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.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 02:26 AM

MLB notes: Preseason predictions before start of spring training

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 02:33 AM

Feb. 28: Cardinals 6, Phillies 1, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
Record: Cardinals 1-0. Phillies 0-1.

W: Martinez 1-0, 0.00. L: Nola 0-1, 2.25. HR: Molina 1, Ozuna 1.
Player of the game: The Cardinals' Bryce Harper was 3 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 02:37 AM

MLB news: Pirates ink Escobar; Rays persuing Britton

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 02:50 AM

March 1: Cardinals 6, Pirates 2, at McKechnie Field, Bradenton, Fla.
Records: Cardinals 2-0. Pirates 1-1.
W: Wacha 1-0, 0.00. L: Musgrove 0-1, 13.50. HR: Harrison 1.
Player of the game: The Cardinals' Matt Carpenter was 2 for 2 with a double, a triple, two runs scored and three RBIs.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 02:59 AM

March 2: Cardinals 5, Mets 4, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
W: Weaver 1-0, 6.75. L: Matz 0-1, 11.25. Sv: Leone 1, 0.00.
Record: Cardinals 3-0, Mets 2-1.
Player of the game: The Mets' A.J. Pollack was 3 for 3 with a double and a run scored.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:12 AM

March 3: Cardinals 7, Giants 1, at Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale, Ariz.
W: Mikolas 1-0, 2.25. L: Cueto 0-1, 4.50.
Record: Cardinals 4-0. Giants 1-2.

Player of the game: The Cardinals' Bryce Harper was 2 for 2 with a run scored.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:14 AM

MLB notes: Cubs' Contreras to miss a week with injury

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:24 AM

May 4: Nationals 5, Cardinals 4, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
Records: Cardinals 4-1, Nationals 1-3.
W: Cole 1-0, 27.00. L: Brebbia 0-1, 6.00. Sv: Gott 1, 0.00. HR: Rendon 1.
Player of the game: The Nationals' Trea Turner was 2 for 2 with two doubles and two runs scored.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:25 AM

MLB news: Yankees young reliever drawing raves

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:38 AM

May 6: Cardinals 3, Braves 1, 12 innings, at Champion Stadium, Kissimme, Fla.
Record: Cardinals 5-1. Braves 4-3.
W: Gregerson 1-0, 4.50. L: Newcomb 0-1, 5.40. Sv: Bowman 1, 0.00.
Player of the game: The Cardinals' Tommy Edman was 2 for 2 with a run scored and a double.
Note: Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham left the game with a foot injury and is expected to miss up to two weeks.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:40 AM

MLB notes: Injury will end season for A's Gossett

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:50 AM

May 7: Rockies 7, Cardinals 4, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
Records: Cardinals 5-2. Rockies 5-3.
W:Lawrence 1-0, 27.00. L: Cecil 0-1, 27.00. Sv: Shaw 3, 0.00. HR: Patterson 2, Edman 1.
Player of the game: The Rockies' Ryan McMahon hit a pinch-hit bases-loaded double worth three RBIs in the ninth inning.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 03:59 AM

March 8: Cardinals 5, Dodgers 4, at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz.
Records: Cardinals 6-2. Dodgers 2-7.

W: Norris 1-0, 7.56. L: Liberatore 0-1, 9.00. Sv: Leone 2, 0.00. HR: Grandal 1.
Player of the game: The Dodgers' Yasmani Grandal was 1 for 2 with a two-run home run.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 04:11 AM

May 9: Marlins 5, Cardinals 1, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter,Fla.
Records: Cardinals 6-3. Marlins 5-5.

W: O'Grady 1-1, 3.38. L: Mikolas 1-1, 3.38. HR: Silviano 1.
Player of the game: The Marlins' John Silviano was 1 for 1 with a pinch-hit solo home run.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 04:12 AM

MLB notes: White Sox lose Moncada for five weeks

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 04:22 AM

March 10: Diamondbacks 6, Cardinals 1, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Records: Cardinals 6-4, Diamondbacks 6-4.
W: Walker 1-0., 1.13. L: Weaver 1-1, 5.63. HR: Goldschmidt 2.
Player of the game: The Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt was 1 for 3 with a two-run home run.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 04:36 AM

March 11: Padres 9, Cardinals 0, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
Records: Cardinals 6-5, Padres 6-5.
W: Martin 1-1, 3.38. L: Moore 0-1, 4.50. HR: Choi 1, Myers 2, Peterson 1.
Player of the game: The Padres' JeJong Choi was 2 for 3 with a two-run homer and two RBIs.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 04:52 AM

March 13: Cardinals 3, Cubs 1, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla.
Records: Cardinals 7-5. Cubs 6-6.
W: Gregerson 2-0, 5.79. L: Alzolay 0-1, 6.75. Sv: Leone 3, 3.24. HR: Rademacher 1.
Player of the game: The Cubs' Bijon Rademacher was 1 for 1 with a pinch-hit solo homer.

rink23 · 05-21-2018, 05:03 AM

May 14: Cardinals 5, Brewers 4, at Maryville Stadium, Phoenix, Ariz.
Records: Cardinals 8-5. Brewers 8-5.
W: Martinez 2-0, 0.00. L: Nelson 1-2, 6.10. Sv: Sheriff 1, 3.60. HR: Martinez 1, Stokes 2.
Player of the game: The Cardinals' Jose Martinez was 1 for 2 with a solo home run.

05-21-2018, 02:13 AM	#1
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	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.

05-21-2018, 02:26 AM	#2
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	MLB notes: Preseason predictions before start of spring training MLB notes: Preseason predictions before start of spring training Attached Images

05-21-2018, 02:33 AM	#3
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 1: Cardinals 6, Phillies 1 Feb. 28: Cardinals 6, Phillies 1, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Record: Cardinals 1-0. Phillies 0-1. W: Martinez 1-0, 0.00. L: Nola 0-1, 2.25. HR: Molina 1, Ozuna 1. Player of the game: The Cardinals' Bryce Harper was 3 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 02:37 AM	#4
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	MLB news: Pirates ink Escobar; Rays persuing Britton MLB news: Pirates ink Escobar; Rays persuing Britton Attached Images

05-21-2018, 02:50 AM	#5
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 2: Cardinals 6, Pirates 2 March 1: Cardinals 6, Pirates 2, at McKechnie Field, Bradenton, Fla. Records: Cardinals 2-0. Pirates 1-1. W: Wacha 1-0, 0.00. L: Musgrove 0-1, 13.50. HR: Harrison 1. Player of the game: The Cardinals' Matt Carpenter was 2 for 2 with a double, a triple, two runs scored and three RBIs. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 02:59 AM	#6
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 3: Cardinals 5, Mets 4 March 2: Cardinals 5, Mets 4, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. W: Weaver 1-0, 6.75. L: Matz 0-1, 11.25. Sv: Leone 1, 0.00. Record: Cardinals 3-0, Mets 2-1. Player of the game: The Mets' A.J. Pollack was 3 for 3 with a double and a run scored. Attached Images Last edited by rink23; 05-21-2018 at 03:07 AM.

05-21-2018, 03:12 AM	#7
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 4: Cardinals 7, Giants 1 March 3: Cardinals 7, Giants 1, at Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale, Ariz. W: Mikolas 1-0, 2.25. L: Cueto 0-1, 4.50. Record: Cardinals 4-0. Giants 1-2. Player of the game: The Cardinals' Bryce Harper was 2 for 2 with a run scored. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:14 AM	#8
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	MLB notes: Cubs' Contreras to miss a week with injury MLB notes: Cubs' Contreras to miss a week with injury Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:24 AM	#9
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 5: Nationals 5, Cardinals 4 May 4: Nationals 5, Cardinals 4, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Records: Cardinals 4-1, Nationals 1-3. W: Cole 1-0, 27.00. L: Brebbia 0-1, 6.00. Sv: Gott 1, 0.00. HR: Rendon 1. Player of the game: The Nationals' Trea Turner was 2 for 2 with two doubles and two runs scored. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:25 AM	#10
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	MLB news: Yankees young reliever drawing raves MLB news: Yankees young reliever drawing raves Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:38 AM	#11
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 6: Cardinals 3, Braves 1, 12 innings May 6: Cardinals 3, Braves 1, 12 innings, at Champion Stadium, Kissimme, Fla. Record: Cardinals 5-1. Braves 4-3. W: Gregerson 1-0, 4.50. L: Newcomb 0-1, 5.40. Sv: Bowman 1, 0.00. Player of the game: The Cardinals' Tommy Edman was 2 for 2 with a run scored and a double. Note: Cardinals outfielder Tommy Pham left the game with a foot injury and is expected to miss up to two weeks. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:40 AM	#12
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	MLB notes: Injury will end season for A's Gossett MLB notes: Injury will end season for A's Gossett Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:50 AM	#13
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 7: Rockies 7, Cardinals 4 May 7: Rockies 7, Cardinals 4, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Records: Cardinals 5-2. Rockies 5-3. W:Lawrence 1-0, 27.00. L: Cecil 0-1, 27.00. Sv: Shaw 3, 0.00. HR: Patterson 2, Edman 1. Player of the game: The Rockies' Ryan McMahon hit a pinch-hit bases-loaded double worth three RBIs in the ninth inning. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 03:59 AM	#14
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 8: Cardinals 5, Dodgers 4 March 8: Cardinals 5, Dodgers 4, at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz. Records: Cardinals 6-2. Dodgers 2-7. W: Norris 1-0, 7.56. L: Liberatore 0-1, 9.00. Sv: Leone 2, 0.00. HR: Grandal 1. Player of the game: The Dodgers' Yasmani Grandal was 1 for 2 with a two-run home run. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 04:11 AM	#15
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 9: Marlins 5, Cardinals 1 May 9: Marlins 5, Cardinals 1, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter,Fla. Records: Cardinals 6-3. Marlins 5-5. W: O'Grady 1-1, 3.38. L: Mikolas 1-1, 3.38. HR: Silviano 1. Player of the game: The Marlins' John Silviano was 1 for 1 with a pinch-hit solo home run. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 04:12 AM	#16
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	MLB notes: White Sox lose Moncada for five weeks MLB notes: White Sox lose Moncada for five weeks Attached Images

05-21-2018, 04:22 AM	#17
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 10: Diamondbacks 6, Cardinals 1 March 10: Diamondbacks 6, Cardinals 1, at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale, Ariz. Records: Cardinals 6-4, Diamondbacks 6-4. W: Walker 1-0., 1.13. L: Weaver 1-1, 5.63. HR: Goldschmidt 2. Player of the game: The Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt was 1 for 3 with a two-run home run. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 04:36 AM	#18
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 11: Padres 9, Cardinals 0 March 11: Padres 9, Cardinals 0, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Records: Cardinals 6-5, Padres 6-5. W: Martin 1-1, 3.38. L: Moore 0-1, 4.50. HR: Choi 1, Myers 2, Peterson 1. Player of the game: The Padres' JeJong Choi was 2 for 3 with a two-run homer and two RBIs. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 04:52 AM	#19
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 12: Cardinals 3, Cubs 1 March 13: Cardinals 3, Cubs 1, at Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter, Fla. Records: Cardinals 7-5. Cubs 6-6. W: Gregerson 2-0, 5.79. L: Alzolay 0-1, 6.75. Sv: Leone 3, 3.24. HR: Rademacher 1. Player of the game: The Cubs' Bijon Rademacher was 1 for 1 with a pinch-hit solo homer. Attached Images

05-21-2018, 05:03 AM	#20
rink23 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 20,705	Game 13: Cardinals 5, Brewers 4 May 14: Cardinals 5, Brewers 4, at Maryville Stadium, Phoenix, Ariz. Records: Cardinals 8-5. Brewers 8-5. W: Martinez 2-0, 0.00. L: Nelson 1-2, 6.10. Sv: Sheriff 1, 3.60. HR: Martinez 1, Stokes 2. Player of the game: The Cardinals' Jose Martinez was 1 for 2 with a solo home run. Attached Images