As part of the ongoing shutdown, MLB employees are unable to discuss any of the banned players with the media. However, this does not include players who are not on the 40-man roster, leaving members of the front office free to discuss possibilities that have not yet earned a spot on the roster. As such, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak provided some comments to MLB.com’s John Denton about Nolan GormanAnd the Gana Massin And the Jordan Walker. (Twitter links 1And the 2 And the 3.)
Of Gorman, Mozlyak said: “Very impressive. His development and how he grows and creates more value for himself by playing multiple positions is a positive thing. From an offensive standpoint, we’re all excited to see what he can do.” Gorman had a breakout year on the board in 2021, playing in 119 games between Double-A and Triple-A, posting a total of 279/.333/.481, WRC+115. The 21-year-old is now in the top 60 In-game odds by Baseball America, FanGraphs and MLB Pipeline. As Mozeliak points out, Gorman also broadened his topical range last year. Before 2021, he had only played third base in the Cardinals’ system, but he played 77 games at second base last year, compared to 32 at the hot corner. Of course, the club already has an excellent third captain in Nolan Arenadowho is under contract until 2027. (He can opt out of his contract after this year, but based on the fact that he He refused to retire last yearIt seems unlikely that it will.) However, second base seems to be populated tommy addiction This year, however, he could find himself in a super utility role if Gorman can make his way onto the scene.
As for Winn, Mozeliak tells Denton the youngster will focus exclusively on playing shortstop this spring. The Cardinals drafted Wayne as a two-way player in 2020, and last year he pushed both sides of their trade. However, he only scored one appearance on the hill, throwing one inning. As for the other part of his game, he made 438 appearances between Ball A and High-A, hitting .242/.324/.356. His promotional aspirations seem to be waning for now, although it is always possible that he will return to kom in the future.
When asked about Jordan Walker’s future jobs, Mozliak said, “He’s going to get work in some places, but he’s a good athlete and I don’t think it’s a panic time for us… As (most) have heard me before.” , if you are right, we will find you a place to play». Walker certainly had a hit in 2021, his first year in the game in the pro ranks. Between Ball A and High-A, he played 366 games on the board and hit .317/.388/.548, wRC+151. On the defensive end, Walker only played third base last year. But since Arenado exists, it makes sense to give him a chance to try and find another home, just like Gorman.
