Mozeliak: "Some Changes" Coming For Cardinals, But Not A Rebuild

[Magneto2.0]

I've been interesting in this trade deadline to see what pieces we get back, but I'm not expecting some big overhaul in pitching

The real sign to see if they're serious about change is the off season. If they shop for starters in the Urias, Nola, Gray, Snell realm, then I know they're legit about making a difference

If they're bargain hunting and going for the Carrascos and Syndergaards of the world, than I know they're not serious. The real is going to show during the winter.

[Felix The Cat]

The response from Arenado last night seemed pretty clearly frustrated. It would’ve taken Mo two seconds to reiterate. I understand why they don’t usually comment, but this should be an exception

I think he's frustrated...that the team is awful and is losing often. Probably not in the mood to answer questions that he doesn't have a definitive answer to.

[MrCrowesGarden]

I’m sure that’s part of it, but it sounds like the front office hasn’t talked to him directly, and he’s frustrated by that too. They just retreat into their bunker and leave it to him when a very short reiteration would’ve done a lot. Sure, Mo spoke two weeks ago. There have been reports out since, the story has changed.

[haltz]

[TGantz]

I'm mentally preparing myself for zero moves being done. And to answer what Mo will most certainly say, I don't give a flying [expletive] that there weren't any deals they were comfortable with, or that they thought they had a chance they could re-sign any of them before the off season. Get rid of all pending FA so we don't waste half a season. Call up Winn so he can work out any issues during a meaningless season. See what Graceffo has. Let Thompson and Hudson start some games. Let's see what we have now so we don't have to sit through a meaningless rest of 2023 and hear in March 2024 that they need to see what internal options bring to the table.

[JCShutout]

Yeah, I know they want ml ready pitching, but if that’s not available, then sell the fa for some far away high upside guys. I know that seems like a rebuild, but you can always package those guys later. Get talent for your expiring contracts no matter where it lands on the depth chart.

Though I’d still sell at least goldy since you have two guys. Who could easily step in and be a high level 1b in Gorman and Walker.

… I’d sell arenado too for the same reason… (hides)

Those two would get you those young pitchers you really want, and you effectively have their replacements in house, which then declutters the outfield too, and gives you plenty of ace fa pitching money.

I love goldy and arenado, but time to pivot to a new core. Let the kids play.

[Fan_In_NY]

Yeah, I know they want ml ready pitching, but if that’s not available, then sell the fa for some far away high upside guys. I know that seems like a rebuild, but you can always package those guys later. Get talent for your expiring contracts no matter where it lands on the depth chart.

Though I’d still sell at least goldy since you have two guys. Who could easily step in and be a high level 1b in Gorman and Walker.

I know the way the defensive spectrum works, but Walker and Gorman have combined for 0 professional innings at 1B in their career. Having a good defensive first baseman makes all of the infield better. Putting either guy who have never played that position before at that spot is going to have large effects on the defense. The Cards have elite or near elite hitting and fielding at their corners - its elsewhere that they need to improve.

[JCShutout]

I know the way the defensive spectrum works, but Walker and Gorman have combined for 0 professional innings at 1B in their career. Having a good defensive first baseman makes all of the infield better. Putting either guy who have never played that position before at that spot is going to have large effects on the defense. The Cards have elite or near elite hitting and fielding at their corners - its elsewhere that they need to improve.

That’s a really good point and a good argument to keep goldy, but I just see a guy who will be 36 next year and I’m waiting for the drop off. I see arenado at 33 next year and I wonder if by the time the next core is ready to take a step, nado will be 34 or 35 and both past his prime and no longer as tradeable.

I think I just don’t see the Cardinals with a real chance at 2024 because they have too many pitching holes to fill (unless they somehow acquired a LOT of expensive pitching, which wouldn’t happen without goldy’s and arenado’s money or giving up a young player I don’t want to give up, or give up goldy/arenado) I think we’ll be better next year, (hard not to be) and in that messy middle wildcard hunt. Find some young pitchers in trades and fa. Another year to make a call on the of, then go hard at 2025 or 2026 when your new young core is ready to be supplemented with Star power)

Plus if we need a 1b, buy one in the off-season or trade an of for one. It just seems like it will be easier to find solid bats in fa/trade than pitching.

But, I’m just a casual fan armchair Gm. I could be way wrong on these guys. Maybe I’m just spoiled by the blues. Armstrong makes some bad moves, but he also makes some good aggressive moves, and did an especially good job moving fa-to be guys at the deadline this past year.

[Tulsacard]

Nolan Arenado is the best 3rd baseman of his generation. He’s a future hall of fame player. He’s a team-first, classy person. He not only puts up very good numbers, he draws fans in with his amazing defensive plays! Arenado is who you do NOT trade.

Mozeliak is either planning to trade Arenado or he’s the most tone deaf person in St. Louis. Either way he’s done a very poor job with his handling of the Arenado situation these past few days.

[Radbird]

Recognizing Walker is a natural third baseman, I assume the transition to first would be easier than what he’s experiencing now but I don’t have any point of reference since I’ve only seen him as an OFer. He had 40 errors In 146 games at 3B in the minors with .891 fielding %. That doesn’t inspire confidence and I agree with Fan_In_NY that we need a good defense at first.