This has been a week of mixed emotions for myself and I am sure many Cards fans. It started out with the announcement that none of the Cards free agents were going to be offered arbitration. This includes the likes of Braden Looper, Russ Springer and Jason Isringhausen. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised that the Cards didn't take a chance on Springer and possibly Looper. I wasn't as surprised about Izzy.
I feel that Springer was a sure bet to continue adding value coming out of the pen as well as being a positive mentor for several of the young Cardinal hurlers that will obviously make the roster. I don't know the guy personally but according to all reports Springer is a great influence on the young guys and, by the way, he can still pitch effectively even at 39.
Looper is one of those players that you tend to have a love hate relationship with. He has been very very good at times as a starter for the Birds, and other times he makes you want to throw your beer at the TV. :) I do know that one area the Cards lack depth in is the starters and I am not sure the Cards can do much better than Looper to fill that fifth spot, unless Dewallet wants to open up the checkbook of course. Not likely.
Izzy I feel was pretty much a formality, I think most true Cards fans felt that this was the end of the road for Izzy in St Louis. I must say its a little tough to say goodbye as he has provided us a lot of great memories, similar to Edmonds. I really hated to see Jimmy ballgame go but I also understand that it was probably time. I guess all I can say to Izzy is best of luck to ya and thanks for the memories.
Again, for the Cards to deny arbitration to all of these players was a bit confusing to me, especially Springer. Even if he declined, they had the opportunity to pick up some draft picks and isn't that what "building your farm system is all about?" I guess the front office knows what they are doing, or certainly hope they do. Time will tell!!
One positive for the week is that the Cards have finally signed Trever Miller, the southpaw from the Rays that was supposed to sign several weeks ago. Apparently something showed up in the physical that made the Cards nervous. Reports are stating that Miller has signed a one year deal in the neighborhood of 2 million dollars, this apparently includes any performance incentives. My gut tells me this is a very good move as Millers appearances and stats have been very consistent over the past 6 seasons. He has dominated lefties and not been so hot against righties which falls right into Larussas wheelhouse as far as match ups go.
Probably the most exciting news this week is that the Cards have come to an agreement with the Padres in a swap for RH pitcher Mark worrell, and a pitcher to be named later for Padres shortstop Khalil Greene. Greene has one year remaining on his contract which will pay him 6.5 million in 2009. Details haven't been released yet as to whether the Padres have agreed to eat some of this salary or if the Cards are on the hook for all of it. Greene was very good in 2007 and was considered one of the top shortstops in the league, however, Greene struggled in 2008 at the plate. Reports indicate that Greene was somewhat on the outs with the Padres front office and became somewhat consumed with hitting the long ball. Regardless, I am sure the Cards are hoping that a change of scenery will benefit Khalil and that the great fans of St. Louis will help him get back to his potential.
I think that for most Cards fans, the events of this week are a little much to handle as we are used to somewhat of a conservative approach. I guess sometimes things just fall into place. Here I was all pumped about the Winter meetings next week and now I fear that they might be a little quiet from the redbirds standpoint. I hope I am wrong as there are obviously some more holes to fill in the lineup. We still need a strong second baseman, another starter would be great and we can always use more depth in the pen. Let me know your thoughts about what the Cards have pulled off this week and whats your expectations going forward.
1 comment:
Although it is not a big splash, I dont mind the Greene move. We really didn't have to give up much. It will give us the opportunity to keep our infield defense very strong (obviously depending on who plays 2nd). I think that was the most underrated aspect of the Cards' season last year. Hopefully Greene can bounce back from his awful season last year, and I think he will. My question is who is going to bat leadoff...who ever they pick up for 2nd base is also going to have to be a fit in the leadoff spot unless Schumaker is going to be in the mix.
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