After recovering from a 10-24 start to the 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals have stumbled back to 11 games below the .500 mark.

They are currently in last place in the NL Central at 26-37.

Their main issue has been their lack of starting pitching, but the offense has also been quite inconsistent.

They’ve made a few internal moves to promote players such as Juan Yepez, Luken Baker, and Jordan Walker, but it hasn’t helped them get back on track.

On Thursday, MLB Network insider and St. Louis native Greg Amsinger discussed what it might take for the Cardinals to get back into contention again.

Demotions and speeches aren't going to be enough, the #STLCards need to do something drastic.@MLBNetwork host Greg Amsinger joined #TheOpeningDrive to talk about why a drastic move from outside the club is necessary for the Cardinals.

Full Interview: https://t.co/h95FagDurO pic.twitter.com/3ZCVsBGIu4

— 101 ESPN St. Louis (@101espn) June 8, 2023

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Amsinger predicted that in order for the Cardinals to rebound from their struggles, a major shakeup is needed, and not one from within the organization.

The MLB Network host commented that internal fixes aren’t going to get the job done.

Instead, Amsinger believes the Cardinals are going to need to make a trade or two to shake up the team.

Unfortunately, that may include saying goodbye to some familiar faces, as it may be the only way for them to get what they need at the trade deadline, should they find their way back into contention.

Players such as Tommy Edman, Brendan Donovan, Paul DeJong, Dylan Carlson, and Tyler O’Neill are a few that could find themselves on the move if the Cardinals want a drastic change.

Amsinger likened the situation to the Josh Hader trade from a season ago, and that while it didn’t work out for the Milwaukee Brewers, a trade of that magnitude could be what St. Louis needs.

The post MLB Insider Discusses Cardinals Path To Contention appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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The St. Louis Cardinals have been floundering this season.

After a 10-24 start, they seemingly recovered, only to slip back to 11 games below the .500 mark.

Some of it has to do with the fact that injuries have been an issue for St. Louis.

However, they may soon be getting some reinforcements.

Outfielder Dylan Carlson and pitcher Jake Woodford have been out for the last month.

But according to John Denton of MLB.com, the two of them are making some important strides and could be back soon.

On Twitter, Denton listed some numbers from Woodford and Carlson’s rehab games and revealed that Carlson could be activated as soon as Friday night when the Cards take on the Cincinnati Reds.

In the @memphisredbirds 15-5 defeat of Durham last night, #STLCards RHP Jake Woodford made his third rehab start & allowed 1 ER on 5 hits & struck out 3 in 3+ IP.

Dylan Carlson played RF & went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored & a walk. He could be activated today.

— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 9, 2023

Carlson sprained his ankle during the team’s game on May 14 against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

In his recent rehab appearance, he made the start in right field and went 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a run scored, and a walk.

Woodford allowed one run on five hits over three innings and recorded three strikeouts.

If Carlson returns on Friday, the Cardinals may have a tough decision to make with Alec Burleson, Juan Yepez, and Luken Baker all with the big-league club.

More than likely, one of the three will be sent back down to Triple-A Memphis.

Woodford had been in the starting rotation to start the season thanks to Adam Wainwright’s groin injury.

He had struggled as a starter, but could be a valuable bullpen piece when he eventually returns.

The post The Cardinals May Be Getting Some Reinforcements Soon appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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The Tampa Bay Rays have been an exciting and interesting team to watch this season.

After winning their first 13 games of the season, the Rays found themselves at the top of the pack in the American League East.

As of now, they still own the best record in all of baseball at 46-19.

One of the main reasons they have been so successful is their baserunning.

The Rays have proven to be very skilled when it comes to stealing bases.

In fact, they’ve set a club record of 31 straight stolen base attempts without being caught.

That’s also the most since the Cleveland Indians stole 36 consecutive bases in 2021.

The @RaysBaseball have stolen 31 consecutive bases without being caught

That's the longest streak in franchise history and a league-best since Cleveland stole 36 in 2021. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/BT1AawKWxg

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 9, 2023

This is a unique piece of history that the Rays have been chasing as of late.

With their 31 consecutive successful stolen base attempts, they have joined some elite company.

The Rays offense has been carrying them for much of the season, but baserunning is also a very important aspect of the game.

The Rays have seemingly perfected their technique and are proving to be a threat on the basepaths.

All it takes for them to pass the 2021 Indians record is six more successful consecutive stolen base attempts.

The Rays are also on a hot streak as of late.

They have won six consecutive games and have also won seven of their previous 10.

Tampa Bay also has a 6.5 game lead over the second-place Baltimore Orioles in the AL East.

Their baserunning has been a major key to their success as of late and is helping them win games.

The post The Rays Have Joined Elite Company appeared first on The Cold Wire.

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