St. Louis Cardinals Sign Kwang-hyun Kim

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed starting pitcher Kwang-hyun Kim two a two-year contract worth $8 million. Kim, 31, comes over from Korea after spending twelve seasons in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) for the SK Wyverns. Kim missed the 2017 season due to having Tommy John surgery. Since having Tommy John, Kim seems to have comeback stronger. In Kim's first full season back in 2018, Kim went 11-8 with a 2.98 era, 25 games, 25 starts, 136 innings, 130 strikeouts, and 30 walks. Kim hadn't had an era in 2.00's since 2010 with a 2.37 era. Last season in 2019, Kim went 17-6 with a 2.51 era, 31 games, 30 starts, 190.1 innings, 180 strikeouts, and 38 walks. The win tied a career high for Kim, he previously won 17 games in 2010. The 190.1 innings were Kim's second most innings pitched in his career. Kim's most innings were 193.2 in 2010. The strikeouts were Kim's second highest in his career, his career high in strikeouts is 183 in 2010.

Kim has been said to be one of the best pitchers in South Korea. The San Diego Padres almost signed Kim in 2014, but then couldn't agree on a contract after winning his rights in a bid. Kim will become the Cardinals second Korean pitcher to have signed with the Cardinals, the first was right handed pitcher Seaung-Hwan Oh on January 11, 2016. Kim also the second pitcher to sign with a MLB team this offseason, he follows Josh Lindblom who signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on December 16, 2019.

Overall, Kim has a record of 136-77 with a 3.27 era, 298 games, 276 starts, 8 complete games, 3 shutouts, 1,673.2 innings, 1,456 strikeouts, and 646 walks.

Kim gives the Cardinals a nice left handed starting pitcher for their rotation if he's able to win a spot in the rotation. The signing of Kim could mean that Carlos Martinez will stay in the bullpen. There's also a chance maybe Kim could become a swingman and start at times if need be.

Troy Brouwer Back With Blues

The St. Louis Blues have signed free agent right wing Troy Brouwer to a one-year, two way contract worth $750,000. Brouwer, 34, signed a professional tryout with the Blues on November 11, 2019. The Blues had until Thursday to decide on whether to keep Brouwer. It will be Brouwer's second stint with the Blues. Brouwer's first season with the Blues was in 2015-2016, after being acquired with goalie Pheonix Copley, and a 3rd round pick in the 2016 NHL draft from the Washington Capitals for right wing T.J. Oshie on July 2, 2015.

Brouwer helped the Blues reach the Western Conference Final for their first time in 15 seasons. For the 2015-2016 season, Brouwer played in 82 games with 18 goals, 21 assists, 39 points, and a plus 2. In the playoffs, Brouwer had 8 goals with 5 assists, 13 points, and a -1. The goals, assists, and points were a career high in the playoffs for Brouwer. After the season ended, Brouwer signed a four-year contract worth $18 million with the Calgary Flames. Brouwer lasted two seasons with the Flames before being bought out on August 3, 2018.

Brouwer spent last season with the Florida Panthers. Brouwer played in 75 games with 12 goals, 9 assists, 21 points, and a -6. He mostly played on the Panthers checking line.

Overall, Brouwer has played 13 seasons in the NHL. Brouwer has played 838 games with 181 goals, 181 assists, 362 points, and a -29. In the playoffs, Brouwer has played 102 games with 15 goals, 19 assists, 34 points, and a -7.

Brouwer won't need to come in and be a superstar. He knows a lot of the players on the Blues. The Blues currently have right wing Vladimir Tarasenko, center Alexander Steen, and left wing Sammy Blais injured. Brouwer should be able to help provide experience while missing those players.

St. Louis Cardinals Keep Adam Wainwright For 2020

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed starting pitcher Adam Wainwright to a one-year contact, worth $5 million. Wainwright can earn $5 million in incentives. Wainwright, 38, re-found some life in 2019. Last season, Wainwright went 14-10 with a 4.19 era, 31 games, 31 starts, 171.2 innings, 153 strikeouts, 53 walks, and a whip of 1.43. The wins were the most for Wainwright since he won 20 games in 2014. The era was Wainwright's best era in a while. Wainwright's era's the last couple of seasons were: 4.62, 5.11, and 4.46.

Wainwright is two wins away from moving into 3rd place by himself on the Cardinals all-time wins list for pitchers. Right now, Wainwright has 162 career wins. The pitchers in front of Wainwright are: Bob Forsch 163, Jessie Haines 210, and Bob Gibson 251. Wainwright ranks 2nd with strikeouts in franchise history with 1,776. Wainwright has started the 5th most games with 316. He could move into 4th in 2020. Wainwright ranks 6th in innings pitched with 2,103.2.

Will Wainwright be able to stay doing well? If his road era doesn't improve things could be bad. On the road in 2019, Wainwright had an era of 6.22. Wainwright's era was much better at home with an era of 2.56.

Overall, Wainwright will be entering his 15th MLB season. Wainwright has a record of 162-95 with a 3.39 era, 383 games, 316 starts, 22 complete games, 10 shutouts, 3 saves, 2,103.2 innings, 576 walks, 1,776 strikeouts, and a whip of 1.23. Wainwright is a three-time All-Star: (2010), (2013), and (2014). Wainwright led the NL in wins two times: (2009), and (2013). Wainwright has also won two Gold Gloves: (2009), and (2013). In 2017, Wainwright won Sliver Slugger Award.

As of right now it looks like the Cardinals starting rotation is set with Jack Flaherty, Carlos Martinez, Miles Mikolas, Dakota Hudson, and Wainwright. The Cardinals have told Martinez to prepare as a starting pitcher. You don't know if you will get the healthy Martinez and how long Wainwright can last. If the healthy Martinez shows up then Cardinals will be fine.

In 2020, it could be the last season for both Adam Wainwright and catcher Yadier Molina. If it ends up being Molina's last season of his career, it would be nice to send him and Wainwright out on a high note.

St. Louis Blues Acquire Jacob de La Rose; Trade Robby Fabbri

The St. Louis Blues have traded left wing Robby Fabbri to the Detroit Red Wings for left wing/center Jacob de La Rose. da La Rose, 24, was a 2nd round pick (34th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2013 NHL draft. The Red Wings claimed de La Rose off of waivers from the Canadiens on October 17, 2018. Last season, de La Rose played in a career high 60 games with 3 goals, 6 assists, 9 points, and was -13.

Overall, da La Rose has played 6 seasons in the NHL. De La Rose has played 195 games with 12 goals, 20 assists, 32 points, and a -26. In the playoffs, de La Rose has played 12 games. De La Rose's best season came in 2017-2018 with the Canadiens. In that season, de La Rose played 55 games with 4 goals, 8 assists, 12 points, and a -2. So far this season, de La Rose has played 16 games with 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points, and a plus 3.

Robbi Fabbri, 23, was a 1st round pick (21st overall) by the St. Louis Blues in the 2014 NHL draft. In Fabbri's rookie season, 2015-2016, he played in a career high 72 games with 18 goals, 19 assists, 37 points, and a -2. In his second season, Fabbri played in 55 games with 11 goals, 18 assists, 29 points, and a -16. Since then Fabbri hasn't done much due to battling injuries. Fabbri also wasn't going to take playing time from Sammy Blais or probably anyone else on the Blues current roster.

Overall, Fabbri has played 4 seasons in the NHL. Fabbri has played 164 games with 32 goals, 41 assists, 73 points, and a -26. In the playoffs, Fabbri has played 30 games with 5 goals, 11 assists, 16 points, and a -3.

What does the trade mean for both teams? For Robby Fabbri he gets a change of scenery, which he's needed. He was a healthy scratch a lot last season and so far this season. So far this season, Fabbri has played in 9 games with 1 goals, 1 point, and -4. As for de La Rose, he might fill in for Alexander Steen. The Blues lost Steen to an injury in tonight's 5-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers. He's 6'3 and is bigger than Fabbri who is 5'10. de La Rose is still young enough to reach his potential.

The trade for de La Rose reminds me a little of when the Blues traded for center Oskar Sundqvist. Sundqvist later found his potential last season playing in a career high 74 games with 14 goals, 17 assists, 31 points, and a -1. All were career highs for Sundqvist. The Blues now have three players on their roster who are from Sweeden: Carl Gunnarsson, Oskar Sundqvist, and de La Rose.

St. Louis Cardinals Extend Mike Shildt, John Mozeliak, Michael Girsch

On Tuesday afternoon, the St. Louis Cardinals announced that they have extended the contracts of manager Mike Shildt, along with President of baseball operations John Mozeliak, and general manager Michael Girsch. Shildt and Mozeliak both have three-year contract extensions. Girsch had his 2020 option picked up, and received a two-year contract extension. So counting the option it's three-years. Shildt, 51, just finished his fist full season as the Cardinals manager. In his first full season, Shildt's Cardinals won the NL Central going 91-71. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and went to the NLCS for the first time since 2014. In defense the Cardinals went from worst to first, only making 66 errors. Shildt's entire coaching staff will return for 2020. Shildt is also one of three finalists in the running to win NL Manager of the Year.

Overall, Shildt has managed 2 seasons in the MLB. Shildt has a record of 132-99 with a .571 winning percentage. Shildt and his coaching staff will look to build off of the success they had in 2019.

St. Louis Blues Sign Brayden Schenn To Contract Extension

The St. Louis Blues have signed center Brayden Schenn to an eight-year contract extension worth $52 million. Schenn, 28, would have been an unrestricted free agent after the season. In Schenn's first season as a Blue in 2017-2018 after being traded from the Philadelphia Flyers, set career highs in goals, assists, and points. Schenn played in 82 games with 28 goals, 42 assists, 70 points, and a plus 10.

Last season, Schenn had 17 goals with 37 assists, 54 points, and a plus 3. In the Blues run to winning the Stanley Cup, Schenn played in all 26 games. Schenn had 5 goals with 7 assists, 12 points, and a -2.

Overall, Schenn is in his 11th season in the NHL. Schenn has played in 588 games with 154 goals, 218 assists, 372 points, and a -19. In the playoffs, Schenn has played 50 games with 8 goals, 18 assists, 26 points, and a -5.

For the Blues and Schenn it's a win-win. Schenn is part of the Blues core and loves St. Louis. I'm not sure though if I would have given him eight-years. Regardless of that it's nice to see Schenn staying beyond this season. After signing Schenn, what happens with captain Alex Pietrangelo? Are the Blues able to re-sign Pietrangelo or do they trade him?

St. Louis Blues Acquire Justin Faulk

Just when you probably thought the defending Stanley Cup champions St. Louis Blues couldn't upgrade their team because they have limited cap space they found a way to accomplish an upgrade. The Blues traded defenseman Joel Edmundson, prospect Dominik Bokk, and a 2021 seventh-round pick to the Carolina Hurricanes for All-Star defenseman Justin Faulk, and a 2020 fifth-round pick. Faulk, 27, then signed a seven-year contract extension with the Blues worth $45.5 million. Faulk had been in trade rumors recently because he was in the final year of a six-year contract. The rumors became bigger after the Hurricanes free agent signing of defenseman Jake Gardiner on September 6, 2019.

Last season, Faulk played in all 82 games with 11 goals, 24 assists, 35 points, and a plus 9. For defenseman on the Hurricanes the 35 points ranked second. Faulk helped play a big role in the Hurricanes going to the Eastern Conference Final. In the playoffs, Faulk played in 15 games with 1 goal, 7 assists, 8 points, and a plus 4. That was Faulk's first time ever in the playoffs.

Overall, Faulk has played 8 seasons in the NHL. Faulk has played in 559 games with 85 goals, 173 assists, 258 points, and a -100. Faulk has been a three-time NHL All-Star (2015, 2016, 2017). In the last 5 seasons among NHL defensemen Faulk ranks 7th in goals, 4th in powerplay goals, 4th in game winning goals, and 25th in points.

As for Joel Edmundson, he's a good return for the Hurricanes. Edmundson, 26, has shown some flashes that he can be good. Last season, Edmundson played in 64 games with 2 goals, 9 assists, 11 points, and a plus 8. Overall, Edmundson has played 4 seasons in the NHL. Edmundson has played in 269 games with 13 goals, 39 assists, 52 points, and a plus 18. In the playoffs, Edmundson has played in 49 games with 5 goals, 9 assists, 14 points, and a plus 6.

Dominik Bokk, 19, was drafted by the Blues in the first-round of the 2018 NHL draft (overall no.25). Bokk can play both right wing and left wing Bokk hasn't played in the NHL yet.


What played a role into the Blues traded Edmundson for Faulk? Edmundson will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. The Blues probably wouldn't have kept Edmundson. Alex Pietrangelo the Blues captain will be an unrestricted free agent too. The Blues will want to keep Pietrangelo over Edmundson. If for whatever reason the Blues aren't able to keep Pietrangelo then Faulk is serves as insurance if he were to leave the Blues. There's a possibility of other players being gone to try to clear space too.

In the end Faulk makes the Blues team a lot better. Will the Blues end up repeating as Stanley Cup champions? The Blues have a great chance to repeat if they can stay healthy and play well. If they do they would be the first NHL team to repeat since Pittsburgh Penguins did so in 2015-2016, and 2016-2017. Today was a nice birthday for Blues general manager Doug Armstrong.

St. Louis Blues Sign Ivan Barbashev

The St. Louis Blues have signed center Ivan Barbashev to a two-year contract worth $2.95 million. Barbashev, 23, had a career year in his 3rd NHL season in 2018-2019. Barbashev played in 80 games scoring 14 goals with 12 assists, 26 points, and -4. In the Blues run to the Stanley Cup, Barbashev scored 3 goals with 3 assists, and 6 points. He led all skaters with 87 hits in the playoffs. Barbashev is a key piece to the Blues penalty kill. Last season, Barbashev averaged 1:35 minutes shorthanded.

Overall, Barbashev has played 3 seasons in the NHL. Barbashev has played in 163 games with 26 goals, 25 assists, and 51 points. In the playoffs, Barbashev has played 31 games with 3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points, and a -1.

It's great that the Blues finally got Barbashev under contract. There had been rumors that Barbashev was considering going over to play in KHL over in Russia. It's good that the Blues 4th line will all be back for the up coming season. Barbashev was on a line most of the time with Oskar Sundqvist, and Alexander Steen. For a player like Barbashev the Blues got a nice steal.

St. Louis Blues Sign Oskar Sundqvist

The St. Louis Blues and center Oskar Sundqvist have avoided arbitration and signed a four-year contract worth $11 million. Sundqvist, 25, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 3rd round of the 2012 NHL draft (81st overall). Sundqvist didn't show much with the Penguins, when he made his NHL debut in 2015-2016. Sundqvist played in 18 games with 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points. The next season, Sundqvist only played in 10 games.

After the 2016-2017 season, the Penguins traded Sundqvist and their first-round pick to the St. Louis Blues for right wing Ryan Reaves and a second-round pick. Sundqvist saw a new career high 42 games in 2017-2018 with 1 goal, 4 assists, 5 points, and a -5. Fans kind of wondered why the Blues even traded for him. People seemed to want him traded. People forgot he was still young and had potential to be a good player if he got the chance. That's what happened finally in 2018-2019. Sundqvist played a career high 74 games with 14 goals, 17 assists, 31 points, and a -1. All of those were career highs for Sundqvist.

Sundqvist helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup in franchise history. During the postseason run, Sundqvist played in 25 games with 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, and a plus 5. Sundqvist has become a great penalty killer for the Blues.

Overall, Sundqvist has played 4 seasons in the NHL. Sundqvist has played 144 games with 16 goals, 24 assists, 40 points, and a -10. In the playoffs, Sundqvist has played 27 games with 4 goals, 5 assists, 9 points, and a plus 5.

The Blues kept Sundqvist at a great price. Hopefully, Sundqvist can continue to have the success he had in the 2018-2019 season.

St. Louis Blues Sign Jordan Binnington

The St. Louis Blues and goalie Jordan Binnington have avoided arbitration and signed a two-year contract worth $8.8 million. Binnington and the Blues had been scheduled to go to arbitration on July 20, 2019. Binnington, 26, helped lead the Blues to their first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. Binnington set a rookie record for the most wins in a single postseason with 16 win. The previous record was 15 set by Patrick Roy. Ron Hextall, Cam Ward, and Matt Murray all tied Roy with 15. Binnington for the playoffs had a .914 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.46.

On the regular season, Binnington went 24-5-1 in 32 games with a save percentage of .927 and a goals-against average of 1.89. Binnington won Rookie of the Month in back-to-back months, February and March. Binnington ended up being named to the All-Rookie Team.

The 2019-2020 season will be Binnington's first full season starting in the NHL. Fans will wonder if Binnington is a one year wonder or if he's for real. It seems like right now that Binnington is for real and a late bloomer. To start last season, Binnington was the Blues third string goalie.

St. Louis Blues Re-Sign Carl Gunnarsson

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Carl Gunnarsson to a two-year contract worth $3.5 million ($1.75 million for both seasons). Gunnarsson, 32, could have been a free agent on July 1, 2019 and probably would have made more money on the free agent market. Instead, Gunnarsson chose to stay with the Blues.

Gunnarsson even helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup for their fist time in franchise history. A big part of it was in game 2 in Boston on May 29, 2019. The Blues and Boston Bruins went into overtime tied 2-2. Gunnarsson scored the game winning goal with Ryan O'Rielly, and Oskar Sundqvist getting the assists. That was the Blues first ever win in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Gunnarsson played in 25 games last season due to injuries but still did well getting 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points and was a plus 8. Gunnarsson has been with the Blues since June 28, 2014 when the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him and a 4th round draft pick in the 2014 NHL draft to the Blues for defenseman Roman Polak.

Overall, Gunnarsson has played 10 seasons in the NHL. Gunnarsson has played in 581 games with 28 goals, 101 assists, 129,  and is a plus 49. In the playoffs, Gunnarsson has played 62 games with 1 goal, 5 assists, 6 points, and is a plus 4.

Gunnarsson might not be a big name to people but he's proven to be a reliable and solid defenseman in the NHL. It's a good move by the Blues to keep him. You can tell Gunnarsson enjoys playing in St. Louis.

Matt Carpenter Signs Contract Extension With St. Louis Cardinals

On Monday afternoon the St. Louis Cardinals signed third baseman Matt Carpenter to a two-year contract extension worth $39 million with a vesting option for 2022. The vesting option is worth $18.5 million. The $18.5 million was the option on Carpenter's six-year contract worth $52 million that he signed on March 6, 2014. It vests if Carpenter reaches 1,100 plate appearances over the first two seasons. Carpenter, 33, has been with the Cardinals since 2011.

Overall, Carpenter has played 9 in the in the MLB. He's played 1,031 games with 660 runs, 1,007 hits, 268 doubles, 25 triples, 134 home runs, 488 rbi's, 19 stolen bases, 585 walks, and a .273 batting average. Carpenter has been an All-Star three times (2013, 2014, 2016). Carpenter won a Silver Slugger Award in 2013. In 2013, Carpenter had a career best .318 batting average with a career high 126 runs scored, a career high 199 hits, and a career high 55 doubles. Before that happened, Carpenter had 55 doubles, the most by a left-handed hitter in franchise history belonged to Stan Musial from 1953 with 53 doubles. Last season Carpenter his a career high 36 home runs, with 81 rbi's.

An interesting thing about Matt Carpenter is that he's one of the best leadoff hitters in the MLB and he doesn't have speed. Coming into the 2019 season, since 2016 Carpenter's OBP (on base percentage) is .382. That OBP ranks 13th best. Since Carpenter started leading off full-time in 2013, has a .391 OBP. His slugging percentage is .486. He has a OPS of .877.

Carpenter has made a nice career since being drafted by the Cardinals in the 13th round of the June draft in 2009. Not many late round draft picks do well. It's a win for both sides to keep Carpenter around. Carpenter loves St. Louis and loves putting on the Cardinals uniform. He can retire as a Cardinal. This also gives time for prospects to develop in the Cardinals minors (Nolan Gorman, Elehuris Montero, Malcom Nunez). 

Jay Bouwmeester Signs Extension With St. Louis Blues

The St. Louis Blues have signed veteran defenseman Jay Bouwmeester to a one-year contract extension worth $3.25 million. Bouwmeester, 35, a few months ago looked like his career might be finished. Bouwmeester had dealt with a hip injury in 2017-2018 and ended up needing season ending surgery. He started 2018-2019 slow, but he ended up playing some of his best hockey in a long time. That's because Bouwmeester was finally healthy. Hip injuries can be hard to comeback from.

Bouwmeester ended up playing 78 games, the most games in played since he played 81 in 2016-2017. He had 3 goals with 14 assists, and 17 points. That's best point total since 2015-2016 when he had 19 points. Bouwmeester has helped mentor teammate Colton Parayko.

Bouwmeester is also nominated for an award. He's nominated for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the player who "best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey." One player from each team is nominated for the award and then given to the winner in June at the NHL Awards. That's after it's narrowed down to three finalists.

Overall, Bouwmeester has played 16 seasons in the NHL. He's played 1,184 games with 87 goals, 328 assists, 415 points, and is a -23. Since joining the Blues, Bouwmeester is a plus 42.

It's a good contract for both sides and it doesn't hurt the Blues at all. Bouwmeester earned it too. At times you reward your players for doing well. Bouwmeester also loves playing in St. Louis. You want guys who want to be here and help a team. Bouwmeester is one of those players. Even though he got lots of hate by fans, but the truth is he wasn't really healthy. Bouwmeester himself was upset about his play. It's nice to see Bouwmeester finally healthy. He can still play 21+ minutes a night. That's bargain at his new salary.

Goldschmidt Staying In St. Louis

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a five-year contract extension through 2024 worth $130 million. The contract has a full no-trade clause and doesn't include any opt-outs in it. It's the largest contract in franchise history. Goldschmidt, 31, was acquired by the Cardinals on December 5, 2018, in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Goldschmidt is entering his 9th MLB season. Overall, he's played 1,092 games with 709 runs, 1,182 hits, 267 doubles, 19 triples, 209 home runs, 710 rbi's, 24 stolen bases, 655 walks, and a .297 batting average. Goldschmidt led the NL in home runs and rbi's in 2013. He also won the Hank Aaron Award in 2013. Goldschmidt has won the Sliver Slugger Award 4 times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2018). He's won 3 Gold Glove Awards (2013, 2015, 2017) and is a 6 time All-Star (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).

Goldschmidt hasn't played a regular season game as a Cardinal yet, but he likes the Cardinals direction they appear to be headed in. The Cardinals did a good job to lock up Paul Goldschmidt beyond 2019. The Cardinals got Goldschmidt for way less than what people thought it would take to get him. The Cardinals also don't have many free agents on their own team to worry about. Marcell Ozuna, Matt Carpenter (team option), and Michael Wacha, The Cardinals probably will pick up Carpenter's option or see if they can re-work his contract. His team option is worth $18.5 million or a $2 million buyout.

It's nice to see the Cardinals keeping a stud in Paul Goldschmidt. The Cardinals have the talent, now all they need to do is keep it and add to it. Goldschmidt is one of those players a franchise needs to keep. He's able to make players around him better. Maybe Goldschmidt helps attract free agents to St. Louis. Fans should be happy.

Miles Mikolas Signs Contract Extension With St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed starting pitcher Miles Mikolas to four-year contract extension worth $68 million. Mikolas, 30, joined the Cardinals last offseason as a free agent from Japan. Mikolas had never really started before, except for 11 games in the San Diego Padres minors in 2009. After 2009, Mikolas had always been in the bullpen until the Texas Rangers decided to use him as a starting pitcher in 2014. He only started 10 games for the Rangers.

Mikolas went over to Japan to develop himself into a starting pitcher. Mikolas knew he needed a team that would give him an opportunity to start without getting moved to the bullpen. He found that with the Yomiuri Giants.

While playing for the Giants combined for three seasons Mikolas went 31-13 with a 2.18 era, 62 games, 62 starts, 5 complete games, 2 shutouts, 424.2 innings, 69 walks, and 378 strikeouts. After his third season in Japan, Mikolas decided to give the MLB another try. His first time in the MLB didn't go that well. So people wondered if he was the same pitcher or if Japan helped him. Mikolas was a popular free agent with 10 teams wanting him in free agency. He ended up choosing the Cardinals because they train in his hometown Jupiter, Florida. Mikolas ended up going 18-4 wih a 2.83 era in 200.2 innings in his first season back in the MLB. The 18 wins led the NL in 2018. Mikolas even made the All-Star team. No one thought they'd see that in Mikolas when he signed. People thought he'd maybe be a 5th starter.

Mikolas era ranked 4th in the NL. His 32 starts ranked 9th. Mikolas had a whip of 1.071 that ranked 5th. Mikolas had the highest zone percentage of all MLB pitchers, with 48.0% of the pitches being in the strike zone. While the Cardinals were horrible on defense, Mikolas showed he could play defense. Mikolas ranked 3rd in putouts with 19, and 4th in assists with 30.

Overall, Mikolas has played 4 seasons in the MLB. Mikolas is 22-10 with a 3.61 era, 69 games, 42 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 292 innings, 63 walks, 208 strikeouts, and a whip of 1.18. Will Mikolas repeat his 2018 season with a 2.83 era? Probably not, but you know what you'll get out of Mikolas. He'll eat innings and throw lots of strikes. All in all it's a good signing for Mikolas and the Cardinals. It's a gamble because you don't know if 2018 was a fluke, but it's worth it. Mikolas is a leader in the Cardinals clubhouse and works well with the younger kids.

Mikolas could have maybe made more money if he repeated his 2018 success and hit the free agent market after the season. But who would want to risk losing him in free agency? You could make a case that the Cardinals could have maybe waited to see what he did for the first half of the 2019 season. But what if he wanted to test free agency knowing he was doing well? That happens a lot of the time with players.

Hopefully the next extension at some point will be Paul Goldschmidt for the Cardinals. Then you hardly have any of your free agents to worry about, unless Marcell Ozuna does well.

St. Louis Blues Acquire Michael Del Zotto

The St. Louis Blues have traded a 6th round pick to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Michael Del Zotto. Del Zotto, 28, will be joining his third team this season. He started off the season with the Vancouver Canucks before being traded to the Ducks six weeks ago. Combined between both teams he's played 35 games with 1 goal, and 6 assists this season.

Overall Del Zotto has played 10 seasons in the NHL. He's played 601 games with 54 goals, 164 assists, 218 points, and a -34. Del Zotto spent most of his career playing five seasons for the New York Rangers, and three season with the Philadelphia Flyers.

What does Del Zotto mean for the Blues? It could mean that Carl Gunnarsson's injury is worse than thought or that the Blues are worried about his injury or both. Regardless, the Blues didn't give up much for Del Zotto. He could end up being good depth for the Blues playoff run. Del Zotto is familiar with a few people. Interim head coach Craig Berube coached Del Zotto with the Flyers. Blues forward Brayden Schenn was a teammate of Del Zotto's during his time with the Flyers. Years ago, Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo and Del Zotto were teammates for the Toronto Blues. It's good for a player to come to a new team knowing a few people. It might not be as hard for the new player to adjust.

Del Zotto won't wow anyone, but he's a good player in his own zone and can move the puck well. Del Zotto is also known as a physical player. Last season, Del Zotto played in all 82 games and had 244 hits. Del Zotto ranked 5th in the NHL in hits.

St. Louis Cardinals Sign RF Jose Martinez To Two-Year Contract

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed RF Jose Martinez to a two-year contract worth $3.25 million. The contract is through 2020, he's still four years away from free agency. That means the Cardinals would still have two years of team control, before he becomes a free agent. Martinez would have become arbitration eligible after the 2019 season. The Cardinals looked into trading Martinez in the offseason and there were teams interested in him, but no one seemed to offer value in return for him.

Martinez, 30, has developed into one of the Cardinals best hitters. In his first full season in the MLB in 2017, Martinez hit .309 with 14 home runs, 46 rbi's, and 4 stolen bases. In 2018, he showed that wasn't a fluke. Martinez hit .305 with 17 home runs, and 83 rbi's. Martinez had 163 hits. Martinez finished 7th among batting leaders. While, he isn't that great at defense if he needs to be used he's better in right field. Last season, he tried playing firstbase but wasn't that great. This season he won't need to be used at firstbase because of Paul Goldschmidt. Martinez can be used as a pinch hitter, and when needed in right field. If Dexter Fowler doesn't do well, Martinez could become the Cardinals starting right fielder.

There's even been talk about the designated hitter maybe coming to the National League in a few seasons. If that happens at all, Martinez would be the perfect DH for the Cardinals lineup.

Overall Martinez has played 3 seasons in the MLB. He' played 270 games with 115 runs, 254 hits, 44 doubles, 1 triple, 31 home runs, 130 rbi's, 4 sb's, 83 walks, and a .309 batting average.

It's a good contract for both sides. Martinez deserved a pay raise. If he becomes a starter for the Cardinals, the contract increases the possibility for earning more in arbitration when that comes. The contract also has incentives that will increase his value if he does become a starter.

St. Louis Cardinals 2019 Season Preview

Offseason additions: Paul Goldschmidt, Andrew Miller, Drew Robinson, Adam Wainwright (re-signed), Ryan Meisinger, Tommy Layne (re-singed to minor league contract). Mike Hauschild (minors), Williams Perez (minors), Hunter Cervenka (minors), Chris Beck (minors), Francisco Pena (re-signed to minor league contract), Joe Hudson (minors), Rangel Ravelo (re-signed to minor league contract).

Offseason Subtractions: Carson Kelly, Luke Weaver, Andy Young, Patrick Wisdom, Tyson Ross, Tyler Lyons, Bud Norris, Matt Adams, Greg Garcia.

Point team prediction: 86-90 wins (wild card). The St. Louis Cardinals have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons. Under current ownership this has happened before one time, and they didn't make it a fourth straight. Will the Cardinals finally get back into the postseason? They have a good chance if the bullpen can do well. Last season, the Cardinals won 88 games. That's even after Mike Shildt took over for a team that looked dead. If the bullpen hadn't been so horrible the first month in 2018, the Cardinals probably make the playoffs with a few more wins. The Cardinals went out and traded for one of the best hitters in todays game in Paul Goldschmidt. They signed left handed reliver Andrew Miller as a free agent. Miller if healthy should be a boost for the bullpen, you already know Goldschmidt will be a boost for the Cardinals on both offense and defense. The Cardinals still could use another bullpen arm.

Jeff Albert will start his first season as Cardinals hitting coach. He comes over after serving as the Houston Astros assistant hitting coach. Albert was able to help the Astros offense cut down on strikeouts while on their coaching staff. A full season with Mike Shildt and two good hitting coaches in Albert and Mark Budaska should be good.

Starting pitching:
Miles Mikolas
Carlos Martinez
Jack Flaherty
Michael Wacha
Adam Wainwright

Bullpen:
Jordan Hicks (closer)
Andrew Miller
Chasen Shreve
Brett Cecil (could see him gone at some point)
Dominic Leone
Dakota Hudson (minors if John Gant is out of options)
Alex Reyes

Lineup:
Matt Carpenter
Paul Goldschmidt
Paul DeJong
Marcell Ozuna
Dexter Fowler
Yadier Molina
Harrison Bader
Kolten Wong
pitcher

Bench:
Francisco Pena
Jose Martinez
Jedd Gyorko
Tyler O'Neill
Yairo Munoz
Drew Robinson (He could find a way on the team if Munoz starts in the minors or if Gyorko gets traded. What if O'Neill gets sent down to the minors? Munoz can play all three OF spots too. Robinson knows OF as well.)

Prospect(s to watch:
Alex Reyes (If he can stay healthy for a full season)
Justin Williams
Lane Thomas
Ramon Urias

Fantasy stud: Paul Goldschmidt

Goldschmidt always has been able to stay healthy and drive in runs. He slumped at first last season, but still ended up having a good season. He hits will in all of the stadiums in the NL Central.

Seattle Mariners Sign Yusei Kikuchi

The rebuilding Seattle Mariners have signed starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to a three-year contract through 2021 worth $43 million. As part of the contract, the Mariners can extend it to four years (2022-2025) for $66 million. If that doesn't happen, then Kikuchi can opt to become a free agent or exercise an option for $13 million. If the Mariners extend Kikuchi he can make $109 million in the contract.

Kikuchi, 27, was posted by the Saitama Seibu Lions of the Japanese Pacific League. That allowed MLB teams to bid on him for 30 days. The winner would need to work out a contract with him. Kikuchi is a three time All-Star in Japan (2013, 2017, 2018). He lead the Pacific League in era (1.97) and in wins (16) in 2017. That season was his best season going 16-6 with a career high 187.2 innings in 26 starts. He has 6 complete games, and 4 shutouts. He had 217 strikeouts which was another career high. Kikuchi has played 8 seasons in Japan. Overall he's 74-48, 2.81 era, 163 games, 158 starts, 15 complete games, 7 shutouts, 1 save, 1,035.1 innings, 925 strikeouts, 381 walks, and a whip of 1.18.

Kikuchi should be able to find success in the MLB if he can stay healthy. Kikuchi had a shoulder issue in 2018. The Seattle Mariners start their 2019 season in Japan against the Oakland Athletics for two games on March 20-21. The Mariners have said that outfielder and future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki will be part of their roster for the series. After the series is over Suzuki won't be part of the Mariners active roster. Both teams are allowed to have 28 players in Japan, and then will need to have 25 players once they return to the United States. It should be exciting for Japan being able to see both Kikuchi and Suzuki.