- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
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- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
Inbox: What is Cards’ primary offseason focus?
- Updated: October 25, 2016
With the Hot Stove season nearing and the most unlikely of World Series matchups now set, let’s take some time on the eve of Game 1 to hit on some topics that relate to what could be ahead for the Cardinals this offseason.
Remember to include your name and hometown when submitting questions for future consideration. This Inbox will be a regular feature on Cardinals.com during the offseason, so if you don’t see your submitted question here, look for it to appear in a future installment.
With so much uncertainty about this upcoming season, what do you think is the biggest concern/need that needs to be addressed this offseason? — Mike P., Verona, NJ.
In my opinion, the Cardinals’ biggest deficiency this season was related to run prevention. And, of course, that includes two components — pitching and defense. Now, I don’t foresee a seismic shakeup with the pitching staff, so what you saw in 2016 will largely be what you get in ’17 (plus the notable addition of Lance Lynn). The offseason focus, then, should shift to the defensive side, where the Cardinals need to improve at several positions. Most importantly, they need to address this year’s deficiencies up the middle.
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How big a difference can the defense make with a mostly static pitching staff? Quite a significant one, actually. Consider that while the Cardinals ranked 19th in the Majors with a 4.08 ERA in 2016, they jumped up to seventh with a FIP of 3.88. The Fielding Independent Pitching statistic estimates a pitcher’s run prevention independent of the performance of the defense. It’s evidence of how much this year’s staff was hurt by the defense behind it.
What starting pitchers are available that we could trade for to aid the staff? — Marion M., Vandalia, Ill.
Get ready to hear this often over the next few months: This year’s free-agent class, especially when it comes to starting pitching, is remarkably weak. With …
