Critics and media, alongside Cardinals supporters, voice dissent over my perspective on Rafael Devers' performance
On a random Monday, I penned down some thoughts about the St. Louis Cardinals that got a lot of buzz, more than I anticipated. But hey, I ain't here to deceive or generate clicks. I just dig talking 'bout baseball, and the Cards are no exception.
Some folks might recognize my style – I ain't about clickbait. I say things as they are, with no intentions of twisting'em or sensationalizing'em. My piece on Rafael Devers didn't get the kind of attention that'd compromise my reputation. I gotta draw the line somewhere, and that line ain't crossed with this one.
I always enjoy chatting about the Cardinals with whoever's interested in baseball, whether it's fans, media, or armchair analysts. It's all about having a good conversation, exchanging ideas, and challenging each other's perspectives.
Now, even though I still stand by my initial take on Devers, I reckon I could've been more mindful of potential questions, critiques, or oversights my article might stir up. To shed some clarity on my position, I'd like to address a few common concerns raised about my stance on the Cards pursuing Devers in a trade.
First off, many pointed out that such a move was never gonna happen, and I can't dispute that. But that's not the point I was trying to make. I wanted to challenge some assumptions and break free from the stagnant mindset that's prevented the Cards from making bold moves in the past. I'm not advocating for the Cardinals to splash the cash like the LA Dodgers or NY Mets, but I believe there's wiggle room to spare, without pushing them too far out of their comfort zone.
Next up, some argued that the Cards weren't in a position to pull off a deal like this given their current goals and timeline for contention. I can see where they're coming from, and to some extent, I agree. But I'd contend that an opportunity like the one presented by Devers doesn't come around often – one that features a high-caliber slugger in his late 20s, under a long-term deal that was signed before free agency. Such a situation doesn't happen every day, and the Cards might've been better off taking that bird in hand, rather than banking on their homegrown talent to pan out.
Obviously, juggling roster moves and payroll would've been quite the balancing act, especially if they didn't move Nolan Arenado in the trade. But my question is, "Why can't they chase a bat like Devers while still focusing on their core Development and Runway goals?" Until baseball gets a salary cap, the Cards will always trail big-market teams when it comes to signing marquee free agents like Devers. If he'd hit the open market, I reckon he would've nabbed an even bigger contract – one that the Giants didn't overpay for, in my opinion.
I understand if some folks still disagree with me, and that's perfectly fine. But if the Cards could've made it work, I'd have liked for them to step outside their box and take the chance. Alas, it seems they never even sniffed around or dared to kick the tires, much to my disappointment.
Lastly, some raised concerns about Devers' attitude issues. While I can see where they're coming from – he's had some run-ins with his Boston front office – I think a player with his talents is worth the gamble. It's all about finding the right balance between taking risks and maintaining a stable team environment. In all fairness, I'd have preferred Devers to handle things differently in Boston, but the breakdown in communication and team dynamic was evident. A fresh start in a new city might just be what the doctor ordered.
At the end of the day, finding a player like Devers is a valuable asset, and I challenge the Cardinals to be more proactive and agile in their approach to team-building. This isn't about criticizing their previous moves or doubting their judgment, but rather urging them to push the envelope and leave no stone unturned when it comes to pursuing the game's best players.
As far as I'm aware, the Cardinals never gave the Devers pursuit a second thought, and that's a missed opportunity. Then again, the Giants didn't overpay for Devers, so it's a bittersweet pill to swallow. But hey, that's the nature of the game – sometimes you win, sometimes you learn – and I'll be keeping a close eye on the Cards as they continue their rebuild.
Sports fans and baseball enthusiasts might appreciate the possibility of Boston's Rafael Devers joining the MLB roster for the St. Louis Cardinals. In light of the recent discourse surrounding his article on Devers, the author acknowledges that while the trade might not have occurred, he encourages the Cardinals to consider pursuing such high-caliber players in the future, pushing beyond their comfort zones in team-building efforts.
