Viva El Birdos Podcast 49: Joe Schwarz discusses the offseason and lineup

We have another podcast for the wonderful listeners out there. Joe Schwarz and Craig Edwards cover a variety of Cardinals subjects.

A discussion on Justin Upton and Yoenis Cespedes and the contracts they receive lead to a discussion on the current outfield options. There was an agreement on the talent level, but multiple question marks. The rotation, repertoire and bullpen is also discussed.

If there was a theme to this podcast, it would be depth, as the Cardinals have it. As I noted in my ZiPS takeaways on the offensive side:

A quick look at the projections shows six of the eight projected starters at or above average (2.0 zWAR), with only Brandon Moss and Matt Holliday below. Just looking at the totals does not do the depth justice as more players are actually above-average performers.

Pro-rating plate appearances to 600, the Cardinals have nine players performing at an above-average rate with Matt Holliday, Greg Garcia, and Tommy Pham also making the cut, with Jedd Gyorko, Aledmy Diaz, Brandon Moss, and Matt Adams not far behind.

And the rotation:

On the pitching side, the Cardinals have four starters decently above average on the whole, with Garcia also above average with an innings deficit. On a rate basis, Tyler Lyons and Tim Cooney profile right at about average with Marco Gonzales a bit below the two of them. Top prospect Alex Reyes does not have a great projection, but could hold his own.

Thanks for listening. Feel free to leave any comments or suggestions in the comments.