The St. Louis Cardinals' Catching Conundrum: A Young Squad's Future Unveiled
The Cardinals' catching situation is a hot topic among fans, but it's about to get even more intriguing. As the team gears up for Spring Training, the buzz around the young players is palpable, especially after the Winter Warm-Up event. However, the catching position remains a puzzle with several pieces yet to fall into place.
Despite Chaim Bloom's roster moves, including trading veterans Sonny Gray, Willson Contreras, and Nolan Arenado, the catching position is still a mystery. Brendan Donovan's trade status is unclear, Lars Nootbaar's rehab progress is unknown, and Ivan Herrera, surprisingly, hasn't been fully cleared to throw or hit after the Winter Warm-Up. This raises questions about his involvement in Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic.
Herrera's health and performance are key. Manager Oli Marmol attributes his throwing struggles to an arm injury, but the extent of this issue is uncertain. His defensive prowess is evident, especially in 2019, but his caught stealing percentage has been underwhelming. Yet, there's a consensus that Herrera should be the primary catcher, with 3-4 starts a week, as his value to the team could skyrocket if his throwing improves. His top-100 player status, even without a fixed position, is a testament to his potential.
Enter Pedro Pages, a capable backup. Pages has shown he can handle a pitching staff, but his offensive performance has been inconsistent. His career 30.8% caught stealing rate is impressive, and his ability to play multiple positions adds value. However, his offensive numbers need improvement, with an abysmal 49 wRC+ outside of an exceptional August.
Fan favorite Yohel Pozo adds depth. Pozo's re-signing was met with fan outcry, but his role as a clutch bench bat may be limited. His awareness of this reality makes his re-signing a feel-good story. The Cardinals' catching depth extends to their prospects, with Jimmy Crooks, Leonardo Bernal, and Rainiel Rodriguez generating hype. These prospects could have been trade bait, but Chaim Bloom opted to keep them, perhaps due to the team's long-term vision.
The strategy to keep all six catchers makes sense, especially with Yadier Molina's return to the organization. Developing Crooks, Bernal, and Rodriguez at their own pace is a wise move. A potential trade of Pages could create a platoon with Herrera and Crooks, a low-risk move that might not be necessary yet. Pages' offensive potential is unproven, but his catching skills are solid. Bernal and Rodriguez, both highly ranked prospects, offer exciting possibilities.
With Spring Training around the corner, the young catchers will be in the spotlight. Their performance will be crucial as the entire roster, particularly the pitching staff, is youthful. The development of these catchers will significantly impact the future of Cardinals baseball. But here's where it gets controversial: is it wise to rely on such a young catching squad, or should the Cardinals consider more experienced options? The debate is sure to spark opinions, and the team's strategy will be under the microscope as the season unfolds.
