OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Rink 23: 2019 Cardinals -- Still trying to get it right

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 02:13 AM

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After a semi-successful 2018 season, the Cardinals achieved their goal of making the playoffs -- they tied for the second wild card, after going 89-73 in the regular season, only to be eliminated by the Washington Nationals in the play-in game -- there were some major changes made in the offseason as the Redbirds arrive in Jupiter, Fla., for spring training 2019.

The Cardinals went out and spent some big bucks, to the tune of $180M over six seasons, to bring in right fielder Bryce Harper to be the anchor of the offense.
The bullpen brought back Bud Norris after a strong 2018 campaign, as well as signing fellow right-hander Kelvin Herrera away from the Kansas City Royals. They'll both be put into middle relief roles for a pen that will feature Jordan Hicks and Dominic Leone in some kind of set-up/closer combination.
Coming out of the 2018 season, Jack Flaherty was expected to join the rotation following the departure of Adam Wainwright -- who no attempt was made to re-sign, he ended up with the Rangers -- but a rough season at AAA and some struggles in his few major league outings, along with some major drops in his ratings, shed some doubt on his readiness. Because of this, the Cardinals signed left-handed starter Matt Moore, who managed to go 12-6 for a mediocre Rangers team in 2018.
Paul DeJong's struggle in the field and at the plate led to him being dealt to the Los Angeles Angels for their shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Simmons will be a major upgrade defensively and while he won't produce the power should get on base more than DeJong.
Third base will be handed over to highly-regarded prospect Miguel Andjuar. Andujar was acquired in a mid-season trade with the Yankees and tore it up at AAA for both teams.
Tommy Edman will be given every chance to win the job at second base. Called up in July, when the team was in need of a lead-off hitter, Edman tore it up his first month in the majors before cooling considerably once he started batting eighth. Edman may also get to lead off and is expected to be a plus defender.
The signing of Harper does create a complicated situation, with the roster boasting no true center fielder. Tommy Pham will get the job to start, but a defensive replacement will probably need to be added. Dexter Fowler may have to be a trade chip once the games get going.

05-21-2018, 02:13 AM	#1
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,774	Rink 23: 2019 Cardinals -- Still trying to get it right n After a semi-successful 2018 season, the Cardinals achieved their goal of making the playoffs -- they tied for the second wild card, after going 89-73 in the regular season, only to be eliminated by the Washington Nationals in the play-in game -- there were some major changes made in the offseason as the Redbirds arrive in Jupiter, Fla., for spring training 2019. The Cardinals went out and spent some big bucks, to the tune of $180M over six seasons, to bring in right fielder Bryce Harper to be the anchor of the offense. The bullpen brought back Bud Norris after a strong 2018 campaign, as well as signing fellow right-hander Kelvin Herrera away from the Kansas City Royals. They'll both be put into middle relief roles for a pen that will feature Jordan Hicks and Dominic Leone in some kind of set-up/closer combination. Coming out of the 2018 season, Jack Flaherty was expected to join the rotation following the departure of Adam Wainwright -- who no attempt was made to re-sign, he ended up with the Rangers -- but a rough season at AAA and some struggles in his few major league outings, along with some major drops in his ratings, shed some doubt on his readiness. Because of this, the Cardinals signed left-handed starter Matt Moore, who managed to go 12-6 for a mediocre Rangers team in 2018. Paul DeJong's struggle in the field and at the plate led to him being dealt to the Los Angeles Angels for their shortstop Andrelton Simmons. Simmons will be a major upgrade defensively and while he won't produce the power should get on base more than DeJong. Third base will be handed over to highly-regarded prospect Miguel Andjuar. Andujar was acquired in a mid-season trade with the Yankees and tore it up at AAA for both teams. Tommy Edman will be given every chance to win the job at second base. Called up in July, when the team was in need of a lead-off hitter, Edman tore it up his first month in the majors before cooling considerably once he started batting eighth. Edman may also get to lead off and is expected to be a plus defender. The signing of Harper does create a complicated situation, with the roster boasting no true center fielder. Tommy Pham will get the job to start, but a defensive replacement will probably need to be added. Dexter Fowler may have to be a trade chip once the games get going. Last edited by rink23; 05-24-2018 at 01:28 AM.