Post by Matt on May 5, 2020 16:09:01 GMT -5
Normally at this point of the season the Cardinals are looking for holes in the roster and where they can strengthen any weak spots. This year is a little different. "We looked at our minor league system and realized we'd dealt and dealt from there, but never took the time to replenish any assets", said GM Matthew Carpenter. "Even though some GM's claim we're in a level playing field, it's obvious that if you can't consistently keep a big payroll, sometimes a step back has to happen." Carpenter basically ignored the question when asked about being called stubborn last year "If I had the capability of a $100 million payroll, it would be easy to call other stubborn. But I'm pretty sure we made a run to the playoffs, didn't we?"
Today's press conference comes on the heels of a striking intra-division trade with the rival Pirates. "Not ideal, but the best we could get. Others made offers, but a couple were dependent on taking payroll back, which was outlined in the beginning as not being an option," says Carpenter. "We've made plenty of trades with the Pirates in the past that I'm pretty sure helped us to the playoffs and World Series, so we gave a little on this one, but that's all."
Going to Pittsburgh were Wade Boggs, Tony Fernandez and Lee Smith, all regulars on the field for the Redbirds. "No doubt will we miss those 3, they're all been very important parts of our franchise for the past few seasons, but it was time to watch payroll for a little bit. Keeping up with the large market, big payroll teams just isn't possible every year, stubborn GM or not. We've got a few guys on our roster that have been waiting in the wings, so we'll regroup, restructure and be perfectly fine in the long run," quipped Carpenter.
Coming back to the STL are 2 draft picks, 3 prospects and major league infielder Spike Owen. Owen seems to step into a confused infield situation, possibly becoming the starting 2B for the Redbirds as they continue to compete. Top prospect Tony Barron will report to AAA Louisville and become and everyday player to continue improving for the future. Closers Pete Young and Geraldo Guzman will also be joining Barron in Louisville awaiting future changes.
The ultimate goal of the trade was to lower payroll, and that was accomplished. Carpenter was asked if there were more moves in the future "stubborn people do stubborn things," he said with a smirk. "We've got players on our roster that would definitely help other teams. Gedman, Raines, Gibson, Madden and Valenzuela would all help other teams, for sure. But we're also not going to sell short just because trading is nearly impossible in this league. We've also got to start looking into the near future at the upcoming expansion draft." He was speaking about future franchises in Florida and Colorado, "I can only imagine what pitchers are going to think of that altitude. Hitters will love it, but pitchers might run away fast than Usain Bolt."
Stay tuned....who knows what the Redbirds will do in the next month!
Today's press conference comes on the heels of a striking intra-division trade with the rival Pirates. "Not ideal, but the best we could get. Others made offers, but a couple were dependent on taking payroll back, which was outlined in the beginning as not being an option," says Carpenter. "We've made plenty of trades with the Pirates in the past that I'm pretty sure helped us to the playoffs and World Series, so we gave a little on this one, but that's all."
Going to Pittsburgh were Wade Boggs, Tony Fernandez and Lee Smith, all regulars on the field for the Redbirds. "No doubt will we miss those 3, they're all been very important parts of our franchise for the past few seasons, but it was time to watch payroll for a little bit. Keeping up with the large market, big payroll teams just isn't possible every year, stubborn GM or not. We've got a few guys on our roster that have been waiting in the wings, so we'll regroup, restructure and be perfectly fine in the long run," quipped Carpenter.
Coming back to the STL are 2 draft picks, 3 prospects and major league infielder Spike Owen. Owen seems to step into a confused infield situation, possibly becoming the starting 2B for the Redbirds as they continue to compete. Top prospect Tony Barron will report to AAA Louisville and become and everyday player to continue improving for the future. Closers Pete Young and Geraldo Guzman will also be joining Barron in Louisville awaiting future changes.
The ultimate goal of the trade was to lower payroll, and that was accomplished. Carpenter was asked if there were more moves in the future "stubborn people do stubborn things," he said with a smirk. "We've got players on our roster that would definitely help other teams. Gedman, Raines, Gibson, Madden and Valenzuela would all help other teams, for sure. But we're also not going to sell short just because trading is nearly impossible in this league. We've also got to start looking into the near future at the upcoming expansion draft." He was speaking about future franchises in Florida and Colorado, "I can only imagine what pitchers are going to think of that altitude. Hitters will love it, but pitchers might run away fast than Usain Bolt."
Stay tuned....who knows what the Redbirds will do in the next month!
