Imagine a player who will turn 32 before the year is over. This player has had four straight seasons with a declining walk rate with the fifth season being in line to continue that trend. This player has had an escalating strikeout rate for three straight seasons, with the fourth season being in line to continue that trend. You can read a headline. I’m talking about Paul Goldschmidt. I’m worried about him.
To be more specific, I am not necessarily worried about him this year. I am worried about him this year, but only as much as I’m worried about any player the Cards are relying on who has a slow start.