I dont completely understand this move.  They just aquired a back end reliever.   

I suppose they believe walden wont be back or effective.  Maybe they think rosenthal has serious issues.  However Tuivailala and Socolovich have been as good as you can expect.  Im not against this deal, I am just trying to figure out how it all fits when this bullpen seems to be a strong point.  In September there will be plenty of arms.

I dont disagree,  just suprised.  I wish they had the swme aggression towards the offense.

APIAD wrote:

I dont disagree, just suprised. I wish they had the swme aggression towards the offense.

From the deals being made (including the Moss deal) it appears to be a sellers market.  It seems like every deal has involved pretty high level prospects, and often multiple high level prospects.

Probably true.  I dont see this team as being offensively capable of winning the world series.

APIAD wrote:

forsberg_us wrote:

Given the number of appearances/innings accumulated by our bullpen, strengthening it makes sense.  Collymore was an intriguing prospect when drafted, but hasn't really progressed.

I agree, idk how you limit innings of guys who are on the 25 man roster tho. If rosenthal and siegrist are on the roster matheny is going to use them. He has proven that.
 

I understand, but if Walden does come back the bullpen will have 4 pitchers who have saved 30+ games during their careers.  It gives Matheny options other than using Rosenthal 3 days in a row or 4 times in a 5 day stretch.

APIAD wrote:

Who did they send down to make room for broxton?

I assume Sokolovich.

Until Walden's return, the bullpen would be

Rosenthal
Cichek
Broxton
Manness
Villanueva
Siegrist
Choate

If/When Walden returns, they can DFA Villanueva or carry 13 pitchers (I hope not)

APIAD wrote:

It is a good problem to have. Villanueva has been steller. What seemed to be a meaningless pickup really worked out. Like ive been saying, im suprised but not in disagreement. This could be a shut down bullpen and that is exciting.

True, and my assumption that it would be Sokolovich is based more on Matheny than anything Sokolovich hasn't done.  He's been pretty good, it just seems that Matheny has issues trusting certain players in certain roles.  I'm just assuming Matheny would value Villanueva's ability to pitch long innings.

APIAD wrote:

Probably true. I dont see this team as being offensively capable of winning the world series.

Honestly AP, I don't see this team being offensively capable as leading MLB in terms of W/L or run differential either. But both of those stats are there, and not totally related to each other. Toronto apparently makes a habit of winning big, or losing by a little. Somehow being 52-51 with a +103 run differential (Seriously, how the fuck is that possible???)

The Cards are at +106. Mostly because they've only given up 300 runs.Second place? 362. 

Any pitching move is always a good move in today's game, and I guess if you're dealing with a rotation like LA? The best offense may indeed be pitching.... 

Last edited by alz (7/31/2015 3:24 pm)