# Tuesday Afternoon GM: Another Rough Week

- Link: https://www.nyrdcast.com/tuesday-afternoon-gm-another-rough-week/
- Published: 2022-07-05T12:39:10-05:00
- Author: Eugene Tierney

Ok…the week wasn’t the worst they’ve had this year, but it started a stretch of 
games against contenders. They handled the Marlins taking the series 2-1; even with
the 2 losses, they were 6-4 in their last 10 and headed in a better direction. The
Cardinals outscored the Fish 17-7 in the series, thanks to a 9-0 opener.

They followed it up by losing 2 out of 3 to the Phillies, another team who has been
hot. The Phillies outscored the Cardinals 15 to 10 over the 3 games. The series 
continued a trend of uneven baseball; a high scoring game followed by a low score,
a good start then a bad start, etc.

**Up NextThey’ve already started a 4-game series with the Braves this week, which
they follow up with 3 games at home against the Phillies. The Cardinals are 0-1 
against the Braves in last night’s game. They are 1-2 against the Phillies, being
outscored 10 to 15.

**NL Central Standings**

|  | W | L | Pct | GB | Last 10 | Streak | 
| Milwaukee Brewers | 47 | 35 | .625 | — | 7-3 | W2 | 
| St. Louis Cardinals | 44 | 38 | .537 | 3.0 | 4-6 | L2 | 
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 32 | 47 | .405 | 13.5 | 3-7 | L1 | 
| Chicago Cubs | 32 | 48 | .400 | 14.0 | 6-4 | L2 | 
| Cincinnati Reds | 27 | 52 | .342 | 18.5 | 4-6 | L1 |

The Cards dropped 2 games in the standing, but it’s more notable that the Brewers’
run differential is getting better; they outscored their opponents 47 to 25 since
last Monday, giving them a run differential of +40 for the season. That’s still 
22 runs behind the Cardinals, but it shows that the Brewers are closing in on justifying
their record.

As of right now, the Cardinals are on pace for a 87-75 record and a second place
finish.

**Run DifferentialThe Cardinals have scored 386 runs and allowed 324, good for a
run differential of +62; that should put them at a 48-34 record, or 4 games worse
then they are. +62 is second in the NL and 5th in all of baseball.

[[

**Cardinal NewsThe time line on [Jack Flaherty](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/flaheja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)‘
s shoulder is starting to take shape; [he’s being shut down for 2-3 weeks](https://twitter.com/JohnDenton555/status/1542971082428350465)
before being reevaluated. The team revealed there is no structural damage in the
shoulder, but the pain is still there. The club needs to be a little more firm with
a rehab plan this time; the team has said it was Flaherty’s idea to come back when
he did when they were planning another minor league start.

Flaherty’s roster spot went to rookie [James Naile](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/naileja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
a localish kid making his MLB debut; Naile was a minor league free agent signing
in the off-season and pitched well in the Memphis bullpen. Joining him from Memphis
was [Conner Capel](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/capelco01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
who took the spot of [Harrison Bader](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/baderha01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral);
Bader is down with plantar fascitis. No 40-man move was needed for Naile or Capel
since [Genesis Cabrera](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cabrege01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
and [T.J. McFarland](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mcfartj01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
are on the Covid IL.

The off-season bullpen signings continue to dwindle; the Cardinals designated [Nick Wittgren](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wittgni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
for assignment as part of a flurry of roster moves before the weekend. They also
reinstated [Jordan Hicks](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/hicksjo03.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
from the IL, promoted [Matthew Liberatore](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/liberma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
and optioned [Jake Woodford](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/woodfja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral).
Wittgren struggled out of the bullpen, although his 5.90 ERA wasn’t supported by
his 3.84 FIP; he did struggle with strikeouts (5.3 K/9) and baserunners (10.9 H/
9, 3.1 BB/9 for a 1.55 WHIP), all worse then his career norms.

[Austin Romine](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rominau01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
joined the active roster, taking the place of [Ivan Herrera](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/herreiv01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
and Wittgren’s 40-man spot. Romine will give the catcher with a little MLB experience,
although his track record isn’t much better then what Herrera and [Andrew Knizner](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kniznan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
has been providing. I would much rather see what the 2 young guys could do then 
bringing in Romine; the Cardinals need to know if either of these guys could be 
the main option next season.

The catch question will be staying around for a while; [Yadier Molina](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/molinya01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
is still in Puerto Rico rehabbing his knee. There is no timetable for his return;
he’s [“working hard and feeling better”](https://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/cardinals-notebook-romine-promotion-recasts-catcher-adds-seasoning-stability/article_416f4948-85dd-5f85-8f70-59abce44fd00.html)
according to manager [Oliver Marmol](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/marmool99.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
but he’s not ready for baseball activities yet.

**Cardinal Rumors[Frankie Montas](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/montafr02.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
continues [to be tied many teams](https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-trade-deadline-candidates-on-the-rise),
including the Cardinals. He’s probably the top guy on the market, which means the
Cardinals will pass for multiple reasons. First off, they have historically passed
on big time pitcher acquisitions at the trade deadline (see below for the Cardinals
and trading for pitchers at the deadline). Secondly, the Cardinals are reluctant
to trade top prospects, especially guys like Libertore, [Jordan Walker](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=walker000jor&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
or [Masyn Winn](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=winn--000mas&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral);
these guys are pretty much off limits. They should jump at a deal that doesn’t include
those 3; we’re looking guys more like [Alec Burleson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=burles000ale&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
[Malcom Nunez](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=nunez-002mal&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
and [Angel Rondon](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rondoan01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)…
guys just a tier below the big boys.

Minor Leagues

 * Memphis Redbirds: 44-35
    - Next Up: @ Durham Bulls (42-37)
    - [Moises Gomez](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=gomez-003moi,gomez-002moi&search=Moises+Gomez&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      OF), [Garrett Williams](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=willia011gar,willia007gar,willia009gar&search=Garrett+Williams&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      LHP), [Grant Black](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=black-000gra&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      RHP), [Ryan Loutos](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=loutos000rya&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      RHP) promoted from Springfield
    - [Kodi Whitley](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/whitlko01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      RHP) to IL
    - [Irving Lopez](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=lopez-000irv&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      IF) off IL
 * Springfield Cardinals: 34-42
    - Next Up: @ Arkansas Travelers (41-35)
    - Malcom Nunez named the [Cardinals Player of the Month for June](https://www.nyrdcast.com/2022/07/malcom-nunez-inohan-paniagua-named-cardinals-top-minor-leaguers-for-the-month-of-june/)
    - [Logan Gragg](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gragg-000log&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      RHP), [John Beller](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=beller000joh&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      LHP), [Mike Antico](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=antico000mik&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      OF) promoted from Peoria
    - [Roberto Baldoquin](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=baldoq000rob&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      IF) demoted from Memphis
    - [Chase Pinder](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=pinder001cha&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      OF) off IL
 * Peoria Chiefs: 31-45
    - Next Up: Beloit Sky Carp (36-39)
    - The Cardinals signed [Chris Roycroft](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=roycro000chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
      to a minor league deal; it’s his first time in affiliated ball, as he’s spent
      his pro career in the Frontier League
    - [Brady Whalen](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=whalen000bra&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      1B) promoted from Palm Beach
    - [Thomas Francisco](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=franci004tho&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      IF), [Jacob Buchberger](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=buchbe000jac&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      IF) off IL
 * Palm Beach Cardinals: 38-36
    - Next Up: @ Jupiter Hammerheads (38-36)
    - [Inohan Paniagua](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=paniag000ino&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
      named the [Cardinals Pitcher of the Month for June](https://www.nyrdcast.com/2022/07/malcom-nunez-inohan-paniagua-named-cardinals-top-minor-leaguers-for-the-month-of-june/)
    - [Patrick Romeri](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=romeri000pat&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      OF) off IL
    - [Chris Gerard](https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gerard000chr&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
      RHP) of restricted list

**Rehab Notes**

 * [Steven Matz](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/matzst01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)@
   Memphis: 2 GS, 5 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
 * [Tyler O’Neill](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=oneilty01,oneill001tyl&search=Tyler+O'Neill&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)@
   Memphis: 1 G, 3 AB, 2 H, 1 2B, 1 K

**Former Cardinals**

 * [Kyle Barraclough](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/barraky01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   RHP, Angels) was designated for assignment by the Halos.
 * [Jesus Cruz](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=cruzje01,cruz--004jes&search=Jesus+Cruz&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   RHP, Braves) was recalled by the Braves to replace [Kenley Jansen](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/janseke01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
   on the active roster; he was released by the Cardinals out of spring training.
 * [Jason Heyward](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/heywaja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   OF, Cubs) was placed on the IL with right knee inflammation.
 * [Oscar Mercado](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mercaos01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   OF, Guardians) had quite a week. He started the week by being claimed off waivers
   by the Phillies; he was designated for assignment by the Phillies days after 
   the waiver claim and then reclaimed by the Indians. I thought the Phillies were
   a good fit for Mercado with the struggles they’ve had, but it wasn’t to be. Mercado
   will probably be on the 40-man until the Guardians need his spot again.
 * [Nick Plummer](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/plummni01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   OF, Mets) was optioned to Triple A; he was only batting .138/.194/.379 this season
   in 29 at bats.
 * [Kramer Robertson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/roberkr01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   IF, Braves) was designated for assignment by the Braves and claimed by the Mets.
   Robertson will head to Triple A.
 * [Kolten Wong](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/wongko01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   2B, Brewers) has been activated from the IL; he was out for 3 weeks with a calf
   strain.

**Pitching and the Trade DeadlineAs mentioned above, the Cardinals don’t have a 
history of making a big pitching splash at the trade deadline; they’ve picked up
over the hill, innings eaters and middle relievers for the most part. Here are all
of the pitcher acquisitions at the trade deadline under John Mozeliak:

 * 2021: [Jon Lester](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lestejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   [J.A. Happ](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/happja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2020: None
 * 2019: [Tony Cingrani](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cingrto01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)(
   who was injured; he was acquired to off-set money)
 * 2018: Genesis Cabrera, [Chasen Shreve](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/shrevch01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   [Giovanny Gallegos](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/g/gallegi01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   [Seth Elledge](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/elledse01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2017: None
 * 2016: [Zach Duke](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/dukeza01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2015: [Jonathan Broxton](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/broxtjo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   [Steve Cishek](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cishest01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2014: [John Lackey](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lackejo01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   Corey Littrell, [Justin Masterson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/masteju01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2013: None
 * 2012: [Edward Mujica](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mujiced01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2011: [Edwin Jackson](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jacksed01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   [Octavio Dotel](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/doteloc01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral),
   [Marc Rzepczynski](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rzepcma01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2010: [Jake Westbrook](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/w/westbja01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
 * 2009: None
 * 2008: [Luis Perdomo](https://www.baseball-reference.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=perdolu02,perdolu01&search=Luis+Perdomo&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)

There are some decent names on the list, but a majority of the names are middle 
relievers because Mozeliak has struggled to build them over the years. Lackey is
probably the best pitcher on the list, but remember that he was struggling pretty
bad in Boston before the trade; his entire career in Boston was considered a bust.
Gallegos broke out once he joined the Cardinals; I believe they were expecting more
out Shreve in that [Luke Voit](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/voitlu01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
trade.

There are basically 3 categories here: innings eaters, middle relievers, minor leaguers.

 * Innings Eaters: Lester, Happ, Lackey, Masterson, Jackson, Westbrook
 * Middle Relievers: Cingrani, Shreve, Gallegos, Duke, Broxton, Cishek, Mujica, 
   Dotel, Rzepczynski
 * Minor Leaguers: Cabrera, Elledge, Littrell, Perdomo

I’m expecting more of the same; we’ll acquire an innings eating starter that slots
in at the back of the rotation and maybe 2 low level relievers. The team will send
out guys like [Lars Nootbaar](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/n/nootbla01.shtml?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=&utm_medium=referral)
and Capel, guys who have shown some flashes and are expendable because they won’t
be worth 40-man spots after the season is over.

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