He did get an over-slot bonus, more like a low 1st or high 2nd rounder. I agree that it is worth reminding people that any player who has a positive contribution with a major league team has beaten the odds.
It looks like the last spot in the bullpen is designated for pitchers nobody wants until we see Tonkin or Stewart return. We may see Ynoa next if McCaughan pitches in this series.
Danny DeAndrade should be in Double-A. Will Holland is expected to return this season. If there is a problem in the immediate near-term a trade is always a possibility (buy someone else's AAA shortstop for cash).
If they're down by 8 runs it doesn't matter who you put in. That's when teams use a position player to pitch. It would be better to give innings to someone who might have a future with the club.
They're giving Dobnak $3M worth of appreciation this year. He knows his job.
It was good to see Wallner get a double and a walk, the outfield assist was icing. Willi Castro is doing everything he can to help the team win.
It certainly doesn't bode well for him that he can't beat out Mickey Gasper or Dashawn Keirsey for a spot on the roster. If Emmanuel Rodriguez isn't ahead of him for a call-up, he will be very soon. Luke Keaschall is also trying to get that spot in the big leagues.
Stuart Fairchild is freely available to any team that will put him on a major league roster. Is Martin better than Fairchild?
Eric Davis kept playing to age 39. He's a good comp for Buxton both in talent and durability. Reggie Sanders shows up as a comp for both Buxton and Davis; he also played until age 39.
Can I get a few more down votes in the lineup thread about the decision to start Bader over Dashawn Keirsey? Clearly a stupid idea to start the veteran, former Cardinal on Opening Day instead of the 28-year old rookie with less than 20 at-bats in his career.
Thinking through late inning bench moves, they could use Julien to pinch hit for Miranda, Gasper pinch hits for Bader, Keirsey for Gasper, move Castro to 3B.
We will definitely see that lineup in future games. I don't blame them for putting the best defense out there when Sonny Gray is pitching against them.