Thanks everyone.  We got really lucky with both kids, but especially with Bobby.  He's just wired differently from most kids--at least the ones I've been around.  For all intents and purposes, he's done everything he needs to do in high school.  He's already registered for college next year, he's going to be recognized for being in the Top 10 in his class when they have the school awards ceremony in May and he already has more than enough credits to graduate.  But everyday, Monday through Thursday he's at school working out trying to stay in shape to play football next year.  He still studies his ass off (he's got a 4.0 GPA this semester--again) and in his spare time, he started learning to play the piano for no reason other than he thought it might be interesting.

Like Artie said, his goal now is to go to medical school.  I used to be surprised when he would accomplish things, now it wouldn't shock me if at some point that kid found the cure for cancer.

APIAD wrote:

Post dispatch has a story up on the catchers in the cardinals system. Ive been wondering this spring how close Andrew Knizner is to making kelly expendable. Everything ive read has been good. What little ive seen has been good. Unlike kelly who is underachieving this spring, knizner is playing well. Also knizers time frame for arrival in the majors would fall closer to yadis retirement. Part of my curiosity is that kelly has never struck me as this high rating prospect the league has him ranked at. Imo, with the emergence of knizner, it may be an opportunity to sell kelly high.

For the sake of Kelly, who was optioned to Memphis after today's game, I would really like to see him traded.  He and Knizer are too close to the same age to keep them both.  Maybe Molina can catch every inning until he hits the DL.  Matheny would have to get his permission, of course.
 

The Bud Norris experiment seems to be working out well.

 

Alex Cobb signed today for 4 years/$60M.

GM's must really think very little of Lance Lynn

APIAD wrote:

At this point there is no excuse why greg holland has been offered a one or two year deal by the cardinals.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2765276-why-an-all-star-mlb-closer-who-had-41-saves-last-year-cant-get-a-job

Wisdom walks on 4 pitches.  A. Garcia, pinch hitting, pops out to first on the first pitch he sees.

It's not my baseball anymore.

Last edited by Mags (3/21/2018 2:57 pm)

APIAD wrote:

Isn't there a signing point when the draft pick comp disappears.

If the market is truely 7 to 10 million, for that money he would improve the cards bullpen even if he wasnt their closer. Idk, im beating a dead horse. I expected more. I understand the right guys are not there for the right money....that always seems to be the case.

I don't think it disappears, but it's reduced.

In the case of Lynn, had he signed a contract worth more than $50M, the Cardinals would have received a compensatory pick after the first round.  Since it was less, they get a compensatory pick after the 2nd round.

At least that's my understanding.

EDIT--Here's the rule from MLB's website.  It's more complicated than I realized.

If a team that loses a qualifying free agent is a revenue-sharing recipient, then the team -- if and only if the lost player signs for at least $50 million -- is awarded a compensatory pick between the first round and Competitive Balance Round A. If the player signs for less than $50 million, the compensation pick for the team comes after Competitive Balance Round B

If a team that loses a qualifying free agent does not receive revenue sharing and did not exceed the luxury-tax salary threshold the previous season, it is awarded a compensatory pick after Competitive Balance Round B.


For what it's worth, the Cardinals, as of right now, have 5 picks in the top 100 in next years draft.  19, 43, 59, 76 and 95
 

Last edited by forsberg_us (3/22/2018 10:23 am)

APIAD wrote:

So the cardinals were going to be in the second group regardless because they dont recieve revenue sharing? And what about the teams over tax luxury threshold? They just out of luck...damn its confusing.

Actually the Cardinals are in the group that get revenue sharing.  That's why they get one of the competitive balance pick.

I will say the club is putting together better gaves as spring progresses and more regulars are playing together.  Ozuna has been hot.  They have stolen some bases this offseason.  Im on the verge of being hopeful.  Thats my excitement level.

forsberg_us wrote:

Bader optioned to minor league camp.  The bench will be Martinez, Garcia, Munoz and Pena.

The Cardinals website says that Mayers and Brebbia are battling for the 13th pitching spot.

Post dispatch said gregerson is likely to enter the season on the 10 day dl because of a a hamstring strain so both mayers and brebbia are likely to make the team.  The other moves based off what ive seen, i agree with.

Waino out of start today with a hammy issue.  Seriousness is unknown but they are not down playing it.

APIAD wrote:

"Jim Bowden of The Athletic confirms in a tweet that the Braves, Diamondbacks and Cardinals have all checked in on free agent reliever Greg Holland. However, none of them feel as though they can be competitive financially based on the right-hander’s current asking price. Bowden suggests that Holland should take the best offer on the table. With less than a week left until opening day, it’s hard to argue that point."

If this is true, despire report the cards are uninterested, id think they would have the inside track for a cushion deal given their situation as closer.  Holland could come in on a one year 7-10 million deal and close games on a semi contenting team hoping for better luck next year.  Even 12 million wouldnt break the bank.

Holland is likely holding out for more than 1 year. Next year’s free agent closer class is loaded. Kimbrel and Cody Allen are the top names, but Zach Britton and Familia are also in there along with some others who are now set-up guys who have closer experience.

But like a lot of Boras guys this off-season, he probably over-played his hand.