The Cardinals Faithful Have Questions: Sauls-Bag 2026!!!
Well, things have taken a turn. Last night was harder to watch than the final season of And Just Like That…. I don’t know where to begin other than to say, hey, there’s plenty of baseball left. Reel off a good 15-5 stretch and we’re right back in this thing! You all know I’m the voice of positivity in the St. Louis sports scene, so I won’t dwell on that absolute shelling that looked like the 1996 Bulls playing the St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Instead, I took my questions from the always upbeat world of social media! You asked, I’ll now answer.
Viewer discretion advised; we have some doozies in here…and some Cubs fans. I run in odd circles for certain.
Ronnie Lowry: Nixa, MO via Arnold, MO. Absolute solid dude.
How did the impending potential lock out affect the Cardinals trade deadline moves? Where would you put the chances of a salary cap?
A REAL question!? This may be a first for the Sauls-Bag. Thank you, Ronnie. And yes, it most certainly did. The Cards accomplished their goal of going young, and they added really no extra guaranteed money for next year. Per Spotrac the team has a projected total adjusted payroll in 2027 of about $25.75 million. Basically, they’re sitting prettier than a Darryl Kile curveball. The ability to get a great return while not compromising too much of the current roster was impressive. If the owners and players can stay friendly and not take the negotiations to the press we may have a great 2027 and beyond.
Salary cap, my gut says the players will never cave. EVER.
Wes Wingate: Columbia, MO. Pianist, songwriter, co-host fo the 50 Forgotten Cardinals podcast, raconteur
Is Matthew Liberatore a double agent for the Cubs?
Wow, you sent this last week and I forgot until now. Libby has insane talent, great stuff, and a seemingly fantastic work ethic. But, he serves up more meatballs than the Pasta House Company. The thought I had last week was this; Can we convince him to be the next Billy Wagner? Hear me out! Just tell him to let it eat like Joey Chestnut on Independence Day for 10-20 pitches 50-60 times a year. My head and my gut are in agreement on this.
Ben Haynes: Decatur, IL, father of a future NFL Pro-Bowler
Who should be the NL MVP and why is it PCA?
Nothing like an MVP from the second best team in the third best division in baseball. He’s having a helluva season for the Cubby Bears and they’ll be in the playoffs, so he’ll get some votes. He may win. But, if Ohtani gets hot at the plate and also throws a few innings in September, it’ll be his again. Plus, Jacob Misiorowski will get some first place votes as well, so it’ll be a close one. Let’s go Indiana Bears!!!!
Mark Wieners: Imperial/Arnold, MO, His kids are WAAAAY cooler than him
In their respective prime, could a team of 9 Ray Lankford’s beat a team of 9 Brian Jordan’s?
Seriously, is this even a question? Peak Lankford is as good as any CF in Cards history. For starters, here is Lankford versus Greg Maddux: 29 hits, 4 HRs, 18 RBI’s, .820 OPS. Then, just look at this Baseball Reference comparison.
Ricky V: Cleveland, OH (Closet Brewers fan)
Question 1 – When do you think the Cards can compete with the Cubs and the Brewers in the NL Central? Are they 2 years away? More?
It’s not a matter of years, it’s a matter of players. They need 2 starters, a new closer, and 2 more relievers. That’s five players and they win the Central. Now, will they get them? Not if they keep trying to pinch pennies like my Grandma did at the old Ben Franklin on Grand and Gravois.
Question 2 – Is Joshua Báez for real or flash in the pants?
Well…that’s a new expression. He’s the real deal. He’s had a rough run after that hall of fame worthy arrival, but next season he will be a beast. We’re talking 2019 Jorge Soler type potential. So, your Brewers are looking at Wetherholt, Burleson, Walker, Baez for the next 5-10 years. God speed young man.
Bill Goodfriend: Clayton, MO via Great Neck, NY. Political genius, golfer.
When does spring training start? Let’s get a jump on that.
To directly answer, pitchers and catchers are expected to report for 2027 Spring Training February 9–11, 2027. But, if the aforementioned labor negotiations spill into the press and the new year, it may be May. I’m excited to see what happens down the stretch here and hoping like hell we get a normal 162 in 2027.
Jeff Kraus: Richmond Heights, MO via his motherland of Iowa. Knockdown three-point shooter, bourbon connoisseur.
Which Wrigley game was more fun for Cards fans, Baez getting 3 HRs in his 1st 3 MLB at bats or the 17 to 1 beat down of the cubs last month?
I’ll watch both on repeat, they’re more satisfying than taking your shoes off after 27 holes of golf. Anytime the Cubs and Haynes brothers have to sit through such moments are Manna from heaven.
Thanks to all those who submitted questions and read all the answers. Keep your chins up fellow friends of Fredbird! It’s gonna be a fun September!
-Will Saulsbery
Born and raised in St. Louis,Will Saulsbery is the writer of three books including the autobiography of Jay Delsing, You Wouldn’t Believe Me if I Told You, and his latest release 50 Forgotten Cardinals: The short story of 50 lesser known and sometimes forgotten St. Louis Cardinals. He also hosts the Hoops On Scoops Podcast for the Scoops Sports Network.
