For much of the season, the St. Louis Cardinals have managed to outperform expectations. Even after dropping eight of their last 10 games, they remain within striking distance of the National League Wild Card picture. That raises an important question: Has their surprisingly competitive season done enough to change the plans of new president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, who took over from longtime executive John Mozeliak last offseason?<\/p>\n
According to Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn, the answer is a clear no.<\/p>\n
Winn delivered a blunt assessment while speaking with reporters during this week’s series against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could win every game for the rest of the year, and [Chaim Bloom] would still trade guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winn appears convinced that the Cardinals are headed toward selling at the trade deadline. Other young leaders on the roster have been more measured in their comments, but they acknowledge that everyone will have a role in determining what the team looks like after the deadline.<\/p>\n
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And realistically, Winn may have a point.<\/p>\n
Bloom was hired to restore the consistent success and organizational stability that defined the Cardinals for much of the past three decades before the franchise’s recent struggles. A respectable first half of the season is unlikely to convince him that the current roster is ready to compete at the highest level. There are still significant weaknesses, and St. Louis remains a long way from looking like a legitimate championship contender.<\/p>\n
Several Cardinals players have already emerged as potential trade candidates. Pitchers Dustin May and Ryne Stanek are among the names being discussed, but the organization could potentially go much deeper if Bloom decides to aggressively reshape the roster. Players such as Ivan Herrera, Alex Burleson, Lars Nootbaar, Kyle Leahy and Andre Pallante could also attract interest from other clubs.<\/p>\n
From the Chicago Cubs’ perspective, St. Louis could theoretically offer some intriguing options. Adding a pitcher such as Pallante or Leahy would be appealing, but there is currently no indication that the Cubs and Cardinals are discussing a trade.<\/p>\n
May, meanwhile, has experienced an inconsistent season but could still attract attention<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"