Balancing the Lineup: A Strategic Power Move
Cardinal Decisions: Justifying Purchases and Sell-offs: Insights into Two Advantages and Two Disadvantages
The Cardinals' lineup leans heavily on left-handed bats, and these players excel in delivering hits but lack significant power. Standouts like Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar have shown promising performances this season, with a 139 OPS+ and 111 OPS+ respectively, but they need more oomph in their swings. Nootbaar's SLG is below his career average, while Donovan's power output is still modest, with just 4 HR and 24 RBI.
To address this power deficit, the Cardinals need an additional right-handed bat to even out the lineup against left-handed pitching, especially with Jordan Walker sidelined due to a wrist injury. Luken Baker has struggled to deliver consistently at the major league level, leaving the Cardinals with limited power options from their bench.
Given this need, the Cardinals might take a close look at the following potential right-handed outfielders:
- Free Agent or Trade Options:
- Joey Gallo, known for his prodigious power, could provide a significant boost against left-handed pitchers, but his strikeout rate is high.
- Kole Calhoun, a veteran right-handed hitter, has a history of performing well against lefties.
- Internal Options:
- The Cardinals may need to rely on developing their current prospects or finding solutions within their system, but their immediate options from the roster are restricted.
- Up-and-Coming Prospects:
- Accelerating the development of minor league outfielders may be an option if they demonstrate readiness. However, this may not immediately address the power deficit against left-handed pitching.
The Cardinals' outfield depth is dominated by left-handed bats, including Victor Scott, Lars Nootbaar, Brendan Donovan, and Alec Burleson. Matt Koperniak, another left-handed hitter, is already considered surplus due to the team's left-handed outfield surplus.
The Cardinals could explore either trading for a right-handed outfielder, giving up assets such as Koperniak, or opting for free agency to secure a right-handed power bat. The team's approach will depend on their evaluation of internal talent, the trade market, and their priorities - short-term solutions or long-term development.
According to the strategic power move for the Cardinals' lineup, they might find it beneficial to trade for or sign a free agent right-handed outfielder, such as Joey Gallo or Kole Calhoun, to balances the team's left-handed dominance in the outfield. These players could provide the much-needed power against left-handed pitching, addressing the Cardinals' current power deficit.
