St. Louis Cardinals Sign Steven Matz

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed left-handed starting pitcher Steven Matz to a four-year contract, worth $44 million. The contract includes incentives, which could make the contract worth $48 million. That's if Matz reaches all of the incentives. Matz, 30, spent 2021 with the Toronto Blue Jays. Matz was 14-7 with a 3.82 ERA, 29 games, 29 starts, 150.2 innings, 144 strikeouts, and 43 walks. The wins were a career high for Matz.

Matz had career highs in both innings (160.1) and in strikeouts (153) in 2019, with the New York Mets.

Overall, Matz has played 7 seasons in the MLB. Matz is 45-48 with a 4.24 ERA, 141 games, 136 starts, 1 complete game, 1 shutout, 1 hold, 730.1 innings, 696 strikeouts, 223 walks, and a whip of 1.32.

If Matz can stay healthy, he could end up being a good addition for the Cardinals. Matz had trouble staying healthy with the Mets. At one point in time, Matz was said to be the next Clayton Kershaw. That kind of shows you the kind of talent Matz has in him, when healthy. Do the Cardinals try a six-man starting rotation? Matz was stronger when he had extra rest with the Blue Jays in 2021. That's something to maybe consider. 

St. Louis Cardinals hire Skip Schumaker as bench coach, add Turner Ward to coaching staff

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have hired Skip Schumaker as their new bench coach. Schumaker, 41, spent the last 4 seasons (2018-2021) as a coach on the San Diego Padres coaching staff. The first two seasons, Schumaker was the Padres first base coach. Then Schumaker was associate manager for the last two seasons. Schumaker retunes to the original team that drafted him. Schumaker also had his must success with the Cardinals as a player with them for 8 seasons (2005-2012). Schumaker helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 2006 and 2011. 

Ward, 56, was most recently the hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds for 1 season in 2019. The Reds let go of Turner on October 1, 2019. Before joining the Reds, Ward was on the Arizona Diamondbacks coaching staff for 3 seasons (2013-2015). In Ward's first season, Ward was the D'Backs assistant hitting coach and then was their main hitting coach from (2014-2015). Ward then was the Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach for 3 seasons (2016-2018). As a player, Ward won the World Series back-to-back in 1992 and 1993 with the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Ward is reunited with Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt; both know each other from their time with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ward also managed Goldschmidt in Double-A with the Mobile BayBears in 2011. That season, Ward won Southern League Manager of the Year. 

Both Schumaker and Ward complete the Cardinals coaching staff for 2022. On paper, both should be great additions to the Cardinals coaching staff. 

St. Louis Cardinals Re-Sign T.J. McFarland

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed LHP T.J. McFarland to a one-year contract for 2022, worth $2.5 million. McFarland, 32, first signed with the Cardinals on June 30, 2021 after opting-out of his minor league contract with the Washington Nationals. The Cardinals were in need to relief pitching. McFarland felt like he would get a better chance with the Cardinals.

McFarland's stats in Triple-A Rochester weren't that great at the time he left the Nationals. McFarland was 1-2 with a 5.25 ERA, 18 games, 1 save, 24 innings, 26 strikeouts, and 5 walks. McFarland had a good strikeout rate though. McFarland ended up going to Triple-A Memphis after signing with the Cardinals. In Memphis, McFarland was 1-0 with a 2.57 ERA, 4 games, 1 save, 7 innings, 8 strikeouts, and 2 walks. McFarland was added to the Cardinals active roster on July 16, 2021.

McFarland went 4-1 with a 2.56 ERA, 38 games, 15 holds, 38.2 innings, 21 strikeouts, and 9 walks for the Cardinals. The wins tied a career high from 2013, 2014, and 2017. The holds were a career high for McFarland. McFarland also recorded 12 double plays during that time. The double plays set a new franchise record for after the All-Star break. 

McFarland had career highs in both innings (74.2) and in strikeouts (58) in 2013, with the Baltimore Orioles.

Overall, McFarland has played 9 seasons in the MLB. McFarland is 24-15 with a 3.95 ERA, 323 games, 3 starts, 42 holds, 1 save, 439.2 innings, 261 strikeouts, 142 walks, and a whip of 1.45. 

The Cardinals did a good job keeping McFarland around for 2022. McFarland reminds me of a left handed Seth Maness. Maness was right handed, but was great at getting double plays. 

St. Louis Cardinals Hire Oliver Marmol As Manager

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have hired Oliver Marmol as their new manager, replacing Mike Shildt. Marmol, 35, is the Cardinals 51st manager in franchise history. Marmol gets a three-year contract. Marmol is now currently the youngest manager in the MLB. The previously youngest manager in the MLB had been Minnesota Twins manager Roco Baldelli. 

Marmol has been a Cardinals coach on the MLB staff since 2017. The first two seasons, Marmol was the first base coach. In 2019, Marmol became the bench coach under Shildt. Marmol did well as bench coach under Shildt, including earning praise from him during the Cardinals 2019 postseason run. 

Before joining the Cardinals coaching staff, Marmol managed 5 seasons in the minor leagues. Marmol managed the Johnson City Cardinals in 2012, then managed the State College Spikes from (2013-2014). In those two seasons, the State College Spikes won their division under Marmol. After managing the State College Spikes for 2 seasons, Marmol managed the Palm Beach Cardinals for 2 seasons (2015-2016). In 2015, Marmol was 75-63. That was his best record as a minor league manager.

Overall, Marml managed 493 games and had a record of 268-225 with a .544 winning percentage. Marmol only had 1 losing season during his time as a minor league manager. 

Before going into coaching, Marmol was a minor league player for 4 seasons in the Cardinals minors. Marmol wasn't that great of a player. 

As a manager in the Cardinals minors, Marmol coached a few current players on their active roster: Jack Flaherty, Dakota Hudson, Alex Reyes, Junior Fernandez, and Edmundo Sosa. To me that could be a good thing that Marmol has managed Reyes before. That's because Reyes didn't have a good end to the season. I think a lot of that was because of fatigue and being in his first full MLB season, which tends to happen with rookies. 

Time will tell to see if Marmol can manage in the MLB. On paper, it looks like he can. If he can't, then it could end up being bad for John Mozeliak. 

St. Louis Cardinals Fire Mike Shildt

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have fired manager Mike Shildt. Shildt, 53. recently led the Cardinals to their 3rd straight playoff appearance. The Cardinals went 90-72 and lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Wild Card game. The Cardinals even won a franchise record 17 games in a row in 2021 under Shildt. 

Shildt became the Cardinals manager on July 14, 2018, after Mike Matheny was fired. Under Shildt, the Cardinals went 41-28. In Shildt's first full season 2019, the Cardinals went 91-71 and made the playoffs for their first time since 2015. The Cardinals also ended up in the NLCS for their first time since 2013 (when they made it to the World Series). 

Overall, Shildt managed the Cardinals for 4 seasons. Shildt was 252-199 with a .559 winning percentage. In the playoffs, Shildt was 4-9 with a .308 winning percentage.

The Cardinals say the reason for firing Shildt was "philosophical differences." 

It seems strange to fire Shildt when the Cardinals have had success under him. In 2021, it even looked like the Cardinals would miss the playoffs because of injuries and pitchers not preforming as well as they are capable of. The Cardinals ended up finding two relief pitchers in Luis Garcia and T.J. McFarland who helped turn things around in the bullpen. Then at the trade deadline the Cardinals added two veteran starting pitchers in J.A. Happ and Jon Lester. People even wondered what the Cardinals were doing getting both pitchers, because their record and ERA's weren't good at all. Happ and Lester ended up helping provide innings for the Cardinals starting rotation and winning a few games. There's a fifth pitcher you could count in Wade LeBlanc. LeBlanc ended up having success both in the bullpen and as a starter, before a season ending injury.

That isn't all on Shildt that the team had injures and it took time for him to get help. It also could have been nice if the Cardinals had had more depth like other teams had. 

In the end it looks like Shildt and John Mozeliak must have had a disagreement about something. No one will probably know what that was. Shildt probably becomes a manager again with a team at some point in the future, even if its in the minor leagues at first or part of a MLB coaching staff.

Who do you see as the Cardinals next manager?

St. Louis Blues Sign James Neal

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing James Neal to a one-year contract, worth $750,000. Neal had been in training camp with the Blues on a professional tryout. In the preseason, Neal led the Blues with 4 goals. Neal, 34, played 29 games with 5 goals, 5 assists, 10 points, and a -2 in 2020-2021 with the Edmonton Oilers. The season was Neal's worst season of his career. Neal had his contract bought out by the Oilers on July 27, 2021. 

Neal had his best season in 2011-2012, with the Pittsburgh Penguins. That season, Neal played 80 games with 40 goals, 41 assists, 81 points, and a plus 6. The goals, assists, and points were all career highs for Neal.

Overall, Neal has played 13 seasons in the NHL. Neal has played 850 games with 294 goals, 261 assists, 555 points, and a plus 8. In the playoffs, Neal has played 110 games with 33 goals, 25 assists, 58 points, and a -13.

Neal will be looking to have a rebound season. He impressed the Blues well enough to earn a contract. With the Blues, Neal doesn't always need to be the main player. He just needs to go to the net, like he's been doing in the preseason and helping the Blues get scoring chances. The Blues head coach, Craig Berube even liked what he saw in Neal during the preseason. It will be interesting to see if Neal brings that to the regular season. 

St. Louis Blues Re-sign Robert Thomas

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed center Robert Thomas to a two-year contract, worth $5.6 million. Thomas, 22, played 33 games with 3 goals, 9 assists, 12 points, and a plus 1 in 2020-2021. Thomas had his best season in 2019-2020. That season, Thomas played 66 games with 10 goals, 32 assists, 42 points, and a plus 9. The goals, assists, points, and plus mark were all career high for Thomas. Thomas helped the Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2018-2019. 

Overall, Thomas has played 3 seasons in the NHL. Thomas has played 169 games with 22 goals, 65 assists, 87 points, and a plus 8. In the playoffs, Thomas has played 33 games with 2 goals, 10 assists, 12 points, and a -3.

St. Louis Blues Re-sign Tyler Bozak

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed center Tyler Bozak to a one-year contract, worth $750,000 plus bonuses. Bozak, 35, played 31 games with 5 goals, 12 assists, 17 points, and a -3 in 2020-2021. 

Bozak had his best season in 2016-2017, with the Toronto Maple Leafs. That season, Bozak played 78 games with 18 goals, 37 assists, 55 points, and -1. The assists and points were both career highs for Bozak. In 2014-2015, Bozak had a career high 23 goals. 

Bozak helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup in franchise history in 2018-2019. 

Overall, Bozak had played 12 seasons in the NHL. Bozak has played 764 games with 167 goals, 282 assists, 449 points, and -84. In the playoffs, Bozak has played 56 games with 11 goals, 16 assists, 27 points, and a -7. 

The Blues did a good job keeping Bozak. who has been one of their leaders since the came to the Blues in free agency on July 1, 2018. Other teams had been interested in Bozak this offseason.

St. Louis Blues Sign Colton Parayko to Eight-Year Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Colton Parayko to an eight-year contract extension, worth $52 million. Parayko, 28, played 32 games with 2 goals, 10  assists, 12 points, and a -2. Parayko had his best season in 2016-2017. That season, Parayko played 81 games with 4 goals, 31 assists, 35 points, and a plus 7. The assists and points were both career highs for Parayko. Parayko had a career high in goals (10) in 2018-2019. Parayko also helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup in franchise history that season. 

Overall, Parayko has played 6 seasons in the NHL. Parayko has played 418 games with 41 goals, 130 assists, 171 points, and a plus 54. In the playoffs, Parayko has played 70 games with 8 goals, 19 assists, 27 points, and a plus 4.

The Blues did a great job signing Parayko to a long-term contract. When healthy, Parayko has proven to be one of the Blues best defensemen. 

Yadier Molina Signs One-Year Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed catcher Yadier Molina to a one-year contract worth, $10 million. Molina, 39, is currently hitting .259 with 31 runs, 88 hits, 16 doubles, 8 home runs, 51 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 21 walks in 2021. Next season, will be Molina's 19th season in the MLB. 

Molina had his best season in 2012. That season, Molina hit .315 with 65 runs, 159 hits, 28 doubles, 22 home runs, 76 RBI''s, 12 stolen bases, and 45 walks. The home runs and stolen bases were both career highs for Molina. In 2016, Molina had a career high 164 hits. Molina had a career high 82 RBI's in 2017. 

Molina is a 10 time All-Star: (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2021). Molina has won the Gold Glove Award 9 times: (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018). Molina won a Silver Slugger Award in 2013. In 2018, Molina won the Roberto Clemente Award. Molina has also won the World Series 2 times: (2006, and 2011).

Overall, Molina is currently in his 18th season in the MLB. Molina has played 2,119 games with 744 runs, 2,089 hits, 397 doubles, 7 triples, 168 home runs, 983 RBI's, 69 stolen bases, 534 walks, and a .280 batting average. Molina's hits in franchise history rank 4th best. The only players who have more hits than Molina are: Stan Musial (3,630), Lou Brock (2,713), and Rogers Hornsby (2,110). Molina has the chance to pass Hornsby for 3rd all-time in hits in franchise history. 

Will Ivan Herrera make the team next season? The Cardinals are rumored to want Herrera, 21, to learn from Molina, before taking over the catching duties. There's a chance that 2022, could be Molina's final season. 

St. Louis Blues Re-Sign Ivan Barbashev

 

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed center Ivan Barbashev to a two-year contract, worth $4.5 million. Barbashev, 25, played 38 games with 5 goals, 7 assists, 12 points, and a plus 5 in 2020-2021. Barbashev had his best season in 2018-2019. That season, Barbashev played 80 games with 14 goals, 12 assists, 26 points, and a -4. The games, goals, and points were all career highs for Barbashev. Barbashev also helped the Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. In 2019-2020, Barbashev had a career high 15 assists. 

Overall, Barbashev has played 5 seasons in the NHL. Barbashev has played 270 games with 42 games, 47 assists, 89 points, and a plus 8. In the playoffs, Barbashev has played 38 games with 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, and a -3.

St. Louis Cardinals Acquire Jon Lester

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded OF Lane Thomas to the Washington Nationals for SP Jon Lester. Lester, 37, is currently 3-5 with a 5.02 ERA, 16 games, 16 starts, 75.1 innings, 51 strikeouts, and 29 walks in 2021. Lester had his best season in 2010, with the Boston Red Sox. That season, Lester was 19-9 with a 3.25 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 2 complete games, 208 innings, 225 strikeouts, and 83 walks. The strikeouts tied a career high from 2009. The wins were a career high for Lester. Lester had a career high 219.2 innings in 2014, combined between the Red Sox and Oakland Athletics. 

Lester has won the World Series 3 times: (2007, 2013, and 2016). In 2016, Lester won NLCS MVP. Lester has been an All-Star 5 times: (2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, and 2018). Lester led the NL in wins with 18 in 2018, with the Chicago Cubs. Lester threw a no-hitter on May 19, 2008 against the Kansas City Royals. 

Overall, Lester is currently in his 16th season in the MLB. Lester is 196-116 with a 3.64 ERA, 440 games, 439 starts, 15 complete games, 4 shutouts, 2,674 innings, 2,448 strikeouts, 866 walks, and a whip of 1.27.

Thomas, 25, is currently hitting .104 with 2 runs, 5 hits, 1 double, 1 RBI, 2 stolen bases, and 10 walks in 2021. Thomas has also played in Triple-A Memphis this season. In Memphis, Thomas hit .265 with 18 runs, 30 hits, 5 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 20 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, and 12 walks. 

Overall, Thomas is currently in his 3rd season in the MLB. Thomas has played 84 games with 13 runs, 21 hits, 3 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 15 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, 18 walks, a .172 batting average.

If Lester can do well with the Cardinals, he could be able to help them. The Cardinals to me did a good job at not giving up the farm. The moves with Lester and Happ might not excite fans, but you didn't really give up  anyone that great. The Cardinals are also planning on getting Jack Flaherty and Miles Mikolas back soon. Both of those pitchers if healthy, are like a trade too. That's because both have missed lots of time this season due to injuries. 

St. Louis Cardinals Acquire J.A. Happ

The St. Louis Cardinals have traded RP John Gant, and LP Evan Sisk to the Minnesota Twins for SP J.A. Happ, and cash considerations. Happ, 38, is currently 5-6 with a 6.77 ERA, 19 games, 19 starts, 98.1 innings, 77 strikeouts, and 31 walks in 2021. Happ had his best season in 2016, with the Toronto Blue Jays. That season, Happ was 20-4 with a 3.18 ERA, 32 games, 32 starts, 195 innings, 163 strikeouts, and 60 walks. The wins, starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Happ. Happ wans an All-Star in 2018 for the first time in his career. 

Happ won a World Series in 2008, with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Overall, Happ is currently in his 15th season in the MLB. Happ is 128-98 with a 4.13 ERA, 343 games, 317 starts, 4 complete games, 3 shutouts, 2 holds, 1,839.2 innings, 1,616 strikeouts, 651 walks, and a whip of 1.32. 

Gant, 28, is currently 4-6 with a 3.42 ERA, 25 games, 14 starts, 1 hold, 76.1 innings, 56 strikeouts, and 56 walks in 2021. Gant had his best season in 2018. That season, Gant was 7-6 with a 3.47 ERA, 26 games, 19 starts, 114 innings, 95 strikeouts, and 57 walks. The starts, innings, and strikeouts were all career highs for Gant. In 2019, Gant had career highs in wins (11) and in saves (3).

Overall, Gant is currently in his 6th season in the MLB. Gant is 23-21 with a 3.72 ERA, 159 games, 42 starts, 27 holds, 3 saves, 339 innings, 289 strikeouts, 185 walks, and a whip of 1.39.

Sisk, 24, is currently 2-0 with a 3.31 ERA, 26 games, 4 saves, 32.2 innings, 46 strikeouts, and 20 walks in 2021 combined between High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield.

Overall, Sisk is currently in his 3rd minor league season. Sisk is 5-6 with a 2.90 ERA, 87 games, 1 start, 14 saves, 124.1 innings, 137 strikeouts, and 58 walks. 

If Happ can lower his ERA, he could be able to help the Cardinals. Gant can be good a good pitcher for the Twins, but he has too many walks this season. Time will tell to see who wins this trade. 

St. Louis Blues Sign Brandon Saad

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed free agent left wing Brandon Saad to a five-year contract, worth $22.5 million. Saad, 28, played 44 games with 15 goals, 9 assists, 24 points, and a plus 1 in 2020-2021 for the Colorado Avalanche. Saad had his best season in 2015-2016, with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That season, Saad played 78 games with 31 goals, 22 assists, 53 points, and a plus 1. The goals and points were both career highs for Saad. Saad ended up an All-Star for the first time in his career. 

Saad had a career high 29 assists in 2014-2015, with the Chicago Blackhawks. While with the Blackhawks, Saad won two Stanley Cups (2012-2013, and 2014-2015). 

Overall, Saad has played 10 seasons in the NHL. Saad has played 632 games with 184 goals, 187 assists, 371 points, and a plus 52. In the playoffs, Saad has played 91 games with 25 goals, 25 assists, 50 points, and a plus 16.

The Blues signing Saad is good for the team. Saad knows what the playoffs are like and what it takes to win the Stanley Cup.

St. Louis Blues Sign Pavel Buchnevich To Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing Pavel Buchnevich to a four-year contract extension, worth $23.2 million. Buchnevich, 26, acquired by the Blues in a traded with the New York Rangers on July 23, 2021. Buchnevich played 54 games with 20 goals, 28 assists, 48 points, and a plus 12 in 2020-2021. The points and plus mark were both career highs for Buchnevich. Buchnevich had a career high 21 goals in 2018-2019. In 2019-2020, Buchnevich had a career high 30 assists. 

Overall, Buchnevich has played 5 seasons in the NHL. Buchnevich has played 301 games with 79 goals, 116 assists, 195 points, and a plus 7. In the playoffs, Buchnevich has played 8 games with 1 assist, and 1 point. 

Buchnevich will be the first player in franchise history to wear no.89. The Blues did a great job signing Buchnevich to a long-term contract. 

St. Louis Blues Acquire Pavel Buchnevich

The St. Louis Blues have traded left wing Sammy Blais, and a 2022 second-round pick to the New York Rangers for left wing Pavel Buchnevich. Buchnevich, 26, played 54 games with 20 goals, 28 assists, 48 points, and a plus 12 in 2020-2021. The points and plus mark were both career highs for Buchnevich. Buchnevich had a career high 21 goals in 2018-2019. In 2019-2020, Buchnevich had a career high 30 assists. 

Overall, Buchnevich has played 5 seasons in the NHL. Buchnevich has played 301 games with 79 goals, 116 assists, 195 points, and a plus 7. In the playoffs, Buchnevich has played 8 games with 1 assist, and 1 point. 

Blais, 25, played 36 games with 8 goals, 7 assists, and 15 points in 2020-2021. The goals and points were both career highs for Blais. The assists tied a career high from 2019-2020. 

Overall, Blais has played 4 seasons in the NHL. Blais has played 119 games with 17 goals, 18 assists, 35 points, and a -2. In the playoffs, Blais has played 27 games with 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, and a plus 1. Blais helped the Blues win their first ever Stanley Cup in 2018-2019.

It should be a good trade for both teams. The Blues upgraded their offense with the addition of Buchnevich to their roster. It should be interesting to see what Blues general manager Doug Armstrong does this offseason to try to upgrade the Blues roster.

St. Louis Cardinals 2021 Season Preview

 

Offseason additions: 3B Nolan Arenado, C Yadier Molina (re-signed), SP Adam Wainwright (re-signed), C Ali Sanchez, C Tyler Heineman, SS Jose Rondon, 2B/SS Max Moroff, OF Matt Szczur, RP Johan Quezada, and LP Garrett Williams. 

Offseason subtractions: 2B Kolten Wong, 2B Max Schrock, OF Dexter Fowler, 1B Rangel Ravelo, C Matt Wieters, Infielder Brad Miller, RP John Brebbia, RP Nabil Chrismatt, LP Rob Kaminsky, RP Ryan Meisinger, SP Austin Gomber, RP Tony Locey, SP Jake Sommers, 3B Elehuris Montero, and SS Mateo Gil.

Point team prediction: 86-90 wins (NL Central champions). The St. Louis Cardinals will look to make the playoffs for their 3rd straight season under Mike Shildt. Last season, in a  60 game season, the Cardinals went 30-28 and finished in 2nd place. The Cardinals then lost to the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round. After they lost, the Cardinals knew they needs to upgrade their offense and their team somehow. It took awhile, but on February 1, 2021 the Cardinals acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. In acquiring Arenado, the Cardinals got one of the best players in the game and possibly a future Hall of Famer someday. He's the type of player fans will pay to see play. 

Starting rotation: 

Jack Flaherty, Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright, Kwang-hyun-Kim (if he's ready to start the season), Daniel Ponce de Leon or Alex Reyes (Miles Mikolas won't start the season on the active roster). 

Bullpen:

Jordan Hicks, Giovanny Gallegos, Andrew Miller, Tyler Webb, Genesis Cabrera, John Gant, Ryan Helsley, Reyes or Ponce de Leon (depending on which one ends up starting in the rotation). 

Lineup:

1. 2B Tommy Edman, 2. RF Dylan Carlson, 3. 1B Paul Goldschmidt, 4. 3B Nolan Arenado, 5. SS Paul DeJong, 6. C Yadier Molina, 7. Tyler O'Neill (would swap him and DeJong, if O'Neill proves he can hit), 8. CF Lane Thomas, 9. pitcher.

Bench:

Tyler Heineman, Jose Rondon (if he stays hitting), Harrison Bader, Justin Williams, Matt Carpenter.

Fantasy Stud: Nolan Arenado

Prospects to watch: 

Nolan Gorman (if he proves he can handle 2B, he could get a chance at some point this season), Matthew Liberatore, Thomas Parsons. 

St. Louis Blues Sign Jordan Binnington To Six-year Contract Extension

 

The St. Louis Blues have singed goalie Jordan Binnington to a six-year contract extension, worth $36 million. Binnington, 27, is currently in his 4th season in the NHL. Binnington is 9-6-3 with a .908 save percentage, and a 2.69 goals against average. Binnington had his best season, in 2019-2020. Binnigton played a career high 50 games. Binnington was 30-13-7 with a .912 save percentage, a 2.56 goals against average, and 3 shutouts. The win were a career high for Binnington. 

In 2018-2019, Binnington finally got a chance in the NHL. Binnington played 32 games, with 32 starts and was 24-5-1 with a .927 save percentage, a 1.89 goals against average, and 5 shutouts. Binnington ended up helping the Blues win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Binnington also became the first rookie goaltender with 16 wins in a single postseason, which is the maximum. 

Overall, Binnington has played 102 games, with 99 starts and is 63-24-11 with a .915 save percentage, a 2.38 goals against average, and 8 shutouts. In the playoffs, Binnington is 16-15 with a .904 save percentage, a 2.79 goals against average, and 1 shutout.

The Blues did a great job to make sure Binnington is signed to a long-term contract. Next in line for a contract extension could be center Jaden Schwartz. Schwartz, 28, could hit free agency after the season.

St. Louis Cardinals Re-Sign Yadier Molina

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed catcher Yadier Molina to a one-year contract, worth $9 million. Molina, 38, hit .262 with 4 home runs, and 16 RBI's in 2020. Molina is a 9 time All-Star: (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018). Molina has won the Gold Glove Award 9 times: (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018). Molina won a Silver Slugger Award in 20013. In 2018, Molina won the Roberto Clemente Award. Molina has won the World Series 2 times: (2006, and 2011).

Molina had his best season in 2012. Molina hit .315 with 65 runs, 159 hits, 28 doubles, 22 home runs, 76 RBI's, 12 stolen bases, and 45 walks. The home runs, and stolen bases were both career highs for Molina. Molina had a career high 82 RBI's in 2017.

Overall, Molina has played 17 seasons in the MLB. All of Molina's seasons have been with the Cardinals. Molina has played 2,025 games with 713 runs, 2,001 hits, 381 doubles, 7 triples, 160 home runs, 932 RBI's, 66 stolen bases, 513 walks, and a .281 batting average. 

It's great to see Molina and starting pitcher Adam Wainwright back for another season together with the Cardinals. Maybe this year the Cardinals can win the World Series and send one of both out on a high note? It should also be fun watching the Cardinals infield on defense this season. They probably have the best infield in the MLB on defense. The infield is led by catcher Yadier Molina with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, second baseman Tommy Edman, shortstop Paul DeJong, and third baseman Nolan Arenado. 

St. Louis Cardinals Acquire Nolan Arenado

The St. Louis Cardinals have acquired third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals sent LP Austin Gomber, 3B, Elehuris Montero, SS Mateo Gil, RP Tony Locey, and RP Jake Sommers to the Colorado Rockies for Nolan Arenado, and $50 million. As part of the trade, Arenado has changed his contract a little. Arenado will have player options in 2022 and 2023. Arenado has also signed a one-year contract extension, which extends him through 2027. That one-year contract extension is worth $15 million. 

 

Arenado, 29, has spent all of his 8 seasons in the MLB with the Rockies. In 2020, Arenado hit .253 with 8 home runs, and 26 RBI's.

Arenado's best season came in 2016. Arenado his .294 with 116 runs, 182 hits, 35 doubles, 6 triples, 41 home runs, 133 RBI's, 2 stolen bases, and 68 walks. The runs, and RBI's were both career highs for Arenado. Arenado had a career high 42 home runs in 2015. 

Arenado is a 5 time All-Star (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019). Arenado has won 8 straight Gold Glove Awards, starting in 2013. Arenado has won the Platinum Gold Glove Award 4 times: (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020). Arenado has won the Silver Slugger Award 4 times: (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018). Arenado has led the NL in home runs 3 times: (2015, 2016, and 2018). Arenado has also led the NL in RBI's 2 times: (2015, and 2016).

Overall, Arenado has played 1,079 games with 649 runs, 1,206 hits, 262 doubles, 27 triples, 235 home runs, 760 RBI's, 16 stolen bases, 362 walks, and .293 batting average. 

Gomber, 27, was 1-1 with a 1.86 ERA, 14 games, 4 starts, 1 hold, 29 innings, 27 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 2020. 

Overall, Gomber has played 2 seasons in the MLB. Gomber is 7-3 with a 3.72 ERA, 43 games, 14 starts, 8 holds, 104 innings, 94 strikeouts, 47 walks and a whip of 1.41.

Montero, 22, ranked as the Cardinals 8th best prospect. Overall, Montero has spent 5 seasons in the minors. Montero has played 360 games with 207 runs, 362 hits, 84 doubles, 7 triples, 32 home runs, 192 RBI's, 5 stolen bases, and a .269 batting average. 

Gil, 20, ranked as the Cardinals 22nd best prospect. Gil is the son of former MLB utility infielder Benji Gil (who won a World Series with the Anaheim Angel in 2002). The younger Gil, has played 2 seasons in the Cardinals minors.

Overall, Gil has played 98 games with 69 runs, 98 hits, 14 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs, 50 RBI's, 3 stolen bases, 37 walks, and a .257 batting average. 

Locey, 22, ranked as the Cardinals 19th best prospect. Locey has played 1 season in the Cardinals minors. Locey is 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA, 12 games, 17 innings, 31 strikeouts, and 12 walks. 

Sommers, 23, had played 1 season in the minors. Overall, Simmers is 2-3 with a 4.18 ERA, 12 games, 10 starts, 51.2 innings, 55 strikeouts, and 19 walks. 

The Cardinals pulled off a great trade for themselves in landing Arenado. It even happened without giving up Nolan Gorman or Matthew Liberatore. The Cardinals upgraded their team a lot in Arenado. On defense at third base and in their lineup. One of the few holes the Cardinals will need to worry about is the outfield in 2021. 

Arenado grew frustrated with the Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich. Arenado has always wanted to be on a contender and wants to win a World Series. The Rockies haven't been able to do that for Arenado except for 2017, and 2018. After those two seasons the Rockies haven't done well. You can't really blame Arenado for being frustrated. Arenado could end up in the Hall of Fame if he stays doing well. 

The Rockies even have had good players in franchise history, just no front office/ownership that seems to want to fully win.

Do the Cardinals maybe end up using Gorman was trade bait to upgrade the outfield? 

All in all it's a pretty great day to be a Cardinals fan. You have player who is worth paying to see play. That's not really a knock on any of the current players. But you know fans love Arenado. He's a superstar and maybe the best third baseman in the MLB. Superstars don't grow on trees either. It even should be fun watching Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt at the corners. It reminds me a little of the years when the Cardinals had Scott Rolen and Albert Pujols at the corners. 

Adam Wainwright Re-signs With St. Louis Cardinals

 

The St. Louis Cardinals have re-signed starting pitcher Adam Wainwright to a one-year contract, worth $8 million. Wainwright, 39, was 5-3 with a 3.15 ERA, 10 games, 10 starts, 2 complete games, 65.2 innings, 54 strikeouts, and 15 walks in 2020. The complete games were Wainwright's most since he had 5 complete games in 2014. Wainwright moved into 3rd in the Cardinals all-time wins list for pitchers, with no.167 in 2020. Only Bob Gibson (251) and Jesse Haines (210) have more wins in franchise history than Wainwright. Wainwright ranks 7th in games played for pitchers with 393. Wainwright can move past Jason Isringhausen for 6th in games played in 2021. 

In innings pitched for the Cardinals, Wainwright ranks 6th with 2,169.1 innings. Wainwright ranks 2nd in strikeouts with 1,830 and 4th in games started with 326. 

Wainwright helped the Cardinals win the World Series in 2006. Wainwright has been a 3 time All-Star: (2010, 2013, and 2014). Wainwright has won 2 Gold Glove Awards: (2009, and 2013). Wainwright won the Sliver Slugger Award in 2017. Wainwright has led the NL in wins two times: (2009, and 2013). In 2020, Wainwright won the Roberto Clemente Award. 

Overall, Wainwright has played 15 seasons in the MLB. Wainwright is 167-98 with a 3.38 ERA, 393 games, 326 starts, 24 complete games, 10 shutouts, 17 holds, 3 saves, 2,169.1 innings, 1,830 strikeouts, 591 walks, and a whip of 1.22. 

Wainwright might not be the same pitcher he once was, but he's shown the past two seasons he can still be a reliable starting pitcher. Wainwright also brings leadership to the starting pitching staff. You can never have enough pitching. At times Wainwright is like having another pitching coach too. The Cardinals needed to keep Wainwright around.

St. Louis Blues Sign Mike Hoffman

 

The St. Louis Blues have signed left wing Mike Hoffman to a one-year contract, worth $4 million. Hoffman, 31, spent the last two seasons playing for the Florida Panthers. Last season, in 2019-2020, Hoffman played 69 games with 29 goals, 30 assists, 59 points, and a -5. 

Hoffman's best season came in 2018-2019, with the Panthers. Hoffman played 82 games with 36 goals, 34 assists, 70 points, and a -24. The goals, and points were both career highs for Hoffman. Hoffman's career high in assists were 35 in 2016-2017, with the Ottawa Senators. Hoffman spent 7 seasons with the Senators before being traded to the Panthers on June 19, 2018. 

Overall, Hoffman has played 9 seasons in the NHL. Hoffman has played 493 games with 172 goals, 187 assists, 359 points, and a -19. In the playoffs, Hoffman has played 29 games with 10 goals, 9 assists, 19 points, and a -1. 

Hoffman had signed a professional tryout with the Blues on December 27, 2020. While in camp, Hoffman has been on a line with Robert Thomas, and Jaden Schwartz. That line has the potential to be a great line.

Hoffman should be a big part of the Blues powerplay. Hoffman has 60 career goals, and 62 career assists on the powerplay.