The Cardinals have overcome a lack of offense in recent years, but that needs to change going forward, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch writes. GM John Mozeliak acknowledges that part of the club’s everyday lineup is in its decline phase, but also says that the greater portion carries “a lot more upside.” He says that the situation on offense needs improvement, but adds that he doesn’t believe “it’s as drastic as other people interpret it.” Goold takes a deep look at the team’s offensive struggles, and its options going forward, in a well-researched piece that deserves a full read.
Here’s more from the NL Central:
- Many in the Reds’ baseball operations department believe the club should sell off veterans in an all-out rebuilding effort, ESPN.com’s Buster Olney reports on Twitter. There are varying levels of rebuilds, of course, and Olney says that a full-on Astros/Cubs-style tear-down could be under consideration. Cincinnati dealt away soon-to-be free agents last summer, but held onto its controllable veterans. The team has a variety of appealing talent, including some younger assets and well-established players like Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, and Joey Votto.
- The Pirates ought to bring back second baseman Neil Walker for one more year but shouldn’t explore an extension, Brian O’Neill of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette opines. MLBTR projects Walker to earn $10.7MM in arbitration, which could make him a trade candidate for the low-budget Bucs. But with one more season of arb eligibility remaining, says O’Neill, Walker lines up perfectly with the organization’s needs, as a rehabbing Jung-ho Kang and rising youngster Alen Hanson will soon be on the way. An extension, meanwhile, would mean far too great a commitment given Walker’s age and likely earning power, compared with the team’s needs.
as a reds fan I would be all for it if Jocketty was not the one making the deals. the man has no clue what he is doing.
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Agree with metalhead. I’m 100% behind the reds doing a full teardown but Jocketty should not be the one at the helm for it.
If your team gets to the point where you need to go into full-on rebuild mode, the plan went sideways somewhere, and it’s probably time for a front office regime change.
Interesting parallel between Reds and Brewers, who did hire a new GM.
I would be all for the Pirates bringing Walker back, if he was willing to play another position. After converting from catcher in the minors, Walker initially moved to third, and only moved to second when the Pirates needed the spot filled. Right now, first and third (until Kang is healthy) are the holes.
Harrison’s best position is second, and Hanson may be able to make the team out of spring training. Walker’s range at second has been declining for the last 3 years. So putting Walker on one of the corners puts the best team on the field for the Bucs.
The Reds need to trade Frazier, Bruce, Chapman and Phillips if he would approve a trade. Getting top prospects and lower payroll will help the Reds to contend in 18 or 19. Reds r getting the 2nd overall pick next summer plus if the Reds signed some intentional players, the Reds will b better situated. Bullpen need a lot of help. My opinion!!!!
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