Cardinals' Roster Moves Signal New Era of Aggression
In the ever-evolving world of Major League Baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals are embracing a fresh strategy under the leadership of Chaim Bloom. The Cardinals, known for their stability in player transactions, are now showing a willingness to shake things up, particularly with the back end of their roster.
Last season, the Cardinals made only one non-essential waiver move, losing outfielder Michael Helman to the Texas Rangers. This cautious approach was a hallmark of John Mozeliak’s tenure. However, Bloom's arrival marks a shift towards a more dynamic roster management style.
A prime example of this new approach is the recent waiver claim of reliever Zak Kent from the Rangers. This isn't the first time Kent has caught the Cardinals' eye; they initially claimed him from Cleveland in December, only to lose him in January. This move highlights a growing trend across the league: embracing volatility and maximizing roster flexibility.
Manager Oli Marmol encapsulates this mindset: "You’re constantly managing your optionable pieces. It’s about making sure you’re ready for today while keeping an eye on tomorrow." The Cardinals are clearly prioritizing adaptability, a necessity in today’s fast-paced game.
Understanding MLB's complex roster rules is crucial. Players must be on the 40-man roster to be active in a game, and once added, they can be moved between the majors and minors for three seasons. If removed from the 40-man, they go through waivers, open to claims by other teams.
The Cardinals' recent acquisition of George Soriano from the Nationals illustrates their strategic aggressiveness. Soriano, having been passed around by several teams, finally landed in St.
Louis after a trade involving Andre Granillo. The Cardinals believe Soriano offers untapped potential, justifying the trade.
With Kent’s two remaining options, the Cardinals gain flexibility, allowing them to maneuver their roster more effectively. This strategy involves not just acquiring talent but also making tough decisions about who stays and who goes.
In a tactical move, the Cardinals designated infielder Bryan Ramos for assignment to make room for Kent, rather than placing injured minor league pitchers Cooper Hjerpe and Tekoah Roby on the 60-day injured list. This decision reflects a calculated approach to manage service time and salaries, avoiding unnecessary expenses while keeping future options open.
The Cardinals are not alone in this approach. Teams like the Dodgers and Orioles have mastered the art of using the waiver wire as an extension of their roster, focusing on skill sets rather than individual identities. This method allows them to optimize their talent pool and remain competitive.
For the Cardinals, this means a more active waiver wire and a willingness to make bold moves. It’s a strategy that may see more names coming and going, but it’s all part of a plan to extract every ounce of potential from their roster. As they look to the future, the Cardinals are poised to make more unforced changes, ensuring they remain a formidable force in the league.