aren’t competing for ANYTHING this season. Must recoup value.
Trade O’Neill to a playoff team. For whatever. They’re hoping to catch lightning in a bottle.
Why do I feel like the Cardinals are gonna get [expletive] in a Goldy trade? They’ll be the one team who can’t get anything of great value back for a reigning MVP.
Also: it’s becoming clear this team isn’t competing for anything next season unless they spend waaaaay more money than they are expected to in 2024.
I feel like we have this prospect angina every trade deadline. This time last year we were listing prospects that we wouldn't want to include in a Soto trade. Carlson's name came up a lot then. Mo supposedly told Carlson he was safe, such was there estimation of his potential. He's since been extremely blah. Why is it any different this time?
There's also been a year of baseball since then.
Unless you're able to prove me wrong with screenshots (I don't know how prepared you are), I'd suggest the two opposing viewpoints you mention came from two different groups of people. As you can tell from any discussion on any topic here, there's no GRB consensus.
I feel like we have this prospect angina every trade deadline. This time last year we were listing prospects that we wouldn't want to include in a Soto trade. Carlson's name came up a lot then. Mo supposedly told Carlson he was safe, such was there estimation of his potential. He's since been extremely blah. Why is it any different this time?
The team is having its worst season in 25+ years would be a factor.
I feel like we have this prospect angina every trade deadline. This time last year we were listing prospects that we wouldn't want to include in a Soto trade. Carlson's name came up a lot then. Mo supposedly told Carlson he was safe, such was there estimation of his potential. He's since been extremely blah. Why is it any different this time?
The team is having its worst season in 25+ years would be a factor.
It is. I was one of the "don't trade Carlson" posters last year. He and Gorman were the two MLB roster players I didn't want to trade for Soto. But here we are a year later and Carlson is not giving me any reason to hope he turns into more than he is right now. I'm not saying we trade him for scraps just to make a trade, but if there's any kind of return out there that can bring real pitching back with Carlson included in that deal, I'm for it now.
That said, I'd train TON first. He's a bust. The guy will never be healthy for long enough stretches to make a difference. If some playoff team out there needs power and is ready to pay trade deadline prices for him, move him before Carlson.
It is. I was one of the "don't trade Carlson" posters last year. He and Gorman were the two MLB roster players I didn't want to trade for Soto. But here we are a year later and Carlson is not giving me any reason to hope he turns into more than he is right now. I'm not saying we trade him for scraps just to make a trade, but if there's any kind of return out there that can bring real pitching back with Carlson included in that deal, I'm for it now.
That said, I'd train TON first. He's a bust. The guy will never be healthy for long enough stretches to make a difference. If some playoff team out there needs power and is ready to pay trade deadline prices for him, move him before Carlson.
I’d still be skeptical to trade Carlson unless it’s for a pitcher of a similar caliber to him as the pitching situation is dire in the next few seasons, even if they sign a starter or 2.
I like TON and would be more open to trade him because he doesn’t stay healthy.
I wouldn’t trade Goldy, but Walker’s long-term position is 3B or 1B. Yepez/Burleson need to be moved to allow Walker or Goldy to DH more while also allowing one of them to play 1B.
I wasn’t for trading for Soto last season and still now would’ve been opposed to it. This team has multiple flaws and the package required to get Soto will likely outperform him aggregately before his contract in SD is up.
I feel like we have this prospect angina every trade deadline. This time last year we were listing prospects that we wouldn't want to include in a Soto trade. Carlson's name came up a lot then. Mo supposedly told Carlson he was safe, such was there estimation of his potential. He's since been extremely blah. Why is it any different this time?
The team is having its worst season in 25+ years would be a factor.
It is. I was one of the "don't trade Carlson" posters last year. He and Gorman were the two MLB roster players I didn't want to trade for Soto. But here we are a year later and Carlson is not giving me any reason to hope he turns into more than he is right now. I'm not saying we trade him for scraps just to make a trade, but if there's any kind of return out there that can bring real pitching back with Carlson included in that deal, I'm for it now.
That said, I'd train TON first. He's a bust. The guy will never be healthy for long enough stretches to make a difference. If some playoff team out there needs power and is ready to pay trade deadline prices for him, move him before Carlson.
I feel like we have this prospect angina every trade deadline. This time last year we were listing prospects that we wouldn't want to include in a Soto trade. Carlson's name came up a lot then. Mo supposedly told Carlson he was safe, such was there estimation of his potential. He's since been extremely blah. Why is it any different this time?
The team is having its worst season in 25+ years would be a factor.
It is. I was one of the "don't trade Carlson" posters last year. He and Gorman were the two MLB roster players I didn't want to trade for Soto. But here we are a year later and Carlson is not giving me any reason to hope he turns into more than he is right now. I'm not saying we trade him for scraps just to make a trade, but if there's any kind of return out there that can bring real pitching back with Carlson included in that deal, I'm for it now.
That said, I'd train TON first. He's a bust. The guy will never be healthy for long enough stretches to make a difference. If some playoff team out there needs power and is ready to pay trade deadline prices for him, move him before Carlson.
ATP. Always Trade Prospects.
I am now of this belief. 18 months ago, these dudes would be worth a lot. Now they’re almost worthless.
