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Greetings. Welcome to another edition of the longest-running chat in Cardinals baseball. The local nine edged the Cubs, 3-2, in front of the smallest weekend crowd to see the rivals at Busch III in a non-pandemic year. It was a snappy baseball game with excellent pitching on both sides, and it gave the Cardinals a second consecutive series win -- following a series win on the road in LA. The Rockies are in town. The Yankees are on the horizon. And the opportunity to cash in on this home stand is there for the Cardinals -- if not in ticket sales, then in the standings.

You've got questions.

I'll do my best to provide answers.

As always, there will be a real-time transcription of the chat below the interface window. That should make it easier to read on your tablet, phone, or desktop -- or however you prefer to read your chats. Questions are not edited for grammar or spelling. They are immediately deleted and expunged from the site for vulgarity or threats of violence.

There will be an intermission today. The chat will have tor relocate to the ballpark in the middle of the afternoon before speeding toward assignments there.

Enough prelude. Onward into the mosh pit ...

Bernadette V: With the Mets dismal play allowing Cardinals to stay in the wildcard race…shouldn’t Quinn Mathews be given a chance to take Pallante’s or Mikolas’ spot in the rotation?

DG: The current plan being discussed by the Cardinals is how could Kyle Leahy fit into the starting rotation, and if that happens in the near future. On their mind is the workload and performance of Andre Pallante and Matthew Liberatore. The Cardinals consideration is that Leahy and one or both of those starters could piggyback. That's not been an approach used in the majors by the Cardinals before, and it involves essentially "splitting" starts with a defacto six-man rotation. It does require some planning on the bullpen side, and there could be a time when it goes sideways and one of the piggyback starters has to wear a tough start. That's all being sorted through. Manager Oliver Marmol stressed in his office Sunday that they had no plans on making that decision before at least another turn of the rotation.

Quinn Mathews did not come up as an option, nor has he in other reporting. He had a standout start on TV that fans got to watch, but he's also had an inconsistent season beyond that, especially when coming back from injury. The Cardinals are eager to see him in the majors. They are more eager to see him get through a healthy stretch that he can build upon to slingshot him into their plans for next season.

Jason S.: test...

DG: Pass.

JB: Were you surprised that the Cardinals did not get a better return in trading Maton? He doesn’t have the saves or the fastball that Helsley does but arguably has had a better season than Helsley and still strikes out batters at a high rate.

DG: I thought they got a fine return on Phil Maton -- and it was bordering there on not trading him at all. Which would have meant no return on Phil Maton. It's two months of a strong reliever who had good success -- but doesn't have what teams usually seek for October and at the deadline: power, power, power. Saves, saves, saves. stuff lefties, stuff lefties, stuff lefties. The Cardinals got talent in return that aren't just depth.

KAW: Barring something unforeseen, what are the odds we see Wetherholt and Mathews join the big league team before the end of the season?

DG: Not nearly as high as some fans want it to be, and no one likes the answer why. The 40-person roster is a real consideration here. Add two, that's two fewer that they can protect. Add two, and that sets them up to lose an option year when it's just not necessary in the coming spring. And, yeah, neither of the players should need their option years and that's all fine and good but that also was said about Jordan Walker. In both cases, when they arrive they need to be priorities.

So let me flip the chat on you.

The Cardinals roster at the moment is a jam of similar players needing similar playing time and blocking some similar players from that playing time. How does adding another player at the same position who also needs the playing time alleviate or answer any of the snarled overlaps of the Cardinals' roster? Just more of the same, no? But more appealing to fans ... I get it ... because it would mean new players who haven't struggled yet.

Lu: Morning, DG. What, if anything besides win, can the cardinals do to get fans back in the stands?

DG: That's the question confronting the team, and every fan is going to have a different opinion -- as I've encountered on social media when I even make reference to possible improvements that the Cardinals could learn from other teams. To me, San Diego has to be a lesson. Sure, ¹û½´ÊÓƵ isn't going to get that weather, or that beach, but hey it has a strong craft beer scene too. No, let's have an honest conversation that removes the geographic aspect and looks at how that ballpark has become a thriving, alive, entertaining place that reminded me of peek Cardinals at Busch III. Seriously, what you remember of the Cardinals and their ballpark from 2011-2014 is the vibe San Diego has now -- but with a modern twist.

1) They are winning, contending, challenging, and they have a big bad rival that they are trying to take down, and the city feels like it is in together. So winning first, compelling community unifier second. Good places to start.

2) They have star players. They perform, produce, and are promoted like star players. Some are imported. Some are homegrown. But they stand out.

3) The ballpark experience is electric. They do this with creative videos that introduce the players on the video board, they lean into the humor and personalities of the players, and they have videos that would be equally at home on social media as they would be on the scoreboard. They have fun with the tidbits -- do their research, skewer visiting players, and so on. And they have crowd participation moments that aren't "get loud" and "clap." They have a genuine sing-along moment that the crowd joins in and screams the punchline. It's Blink 182's "All the Small Things," and there are thousands of people who all at the same time shout, 'work (stinks)!' Laugh if you will. It looks like they're having a blast. Like Phillies fans singing together when Bryson Stott comes to the plate. Imagine doing that for a Cardinal -- the whole stadium signing a walk-up song together for a favorite player. It's got to happen organically.

It's got to happen.

We're seeing some of this already at the ballpark. They are focused on enhancing and improving the game-going experience at Busch. They've looked at other teams, and that's a good thing. And Todd Thomas remains a force when it comes to in-game interaction, but he cannot do it alone, and the Cardinals have started introducing things at the ballpark that should help. 

Ryan: What is Nootbaar worth to other teams? Could he fetch a 1yr arb #4 SP?

DG: Maybe. Probably. Maybe even not yet in arbitration.

The more I think about this, yes, definitely. Not sure the benefit of that trade, but sure. The Cardinals have traded away an outfielder for less.

John George: Do you think any other former Cardinals might make a surprise coaching spot, similar to Molina's?

DG: Adam Wainwright has been invited to join the staff for a bit this coming spring training, and he's likely to accept for an appearance there. Oliver Marmol made the invitation awhile back.

Rich from Denver: Hi Derrick, Any chance that movie reviews from Ian Goold become a regular feature of the Write Fielder? Really enjoyed his first one of the Fantastic 4 and looking forward to more. Chip off the block as he writes like his father.

DG: Let's hope he breaks that habit real quick! He used to do movie reviews for the podcast and a short-lived, much-beloved radio show I was on called The Writers' Block, starring Benjamin Hochman and Ben Frederickson. I enjoyed having Ian be a part of it. He's back to film school soon so that's about to dominate his time. I will ask, though, for sure. Thanks for the idea and for reading the newsletter.

Bryan from SLC: Why do the 3 veterans with no trade clauses (Gray, Arenado, Contreras) want to stay besides lucra

DG: It may come as a surprise, but -- stay with me here -- maybe believe them when they say they like playing for the ¹û½´ÊÓƵ Cardinals? Been trying to tell people for awhile now how much Nolan Arenado appreciates the history of the Cardinals -- and how much he (and others) wish the recent seasons were more like that, with the packed house and contending. We've been in a wild spot here for a year or so where some of the players are a bigger fan of the team than some of the most vocal fans. But that's where we're at, and it's been a slow trip to get there, and then understandably it happened fast. Fan frustration is high. But maybe believe players -- yes, highly paid players -- when they say they want to be part of the solution not part of the exodus.

Walt: When do you expect Bloom will talk to the media? Afterall he is unofficially IMO running the team. Seems like his thoughts should be available to the fans.

DG: That is entirely fair opinion to have. It does not line up with the facts, sorry.

If you believe that he is 'unofficially' running the team than any current frustrations you have with the trade deadline or the roster should be directed at him, and what does that say for where things stand -- or where things are headed, when there are already reasons to be critical of how he's 'unofficially' running things.

The opinion cannot have it both ways.

Things you like cannot be Bloom because he's 'unofficially' running things and then things you don't like be heaped on Mozeliak because he's running things. That's a convenience.

Here's the deal: Bloom is advising on all things. Mozeliak is making the call, and he's made a practice of relying on his staff for all the years he's been in charge, and that hasn't changed and now Bloom is part of the staff. Bloom has spent a lot of his time this summer with the minor-league structure and the staff he's hired there. Some of the work being done there and traits of pitchers sought have clearly influenced everything from the draft to recent waiver pick ups. His and his hire's influence is on the display there. In the past few weeks, month, there has been more of a shift to his presence with the major-league staff, and as that grows so too will his public profile. There is definitely some push internally for him to speak publicly sooner than later. I made a case here recently for that exact thing -- because his vision for the future is now part of the conversation for the present with the lineup, with pitching use, and with prospect arrival. This is the roster he's going to inherit and then have to repair, and you're absolutely right fans should hear about his view of that. There are folks within the Cardinals who agree with that.

Pam: I do not hear Michael Girsch's name this season. Busy working on special projects or has he had an early exit ahead of MO?

DG: He's with the team. He is on special projects -- that's his title. He was heavily involved at the trade deadline and part of the group in the room where the moves happened and putting them together with his contact and relationships with other teams. He's also been involved in building out the staff -- not only what hiring practices look like but what are some of the positions that need to be filled for a cutting-edge organization, what are those roles, responsibilities, and titles. Free from the transaction game, he's been able to dig in on the modern game and what a organizational infrastructure looks like not just today -- but for tomorrow.

Bryan from SLC: Do you think the Cardinals would hire Yadier Molina for HC this off season?

DG: I apologize for not knowing -- is HC head coach? No. That's not likely.

That's not on the club's mind.

Not at the moment, not in the works.

Tackleberry: I know to most media people this notion sounds crazy but there will be a post-Mo Era attendance bump. Fans come to support the team but there is a point where they actively do not want to throw their support behind an ideology that hangs over an organization. Mo represents that and the DeWitts are not far behind. DeWitt needs his best public relations off-season since he bought the team this winter.

DG: The best part of your assertion is we'll have information to find out. We will all get to see. There will, of course, be other factors, but the fans will have the chance to prove you right. And -- as I've said in previous chats ... I'm reluctant to believe that the front office and who sits in the big chair drives ticket sales, but if Cardinals fans prove me wrong, then that makes sense. They have certainly contributed to that argument with what some describe as front office fatigue. But, that too, may be just what the media calls it.

Empty Seat: There’s another thing the cardinals could do to help get fans back. How about messaging transparency to fans? Their messaging to fans has been so bad for almost a decade. Don’t discount that when looking at fan angst.

DG: Entirely fair point. And I recognize how the media is involved in that, too. Do you have a few hours for us to discuss?

Nick: Do you, personally, believe that there is going to be a lockout that disrupts the 27 season?

DG: I am concerned, yes. All signs point to a labor tussle with both sides bunkered in and ready for it to hurt, and I'm not where the pressures are at the moment to push them together to avoid losing games.

Expansion is one possibility, one chip to play, and we'll watch for others in the coming year.

BryanB: Sorry HC was supposed to be Bench Coach about Yadier. Manic Monday

DG: Bench coach? If Daniel Descalso gets a chance to be a manager somewhere or makes a decision about leaving the Cardinals staff for another reason, then I can imagine they'd have that conversation with Yadier Molina ... but ... but ... but ...

Molina has already said publicly and he's told the Cardinals as well that his plan is to see his son's career through to the draft and college. His son is starting his senior year high school this month. Molina will manage Team Puerto Rico in the WBC this spring, and then his summer plan is to be there with his son going into the draft and his first fall in college. I asked Molina about the timing of this specifically, and he said that would mean pursuing a major-league coaching role for 2027. That's his thinking at the moment. Does the right opportunity change that? Maybe. But he was detailed in his current plan.

cbow: There’s another thing the cardinals could do to help… more

Isn't that part of what the FO (Mozeliak) does?

DG: He has long been the forward face and messaging of the Cardinals, yes, and that only further centralized during 2020 and coming out of the pandemic. We're seeing that shift some this past year or so. And that includes more public appearances and statements from team president Bill DeWitt III all the way to what you've probably noticed about Rob Cerfolio's availability to discuss player development and new approaches there.

Kingsoak: Nathan Church has built a case for his value as a centerfielder. Unfortunately, he, like Victor Scott II, is a lefthanded hitter. Is one of these two talented centerfielders likely to be traded?

DG: Doesn't have to be. It's OK for a team to have two good outfielders covering ground. They could also compete with each other for the job and improve as a result. Lots of possibilities before either of them must be traded. They could play beside each other ...

Tom H: You have mentioned numerous times that the Cardinals need to modernize and energize the gameday environment at Busch. You also mentioned in your most recent BPIB that the Cards have sent personnel to other stadiums to look into the issue. I am curious as to who is in charge of gameday operations and event management? Does that fall into the lap of the GM as well or is that somebody completely different?

DG: Gameday operations is under the business side of the team, not run by the GM (the Cardinals do not have one at the moment) or the president of baseball operations. Think of the baseball club as two houses, or bicameral -- there is the baseball ops and there is the business ops. Ballpark falls under business ops mostly (some of the clubhouse etc. is baseball ops). The Cardinals made a new hire to oversee a lot of that when the brought in Anuk Karunaratne from Toronto as senior VP of business operations. He's been part of the leadership for the rework of the TV deal, the streaming launch, and the ballpark improvements.

Nick: Were there any sort of serious trade talks around Arenado at the deadline? Related question, assuming not, the it seems like none of the teams on his list have any interest anymore. Houston has moved on. LA and NYY never had any interest. Maybe Boston if Bergman goes elsewhere with his opt out? I feel like Arenado playing out his contract in STL is the safe bet

DG: None that I could unearth, none other than the Cardinals reaching out to teams, looking for ones who had traits that Arenado preferred and might want to make a pitch for a trade. That didn't develop. Arenado was candid about how his recent play was a part of that. I do this knowing it may not matter but allow me to correct something: The Yankees did talk to the Cardinals, so "never had any interest," is incorrect. The level of that interest, sure let's debate, and nothing came of it. But "never" is not correct. Just as there were other inaccuracies that were reported at the time that persist.

Lu: To your craft beer point, they have 1 craft beer draft stand. They have not changed the beers they offer in the last three years (Its the first thing I check every opening day). I really think taking a look at their food and drink offerings would help the situation. Take a look at what the other sports teams down market are doing...integrating the fantastic food and beverage scene we have in our city. Could you imagine being able to get Anthonino's t-ravs in the stadium?

DG: Credit where credit is due -- the Cardinals have made attempts this year to change the food game at the ballpark, and they're not still looking to do that. The soccer team bringing in local places has been a big deal there, and the Cardinals have worked to do the same. Mayo + Ketchup is an example, and there were popups this weekend with new offerings. This is an area where they are looking to make strides, for sure.

Walt: What is the active roster size allowed Sept 1st? Piggyback situation would be of less concern IMO.

DG: Rosters expand to 28. Pitchers capped at 14. So, not like it used to be, but yes it would help.

Bryan from SLC: Will JJ Get a promotion in September when rosters expand and what position would he be eyed at playing.

DG: That is not a guarantee (see above roster limit), and that is part of the question. He played third recently at Class AAA Memphis. He'll play a variety of positions there, and yes the major-league staff is part of that conversation as Wetherholt readies for a position other than shortstop in the majors.

Nate: I am blown away by the Brewers success model, and imagine that's exactly what the Cards want to emulate. To that end, I wonder how many underperforming major league and minor leaguers are out there that just need a tweak or different approach to ultimately find success?

DG: It's a great question, and yet every year seems to suggest there are plenty. Enough to make a difference. Heck, it wasn't too long ago that national media outlets were talking about the Cardinals brand of "Devil Magic" because they found them. A decade ago the list of players the Cardinals found and turned into contributors (sometimes All-Stars) was lengthy and the envy of teams like the Brewers, who spent millions to sign Jeff Suppan and Kyle Lohse after their success with the Cardinals. Plot twist!

JB: Why didn’t the Cardinals trade JoJo Romero? He likely could have fetched a strong return given his performance this season and extra year of control. Were the Cardinals concerned that it would signal to fans that they don’t expect the team to be competitive next season? Their decisions to target prospects farther away from the major leagues in other deals already signaled that.

DG: Evidence suggests they did not get the offer they sought and he did not "fetch a strong return" as you suggest. They also weren't actively shopping him, adopting a stance with him and a few others that they would listen but the offer would have to be significant. At least one team approached the Cardinals about trading for a lefty reliever, and the Cardinals, according to a source, let them know they would listen on an offer for John King, knowing they might get a higher return for Romero but preferring to start with that conversation.

As for the signal that "they don't expect the team to be competitive next season" -- that hasn't landed yet? Actions speak loudly. And as of right now the Cardinals are not lining up actions that say they intend to spend this winter to create a contender. We'll see what Chaim Bloom outlines as his view for 2026, and that will tell us a lot. But everything indication from the Cardinals is that they are going to look to reduce spending and the factors there are their internal expectations, their revenue, and the oncoming expiration of the CBA. That signal should already have landed, and it has nothing to do with keeping or trading JoJo Romero.

bigron: Derrick, have all the players drafted by the Cards signed, and if so are they playing in the minors?

DG: They've all signed. They are mostly in Florida, either on the complex league roster or Class A Palm Beach or not yet assigned but working out at the complex there in Jupiter.

rabidmonkeyfish99: Happy Monday Derrick! It seems to make sense to give Leahy an opportunity to compete as a starter, but do you get the impression he will get some starts (limited pitch counts) this year or wait until ST next year?

DG: That is TBD right now and it is dependent on the performance of others, not just him.

rabidmonkeyfish99: Does the fact that the Cardinals got international $ as part of Maton deal suggest that the international market may be more of a focus for Bloom than under Mo? If so, do you think that is due to Bloom prioritizing it more than Mo or is it something that Dewitt for a variety of reasons is more agreeable to funding now?

DG: It does not. It just gives them more money that they can use to get a quantity of players, not a windfall to change how much they can offer folks at the top end. A lot of the deals are already in place for the class that they got added cash, so this is a play to add more signings, more upside, more quantity from which quality might emerge. It's a play that the Cardinals made under Mozeliak's guide, too.

Ron: I think there is no good ending for the nado in st louis. No trade value and subk

DG: A red jacket, Cooperstown speech, and guest coaching appearances as an infield instructor every spring training isn't a good ending?

Donald N: Derrick; Trade deadline question: Did the Cardinals choose long term higher ceiling prospects over trades that would have netted closer to big league/but lower ceiling players? You are the reason I subscribe to the PD and thank-you for the terrific reporting. Donald Nahnsen

DG: They did in most cases, for sure. That was the big takeaway for me going into the trade deadline and then coming away from it. Two reasons why: One, in Colorado, I asked Mozeliak if he would look for moves that didn't add more complications to the 40-player roster ahead of this winter's decisions. He agreed. More flexibility for Bloom when he takes over the roster. Two, Mozeliak's comments about adding players not for the "immediate future." In 2023, there was a rush to add depth now to the pitching at the minor-league level. This was a different approach, one that acquired upside players -- but not exactly guarantees. I looked at the Giants trade with the Mets as an example. All three of the players the Giants received in exchange for a reliever from the Mets will reach the majors. How much they will impact or contribute there is a question. They may only arrive, briefly contribute, but never star. All three of the players the Cardinals received from the Mets for Ryan Helsley ... well, there's no guarantee any of the three will reach the majors but there's the potential that they make a greater impact if they do. That captures the deadline approach for the Cardinals to me.

Thanks for subscribing and for the kind words, Donald.

Let me add a quick caveat that Cardinals fans might find interesting, and I've had this conversation with a few folks now within baseball and part of clubs.

They noted that the teams who were in buy mode and trying to contend made deals that included players in the lower minors, mostly, with upside, just like the Cardinals received. So, I was challenged with this question: If the Cardinals are in buy mode a year from now and looking to contend -- aren't these the players that they would trade? So the acquisitions may not signal this long-range view. And that's fair.

The official comments certainly did.

BryanB: Does Winn have a strong chance for gold glove if he finishes season well

DG: He has it within his grasp, so to speak, and he can tighten his grip.

U R ON THE INTERNET BUDDY: Good afternoon, Derrick. Thanks for your continued work. A couple seasons ago, the Cardinals acknowledged their pitch-to-contact philosophy needed updating.

Fast forward to this season and the 2025 rotation included/includes: Miles Mikolas (6.2 K/9), Erick Fedde (5.6 K/9), Andre Pallante (5.8 K/9), and Matthew Liberatore (6.8 K/9), and Sonny Gray (9.8 K/9). How does the club explain itself?

DG: Strikeouts are costly either in cash or trades. See: Gray, Sonny. And the Cardinals have not spent on starting pitching with the exception of really Gray, extensions, and Mike Leake.

So, they've leaned into their ballpark and their defense and believed they can get better bang for the buck with pitching by sticking with that approach. Look at the signings they made ahead of 2024 and how they made the play for Gibson, Lynn, and Gray -- at a time when starters were throwing fewer innings, the Cardinals were banking on being a quality start machine, and then added Fedde to the group in a move that was predictable in spring training. They thought that their ballpark and defense could give them an edge to maximize the return on their spending, and they have gotten results from it. But increasingly the game is changed. That kind of pitching is pricing. And the Cardinals haven't had success developing it. Now they have to figure out one way to do it -- and if it's not spending on it, they must develop it to contend in the modern game.

aliveforoverhalf: What was the "45" on the caps yesterday about? Presumably some sort of recognition of Bob Gibson.

DG: Sonny Gray has a collection of retro-style hats with numbers on it for great players. Yes, 45 for Gibson is one of them, and he has it on a red retro hat. I believe he also has a 21 one for Clemente.

Derek F: Were u a bit shocked that no AAA & AA guys came back in the trades even tho we need a starting arm or two next season? And can u expand on their strategy to only get A guys so as not to clutter the 40man?

DG: This is not the first time I've seen this question or this assertion, and I'm not sure where this information is coming from.

They did get Triple-A and Double-A guys.

Full stop.

Blaze Jordan is in Triple-A, at Memphis, right now. And he came from a Class AAA team. Ah heck, let's just run through the list ...

1B/3B Blaze Jordan (Red Sox): Class AAA Memphis. SS/3B Jesus Baez (Mets): High-A Peoria. RHP Nate Dohm (Mets): High-A Peoria. RHP Frank Elissalt (Mets): High-A Peoria. RHP Skylar Hales (Rangers): Class AAA Memphis. LHP Mason Molina (Rangers): High-A Peoria.

Alright, there isn't a Class AA player in the group -- my fault -- but there's a good chance and discussion of one of the pitchers from High-A going to Class AA. I apologize for not being correct on that. But there's a mix. The trade that got all of the attention -- and should -- is the one with the Mets that yielded the Class A players. That's the one that is telling and revealing, but it's not that the Cardinals didn't get any Class AAA return.

South City Steve: The two most successful North American sports, NFL and NBA, have revised their contract structures to shorter-term, higher AAV/bonus structures, do you see MLB trending that direction? I just think any contract over 7 years is irresponsible for both the athlete (economics change) and owner (human beings change). It feels like MLB is where the NBA was like 10 years ago when a guy like Chandler Parsons got 4 years and $94m.

DG: I think MLB was ahead of both of those leagues in doing so. Look back to Clemens, and then how other deals have worked since when it comes to opt-outs and chasing high, high AAV. MLB, with its strong union, set the table that other professional athletics sought. And while there are some outliers with length of contract (Soto, Ohtani) you're talking about the top percent, while many other players -- even stars -- have been aiming for the kind of deals you describe. Strong AAV, more bites at the apple, etc.

Jose from Des Moines: Hey DG, watched the Statcast ESPN2 telecast last night, it was fascinating to see how small most MLB hitters Honey Holes are (Danger Zone). Sonny Gray was able to get key strikeouts utilizing the outer upper corners to their LH and Imotanga exposed the Cardinals weakness to high fastballs. combined with his splitter. Well pitched game on both ends and fun to watch

DG: It was superbly pitched game. Entertaining, and the pitchers were two craftsman. Really liked the juxtaposition of the two three-strikeout innings with Imanaga working the levels and getting strikeouts with several different pitches, and then Gray comes in and knows what he does well and the Cubs had no answer even when they knew the sweeper was being setup and then was coming. Excellent stuff.

Ron: How is FO going to clean out the logjam of IF and OF? Someone got to go especially with nado having two more years

DG: Trades are the most likely to tool for a winter cleaning, especially because the Cardinals would prefer not to just be in a spot where they release players. Trades will be discussed.

The Cardinals are going to explore what deals they could make with their position players for starting pitchers with control and stuff.

Jose from Des Moines: Bernie Miklasz says the 40 man roster debate is a red herring. I agree, i dont think the 35-40 men on the 40 man make a difference going forward with this organization. That argument just doesnt't hold up.I think Winn cup of coffee in 2023 prevented a bad start to 2024, same could be true for JJW.

DG: Cool.

At least he didn't call me a red herring.

Moon: Hi Derrick, sorry if you've already covered this. It sees it right make sense to really see what they have in their younger players. This means to bench Arenado for the rest of the year and have Gorman play third. Move Contreras to catcher or bench him and play Burleson at first. That then allows to see Walker, Scott, and Nootbar for the rest of the year. It would help the Cards make decisions for the off season. I know it sounds harsh, but there is no other way to see what they have. Thanks for your time.

DG: I don't see the benefit both in the micro and macro. Yes, you clear playing time for what you perceive to be the future at the cost of the present big-ticket players. But you also are moving a player you promised you wouldn't use at catcher to catcher -- a position where he's concerned about being injured. Oh, and you're doing this to the same player you once put in LF for BP as you discussed moving him off of the position that at the time meant so much to him. Goodness. I get the sentiment. And I'm sure someone has a strong argument to support your moves here. I just don't think it works out well or sets the organization up well for its reputation with free agents and veterans.

JB: Is there a possible version of Jordan Walker that doesn't fully live up to his power potential but still becomes a star for the Cardinals? Maybe if he becomes a 20-20 player with above average defense and a great arm instead of a middle of the order masher?

DG: If that's a star, then yes. There is that possibility. There is definitely an outcome where he is a higher-average hitter than a high-total power hitter, and that speed plays.

Evil Calvin: WOULD Arenado get a red jacket? Hasn't won a single playoff game here and only one MVP type season. Don't think that will get him a jacket.

DG: Fans will get to decide.

Amir: 1.) Derrick, has your role at the PD changed this season? Noticed you don't do the chat as often, your presence there is missed

DG: It has not. The schedule plays into it, travel which can change from year to year -- and so do assignments. All that changed this year was Daniel Guerrero's promotion and his role on the baseball beat and Lynn Worthy's promotion to sports columnist. If anything that has meant more chats from me due to there being two baseball writers instead of three.

Mark: Do you think that Winn or Donovan get long term deals this off season?

DG: I don't know. Donovan expressed and interest in one this past winter, and there was mutual interest from the Cardinals, but the talks lost steam and into arbitration he went. Winn would be on deck for those discussions, and he has brought up the idea of being with the Cardinals for a long time and being the face of the team, a representative for the city. One of the first questions that will be asked of Chaim Bloom is his view of those deals, how they factor into the roster he wants to be build, and the self-sustaining model that the Cardinals want. From that vantage point, Winn will be the first player Bloom gets to show how those kind of deals factor into the team he's aiming to build.

alabama cards fan: Looks like Bloome prefers Blaze Jordan to Luken Baker.....Is that your thought? Baker was blocked here - but seems to have had more success. What are your thoughts?

DG: That was not my thought other than the age and spot in their career. Luken Baker is 28 years old and about to be out of option years. Blaze Jordan is 22, just entering the first year where he'll have an option used. If you're talking about similar skill sets or even the potential for similar skill sets 30 out of 30 teams are going to take the younger by six year players who is not yet using options.

Ken: Derrick there’s been a lot of talk about messaging from you, from me from the fans. It’s been atrocious for years. If you were the messenger talking to the fans what would your message be to the fans going forward? Mine would be we’ve started a rebuild and can and will continue to rebuild until we can sustain a team that can challenge for titles now and in the future.

DG: I hope this is a good and fair answer:

Whatever the message is -- rebuild, retool, reload, reestablish -- the actions need to match the message. Period. That is what needs to happen. The Cardinals cannot have the actions sometimes dovetail to meet the message or change the message when the actions suddenly are different. The message and actions have to align, and not only when it's convenient. Just look how "reset" became "transition" in a way that wouldn't fully commit to not contending when the team suddenly was. They want their message and their contention and their reset all at the same time, and it muddied all three. Set a message. Be honest. Be forthright. Trust the fans to understand. Let the actions match -- so that the media isn't the one stuck having to reconcile them.

And, again, I recognize the media's role in this, and look forward to having that conversation at some point.

Maybe when I get a chance to teach journalism. Should be a hoot.

Nolan: Is it true the Cardinals ticked off Donovan in their arbitration hearing by stating his value was less because he is a utility player, that’s absurd when they ask him to do so, and it is true that all players that went to arbitration with Cardinals have been eventually traded

DG: It is a) true that teams irritate players in arbitration hearings and b) that teams often use how they use players against the players in arbitration hearings. The Cardinals did this some with Ryan Helsley when they talked about his availability, which they played a role in determining when he was available, and they did some of this -- as you'd expect -- with Brendan Donovan by pointing out how his offense compared to left fielders, and how he was a contributor at multiple positions but a starter at none, which is for some reason a plank that resonates in the arbitration room. Did that "tick him off"? Not from what he said. He knew what was coming, but that doesn't make it any easier to hear from the team, but he knew that was how arbitration goes.

Arbitration isn't a fan club meeting.

It's, by definition, adversarial.

The team wants to win.

The player wants to win.

To win the player talks about all the good things the player does and brings to the team. How does a team win? By talking about all the good things the player does for the team? This is the issue with arbitration -- and players and teams recognize it. And there's one other thing.

The pressure on teams to not settle, to not move the market up, to control the market through arbitration is real, and it's coming from the commissioner's office, and MLB is very involved with teams to help them make the case to win. That's the goal, and teams with good arbitration records are celebrated.

But it's the media that asks the players.

DCG: Does Arenado really deserve a red jacket? Only two seasons in STL with an OPS over .800, and one of those barely made it (.807). He'll likely end up with as many or more sub-.700 OPS seasons. No playoff series wins. His numbers barely outdo Todd Zeile. Great fielder, but if he was elected, it would be because his Colorado career managed to rub off on the evaluation of his STL career.

DG: That's up to the fans decide. And they're not voting today.

First Time Caller: You asked about signs from the front office for 2026... they may not have said anything about contending in 2026, but with a lot of money coming off the books, and emails going out to season ticket holders that the team is raising prices by 15% and asking for a commitment four months earlier than normal (Sept vs Jan), they better make some good moves for 2026.

DG: Don't say I didn't warn you.

MS Bird Brain: What level draft pick would you equate to the international money they got at the deadline?

DG: I had not thought of it those terms because it sure seems like the plan is to use it to sign many players, not affix the value to a single pick. That kind of cost/return is lower in the draft that the comp picks that can be traded.

Nolan: Derrick how is Colorado, an awful team with NO stars outdrawing STL in attendance

DG: It's the ballpark and ballpark experience.

RodgerM: Hot rumor: Mozaliak will return to his roots as head of baseball operations for the Rockies who are rebuilding . Your thoughts?

DG: Tepid at best. He says no. He insists no. He says he doesn't see the appeal. He considers himself from ¹û½´ÊÓƵ now and it's home, as he raised a family here and lived here far longer now than he did in Colorado. And so on. One other thing to consider is timing -- he's ready for less of the grind, as he's said. And not looking to leap from one POBO chair to a more difficult POBO chair. Could an advisor role be in his future? Sure. Could he stay on with the Cardinals and oversee the Jupiter project to completion after all these year? Absolutely ...

Jim: My weekly question about TInk Hence...any chance he gets back on the bump this year?

DG: At last check, there is, yes. But it's OK to check every week.

Mick from Denver: Hi DG!

1. Will the Bloom era include someone like Chris Carpenter returning as a coach of some sort ?

2. Does Bloom have an opinion on the fences being moved in ? For a team looking to do more damage offensively should that be on the table again ?

3. How much does a looming lockout affect how they will approach someone like Donovan? Perhaps I’m wrong but assume they will move on from Nootbar this offseason so I didn’t include him though they both have two years of control left. Thx.

DG: 1) Chris Carpenter works for the Angels, and he's enjoyed his time there, and I haven't heard whether he's looking to return to the Cardinals only that he's found a good spot with the Angels. Bloom, it should be noted, is open to past Cardinals having a presence.

2) I haven't asked him, and I shouldn't guess.

3) A lot.

Ben: I appreciate all of the reporting you've done on this organization over the years. Given that wealth of knowledge, I'm curious as to your thoughts - for an organization that spent so much time being held up by those around baseball as a model organization, it has been baffling to me that they have fallen behind in so many areas. Not just on the field, but development behind the scenes, staffing, analytics; further, facilities not just in StL, but also at Roger Dean; then perhaps most important, the ballpark and ballpark experience of fans at/around Busch... What on earth has this organization done really well the past 10 years other than ride the coattails or historical success?

DG: From a personal standpoint -- and I'm not being flip here -- I hope it offers some perspective on why I asked about the organization becoming so committed to consistency that it risked becoming stagnant. Ownership did not like my question and stressed the power of continuity, and my questions about outside voices to see what the industry was doing was met with dismissal. And that was before 2020.

The ramifications of the pandemic for the Cardinals are significant, and we all could see some of them coming: staff reduction as a result, reduced ticket sales, and the choices coming out of the pandemic for the farm system. A gap in the pitching production that was going to cost money to cover ... and then the hitters didn't develop at pace ... and so on. The impact of the 2020-2021 season on the Cardinals and their model was significant, and it came at a time when they were already running behind, so it only added to that ...

What have they done well? Well, they've continued to win for the most part at the major-league level and not cratered into a tank job. They do cultivate a season-ticket base. Their team Hall of Fame has really flourished in the past 10 years and become something that could be timeless. They've found what appears to be a good solution on the TV side -- with an eye on more improvements and awareness they're needed. They've maintained a style of play and instruction that helps them, and they stand out according to scouts for the sharpness of their play and how it covers for other flaws. They have been true to that and you see it in the players that arrive and players that other teams covet (Edman and Donovan are the examples from the past 12 months, Winn's rise, too). They've made several cagey trades such as the Montgomery in/Montgomery out maneuver. And they started bringing in outside voices -- notably someone even with ¹û½´ÊÓƵ Cardinals roots like Skip Schumaker. That was significant. And helpful. And even other moves like that spurred the team to where it is now.

Walt: i remember it well. Cardinals were insulted you would even ask such a question.

DG: I thought it was a fair question.

I still do.

And others then started to ask it, too.

Ben: He is still very young, but are we to the point in his development where they should be more focused on him as a potential Lamborghini in the bullpen? The Alex Reyes vibes are getting uncomfortably strong with Tink...

DG: That will be a discussion this offseason and it's one that the new development group is preparing to have, yes.

DCG: Omigosh, thank you so much for articulating this! I think you've hit on the problem perfectly (or at least my perception of them and frustration from them) and offered the solution, clear as day.

DG: You're welcome. Successful chat!

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