Why the Cardinals need a couple "what ifs" to pan out

Wilson Contreras is a good add, but a couple others must step up.

One can’t underscore how vital the addition of Willson Contreras to the St. Louis Cardinals is. With all due respect to eventual STL and MLB Hall of Famer Yadier Molina, the Birds haven’t experienced production like that from the catcher position-at a consistent rate-in many years.

Molina’s two to three year outburst of post-skinny power doesn’t count. This isn’t a dreamweaver category; I want proven and for sure production. Contreras, adequate catching aside, has been one of the best hitting catchers in baseball since his debut with the rival Chicago Cubs. You haven’t seen that in this lineup for quite a while.

Contreras walks into the clubhouse as a guy who can knock 20-25 HR out and slug well. Busch Stadium has taken many good hitters and made them less, but even a slightly lesser season from him would give the lineup something more.

If you’re asking Paul Goldschmidt or Nolan Arenado to do more than they did last year, pick up a tiny hammer and smack yourself in the shoulder with it--and then ask yourself again. They’re fine. Two of the best players in baseball, including the reigning NL MVP. It’s the rest of the lineup we need to worry about.

Outside of Contreras, what does a nearly full season from Tommy Edman look like? He’s great in spurts but can wear out, especially if he hits leadoff or against a certain handed-pitcher. Can Brendan Donovan repeat what he did last season? When will Masyn Winn and Jordan Walker arrive in the big leagues?

Does Tyler O’Neill remember his MVP-caliber season? He’s either someone you can count on, or just another pretty and broken toy. If he wants to be paid, stay on the field and do more than win a Gold Glove in left. Partial success seasons don’t get a man paid.

Are we really even thinking about Paul DeJong? When the play-by-play announcer is applauding a veteran player for taking a pitch, it’s time to hit the “bad contract” button for good. Please don’t present a rebuttal. Use those words to write something that isn’t a White Men Can’t Jump remake.

Dylan Carlson is another question mark. He burst onto the scene with an 18 HR/65 RBI/.260 BA season, and then last year happened. Like Edman, he’s not as strong against a certain arm, and the outfielder lost time due to a wrist injury. The OPS overall went from .780 to .695, which isn’t downright awful.

He is 24 years old, which gives him before we turn away from him. As in, you can’t just see how he does in spring training before making him a 4th outfielder. He wasn’t the only piece in the Juan Soto sweepstakes, but he was at the heart of the deal. Carlson can get time this year, folks.

While the law offices of Walker and Winn are going to wreak havoc on pitchers and managers soon enough, there’s still no need to rush him. The team plays in a weak division, and has a couple STUDS on the roster.

The Cardinals need a couple what-if players to become legit producers. I’m talking to Mr. O’Neill and Mr. Carlson mostly here. Contreras will do what he does and become a plus, and the same can be said for Edman and Donovan. Nolan Gorman and Juan Yepez are also those what-ifs, as in full season potential. Don’t forget those two guys had the lone RBI in the lone playoff game against Philadelphia.

A question was posed on the afternoon drive via 101.1 ESPN today: If Arenado and Goldschmidt repeat their seasons, can the Cards contend more or at least repeat their success?

I think the addition of Contreras enlivens that production, but… another unexpected contributor would be nice. A “What If” coming true. Baseball is back, so start stocking up on beer. Bourbon too early in a 162-game season is very dangerous. Smash three relatively strong beers, and then start sipping.

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Photo Credit: Jeff Curry/USA Today Sports