As compared to?

His 2019 season was a virtual carbon copy to 2018. His 'under the hood' stats were all easily in line with what he did in '18.

GB rate did decrease somewhat which was partially offset by a slight improvement in his HR/FB rate, but even that wasn't an impossibly low figure. And ultimately is was reflected in a slightly higher ERA, xFIP and FIP.

I mean the bottom line is that he's a 30 yr old reliever with no pedigree to speak of and a late breakout. Every single one of those factors suggests a high degree of volatility, an early peak and a pretty precipitous decline. But he probably had another year of useful relief in him similar to '18 and '19. A mid-3s ERA w/ a K rate near 10 and a 1-1.5 win season wouldn't have been unlikely at all.

He'd have been a nice option as a bridge reliever. It's hard to call last year an 'aberration' when it wasn't appreciably better/worse than what he did in '18. It was likely just another data point that showed an older reliever walking a thin line of relevance who may/may not fall off a cliff at any time.

It's not a major loss either way, but he's someone you'd rather have than not. Teams make trades for guys like that every deadline - they have value.

Bernie mentioned his fWAR as though he was a valuable arm. It was double his value in 2018, despite having mostly the same stats. Thus, his value was an aberration. He's just a guy

Eh - Bernie's lazy.

In his last 2 seasons he's thrown roughly 120 innings and been worth roughly 2 fwar. A 60 inning, 1 WAR season is a pretty reasonable expectation of him this year as a dead-ass average of his last 2 seasons.

Maybe a little north, maybe a little south.

But also, there are a half dozen or more teams in this league that can't scrape together 2 guys who can give them 60 innings of 1 win relief pitching. There were only about 40 of them last year.

Meanwhile Brebbia's averaged it over the last 2 years and should've been given higher leverage work in 2018 but Matheny is a reerun. Even allowing for an inflated WAR in '19, he was the Cardinals leader in relief WAR in 2018 as well.

That's not exactly a JAG - it's just not an elite reliever. He's a guy you'd rather have healthy than hurt and for a team that's been full of guys who've gotten hurt and the team has been improved for their absence, I think that difference is worth noting.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: Top international prospects Geraldo Perdomo (Dbacks), Ivan Herrera (Cardinals) Noelvi Marte (Mariners), Marco Luciano (Giants), and George Valera (Indians) are all expected to be on the taxi squads for their teams. <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBPipeline?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBPipeline</a> <a href="https://t.co/3x2MQ5htUF">pic.twitter.com/3x2MQ5htUF</a></p>&mdash; Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseSanchezMLB/status/1276271427444895744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big signing for the Cardinals, who just added a teenage pitcher throwing 100 mph out of the Dominican Republic to their farm system: <a href="https://t.co/pB1KGv52Rw">https://t.co/pB1KGv52Rw</a></p>&mdash; Ben Badler (@BenBadler) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenBadler/status/1276982780828758016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 27, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So he got caught lying about his age. Mid-90’s fastball to 100mph over a short period of time? Steroids?

DJ and or Hamas, this guy the real deal?

The article didn't say how long before the uptick in velocity, mentioned his status as 19-20 prospect.

At that age it isn't that suspicious to see uptick in velocities as teenagers mature into their bodies. If this was over the past year, even 9 months, I don't see it as odd.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The following 44 players have been invited to participate in the Busch Stadium Summer Camp. <br><br>We will make a future announcement regarding additional players in our 60-player pool. <a href="https://t.co/mSqbhxyHxi">pic.twitter.com/mSqbhxyHxi</a></p>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1277367335775547396?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I keep forgetting that piece of shit Cecil is still on the roster. What a horrible ****ing signing that was.

No clue.

We also signed a couple of players that were signees with the Razorbacks. Tink Hence and Masyn Winn. Don't know anything about them other than the coaches were disappointed in losing this two kids to the MLB this soon.

Our old pal Mike Leake decided he won't play this season.

God I hate that pussy.

I believe that's a qualifying co-morbidity...

leake should place a call to Cecil and extol him on the benefits of not playing this year.

Pathetic

That turd is still on the team?

And making like $7 million.

Wellll they are practicing

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let it be known the first live BP of Summer Camp Jack Flaherty struck out Dexter Fowler. ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/ksdknews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ksdknews</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cardinals</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/mQrapiNRcl">pic.twitter.com/mQrapiNRcl</a></p>&mdash; Frank Cusumano (@Frank_Cusumano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Frank_Cusumano/status/1279116916477562880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The next year MLB lowered the mound. Bob Gibson was too unhittable.

And when Gibson accepted Flaherty’s desire for advice and he showed him his slider grip and and how to manipulate the pitch, Flaherty went to another level.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a fact. Remarkable. <a href="https://t.co/fGhbzhDBcF">https://t.co/fGhbzhDBcF</a></p>&mdash; Rich Eisen (@richeisen) <a href="https://twitter.com/richeisen/status/1279976782511235072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cardinals</a> go to Wrigley twice.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cubs?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cubs</a> come to STL once.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cardinals</a> go to Milwaukee twice.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Brewers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Brewers</a> come to STL once.<br>As mentioned before <a href="https://twitter.com/stltoday?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stltoday</a>, Cubs, Cleveland, and Royals will all play three games this year at Busch.<br>Interesting twist to schedule.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stlcards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stlcards</a></p>&mdash; Derrick S. Goold (@dgoold) <a href="https://twitter.com/dgoold/status/1280266704942137346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;Is This Heaven? No, It&#39;s Iowa.&quot;<br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a> Field of Dreams game between the <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cardinals</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@whitesox</a> is set for August 13 on FOX! <a href="https://t.co/p1P4Wv78Qv">pic.twitter.com/p1P4Wv78Qv</a></p>&mdash; FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1280272301083119616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If there is baseball. :(

What are the chances of that Field of Dreams game actually having fans in attendance? 1%?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The following players have been invited to participate in our Alternate Training Camp that will be held in Springfield, MO. <a href="https://t.co/qcCQpceydQ">pic.twitter.com/qcCQpceydQ</a></p>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1281002592932413445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Right now I should be watching the Cardinals in person. I had tickets for all 3 games. Tonight I was going to be with a STL group that rented out the field seat section where the Pitchers warm up. Literally 3 feet from watching them warm up to go into the game. Had good seats for the other two games. Besides Spring Training, I’ve not seen the team in 6 years. **** covid. :#

Ugh that sucks BRC. I was supposed to be in London for the Cards/Cubs series and the Home Opener.

That kid is good as gone and the BFIBs are on the fast track to speeding up his departure.

I had to cancel a Europe trip too :(

what have I missed? Why would Cards fans shit on the best pitcher we have had in decades?

<samp class="EmbedCode-container"><code class="EmbedCode-code"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shildt says Cabrera, Montero and Sánchez have each recently had another positive COVID-19 test. They remain asymptomatic.</p>&mdash; Jeff Jones (@jmjones) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmjones/status/1282424581421236229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </code></samp>

Apparently whoever they are talking to isn't aware that even after you have recovered the test can pick up dead virus RNA for up to a month or longer. This is according to the Kansas Dept of Health which is why they don't continue to test people after a positive trying to get a negative.

They need to just do an antibody test and move on.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">. <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cardinals</a> closer Jordan Hicks “has opted out of the 2020 season, citing pre-existing health concerns,” the team says. Hicks underwent Tommy John surgery a little more than one year ago. <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLBNetwork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MLB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLB</a></p>&mdash; Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1282753074982002688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

he has asthma really bad, right?

Edit:
Confirmed..... several social media posts about asthma going back years.

Type 1 diabetic as well.

Not the slightest bit surprising.

Yeah, that’s some serious complications if he gets the Covid. It really takes 1.5 years to get back to full strength anyway. It’s best for him to sit out these 60 games, if they are even played. Hopefully he and baseball return to normal in April 2020.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">2020 Season❗️❗️❗️ <a href="https://t.co/zxLiq7d7Gc">pic.twitter.com/zxLiq7d7Gc</a></p>&mdash; Jordan Hicks (@Jhicks007) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jhicks007/status/1282762647109328897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Eh, physically it only really takes a year. The remainder is the 'rust' period where pitchers rediscover their release/rythm.

This will put him behind on that, but it is what it is. He could very easily start off a little slow next year but there's really nothing to hold against him here. The decision seems pretty straightforward for him.

rust? Why can’t he throw live baseball practice and get comfortable with his release point?

Do we have any team in any sport that hadn’t seen a positive test? Anyway, with asthma and diabetes conditions perfectly understandable.

Dunno.

But guys who come back from TJ surgery almost invariably need a full season after it to return to 'normal'. And it isn't their stuff that is suffering, but their precision.

Adam Wainwright's 2012 was what fully convinced me of it once and for all. I'd seen it happen several times prior but never watched it that closely. Then he misses 2011 w/ TJ and comes back in 2012 seemingly healthy but by no means sharp.

Then in 2013 and 2014 he was effectively the same guy he was in 2009 and 2010.

Maybe it's confirmation bias at work, but I've seen it time and time again. That first season back from TJ is just rocky. And if they weren't physically sound, they'd simply continue to degrade as the season goes along - that's not what happens. These guys are able to get themselves back in playing condition within a year (hell, some have done it in less time than that). But for whatever reason they just don't have the feel back yet.

Biomechanics are funny animals and these guys have a whole new part in their body. My guess is it just takes them reps. And I don't think side-sessions can duplicate the pressures of a game where the muscle memory really needs to be 100% accurate.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight was the first time we’ve seen Brett Cecil pitch since they turned the stadium gun on for us to view. He topped out at 80.9 MPH.<br><br>Fastball generally sat 79.x. Curve was 71-72, slider 73-75.</p>&mdash; Jeff Jones (@jmjones) <a href="https://twitter.com/jmjones/status/1284297817608146950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Great work as usual, Moe.

****ing classic.

Probably just saving it for the season.

So I'm looking to add to my autograph collection I have the following Cardinals:
Stan Musial
Albert Pujols
Bob Gibson
Ozzie Smith
Mark McGwire

What other Cardinals would you guys suggest? Lou Brock is one I have on the list. Yadi as well. Who else would you consider?

Brett Cecil

Mark Mulder or Ty Wiggington

Juan Encarnacion

Ken Boyer
Dizzy Dean
Marty Marion
Steve Carlton
Terry Moore
Rogers Hornsby
Enos Slaughter
Red Schoendienst
Joe Medwick
Jesse Haines
Joe Torre
Curt Flood

Just cut his ass already

Looks like it’s Kim to the bullpen as the closer. Martinez to the rotation.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We have placed INF Brad Miller on the 10-day Injured List (right ankle - bursitis).<br><br>Additionally, the club has released LHP Brett Cecil.</p>&mdash; St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cardinals/status/1286013345980653570?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wow the actually did it.

Throwing a low 80’s fastball at his best can’t even help a high school team. At least that nightmare is over.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jack Flaherty tells us on a Zoom call that he expects Black Lives Matter to be stenciled on the mound at Busch Stadium when he makes his opening day start there. He said the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayersAlliance?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayersAlliance</a> has been working with teams, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cardinals</a> have approved.</p>&mdash; Derrick S. Goold (@dgoold) <a href="https://twitter.com/dgoold/status/1286022547943960577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

:facepalm:

Royals planning something too. Saw a tweet somewhere.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cardinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cardinals</a> MGR Mike Shildt intimated his team is planning a unified gesture on Friday in support of social justice: &quot;This group has had a lot of conversations. This group is very sincere about supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and doing it in a unified manner.&quot;</p>&mdash; Mark Saxon (@markasaxon) <a href="https://twitter.com/markasaxon/status/1285990666175156225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Yes, that was becoming embarrassing. Now, how long will they go with waiting futilely for Fowler to somehow revert to 2015 form. Dude seems like a good guy, but they need to cut the cord and let the young guys play to sort out what they have. They aren’t going anywhere this year anyway and if they do it won’t be due to him, but in spite of his lack of production and soft defense.

Matheny auditioning for the Blue Men group.

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/SleepyNarr...restricted.gif

Keep politics the **** away from sports please. Sports is suppose to be a break from everything else, not a ****ing reminder.

One of the STL reporters was on Danny Mac’s podcast today. He said the outfield is set in stone. O’Neill/Bader/Fowler. They want to see what that trio can do.

Carlson will go to Springfield. The Cards will lose a year of control if he starts this year. And they really want to find out about those 3 this year anyway. Does anyone know when Carlson can play this year and they still have 6 future years of control?

Fowler and Bader combined for peak Fowler/Bader stuff to cost us a run in the 2nd today.

Bases loaded, 1 out - fly ball to the track in left field. Fowler loafs his ass home tagging up because of course the throw is going into 2b and Bader does Bader stuff to try to tag up and gets thrown out at 2nd. Of course before loafin' ass Dexter gets across the plate.

So the inevitable collision of Bader's braindead bro-ness and Fowler's laziness takes a run off the board. If Fowler hustles down the line - run scores despite Bader's idiocy. If Bader's not an idiot, Fowler scores despite his laziness. It took a team effort to keep that run from scoring.

These guys are who they are. One of the truly frustrating parts of the last 5 years of Cardinal baseball is their steadfast refusal to listen when a player tries to tell them who he is.

It's only like 6 days.

Call him up next Wednesday and they'd be fine.

But they really do need to know what they have in O'Neill and it's close to nut-cutting time on Bader as a starter. Frankly, they need to know more about Lane Thomas as well (as a potential Bader replacement).

I don't mind committing to O'Neill and Bader. And with a sprint to the finish, I even understand why they're gonna give Fowler one last ride. But ultimately I think their best results would be O'Neill/Bader/Thomas w/ Carlson waiting in the wings.

Where was Bader to start? On 1st or 2nd? I would think in that situation the ball would of course be thrown to 3rd base and not 2nd, given where the ball was caught.

1st. Ball was over in the gap a bit so I'm not sure he had the hose to air it out to 3b, especially since he'd drifted over to his left to field it.

Ok. I was just wondering. I didnt see the play but when you said left field I was picturing left field and not so much left center with the LFer running away from 3rd.

I have Frontier cable. I guess they got some contract beef with the MLB Network going and don’t get the games this year. Extra innings package goes through Amazon prime doesn’t it?

Watching Martinez today has just been funny.

{yaaaaawn....} throws pitch with no leg drive, doesn't finish delivery, ball moves 4 feet, batter is frozen {shrugs}

If you have a chance to watch his appearance, I'd recommend it. Dude looks as energetic as a knuckle-baller right now. I mean just no effort at all. Sitting at 91 with a shitload of movement on everything.

Lazy Carlos who gives zero ****s could up an ERA in the high 2s. It's just crazy. He's putting his breaking ball wherever he wants it, throwing his 'fastball' every now and again for effect and just loafing his ass through this outing.

He starting getting a little more aggressive with his hip/leg drive in the 8th. So of course he started missing a few wide and high. But it was pretty apparent that he was just getting his work in today and in the 8th was told that it was his last inningso he tried to put a little hair on it.

he is so talented. Could have been a #1 if he would have applied some work ethic to that talent. And kept his focus on the mound.

I would rather go with Lane over Fowler, with the DH you have some flexibility. Edman can spell in the outfield if you keep Sosa.

Looks like they are going to try to get some spontaneous crowd noise into the game.


Opening Day is almost here, and Major League Baseball is going to look a lot different
MLB is launching a new feature called Cheer at the Ballpark that allows fans to participate virtually from the comfort of their own homes, the league told CNN.

All they need is a phone or computer with a web browser to participate through its website, Gameday app or through a social media link, according to a report by ESPN.

Fans will be presented with three reaction icons that can be used to indicate cheering, booing or clapping. The cheering feature will pop up along with the Gameday score graphic, according to ESPN.

The feature will be limited at first, with only a few "cheerable" games available each day. MLB says that it will be available for more games as the season progresses.

Well hello, Kim.

That was a sterling performance. One bad pitch (strike 3, out 27 was a hung slider) and everything else was nails. Saw the full repertoire - fastball in and out ranging from 90 to 94 and almost always on the black. Elevated it once for strike 3 (got it good and above the hands) and otherwise was just drilling the bottom of the zone with it; probably threw 6 or 7 of them that were half in/half out of the zone at the bottom.

Big slow curveball that he looked to range from 68 to 80, slider that was in the 84 mph range and I'd just as soon see him stop throwing if he's in relief.

That was a damn impressive outing.

I have no illusions about this team, but damn it was fun just to watch baseball. Reminds me of the 70’s and 90’s.

Your choice to be a fan.

cc: Get a clue.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: MLB and union are re-engaging on the possibility of expanded playoffs for this season. Has to be done before first pitch 25 hours from now, but there seems to be optimism. Hope was to go from 10 playoff teams to 16.</p>&mdash; Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonHeyman/status/1286054382455357440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Don't half the teams in the NBA make the playoffs with a good portion of those teams not even being .500? Why the **** do so many teams need to be in the playoffs?

It’s 16 of the 30 teams that make it each year and the last time someone under .500 made it was 14/15 season when the east was really shitty.

I wonder if more playoff teams makes it more interesting in a short season or just further increases randomness of it.

Damn Kim looked fantastic. Has there been a successful non flame thrower closer in baseball in the last 20 years or so?

Lord knows that the best answer to a 162 game season is MORE playoffs and MORE randomness and each regular season game meaning even less.

What a stupid ****ing idea.

Trevor Hoffman managed 600 saves mainly on the back of his changeup.