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.