The Cardinals have activated shortstop Paul DeJong from the injured list,as first reported by Anne Rogers of MLB.com (Twitter link). DeJong was one of seven players in the organization who tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks back, but he’s fortunately returned to health and playing shape in short order. Right-hander Seth Elledge was optioned out to clear active roster space.
Ultimately, the Cards’ shortstop missed just eleven of the team’s games, although that’s largely a reflection of the club’s sixteen-day absence that stemmed from the outbreak. The sturdy DeJong has coupled league average offense with strong defensive metrics in recent years, settling in as an above-average everyday option. Tommy Edman picked up the bulk of shortstop work in DeJong’s absence, but he’s now free to return to a utility role.
More broadly, the Cardinals’ shutdown has placed the front office in something of an awkward position with the trade deadline just eight days away. As president of baseball operations John Mozeliak explained to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the club has an even smaller sample than most teams on which to self-assess.
From the outside, that seems it could be particularly tricky for St. Louis, which has solid players across the roster but few star-level performers beyond first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and ace Jack Flaherty. Barring a collapse in the next week, it’d be a surprise if St. Louis weren’t approaching deadline season with a buyer’s mentality. It’ll be fascinating to see how Mozeliak and the rest of the front office approach a deadline with far less information than any other.
Yes, yes, yes. I’m glad that Paul DeJong is back.
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Smart money says Mo does nothing at the deadline, just like usual. Maybe some low hanging fruit reliever cut by another team. Hard to see anyone adding much payroll this wacky year.
There is a long list of players acquired by Mo at the deadline…some of which where impact players. Matt Holliday, Rafael Furcal and John Lackey to name the headliners….
That said I do agree that it is unlikely the Cardinals make any significant moves.
Those were players were acquired long ago. Back when Tony LaRussa had enough clout to say who he wanted and the owners backed him up. Since the departure of LaRussa, Mozeliak, with puppet managers under his control, has made some poor acquisitions, long term extensions, and lack luster free agent signings. Other than Goldschmidt (Sp?), Mozeliak’s signings have cost the Cardinals multi-millions of dollars to create only competitive teams. Basically only producing average to a little over .500 teams. Last year the Cardinals made it to the playoffs with one of those teams. Only because of their pitching. Currently, if a Cardinal hitter can hit .225 or better, and play descent defense, Mozeliak thinks he’s hit a homer by obtaining that savior player.
I could see picking up Pence. Carlson has done absolutely nothing and Pence is great in the clubhouse.
funny how no one is complaining about Carlson’s service time now
You figure the Cards will have to make a minor move or two. They are in the thick of things but their pitching is going to get burnt out with all of their double headers to come. They might go after a #5 starter who can be used in game 2 of double headers or as a long guy when needed.
Please call Cleveland if they need a fifth starter, I can’t bare to see Plutko pitch again in an Indians uniform. We can throw in a speedy defensive replacement outfielder that can’t hit if they want. Hell we can throw in 2 or 3 if it speeds the deal up. Just pay what you feel is fair. A hotdog, a beer, a couple of baseballs or a packet of mustard. You pick
Watch for an soon to be coming interview of Mozeliak of you want to see something that looks like a deer in the headlights
One of the games most underrated players