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« Angels Pursuing Joey Gathright, Toby Hall | Main | Brad Wilkerson To The Blue Jays? »
Jocketty Faces Burnett Aftermath
A.J. Burnett slipped out of the Cardinals' grasp because of The Fifth Year, and Lboros over at Viva El Birdos thinks the team was being cheap. He mentions their new stadium, radio and TV deal revenue, and two postseasons in a row. Given that A.J. Burnett was the only free agent pitcher out there who could be a difference-maker, what are Cards fans to do?
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Well, they shouldn't count Walt Jocketty out just yet. While perhaps not the best trade in his history, Jocketty did make a move on one of last Javieyear's hot commodities, Mark Mulder. He's fully capable of doing the same thing for Javier Vazquez. The Indians appear to be the front-runner for Vazquez's services, but the Cards might be able to pull something off.
After a perusal of the Cardinals' Baseball America Top Ten Prospects, only Anthony Reyes is Major-League ready among a thin crop. It seems that Reyes, and only Reyes, could bring Vazquez, or any other name starting pitcher, to St. Louis. It wouldn't be the first time Jocketty dealt a near-ready righthanded starter for a proven veteran version. However, should the Snakes insist on a position player (they wanted Coco Crisp), Vazquez won't be joining the Cardinals. If Jocketty can't come up with his #2 starter, expect Jason Marquis to remain with the club.
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AJ Burnett has Darren Dreifort written all over him. Smart move by the Cardinals. He was not worth that much money. And I don't want to hear JP Riccardi bitch and complain anymore on NY radio about how the Yankees are ruining baseball and teams like the Jays can't compete. How much money have the Jays recklessly spent this year?
Posted by: Brian | December 06, 2005 at 12:55 PM
I know that was a rhetorical question, but $102 million.
Posted by: RumorMonger | December 06, 2005 at 12:58 PM
Poor Blue Jays, no wonder they're blue, they're sad. Giving Burnett and Ryan such long contracts for so much money. They may be improved by 5 games. Whoo Hoo!! Still can't outspend the Yankees.
Posted by: Army Guy | December 06, 2005 at 01:30 PM
I know this doesn't have to do directly with the Cards, but some message boards are reporting that in the right deal, any Marlin is available, including Dontrelle and Cabrera. Is this true? Are you hearing anything romotely like this? Thanks.
Posted by: chris hurst | December 06, 2005 at 01:50 PM
Chris - I haven't heard anything to that effect, and I don't believe it. Neither player makes big money, and if the Marlins are going to jettison those guys they might as well be contracted.
Posted by: RumorMonger | December 06, 2005 at 01:59 PM
It's just speculation, but I think the Cards should pursue the Edmonds for Cano & Wang deal. Takes care of two needs, allows us to trade a SP for OF help, and frees up cash for FAs to fill the bullpen and the other OF spot(s).
Posted by: diaspora | December 06, 2005 at 02:15 PM
If I had Edmonds on the block, I'd wait for a future star instead of two decent guys.
Posted by: RumorMonger | December 06, 2005 at 02:19 PM
In response to Chris. It's been reported in a few spaces that Dontrelle and Miguel are available for "the right price." They are going to get expensive real quick. Dontrelle will be starting this year with arbitration I believe...not sure though.
Posted by: JTK | December 06, 2005 at 02:37 PM
Good move by the Cards not to sign him...young guy, hard thrower with major arm problems...hmmm sounds like someone on the Cubs, and he sure as hell wouldnt get a 5/55 deal...neither should Burnett. Sure, Burnett might help the cards by a few games to offset losing Morris, but for 55 mil? Nah. As a Astro fan, while he is up and down, I am glad he is out of the NL and not in the NL Central also....
Posted by: Nick | December 06, 2005 at 02:38 PM
Not all Cardinal fans are moaning today - a lot of us got caught up in the AJ hype, but as I argued last night, I'll take anyone's bet that Mulder wins more games than Burnett over the next 5 years. Jocketty would be smart to get Mulder under a 2 or 3 year extension before this season. If he tries to resign him next year, he could wind up overpaying a large premium.
What would it take for the Cardinals to pry Wilkerson from the Nationals? Could they get him for Jason Marquis straight up and then fill their 5th rotation spot with Millwood or a free agent "project?"
Posted by: STLEdge | December 06, 2005 at 04:01 PM
I could see Wilkerson for Marquis straight up. That's fair.
Posted by: RumorMonger | December 06, 2005 at 04:02 PM