Post by Matt on Aug 29, 2016 10:30:39 GMT -5
After a very disappointing end to the 1971 season, the fans in St Louis are left to wonder. What happens if the Birds win one of their two final games? What happens if the stubborn manager switches away from his struggling veteran closer earlier in the season? One game. That's all that was needed.
"We were extremely confident going into the last two games of the season. Two games to go, Gibson and Drysdale lined up to pitch them. We didn't think there was any chance the season would end when it did" GM Matt Carpenter said. "I'm at a loss for words and I feel horrible for the guys in the clubhouse and our fans. We expected more."
What's next? Well, it could be a few years of transitioning for the Cardinals. Not expected to resign are veterans Lee Maye, Shigeo Nagashima and Bob Veale. Rumors are swirling that extension offers were made to all 3, but there wasn't a deal struck between any of the 3 and the organization.
Pictured is Shigeo Nagashima.
"We wanted all 3 of them to stick around and finish their career as a Cardinal, but we had to make some tough financial decisions and couldn't afford what they were wanting for this stage of their career." Asked if there was a chance they might contact them again during the upcoming FA period Carpenter replied, "of course we will. We still want them in St Louis, but that's out of our hands. We'll make them competitive offers when the market opens and we'll see if we can get them back."
Along with the outgoing guys in FA, the Cardinals are excited about some new guys in town. "We made a bold move at the trade deadline for Cleon Jones to help with our outfield defense and added some pop to the lineup. We're hoping a new start on a new team next season will give him the boost that's needed. We'll have a more defensive oriented OF next season and hopefully the offense from those guys will follow. Along with Jones, the outfield will consist of up and coming Willie Crawford in center, and the veteran Lou Brock still manning right.
Veterans Bob Gibson and Lou Brock will help mold the young guns. Along with Crawford taking over centerfield full time, the club is also excited to announce that rookie pitching sensation Mike Corkins will be making his debut to start the year. "We've held him back long enough. Having Gibson and Drysdale on our staff for at least another season we figured now was teh right time to call up Mike. Give him some exposure, but also having Hoot and Bid D around to mentor him as needed."
While the end of this season was a disappointment, the door isn't quite shut on another run. "We know the Cubs and Reds mean business. We realize that we've got to make some changes to stay competitive in the division. We've made a couple of internal decisions about guys that will come into play next season. We've got some younger talent we want to see if they can contribute, but we also know we need to hit the free agent period strong as well, just in case the younger guys aren't quite ready."
Sounds like a busy off-season in the Lou. It will be fun to see how it pans out!
"We were extremely confident going into the last two games of the season. Two games to go, Gibson and Drysdale lined up to pitch them. We didn't think there was any chance the season would end when it did" GM Matt Carpenter said. "I'm at a loss for words and I feel horrible for the guys in the clubhouse and our fans. We expected more."
What's next? Well, it could be a few years of transitioning for the Cardinals. Not expected to resign are veterans Lee Maye, Shigeo Nagashima and Bob Veale. Rumors are swirling that extension offers were made to all 3, but there wasn't a deal struck between any of the 3 and the organization.
Pictured is Shigeo Nagashima.
"We wanted all 3 of them to stick around and finish their career as a Cardinal, but we had to make some tough financial decisions and couldn't afford what they were wanting for this stage of their career." Asked if there was a chance they might contact them again during the upcoming FA period Carpenter replied, "of course we will. We still want them in St Louis, but that's out of our hands. We'll make them competitive offers when the market opens and we'll see if we can get them back."
Along with the outgoing guys in FA, the Cardinals are excited about some new guys in town. "We made a bold move at the trade deadline for Cleon Jones to help with our outfield defense and added some pop to the lineup. We're hoping a new start on a new team next season will give him the boost that's needed. We'll have a more defensive oriented OF next season and hopefully the offense from those guys will follow. Along with Jones, the outfield will consist of up and coming Willie Crawford in center, and the veteran Lou Brock still manning right.
Veterans Bob Gibson and Lou Brock will help mold the young guns. Along with Crawford taking over centerfield full time, the club is also excited to announce that rookie pitching sensation Mike Corkins will be making his debut to start the year. "We've held him back long enough. Having Gibson and Drysdale on our staff for at least another season we figured now was teh right time to call up Mike. Give him some exposure, but also having Hoot and Bid D around to mentor him as needed."
While the end of this season was a disappointment, the door isn't quite shut on another run. "We know the Cubs and Reds mean business. We realize that we've got to make some changes to stay competitive in the division. We've made a couple of internal decisions about guys that will come into play next season. We've got some younger talent we want to see if they can contribute, but we also know we need to hit the free agent period strong as well, just in case the younger guys aren't quite ready."
Sounds like a busy off-season in the Lou. It will be fun to see how it pans out!
