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Salutations. Make sure your phone is charged, check those 10-5 rights, and watch the medicals -- it's trade deadline week in MLB, and that usually means the mosh-iest mosh pit of questions in the weekly Cardinals chat. I'll be at the keyboard today. There are a few things going on at the moment -- and I know I'll have to step aside briefly in the middle to tend to something -- so it's going to be that kind of chat. Hopscotch between questions and checking on news. You know the drill after all these years.

You've got questions. I'll do my best to provide answers.

Questions are not edited for spelling or grammar. Answers usually are. Any comments or questions that are vulgar or threatening will be ignored.

Let me get the file set to use for the real-time transcription of this chat. And then away ...

we ...

go ...

Alan: With JJ Wetherholt knocking on the big club's door, and the backlog of middle infielders, will the Cardinals listen to offers for any of Gorman, Donovan or Saggesse? Donovan could fetch a nice haul, Gorman would be selling low, but maybe it's time to cut bait, and i just don't see how Saggesse ever finds any regular playing time with the current construction.

DG: They have been. The Post-Dispatch reported a week ago that the Cardinals were open to interest in Nolan Gorman. Sources told me they let teams know they were. They have been less so with Brendan Donovan, though are several teams that are trying to make that play. The Yankees are one, though they recently landed their left-handed-hitting infielder from the Rockies. Have not heard much about Thomas Saggese this trade deadline.

David J: Derrick: Have the Cards given thought to converting Wetherholt into an outfielder? The team is overstocked with decent middle infielders, and outfield talent is few and far between. Could he handle centerfield? I suspect he has the legs, but does he have a strong enough arm? Replacing Scott with Wetherholt would improve the lineup offensively by a wide margin, and keep Donovan, Winn, and maybe Gorman and Saggese in the lineup for some games.

DG: Given thought? Yes. Absolutely. Given action? No. And that's not unusual. Teams will stick with a player at the most demanding defensive position they can handle as they develop. Also, there is a belief within the Cardinals -- and elsewhere, too -- that if Wetherholt can play shortstop well then his transition to almost any position will go well. There are dozens and dozens of examples of this because of the demands on shortstop and how that prepares players to play elsewhere, if needed or if they're career evolves in that direction.

David J: Derrick: I really appreciate it when you write a piece about the financial situation for the Cards - those articles require a lot of research and most sports writers don't seem interested. I would love to read more of those. The current big question is how badly has the team been hit this year by declining ticket sales and TV revenue - and what does that bode for next year's budget? I imagine it looks pretty bleak.

DG: It is a clear and present concern for the Cardinals. Their broadcast reset means another hit in guaranteed revenue from it next season, though they have been encouraged by the returns on the streaming. And ticket sales have been as they expected -- and they expected them to be sluggish and far lower than past years.

They have seen a precipitous drop in ticket sales from ranking 2nd in average sales per game as recently as 2022 to 17th this season. That's a drop from averaging 40,994 per home game to 29,349, this season. And that is with reduced prices at times to spur more sales. The Cardinals saw this coming of course with the losing season of 2023, the disappointing season of 2024, the advertised "rest" of 2025, and the shrinking entertainment dollar for households. And they have acted like it by looking to reduce payroll, as they did entering 2025.

As for the future, as one person with knowledge of the Cardinals' plan in the coming winter said, and I'll paraphrase: Don't look for a particularly active winter of shopping from them.

Walt: 77 hours

DG: The chat only feels that long, Walt. It really is only going to be 3 or 4 hours.

Max: What's a realistic timeframe look like for Wetherholt to reach ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½? Is the team hoping for him to push for a starting job next spring, or is there a chance he even comes up at the end of this year? I'm wary of rushing him after what we saw with Walker (even if it's not fair to compare situations), but it's hard not to get excited about his potential.

DG: ETA 2026. The Cardinals expect him to push for a starting job next spring, and that he has already begun his audition with his performance in Class AAA.

There are several factors here for fans to consider. He's moving fast, and prospects move up faster than ever. However: He does not need to go onto the 40-player roster this winter to be protected from the Rule 5 draft and there are a handful of prospects who do that the Cardinals do not want to lose. There is no 60-day IL for the Cardinals or other teams in the winter, so it's 40 players and those spots can be precious. The Cardinals are not in a position to lose prospects. They need to keep them and depth.

So they can keep Wetherholt off the roster, bring him to spring training, and easily add him for opening day when/if he wins the job because there will be a 60-day move and some natural reordering of the 40-player roster.

Plus! They'll want to keep his rookie status intact because he sure looks like a player that could score the Cardinals an extra draft pick, and they are definitely in the business of accumulating draft picks.

Walt: excellent point,

DG: Thank you.

Reed: I agree with the premise from your recent BPIB that the Cardinals are not in a position to compete with the top echelon teams because they are lacking one or more star players. I assume Cardinals execs see that same deficiency, but is getting such a player in the next year or two within the team's reach such that this issue might impact how they handle this trade deadline?

DG: KMOX's Kevin Wheeler best articulated that premise. Yes, the Cardinals are of course aware of this. And not only that but they are trying to become an organization that develops the pitchers who become that. That is like the top priority for the team, and you can se that with the draft picks and the things happening the minors to enhance that. It's a real organizational goal that is driven by the new hires -- develop star pitchers because the free-agent market is pricey and the trade market is thin for them. It is what the Cardinals feel they must do to contend in the coming years.

South City Steve: I think the most important reset of 2025 is that between DeWitt and the fans. We can roast Mozeliak all we want, this is DeWitt's mess. And the idea that he and Dewitt III keeps alluding to, holding back payroll until the stands fill up, is bad business. Here's the truce; the DeWitts produced a great product for two decades, but they were handsomely rewarded financially by their fanbase. It's a two-way street and the DeWitts got lazy, and we got a string of aging former Cardinals signings, farewell seasons, and not-ready-for-primetime prospects, which all resulted in several playoff-less seasons. The fans in turn got lazy. We all want the engine to be roaring again, fans are prepared to to their part (see Savannah Bananas game) but DeWitt can't hedge.

DG: Let's have this discussion, shall we?

Re: The Bananas.

They are a great show, a great thing for baseball, and I enjoy what they've brought and done for the game. They're creative and amazing and they make the game interactive and fun and entertaining, and that is the key to their success, too.

There is nothing at stake but entertaining.

There's no World Series title to win, no playoff berth to secure, no lefty paid $12 million to get specifically this kind of left-handed batter out. So, to me, MLB and its fans should keep that in mind when trying to compare the two things and the crowds they draw.

Finally, and please let me know how this goes, if the Bananas played 81 games in ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ this year -- what would the average attendance be? Would they pack Busch every night? I am genuinely curious.

Otherwise, to your point, yes there is definitely a Catch-22 crossroads here: Can the Cardinals goose ticket sales by spending on a player or several to get fans back in the gates, or do they slim payroll because they're unsure that will happen and don't see the efficiency in fielding a middling team that also doesn't move merch ...

BryanB: Victor Scott has tons of speed but the average is still low. Has he progressed much between the minors and STL

DG: Absolutely.

BryanB: Batting in the nine spot a good place?

DG: Absolutely, again.

When it comes to Scott, keep an eye on the on-base percentage as much as the batting average. Sure, the BA goes up and teams are less likely to challenge him and he'll get more walks, but he's already showing improvement there with a jump from his Class AAA OBP to a .321 in the majors this season. A steady rise in that and he's giving the Cardinals exactly what the offense needs considering what he brings on defense.

GSW: Hi Derrick - really appreciate all your hard work. Listened to GPIB this weekend, and was struck by your explanation of why the Cards don't some of the answers they were looking for (Ivan Herrera taking up DH ABs that had been slotted for others). I understand the explanation, but wonder if you agree with the strategy: Herrera is (presumably) one of the guys they have an answer on. Why not work him in the OF (where they could really use a RH bat), and free up DH ABs for some of the other priorities, like Gorman (I know he's hurt now, but what about May and June)?

DG: They are going to give Herrera some outfield time, but the two leg injuries this season have given them pause about doing that on-the-job during the season, especially in games. They are discussing the timing of when to get him the reps there, and that could come during the winter (winter ball) and is definitely part of the conversation for spring training. Doing it during the season fresh off two IL stints with leg injuries and throw in the fact it's a completely new position and he'd be playing it for the first time in a game at the highest level. A lot to ask.

UPDATE: But ask they will! Herrera is starting in left field for the first time in his professional career Monday night against the Miami Marlins. Excellent timing on this question, and clearly my answer needed some update, given the Cardinals comments on moving him became outdated the moment they decided to start him there.

GSW: Just saw that Roby had TJ surgery last week (joining Hjerpe and Robberse). Since they are all three on the 40-man, does this keep prospects in addition to Wetherholt from advancing?

DG: The numbers game is real. Though not entirely in the way you suggest. Currently, two of them are on the 40-player roster. Since the 60-day IL isn't available in the winter, that is two spots that are used to protect talent that won't be available to protect other talent. Production still beats everything, right, but yes it does make the decisions more complicated because those spots have value and the Cardinals don't want to rush a player to one of those 40-player spots when they can reserve it to keep more talent/depth in system.

DoubleDownOn11: With the suspension of Cleveland's closer Emmanuel Clase related to the ongoing gambling investigation of his teammate, Luis Ortiz, how much do you think that'll impact the closer's market, specifically Ryan Helsley?

DG: Plenty. Takes one of the closers off the board, and one of the closers who brought another year of control with them. Helsley is one of the top relievers in available, and the interest in him is significant from some of the top bidders.

Dmn: When is the next 90 win team for the Cardinals?

DG: I don't know.

Andy: will the Cardinals try to acquire a tentpole right handed bat?

DG: At this trade deadline -- or just in general? At this deadline, that does not appear to be a goal, unless they seek the potential of one in return for a pitcher, and that would be a longer-range acquisition. In general, they like the chances of Herrera qualifying as that kind of hitter. They obviously are still investing the time in seeing if Jordan Walker will be. There are fewer and fewer of those types of hitters available via trade and they're pricey on the open market. At one point a year or so ago it sure seemed like Brent Rooker would be the answer for the Cardinals via trade, but that never developed because he signed an extension to stay an A and the Cardinals pivoted away from that approach that worked for them in the past.

BryanB: Why was Jon Jay ejected on Saturday night’s bench cleared. Machado kept going for Jay but was being held back.

DG: Because of what he said and how his confrontation of Machado escalated things. He was ejected for aggravating an event that had calmed down.

Welcome to the Heath Barn: Is there any chance the Cardinals actually get back major league talent in a trade that could help them this year and in the future?

DG: There is always that chance. In the sell off of 2023, they got John King and that's possible.

AJ in NoVA: Could perhaps such a winter ball team be one managed by a former Cardinal player?

DG: Ivan Herrera was on his way to catch for Albert Pujols' team a year ago. He didn't ultimately go there, but he initially committed to doing so before spending his time in the states going through a throwing program for his arm strength.

LaughingLion: Do you think Burleson gets moved?

DG: Not likely, no. Not when I last checked.

John M: Given the difference in offensive output, why doesn't Pozo play more than Pages, who is currently at a .199 batting average? Many thanks for all your work.

DG: It's about the defense and the trust the pitchers have in Pages, and how much they like throwing to him and how he calls a game. That is where the Cardinals are putting the emphasis, and Pages is getting the starts for that reason.

Chris: Based on what you're hearing, is it more or less likely that a player other than the three relievers on expiring contracts is traded?

DG: I have been told it's not a guarantee that all three relievers are traded. Cardinals could keep one or two, and that is a scenario in play for the team.

Tackleberry: Is it fair to say Mozeliak was hired for one job in 2007, and then that job evolved with DeWitt’s shift to a “just get in�

DG: No. That is erroneous because Mozeliak was hired for multiple "jobs" -- if jobs means responsibilities -- and that was not one of them, not the way you put it. Because that wasn't when the shift took place, if that's what you're suggesting. I first heard of the "just get in" notion from Theo Epstein in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox, and it was later echoed by the Cardinals in 2005 and definitely applicable in 2006 with that 83-win champ. I'm not sure how many times I've explained this, and I know that one more time isn't going to change the "narrative" that persists when years of exploring the facts don't change that. But here goes: Ownership set a goal as division title and estimated that around a 90-win team. "Just get in" was less than that in their model at one point. This is some 15 years ago, or so, as tanking took hold that Bill DeWitt Jr. and I spoke about how that shifted the wins to get in because teams could fatten their records on tanking clubs. He mentioned a target of 95 wins to win the division, and a margin for error there that would "just get in" if the team missed under the target. Coming out of the pandemic with more playoff berths to be had and the calculus has changed again. But you're already bored with my answer and like the one that is more popular better, even if it's far less accurate ...

KAW: The Fedde trade includes "cash considerations". Can you explain exactly how that works between the teams?

DG: It's transaction talk for cash, essentially. But int his case it does come with a few strings attached. I will get the details at some point when I have more time to report on this, but in past trades similar to this, here is how it works: Cardinals are sending cash with Fedde to Atlanta to cover some of his remaining salary. Atlanta may send some of that cash back to the Cardinals based on a) who the player to be named later is, b) if there is a player that they agree upon at all, or c) how much Fedde provides Atlanta in the closing months of the season. Those are all conditions within the trade -- or considerations. The Cardinals could get some of the cash back by the end of the deal that alleviates more of the salary they're paying.

Tackleberry: As a fan it is/was less about wins and more about quality and depth of talent compared to other playoff teams. Look at any roster post-2015, they have never felt like they were built to actually compete against the teams who were there to win a World Series.

DG: They have, for about that time, been viewed as one move shy of really shoving themselves into the mix for the pennant. This has been an ongoing part of the coverage from what appears in print to what we discuss on the podcast.

Ray Jay: It seems like so many Cardinals minor league pitchers get seriously injured. Does something need to change in their development? Does this happen as much to other teams?

DG: It not only happens to other teams, too, it happens at the major-league level. The Cardinals have not had a starter on the IL this season -- and that is such an outlier for an MLB team that it's worth noting. And it's the second year of that if you narrow it down to arm injuries. Atlanta is desperately looking for starters at this point because of the number of injuries in their organization, so there's an example within reach because Altanta just traded for Erick Fedde because of the injuries.

Dejected fan: Yadi spoiled us as fans, which might influence my question. But it’s hard to process how horrible starting pitching has been for a month. Based on playing time, it’s apparent that team prioritizes Pages. But is there more to pitching struggles than just awful pitchers’ execution?

DG: There absolutely is. There's the law of averages, regression to the mean, harsh probabilities -- whatever term you want to use. The Cardinals have a pitch to contact team, and contact sometimes gets through, and in the past few weeks it's gotten through in bunches. Some of the pitchers have complicated this with walks. Or they've complicated it with the lack of an effective swing and miss pitch. Look at two examples from the past week: McGreevy pitches to contact, he walks the first batter, and he doesn't have the slider working that misses bats. Trouble ensues. Or: Fedde pitches to contact, cannot set up his sweeper, and has to turn again and again to the pitch that is his best pitch, his bedrock pitch, but it's a cutter and that is a high-risk, high-reward pitch that either breaks bats or breaks hearts, and his was so lackluster that it led to home runs that only made things that much worse.

Aaron Knopf: With injuries to nearly every minor league starter, who was supposed to challenge for a spot in next year‘s big-league rotation, do you think that the Cardinals would be less interested in trying to find a deadline trading partner for which Gray would be willing to waive his NTC? without him, the 2026 starting crew looks pretty thin, even if Liam Doyle is a fast mover. Thanks, as always, for your time on these chats,

DG: I don't believe the injuries are a factor or a driving consideration. Money is. If the Cardinals have a chance to shed his salary, they'll look to do that ahead of any other concerns. I'm just being as blunt as I can be. That would be the driver for looking to trade Gray. Clear salary. Clear roster. Give Chaim Bloom more flexibility and less budget spent.

David in CA: Arenado's offensive decline seems to be premature for someone his age who works as hard as he's known in the off-season. Has he ever sought assistance from Driveline, Matt Holiday, Mark McGwire, etc, who all seem to be able to help various other players with their games? How open is Arenado to outside assistance or is he just in the batting cages constantly trying to work on it by himself?

DG: He has done all of those things, in triplicate, and annually. And he also seeks out expertise during the season, too. He is a tireless seeker of information and suggestions when it comes to improving or regaining his swing. If there is a star player more open and curious to outside assistance than Arenado or Paul Goldschmidt, I've yet to meet them. As open as they are, sure. But more open and eagerly seeking, nope.

If you're interested there have been many stories in the Post-Dispatch and other outlets about Arenado's questing for his swing. I visited him in Southern California at his cage to discuss it with him several years ago ...

BryanB: What about Jordan Walker’s swing? He’s made changes but offensively the numbers aren’t there.

DG: They are in the recent, short-window sample size, as described in this morning's Post-Dispatch by baseball writer Daniel Guerrero.

Here is his reporting on that topic.Ìý

Ed AuBuchon: If Sonny Gray waives his NTC and is traded next years rotation would be Pallante, McGreevy and ?,?,?

DG: Liberatore. Leahy. And TBD.

A.J.: Hey Derrick, thanks for the chat! I understand the Cardinals prefer Pages behind the dish for his defense. The Cardinals have 3 catchers in the minors that have high expectations. Are any of them expected to be strong in all 3 aspects of catching? Hitting, defense, and handling a staff?

DG: Yes. To varying degrees they are, and they're in the minors to improve the areas where they are not yet ready. Jimmy Crooks is the most advanced -- as you'd expect because he's in Triple-A. And he's made strides defensively. He has great arm strength and a willingness to use it. He's a year removed from winning the Texas League MVP. Takes offense to do that. Leonardo Bernal is on the rise and improving in defensive aspects of the game. There is still awhile to go to see where Rainiel Rodriguez ultimately fits beyond the advanced bat. He's 18. Give him time.

David in CA: Hasn't Donovan earned the right to choose a single position to play based upon his performance and his leadership? Do you know if he gets tired of having to move around the diamond? So if he chooses 2nd base, what's the best position to play Wetherholt, assuming he wins a spot on the big league team next year?

DG: It's interesting that you equate choosing a single position with leadership, when one could argue that part of leadership is being willing to do what is asked by the team for the betterment of the team.

To your questions: He has actually said the opposite to me, and playing everywhere when asked is part of his origin story and what made him a big-leaguer, so why would he give up that part of his identity that made him millions. Many evaluators believe that Wetherholt's longterm position in the majors with be second base. That could change and maybe he changes tha twith his play. But that's where it is right now.

If you want to know more about how Donovan's versatility got him to the majors, you have to go all the way back to the day he tried anything to get attention as an overlooked high school player, and that story is here.

bo: Derek- Mcgreevy looks like a 4 or 5 sp with a 3 being a real stretch . What do you think ?

DG: We're about to find out. Too early in his big-league career to start throwing numbers around where he'll fit in the future.

Moon: It's the runway, stupid! When Gorman is back, play him at 3rd everyday. Is he the big SLG guy they need badly? Let Arenado know that now and perhaps he'll expand his list of teams. And the Cards need to eat a lot of his salarly. I saw Gorman play a lot in person before he went out, he's really close to getting it.

DG: Swell.

WesternCardsFan: I'm assuming it's still the desire of the Cardinals to trade Arenado this off-season and unfortunately his bat is not making a trade easier. With that said, given the glut of infield prospects, do you see a realistic scenario where they say to Arenado that his role next season would be a platoon player against the LHP so that Donny/Gorman/Wetherholt could start against RHP? Do you think the Cardinals would actually consider development over the contract? If they were to say that and probably take 100ish starts from him, do you think that would change some of the restrictions Nolan (who has every right to do) has put on any trade? Meaning would an approach like that make trading him easier (ultimate Cardinal goal)? Does that realistically cause reputational harm with future FA (I wouldn't think so given his declining performance but I am curious)?

DG: I don't see those series of events playing out like that or how they benefit the team, its reputation, or the player, at all.

jm: other than wetherholt I see n one in AAA or AA who looks posied to join the STL squad next year, do you??

DG: Oh, sure. There are a handful of pitchers who will be contributing in 2026. Don't overlook Nathan Church. The Cardinals aren't, that's for sure.

BryanB: If Helsley is moved who picks up the closer role?

DG: Whoever is a) left and b) available.

Ed AuBuchon: Forgot Liberatore our #1 starter but next years rotation without much help in Memphis seems like we need to acquire a few controllable starters.

DG: Always a good plan to do that annually and forever. Never have enough pitching.

KJS17: Not sure if anyone brought this up but what impact do you think the CBA has on free agency this next year? I could see where teams may be reluctant to do massive long term contracts with that uncertainty hangining out there.

DG: It absolutely does, and it could be a factor in the chilling effect on teams like the Cardinals when they don't plan to be that active with free agents or extending their players knowing that a lockout and a work stoppage looms.

Max: Looking outside of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ and towards upstate New York - I know you put a tremendous amount of time and thought into your Hall of Fame ballots. In general, do you balance a player more against their peers, or against history? Chris Sale, for example, is one of the better pitchers of his era, but would be found wanting in terms of his overall workload and career innings pitched. It feels off to me, though, that starting pitchers are basically disallowed from Cooperstown because the game evolved in ways they didn't dictate.

DG: Great question. I want to do both, I do, but I think the answer is increasingly against their peers because that allows for a fairer comparison for how the game is played at the time of that player's career. For example, looking at an era that put a heavy emphasis on batting average isn't applicable to today's game with a heavy emphasis on damage. So, should I discount the modern production because his average doesn't compare to Musial's or Gwynn's? Or, should I take a modern starter whose team won't let him go past six innings and hold that choice against him by comparing him to Gibson? I'm less inclined to do that, and I'll tell you some of the process I've gone through to get me there.

Jeff Kent.

Jeff Kent is one of the most productive second baseman of all time, but he has his defense held against him because he was just OK there. Well, he was OK enough for teams to put him there so they could get a bat elsewhere, and all he did with that decision from teams was produce at an elite level. It's similar with relievers. Does a player shine in the role he has, or that teams wedge them into it, and how does he shine compared to his peers? That seems like a good place to start a Hall of Fame discussion and then use history to help shape it later.

Brent: Both Taj Bradley and Jeffery Springs are rumored to be on the trading block right now and both are controllable for several more years. Does either appeal to you as a potential trade target for the Cardinals?

DG: To me? Sure. Bradley, for sure. Both are reportedly available, and given some other indications from the Cardinals in the past week, it sure seemed like that would be a route worth exploring for them. I started down that path -- looking at starters they could add to help in 2026 -- and had a story ready to go, when additional reporting did not show that had any traction and it would only be speculation on my part. I continue to seek out the substantive reporting.

wordbird: Would a pitcher like Taj Bradley line up with what the Cards might pursue at the deadline? Demoted to minors, major control issues but still young, upside and controllable.

DG: As mentioned above, I had that on my list of things to continue to check because it made some sense, but it hasn't lined up with public comments from the club in the past week, and I haven't been able to pin down anything that confirm their interest. If I do, I'll write it. So far, reporting has them approaching the deadline differently than that.

Ed AuBuchon: What is Mo looking for at the deadline. Best available prospect or best starting pitcher or right handed outfielder?

DG: Yes. To all of that. Yes. And preferably not locked into a 40-player spot at the moment. They'd like to keep some flexibility there, it seems. But that may not be possible.

Gregory: Do you see May or Miller in play from the LAD?

DG: Haven't heard that. Could be with other teams. LA has interest in Helsley that is real, and there is a possible fit for them with another reliever, too. Cardinals are sort of the clearinghouse there. Those names come up a lot in speculation, but not too often in confirmation.

Dave: Hi Derrick, who is in charge of deadline deals? Is it still Mo?

DG: Ownership ultimately. Mozeliak is in charge of the baseball operations and steering them toward a decision.

If you are wondering about Chaim Bloom's role in that, there is an article right now from this morning's paper that reports in detail his role, what he's been doing, and how involved he is. No need to ask questions or wonder, unless you believe the story wasn't detailed enough, and then get back to me. But there is reporting, with good sourcing, in the article today that explains that in a way that has not been previously explained.

Alright, going to have to take a pause here for the second of a few overlapping assignments. May also use this as a time to relocate to the ballpark. The chat will resume. Thanks for the patience.

(a few hours and one significant lineup change later)

Let's dive back in -- and what a plot twist! Earlier in the chat I was asked about Herrera playing the outfield. My answer was about how they were indeed planning that -- and then outlined the reasons they gave recently for not doing it in the heat of this season.

Scratch that explanation.

They're starting him in LF tonight, and they're moving this up because a) he's worked as assigned with Jon Jay on LF and b) they need to free up the DH to get Burleson (and a few others) a break, especially in the heat and c) they're less concerned about the legs in the outfield than they are his leg injuries going back behind the plate. That's the explanation today. We'll see how it goes tonight. I apologize for not having the info earlier that he was starting in LF tonight. Going of recent explanations proved incomplete.

Ryan: Doesn't that just scream at the knee jerks & bad judgements that have been happening these last few years.

DG: We'll find out if it's somewhere between Kolten Wong in the outfield and Tommy Edman in the outfield. That seems to be the spectrum of outcomes.

Ryan: Sweet. First baseman in RF and catcher in LF. Neither agile. What could wrong?

DG: Part of the plan is to have them in the outfield with a groundball guru on the mound, and that's what they have with Andre Pallante.

South City Steve: I understood that Bloom's arrival and marching orders were to create a self-sustaining farm system that would produce star-laden big league rosters with cost controlled talent, and occasionally the roster would need to be augmented by a higher priced FA or trade. But with what we're seeing this year, there are no stars even close to being major league ready (we can debate Wetherholt but Walker was supposedly ready 2 years ago too). I guess I assumed that the DeWitts would pay the short-term, high AAV price tag to augment the young talent until Bloom got the system up and running. But everything I read and hear sounds like they are prepared to sew the seeds now and just wait for the crop, meanwhile the major league roster will be what it is.

DG: That is what reporting and asking and pursuing sure suggests, as well as their actions, too.

CJ: Since last October’s presser, Chaim Bloom has been virtually invisible, while Rob Cerfolio has been front and center on podcasts and radio. Is this a glimpse of what’s to come post-Mozeliak? Is Cerfolio being positioned as the next face of the front office, or am I reading too much into this?

DG: That is not the case. And there have been media requests that the Cardinals declined for Rob Cerfolio, too. Just FYI. At least one podcast that I know of. He has been available at other times, like when he traveled with team to Pittsburgh. Bloom has declined press requests out of deference to Mozeliak. He will speak to the media and be more available to fans, too.

cardsfanintheozarks: Do the Cards DFA Roby? Starting to feel like Alex Reyes 2.0. Another year + on the IL. Is he that good to warrant a spot on the 40 man?

DG: That would be a shocking move at this point.

Taguchi99: Not trying to be snarky, but why such an emphasis on shedding salary and adding flexibility for Bloom if they're not going to shop for free agents this offseason?

DG: To do exactly that: Shed payroll at a time when revenue is less.

larry harnly: when a runner is on base, are oli and the coaches in favor of the catcher being on one knee? isn't it easier to throw to second if the catcher comes out of a crouch?

DG: It's a good question, and it's going to vary from catcher to catcher, from the catchers I've spoke with. Arm strength is a part of it. The benefit of one knee down is the framing and the low pitches. That has been proven time and time again with metrics, and it's so value has been calculated. Pedro Pages really advanced his game in the minors when he went to one knee down and was able to get those strikes in the lower part of the zone and soar when it came to the internal grades the Cardinals had for framing. The answer is that it varies from catcher to catcher and that goes for the dugout's opinion of it. It's definitely a tradeoff in some cases when the catcher has far more pitches to frame than he has runners to stop.

Chris: "it's reputation" is such an overlooked aspect of why/how the Cardinals do things. I think people forget players can have input too, as well as agents, on where they want to play.

DG: They can indeed. A team can draft a player or trade for a player and control his rights for only so long. At some point you do have to be a place that agents want to send players, and players want to go -- because they can get paid, get better, get a ring, etc., etc.

CapePorpoise: Do you see the introduction of a challenge system for balls/strikes similar to ASG in the regular season soon?

DG: Absolutely. As soon as 2026, as the commissioner pushes toward it.

Ryan: I'm not trying to the tough guy or smartest in the room. And I'm not the 10% screaming on socials. But DeWitt Jr and the III are about to get an economics lesson soon. What a milk cow they had, brand and all. Ultimately, like many sane fans in here said, 2027 is more realistic when there will be better baseball STL. Tank, reset, rebuild, transition call it whatever, that's the reality.

DG: I hate to be the bearer of this news, but please keep in mind that 2027 is also realistic for there to be a work stoppage and a lockout due to labor strife, and you're looking at baseball that season being uncertain at the moment. We'll see as pressure builds for the sides to make a deal, but tensions are high and both sides are bracing for a work stoppage.

Reed: The Cardinals don't want to pay a free agent because they are selling fewer tickets, but the lack of a star is one reason attendance is lacking. I'm afraid the team is on the wrong side of that chicken or egg dilemma.

DG: That is a fair and solid way to put it, and there are people with strong arguments on both sides of it, with data to back their stance.

Phil: Hey Derrick, I saw speculation that the Dodgers might come knocking for one or both of Ryan Helsley and Brendan Donovan this week. After sending Tommy Edman to LA last year, do you think there would be reluctance on the part of the Cards' FO to see all three of these guys end up in Dodger blue together, or are they less worried about a detail like that as long as the trade is one they like?

DG: The Dodgers are one of the teams looking at and interested in Ryan Helsley. That's not speculation. They're a team with interest. They may also like Brendan Donovan -- that too has been reported -- but the Cardinals are not really a motivated seller when it comes to Brendan Donovan. They've shown reluctance to trade with rivals before (Cubs, especially; Reds and Brewers at times; Dodgers) but if the deal is right, they'll stomach seeing them in Dodger blue more than Cubs or Brewers blue if the return is right.

Ed AuBuchon: Let's hope JJ Wetherholt is the answer to the chicken/egg dilema.

DG: That's a lot to put on a rookie. Not sure Arizona put that much on Carroll. San Diego certainly didn't on Merrill. Brewers -- did they are Chourio? I don't think so. Not sure the Cardinals are headed that way. But it may not entirely be their say. It could be the fans and media that create that pressure.

Jose from Des Moines: Who is a good MLB comp for Wetherholt - Francisco Lindor or Brendan Donovan

DG: Neither. Those are not the comps that leap to mind.

Tackleberry: Do you think Bloom encourages DeWiit to pivot on the organization’s stance when it comes to arbitration, especially after this past off-season that made ownership look very miserly?

DG: There are more pressures on teams when it comes to arbitration than whatever ownership applies. What you see as Cardinals ownership is actually MLB and the commissioner's office and the pressure applied to stick to the market growth and not break from precedent to then raise salaries for comparable players.

Ken: Derrick shouldn’t the trades being discussed be looking specifically at starting pitchers? Regardless of 2026 or 2027 , the years of neglect have really left the minors bare. In these chats we always talk about getting at bats for the fellas but we sure haven’t had that problem in years.

DG: Absolutely, if possible. But better to get something, some talent, some upside, then to just limit yourself to a starter or nothing. Cardinals could benefit from a right-handed bat for example. But, yes, starter and strikeouts is on the short list of preferences for the Cardinals -- and every other selling team at this point.

DT: The development of which recent draft pick, JJ or Doyle, is most important? I'd say Doyle. Starting pitching is still critically thin.

DG: I'd say Wetherholt. Given how long it's been since the Cardinals had a homegrown high-impact, middle-order hitter to build a lineup around and also a seventh-overall pick -- that's a lot at stake for the Cardinals. Now, I think you could come back at me by saying that the Cardinals put even more on the line with the fifth overall pick, and we could get into a really good debate about whether that pick should have gone for a bat that high or the fastball/pitcher that high. But we're running out time, the game is about to start, so let's table that for another chat ...

Need to move on to some other assignments for the day. Stay tuned. Lots of coverage coming.

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