Separate Ways
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 4:21 am
From 2013-17 the Bucs finished 3, 2, 2, 8, and 8 games behind the Cardinals. Both teams made the playoffs in '13, '14, and '15 and both missed in '16 and '17. Like the Bucs, the Cards for the most part failed to make any big time additions the past two years, waiting to see if their young players emerged and watching certain veterans under perform or get injured.
The Cards have made it clear it is time for change. Flush with money and tradeable pieces, they have committed to pursuing Stanton, JD Martinez, Josh Donaldson, or Eric Hosmer among others. My Cardinal friends brag that every signing in the power market will go through St.Louis as teams and players know the Cards are willing to spend to improve their team.
Optimistically, and without any significant additions, I consider the Bucs an 80 to 82 win team in 2018. As currently constructed, I don't think the Cards are significantly better. However, should they sign one of the big names above, and add a proven closer, I see them getting over 90 wins and out of reach.
For five years we have been in virtually the same neighborhood as the Cards. By the end of next week we may be moving in different directions for the foreseeable future.
The Cards have made it clear it is time for change. Flush with money and tradeable pieces, they have committed to pursuing Stanton, JD Martinez, Josh Donaldson, or Eric Hosmer among others. My Cardinal friends brag that every signing in the power market will go through St.Louis as teams and players know the Cards are willing to spend to improve their team.
Optimistically, and without any significant additions, I consider the Bucs an 80 to 82 win team in 2018. As currently constructed, I don't think the Cards are significantly better. However, should they sign one of the big names above, and add a proven closer, I see them getting over 90 wins and out of reach.
For five years we have been in virtually the same neighborhood as the Cards. By the end of next week we may be moving in different directions for the foreseeable future.