Viva El Birdos
A St. Louis Cardinals Fan Community
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Why are Cardinals fans so hesitant to spend someone else’s money?
St. Louis Cardinals fan Scott Plaza argues that the team’s 77‑win season, despite a roster loaded with MLB‑ready talent, proves the franchise can afford to spend on higher‑quality relievers and other upgrades. He criticizes fans who balk at paying for big contracts, saying their thriftiness fuels mediocrity and threatens future attendance. Plaza urges GM Chaim Bloom and owner William DeWitt to invest $20‑30 million in proven bullpen arms rather than cling to an undefined “plan,” warning that without the spend the Cardinals risk another losing season in 2027. He points to market projections for relievers like Abreu ($22 M/2 yr) and Soto ($15 M/2 yr) as reasonable costs to turn a 77‑win baseline into a genuine contender.
Remembering the St. Louis Cardinals 1994 Team Before the Strike
As MLB owners eye another lockout, the article revisits the St. Louis Cardinals' 1994 season—the last before the historic 232‑day strike. It outlines the owners' January revenue‑sharing plan, salary‑cap proposal, and the July 18 rejection by the MLBPA, which led to the strike on August 12. The Cardinals, then a struggling 53‑61‑1 team, featured Ozzie Smith (All‑Star at 39), Ray Lankford, Todd Zeile (19 HR combined), Gregg Jefferies (.325, 12 HR, 55 RBI), and pitcher Bob Tewksbury (12 wins). Their final game was an 8‑6 win over the Marlins on August 11. The piece draws parallels between 1994’s labor issues and today’s debates.
Statcast Check: How Today’s Cardinals Prospects Compare to Walker and Winn at 19
The article pits the 2026 Palm Beach Cardinals’ five teenage prospects—Miguel Hernandez, Sebastian Dos Santos, Yairo Padilla, Ryan Mitchell and Alexander Frias—against the standout 2021 Florida State League (FSL) class that produced Jordan Walker (208 wRC+), Masyn Winn (115) and others. While all five Cardinals players posted wRC+ ≥ 95, only Padilla, Frias and Hernandez have limited plate appearances, and their Statcast metrics reveal mixed signals: Padilla’s 64% ground‑ball rate and low fly‑ball tendency raise concerns, Mitchell aligns with the “bust” cohort, and Frias lacks sufficient data. The piece highlights exit velocity, max EV, and contact rates as key predictors, concluding the Cardinals could soon boast an MVP candidate and several All‑Stars if development pans out.
A 30,000 foot look at the St. Louis Cardinals talent pipeline
The article offers a high‑level overview of the St. Louis Cardinals’ talent pipeline, categorizing prospects by position and development timeline rather than evaluating individuals. Using a tiered system—MLB (active 26‑man roster), MLB‑ready (40‑man roster, AAA), Near‑ready (AAA prospects not yet on the 40‑man), Distant (High‑A/AA prospects) and a removed Hospital ward—the piece maps strengths and weaknesses in the organization’s future depth. It explains the methodology behind the groupings and highlights where the Cardinals have ready contributors versus longer‑term projects, setting the stage for upcoming post‑World Series transactions.
The Cardinals should try to win in 2027
The Cardinals’ 2027 outlook hinges on development, not win‑loss totals, according to Derrick Goold. While fans see the 2026 squad as marginally better despite a one‑game drop after trading key veterans, the organization plans to focus on a deep farm system. The author compares St. Louis to the 2015 Cubs, suggesting a similar aggressive prospect‑centric strategy—signing veterans to bolster talent like Liam Doyle, Jurrangelo Cjintje, Tanner Fraklin, and stars such as JJ Wetherholt—rather than chasing immediate victories. The piece argues that embracing this rebuild mindset could yield long‑term success.
Bullpen Options in Free Agency for the St Louis Cardinals Bullpen Quandary
The post dissects the St. Louis Cardinals' dire 2026 bullpen and outlines free‑agency relievers who could fix it. Top candidates include right‑hander Jason Adam (2.26 ERA, $10 M, age‑38 risk), left‑hander Tyler Alexander (3.33 xERA, $2‑3 M one‑year deal) and left‑hander Brock Burke (2.30 ERA, $4 M/yr multi‑year). The author dismisses Andrew Chafin and Taylor Clarke due to walk issues, flags Dietrich Enns and Kevin Ginkel as cheap depth options, and praises rising star Brusdar Graterol (career 2.78 ERA, low walk rate) as a potentially cheap steal, while noting Raisel Iglesias is likely too pricey. The piece balances performance metrics with salary expectations to help fans gauge the Cardinals' realistic bullpen upgrades.
Reports of St. Louis Cardinals & JoJo Romero Reuniting Make a Lot of Sense
MLB Trade Rumors and columnist Jeff Jones report that the St. Louis Cardinals are actively pursuing a reunion with reliever JoJo Romero, and sources say Romero is equally interested. Romero, 30, posted a 3.36 ERA over 55 games for St. Louis before his 2025 World Series run with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he posted a 1.13 ERA in eight postseason appearances. He is projected to seek a two‑year, $13 million deal despite a history of injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2022. The Brewers, Twins and Giants may also chase him, but a decision could come before the end of November ahead of the December 1 work stoppage.
St. Louis Cardinals Center Field Target: Luis Robert Jr
With only 22 days before a possible owner‑player lockout, the St. Louis Cardinals must decide how to upgrade center field for 2027. Current starter Nathan Church posted sub‑average numbers (fWAR 21st, OBP .290, OPS .654) and may not be re‑signed. While a short‑term option like Gold Glove outfielder Steven Kwan is attractive, the Guardians’ front office could demand too steep a price. The article argues the Cardinals should instead target former Orioles outfielder Luis Robert Jr., whose 77.3 mph career‑high bat speed ranks third on the team and suggests untapped power potential. A move to St. Louis could give Robert the fresh start he needs after an injury‑marred stint with the Mets.
St. Louis Cardinals JJ Wetherholt Denied NL Rookie of the Year Award
Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds clinches the 2026 NL Rookie of the Year, leaving St. Louis Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt as the runner‑up alongside Mets prospect Carson Benge. Wetherholt logged a full season of 139 games with a .242 average, .339 OBP and .704 OPS, adding 104 steals (14‑1 caught) but no home runs. His 89 hits, 130 doubles and 17 RBIs underscore a speed‑heavy profile that fell just short of the award.
The Viva El Birdos Podcast: Episode 90 – Interview with Derrick Goold
In Episode 90 of the Viva El Birdos podcast, hosts Jake Wood and Gabe Simonds sit down with Derrick Goold, the St. Louis Post‑Dispatch’s lead baseball writer and host of Best Podcast In Baseball. Goold breaks down the Cardinals’ front‑office shake‑up after assistant GM Randy Flores departs for the Astros and argues for fresh external perspectives. He also discusses hiring hitting coach Joel McKeithan to develop a younger roster, the looming risk of missed games from upcoming CBA talks, and the financial hit from declining Regional Sports Network revenues. The conversation ends with a deep dive into the fan‑team metric clash—wins versus long‑term development.
How to play in-5 Trivia on the SB Nation app
The SB Nation app now hosts the daily in-5 trivia challenge, where users guess a former baseball player’s name from five progressively specific clues. Players aim to answer with as few clues as possible and post their scores in the game’s comment thread to compete with fellow fans. The game expands beyond MLB to NBA, NFL, MMA, and pro wrestling, with 25 team‑specific versions across baseball, basketball, and football. To join the MLB version, simply follow the “MLB” community on the SB Nation app and start testing your sports knowledge.
The career of your average MLB reliever
The article traces the unlikely path of reliever Riley O'Brien, from obscurity at Shorewood High and an NAIA college to the majors. Drafted in the 8th round by the Rays in 2017, O'Brien rose through the minors, showing promise in Low‑A before the pandemic stalled his progress. After a trade to the Reds, he finally debuted in September 2026 but struggled, allowing two solo homers in 1.1 innings. Subsequent moves to Seattle saw brief, ineffective outings, multiple DFA designations, and a roster bust. The piece highlights how injuries, missed development time, and mechanical changes derailed what began as a rare bullpen success story.
Which Cardinals move will tell you the most about 2027?
The author argues that the Cardinals' next off‑season move will reveal their 2027 ambitions. While fans expect a third‑base platoon with Blaze Jordan and a steady center‑field lineup, the writer urges a bold pursuit of Japanese infielder Teruaki Sato, even at a premium price, to signal true front‑office aggressiveness. He notes the lack of compelling center‑field options beyond Nathan Church and questions whether GM Chaim Bloom will merely “run it back” after the 2026 season. The piece previews a 77‑win baseline for 2027 and invites reader feedback on his podcast and the article's direction.
JJ Wetherholt Had a Rookie Season for the Ages. So Why Did His Bat Fade?
JJ Wetherholt delivered a rookie season in St. Louis that rivals Albert Pujols, posting a 126 wRC+ and a projected 7‑WAR through June 22 before his offense nosedived to a 73 wRC+. The deep dive shows his walk rate stayed steady while strikeouts rose, swing percentage fell, and isolated slugging plunged from .157 to .086. Statcast reveals a modest 1 mph drop in exit velocity but a striking six‑degree loss in launch angle, inflating his ground‑ball rate to 50%. Pitchers also adjusted, cutting four‑seamers in the zone and attacking more inside, especially with sinkers that drove his launch angles negative. These factors combine to explain why Wetherholt’s bat faded in the second half.
Think You Want to Write About the St. Louis Cardinals? Here’s Your Chance
Viva El Birdos is hiring a part‑time writer passionate about the St. Louis Cardinals to produce weekly content—including offseason analysis—starting in December. Applicants must love the team, meet deadlines, and have basic WordPress skills; no professional writing experience is required. The role focuses on unique takes on roster construction, prospects, trades, and front‑office decisions, with modest pay and a supportive, educated baseball community.
Building the 2027 St. Louis Cardinals MLB roster
In this Viva El Birdos piece, the author uses a GM Simulator to draft his ideal 2027 St. Louis Cardinals roster, staying within the club’s financial limits and long‑term development philosophy. He proposes non‑tendering Chase Davis, Liberatore, Scott II and Gorman, declining Ryne Stanek’s option, and adding Rule‑5‑protected prospects like Ledbetter and Levenson. Free‑agent moves include signing Trevor Rogers (4 years, $85 M), Casey Mize (2 years, $26 M) and Mauricio Dubon (2 years, $16 M), while noting a Tarik Skubal deal remains a fantasy. The article also teases two upcoming analyses on the Cardinals’ draft‑and‑develop model and talent pipeline.
St. Louis Cardinals Alec Burleson, Jordan Walker Silver Slugger Finalists
The St. Louis Cardinals see both Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker named Silver Slugger finalists for 2026. Burleson rounds out the first‑base group with 26 homers, 116 RBI, a .279 average and a .816 OPS over 160 games, while Walker posts 29 homers, 102 RBI, a .269 average and a .793 OPS in 158 games as an outfield candidate. The finalists were announced by MLB.com, and the winners will be revealed on November 17, 2026.
Looking at possible Cardinals trades with the Orioles for a 3B
The Orioles are reportedly willing to trade anyone except Pete Alonso, and the Cardinals are eyeing a new third baseman. The piece evaluates Gunnar Henderson as the prime target, projecting a 4.5‑WAR season in 2028 and a salary around $22 million, which translates to roughly $60 million in trade value. To acquire him, the Cardinals would likely part with top prospect Liam Doyle (≈$45 million value) and heir‑apparent third‑baseman Jesús Baez (≈$14.5 million), plus a catcher such as Pedro Pages or Jimmy Crooks to balance the deal. The analysis uses Steamer, Fangraphs, and Point‑of‑Pittsburgh metrics to justify the numbers and suggests the trade could be a solid overpay for the Cardinals.
Biggest Gold Glove Snubs perpetrated by MLB (this is a St Louis Cardinals blog)
The blog argues that MLB’s 2026 Gold Glove selections ignored Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn and middle‑infielder JJ Wetherholt, despite superior defensive metrics. Winn leads the league in Fielding Run Value, Outs Above Average (19 vs. 16), Defensive Runs Saved, and ranks in the 96th percentile for arm strength, while Wetherholt tops OAA at the 100th percentile. The author points out that the awarded players, including Turang, have higher error totals and weaker arms, suggesting the awards favor reputation over reality. Historical examples of similar snubs are cited, and the writer calls for a merit‑based approach to future Gold Glove voting.
BUYER BEWARE: The Cardinals Should Avoid Veteran Starters in Free Agency
The article warns the St. Louis Cardinals to steer clear of signing aging veteran starters in the 2026‑27 free‑agency market. It cites recent declines from former Cardinal Zac Gallen (6.07 ERA in 2026, bottom‑1% advanced metrics), injury‑plagued Shane Bieber (11 starts, 4.37 ERA, bottom‑4% xBA), and 42‑year‑old Max Scherzer, arguing none can recapture past form. The piece stresses that younger arms like Tarik Skubal or Freddy Peralta are better targets and that fans’ wish‑lists for big names are misguided.
St. Louis Cardinals JJ Wetherholt a Finalist for NL Rookie of the Year
St. Louis Cardinals rookie JJ Wetherholt is named a finalist for the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year, according to MLB Network. Despite a wrist injury that hampered his second half, he posted a .242 average with 17 homers, 51 RBI, 14 steals and a 4.5 WAR over 139 games (135 starts). He joins Reds outfielder Sal Stewart and Mets pitcher Carson Benge, with the winner expected the week of Nov. 9. The BBWAA also released NL MVP finalists, including Cubs star Pete Crow‑Armstrong, Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Brewers’ Brice Turang.
The Viva El Birdos Podcast: Episode 89 – Interview with Bernie Miklasz
In episode 89 of the Viva El Birdos podcast, Jake Wood talks with veteran sports writer Bernie Miklasz about the St. Louis Cardinals’ future after Randy Flores departs for the Houston Astros’ GM role. Bernie praises Flores’ ascent but says it’s too soon to gauge the loss, noting that scouting chief Zach Mortimer keeps the talent pipeline strong. The hosts discuss whether Flores might lure former Cardinals like Daniel Descalso or Jon Jay to Houston and weigh the prospect of Yadier Molina joining the coaching staff, warning it could complicate Oli Marmol’s situation. Overall, the conversation suggests the Cardinals remain competitive despite front‑office churn.
Possible free agent target for St. Louis Cardinals: Freddy Peralta
The St. Louis Cardinals may target Freddy Peralta as a low‑cost free‑agent starter after trading Sonny Gray and signing Dustin May last offseason. Peralta posted a down year with the Rays—career‑worst ERA, highest FIP/xFIP and low strikeout rates—yet posted a 2.62 ERA in the ALCS despite thin underlying numbers. With the rotation largely intact but potential moves for Andre Pallante or Matthew Liberatore, St. Louis could look to fill a back‑end slot with a one‑year deal. Peralta’s recent stats raise questions, making him a gamble rather than a clear upgrade.
St. Louis Cardinals Denied as Gold Glove Winners Announced
The 2026 Gold Glove awards are out, and no St. Louis Cardinals players made the cut. Finalists JJ Wetherholt (2B), Masyn Winn (SS) and Michael McGreevy (P) were passed over as the National League honors go to Gabriel Moreno (C), Matt Olson (1B), Brice Turang (2B), Alex Bregman (3B), Geraldo Perdomo (SS), Jackson Chourio (LF), Pete Crow‑Armstrong (CF), Corbin Carroll (RF), Mauricio Dubon (Utility) and Nolan McLean (P). The American League winners include Dillon Dingler, Christian Walker, Cole Young, Caleb Durbin, Taylor Walls, Cody Bellinger, Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu, Ezequiel Duran and Tanner Bibee.
Which Cardinals’ rotation path would you take?
In a November VEB post, the author asks the Cardinals community to weigh two 2027 rotation strategies. Option 1 favors signing a younger, controllable arm like Dustin May (or a free‑agent like Kris Bubic or Patrick Sandoval) to raise the ceiling and secure trade value, while Option 2 suggests rotating multiple MLB‑ready pitchers—potentially via a six‑man rotation—to preserve innings and give prospects longer looks. The piece references recent GM tool trends, a 77‑win baseline, and upcoming podcast with Bernie Miklasz, inviting fans to debate the best path forward.
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