Two seasons above replacement level (2019 and 2021).
Two seasons below replacement level (2020 and 2022)
Houser’s 13 IP in 2018 were essentially replacement level.
Conclusion: At age 30, this is not the player you make a multi-year commitment to. Maybe two-years at affordable contract? He probably could get a short multi-year deal in free agency.
In any case, no rush.
I think it is alright for people to miss 7-year Brewer veteran, Brent Suter. He had a career ERA of 3.51 for Milwaukee.
I think the front office felt, correctly, they could get similar production for less than $3,000,000 salary this year.
Milwaukee and Saint Louis hitters have identical BABIP, suggesting similar luck. Both third-highest in MLB. If both teams regress on BABIP then in theory, both offenses decline.
I see the Cardinals’ pitching has third-worst BABIP allowed and third worst HR/FB % in MLB. If that regresses to middle of the pack, they will improve.
They also are third-worst for hard hit percentage allowed, which could also mean hitters are just hitting Cardinal pitching hard this year.
The Brewers at 13-5 is even more exciting given the lack of cupcake opponents.
Pirates and Cubs still playing well and Cardinals are 6 GB. Cardinals run differential doesn’t provide immediate hope for a quick turnaround.
I’m glad we miss Luis Castillo in Seattle.
I also noticed 36-year old LHP Tommy Milone was otherwise in-line to be the starting pitcher in game three, until he was designated for assignment. Almost seems like poor scouting to DFA Milone before the Milwaukee series. Milone had 1.93 ERA in his one 4.2 IP start last week.
If any of the guys we received from the trade become above average, I will be fine with the trade. We did not need Renfroe and his salary in 2023 or beyond.
Credit the Cardinals for a big win today. Contreras had a full count in the 10th inning and drew a one out walk. It could easily have been two outs, trailing by a run.
Cardinals narrowly avoid falling to 6-10. Instead, 7-9 and they host the Diamondbacks this week.
How has Frelick looked in his first 43 AB this year? Very few strikeouts but not much else.
Hiura seems to be doing what he does.
Blake Perkins seems to be performing, too.