Cards News and Notes: projections, previews, front offices, Matheny, Yadi

Here’s everything you missed Yesterday at VEB:

VEB 2017 Projections Results: Jedd Gyorko: VEB’s collective opinion of Jedd Gyorko

2017 Front Office Confidence Survey - Preseason Edition: A poll across SB Nation on your confidence in your favorite team.

2017 MLB Season Preview & Predictions: The national renowned Grant Brisbee’s yearly preview of the coming season, along with predictions.

Does Mike Matheny really want improved defense and baserunning? Craig makes the case that Mike Matheny’s actions don’t match his words.

VEB 2017 Projections Results: Adam Wainwright: VEB’s collective opinion on the man they call Waino.

DFR: Chinea Doubles Twice, Weaver Whifs 4: DFR’s are back!

Are the Cardinals a fourth place team? Alex takes on a controversial claim in Brisbee’s preseason preview.

Are the Cards and Yadi nearing an agreement? Your daily Hunt and Peck was centered on the possibility of an extension for Yadier Molina. I’ve previously voiced support for a new deal that runs through 2019, whereas Craig values waiting for the end of the year to make a decision on Molina. I have to say though, the more I think about it, the more I see the positives to Craig’s way of thinking on this one. The stock of any ballplayer can change a lot in a year, but a nearly-MLB ready top prospect (Carson Kelly) and an all-star entering his mid-30’s both seem more prone to larger changes than normal.

Extending Yadi a year before he reaches free agency builds a little bit of discount into the process. There’s value to waiting too though, in that the team ends up making a decision with more knowledge of Kelly and Molina’s future past 2017. As Craig noted, another strong season from Yadi means the team would recoup a compensation pick if he left.

It’s a very difficult question, which is just part of what leads to a lot of discussion on the topic. I want the team to extend Yadi, but I’m not going to feel very good about a deal that guarantees 2020. If Yadi bets on himself and has a strong season in 2017 though, there’s no way he doesn’t get a deal at least that long. At the same time, trusting the catcher’s position to a guy that’s currently still just a prospect - even one that made a lot of top 100 lists - involves a lot of risk.

Either way, it looks like we will find out soon. Yadi doesn’t want to negotiate in-season, so if news doesn’t come before Opening Day, this may be his last as a Cardinal. When news breaks, VEB will have you covered.