MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals trade Paul Goldschmidt to the Angels

The Cardinals and Angels have agreed to a deal that will send 1B Paul Goldschmidt to the Angels for 3 prospects.

CARDINALS GET:

SP - Reid Detmers - LH 24 yrs old (#48 prospect in baseball)
C - Enrique Coleman - 19 yrs old
RP - Blake Cunningham - 18 yrs old (2 round pick in last year's draft)


ANGELS GET:

1B - Paul Goldschmidt


The move of Goldschmidt came shortly after the Cardinals signed Rafael Devers to play first base. The trade allows the Cardinals to free up money to go after additional needs for the club. Goldschmidt started out hot in 2023, but saw his average plummet over the 2nd half of the season.

The Angels have a need at first base or DH depending on how they choose to utilize Goldschmidt. He will provide another power bat to a lineup that consists of Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout, and Aaron Judge.

Tough seeing Goldschmidt go, but with the signing of Rafael Devers, a left handed bat the club needed, it was all but a done deal.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Harrison Bader signs with Red Sox

Harrison Bader has signed with the Red Sox. The deal is 4 years $50M.

This is somewhat of a blow to the Cardinals who negotiated with Bader during the exclusive free agent period but the sides were apart on money.

Bader wanted 4 years at $75M ($18.75M AAV)

Cards offered 4 years at $60M ($15M AAV)

Now Bader has agreed to a 4 year $50M deal which equates to a $12.5M AAV

For Bader to take $6M less than his original asking and $2.5M less than the Cards offer is a tough pill to swallow.

[LowerWolf]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Damn. That's tough CB. The players association can't be happy with Bader taking that deal from the Sox.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Damn. That's tough CB. The players association can't be happy with Bader taking that deal from the Sox.

That was my thought...

I don't know that I've ever seen that happen. Because the Red Sox offer may have barely filled his "interest bar" to the 1/4 mark, but that would be it. So I was kicking around where I wanted to land in terms of an offer, and boom he's signed.

The only thing that I could see to make it make some sense is that he wanted a contender and he's from New York. Other than that, really shocked that he signed that deal, especially this early.

But its cool. I don't know that I would've resigned him or even offered, but can't help but feel a bit burned by him turning us down only to accept less money for the same number of years of commitment.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals hitting road block on starting pitching market

After re-signing Jack Flaherty to a long term deal, the Cardinals were looking to turn their attention to the starting pitching market to find the second part of their "one two punch". But thus far they have come up empty.

They tried the Blake Snell sweepstakes, but he wasn't interested in hearing from St.Louis and quickly fielded other offers. They turned to Julio Urias, but he eventually signed with the Giants. They have been in discussions with Tyler Glasnow, but it appears that the Cards are not at the top of his list.

They then turned to their next target which was James Paxton, but he isn't interested in coming to St.Louis. Luis Giolito ended up signing with the Reds thus adding depth to their rotation (Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Sonny Gray)

So where do they go now. Arbitration level players that were of interest to St.Louis have all been offered arbitration by their current teams, so they are unavailable, unless via trade later this offseason.

The Cardinals didn't offer contracts to Matthew Boyd and Jake Odorizzi earlier as they had high hopes of getting involved with one of the bigger names in the market. They didn't offer Kwang Hyun Kim arbitration for the same reasons. Now, the Cardinals may have to look at bringing one or two of them back to fulfill their rotation as the depth in the minors isn't ready for a full 30-32 starts this year.

Flaherty and Carlos Martinez are the only regular starters currently on the Cards roster. Levi Prater has pitched in the majors on various occasions but its likely he's still a year away from getting the ball every 5th day at this level. Dakota Hudson was primed to be a starter last year but an injury caused him to return at Memphis where he struggled. Maybe he finds his stuff and joins the rotation this spring.

The Rule 5 draft is upcoming and there's the slim possibility that a back end starter could be found, but the Cards have never been big on Rule 5 players.

Jake Woodford and Matthew Liberatore are expected to be starters at Memphis this year and a year away from being big league ready.

So where do the Cards turn? It's likely they call upon Body or Odorizzi for help. Kim is likely not returning as the Cards were reluctant last year to bring him back.

They could look at trading as they have the pieces to obtain a mid rotation/back end starter. Pulling off a trade for a front end starter will take more resources than the Cards are likely willing to part with.

Things started off great this offseason, but with the Bader ordeal and now missing out on top targets in starting pitching have put a damper on the offseason.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

More transactions around the league

Braves signed 3B Gio Urshela to 3 year/$71.10M

White Sox signed RP Emilio Pagan to 1 year/$10.5M

Rays signed C Victor Caratini to 2 year/$11.2M

White Sox signed SP Yu Darvish to 1 year/$8.7M

White Sox signed SP Kenta Maeda to 1 year/$25.2M

Twins signed 1B Matt Olson to 6 year/$93.6M

Astros signed 2B Jose Peraza to 3 year/$19.8M

White Sox signed SP James Paxton to 1 year/$14.7M

Yankees signed RP Phil Maton to 1 year/$3.6M

Dodgers signed RP Amir Garrett to 2 year/$13.6M

Red Sox signed 1B Rhys Hoskins to 5 year/$72.57M

A's signed SP Taijuan Walker to 4 year/$48M

Cubs signed SP Carlos Rodon to 4 year/$48M

Twins signed SP Blake Snell to 9 year/$231.3M

Red Sox signed CF Harrison Bader to 4 year/$50M

Red Sox signed LF Jesse Winker to 3 year/$24.3M

Padres signed 3B Matt Chapman to 9 year/$279M

Yankees signed CP Jose Leclerc to 5 year/$73M

Giants signed SP Julio Urias to 6 year/$186M

Mets signed SP German Marquez to 5 year/$155M

Padres signed CP Josh Hader to 6 year/$109.2M

[TeejMoore]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Road Trip Finished on a Low

Damn, in a series that could've easily have been a series sweep, it ended up in the Tigers taking 1 out of three from a Boston team that also was sitting at the bottom of the division. Fast starts and for the most part good starting pitching by the Tigers was very prevalent, but the back end of the bullpen continued to collapse, and questions are now being raised in MoTown as they cannot win games this year if the bullpen continues to let them down like teams of the past. This is a team that came in with fringe playoff expectations, and now that they are off to a rough start, the rumor mill is burning hot in Detroit as to what their next move to fix this skid will be.

The Tigers now return back to the friendly confines of Comerica for a 9 game homestand, against 3 teams all who are .500 or worse as of today's date. The Twins(16-16), Royals(14-17), and the Chicago Cubs(9-22) will come to town. The Tigers will look to turn their season around in this stretch, and not coming away from this 9 game homestand above .500 may be a disapointment to say the least. They will first look to win a series though, as they have only won 2 on the year, both against Cleveland, the last coming April 9-11, so it has been almost a month. Here's to the Tigers turning this ship around, as the only team with a >.500 record they play the rest of May is the Yankees to wrap up the month!

[TeejMoore]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Detroit Tigers sign Tyler Chatwood to a 1 year, $3.6 Million deal.

The Tigers bullpen was in desperate need of an upgrade and the Tigers hope to have found that in the power arm of Chatwood. He comes off of a tough year from COVID, one where he had an ERA of over 5 last year, but as that would fit right in on this staff, he can only look to improve it. It currently sounds like he will be used in relief, but he does have experience throwing a couple innings so maybe look to see if he gets any action in spot starts depending on the Tigers situation. Corresponding moves made to activate Chatwood was that the Tigers placed Erasmo Ramirez on outright assignment waivers and purchased the contract of Chatwood from Toledo, where he worked out yesterday. The 31-year-old will join the big club starting this homestand and look to make a difference in those last inning collapses that the Tigers have been struggling with.

[TeejMoore]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Tigers take 2/3 from Twinkies!

Well in what's been almost a month, the Tigers have done it! A series victory. In what was two offensive showcases for the winning teams who split the first two, it came down to a Mother's Day pitcher's duel between the of course likely candidates. Matt Manning and Griffin Jax. Manning went 6.0 giving up 2 on 5H, Jax went 5.0 giving up 2 on 3 hits (HR by Nunez and Goodrum were two of them). It turned out a big seventh inning rally headlined by a 2 RBI Double by Jacoby Jones was the nail in the Twins coffin, as it exploded Comerica Park into a frenzy. Jones, Baddoo, and Grossman have all been hot lately, and it really has propelled the Tigers into being far more competitive. Willi Castro extended his hit streak to 8. Chatwood made his Tigers debut and had two amazing performances in each of the wins, and he has now thrown 3.0 with no runs and one baserunner.

Matt Manning continues to be the best Rookie Pitcher on this young staff, surprising many and maybe getting him off to a good start for his dark horse ALROTY candidacy. Yes while 0-1, he has the most innings of any Tigers pitcher so far, while holding a 3.05 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. Hopefully he can continue this great start to the season as the Tigers will need all the help, they can get to get back in the playoff hunt, but it is early.

They now have Monday off, and will welcome KC to Comerica for 3 games, looking to stay hot. Urena(0-0, 2.65) v Lynch(1-2, 7.56), Turnbull(1-4, 5.12) v Minor(2-2, 3.27), Skubal(4-1, 4.35), v Singer(4-3, 3.85)

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals re-sign Matthew Boyd to one year deal

The Cardinals have brought back left handed starter Matthew Boyd on a one year $7.5M deal. The 33 year old Boyd went 13-10 with a 4.01 ERA between the Tigers and Cardinals last year. His 4.01 ERA was his lowest in the last 4 seasons.

The Cardinals missed the major targets this offseason in regards to starting pitching. They missed Snell, Urias, Paxton, and just recently saw Tyler Glasnow sign with the Indians. So they are looking to add depth with mid-rotation pieces.

Starting candidates currently on roster:

Jack Flaherty
Carlos Martinez
Matthew Boyd
Dakota Hudson
Matthew Liberatore
Levi Prater
Jake Woodford

The Cardinals will continue to search the market and former Card Jake Odorizzi is still available should they want to add him back to the rotation. He went 15-10 last year, but really stuggled in September/October.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Braves sign OF Max Kepler to 3 year deal

The Braves and RF/OF Max Kepler have agreed to a 3 year deal worth $35M. There is a player option for the 3rd year.

The Braves who won the 2023 World Series from the Wild Card position and went an unprecedented 12-0 in the postseason, continue to add to their already championship roster. With Kepler and Urshela added, the Braves have arguably the best line up in the National League.

Here's a quick look:

C - Unknown
1B - Freddie Freeman
2B - Ozzie Albies
SS - Dansby Swanson
3B - Gio Urshela
LF - Marcell Osuna
CF - Ronald Acuna Jr
RF - Max Kepler

And that doesn't include Austin Riley, Brian Anderson, nor Cristian Pache.

Deep lineup with a rotation to match.

Yikes!

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals sign Aroldis Chapman to one year deal

The Cardinals and Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one year $7M deal. The 36 year old recorded 45 saves with the Yankees last year and pitched to the tune of a 3.68 ERA.

This may surprise some as a signing, but the Cardinals are in on bolstering their bullpen. With the ups and downs last year (Hansel Robles, Genesis Cabrera, Jordan Hicks, and Alex Reyes) of players going to the minors and being recalled, the Cardinals are looking to add major league caliber/ready depth.

Now adding Chapman would add potentially a 4th left hander to the bullpen should he not earn the closer role, but much like the other 3 (Norris, Cabrera, & Webb), Chapman has the ability to get out both left handers and right handers equally.

The Cardinals will likely continue to add arms to the bullpen both young and MLB ready, as the offseason continues.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals acquire Jasson Dominguez from Padres

The Cardinals and Padres struck a deal that will send CF Jasson Dominguez to St.Louis and LHP Daniel Norris to San Diego along with prospects.

Cardinals get:

CF Jasson Dominguez - 20 years old


Padres get:

LHP Daniel Norris
3B/1B Jordan Walker (21 years old)
SP Tommie Roland (20 years old)

The Cardinals were wondering what they were going to do at center field after not re-signing Harrison Bader and him signing in Boston. They had internal options of Lane Thomas, Magnerius Sierra, moving Tyler O'Neill to center or even moving Tommy Edman to center. They considered the free agent market, but there wasn't anyone that fit the bill as to what they were wanting out of the position.

Then they turned their attention to the trade market. They discussed Brett Phillips with Tampa Bay, Victor Reyes with Detriot, Kevin Kiermaier with Toronto and Brandon Marsh with LA Angels, but nothing really materialized whether asking price was too high or the other team just said...no.

But...the Padres reached out to the Cardinals earlier this offseason, actually about a week ago, inquiring about Daniel Norris. The offer was prospects, but the Cards turned it down. Now, after signing Aroldis Chapman, the Cardinals thought back, spoke with the Padres and a deal was able to get done.

Jasson Dominguez is 20 years old. He's a switch hitter with excellent speed, a great glove and defensive instincts. He's controllable for the next 4 years and hit .286 last year with San Diego in 88 games (280 AB)

He is perfect for the role the Cards were searching for as a leadoff hitter with defense and speed.

The Padres are getting Daniel Norris who is under contract 2 more years and fulfills a need the Padres have tried to fill this offseason, bullpen help. They already snagged Josh Hader off the free agent market, but now have another lefty in their pen who will likely serve as a setup man.

They also get two top prospects in the Cardinals organization. SP Tommie Roland is 20 years old and is likely just another full minor league season away from being big league ready. Roland has great stuff and dominated AA in his first full big league year and was good, at times great, at AAA Memphis last year.

Jordan Walker is a 3rd baseman by trade, but its likely he will end up at first as he makes his way through the ranks. Walker is 21 years old and was an all-star his first season at Springfield. He hit .321 with 23 homeruns and 87 RBI's. His defense leaves something to be desired, but the kid can hit and with that will likely end up at first base. If he can improve his footwork and glove, he could stick at 3rd base as he has a cannon for an arm.

Great trade, seemingly, for both teams.

[LowerWolf]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Braves take Game 1 of 2021 World Series

Good thing Gerrit Cole was a bit off to begin the World Series. Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer as part of a three-run first and Mike Soroka and the Braves bullpen made it stand up in a 3-1 victory in Game 1 of the World Series at Truist Park.

Travis d'Arnaud added an RBI double for the Braves, who had three hits in the opening inning but just one hit the rest of the game. Cole struck out nine in six innings of work.

Soroka pitched six shutout innings. Tyler Matzek allowed his first run of the postseason on a Clint Frazier pinch-hit double in the seventh. Chris Martin got the final two outs to get out of the jam, with a big assist from Marcell Ozuna. The left-fielder, not known for his defense, made a diving grab to end the inning. The Yankees had runners on first and third and likely would have tied the game if not for Ozuna's spectacular catch.

Diego Castillo pitched a perfect eighth. Will Smith notched the save. After allowing a two-out double in the ninth, Smith struck out Gio Urshela to end the game.

Max Fried takes on Luis Severino in Game 2.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

3 more wins!!!

Good luck LW