Cardinal Trade Rumor Roundup
My apologies for posting some rumors from a few days ago; I'm still catching up. Today's let's look at some recent Cardinals trade rumors.
The first question is whether the team should conduct some form of a fire sale. Right now, they're still mired in the NL Central race at 6.5 games out. But if the team does spiral out of contention by July 31st, it might make sense to trade Jason Isringhausen. He's probably their best trading chip. Cards beat writer Joe Strauss mentions the Braves, Indians, and Cubs as teams that would have interest in the 34 year-old closer. After Izzy was nearly left for dead/retired in '06, he's bounced back with 13 saves in the season's first two months. He makes $8.75MM this year with an $8MM club option for '08. That includes a $1.25MM buyout.
The Isringhausen trade option represents the worst case scenario. Let's consider what the Cardinals might do to improve in the short term. Catcher Yadier Molina should be sidelined for at least a month with a broken wrist. One option is Royals catcher Jason LaRue, who's owed about $1.65MM on the season by KC. The one concern is that LaRue is 7 for 57 on the season, and didn't hit at all last year. At 33, he may have to permanently join the Brotherhood of Backup Catchers, if he hasn't already. Yadier's brother Jose may be an option as well.
Also on the radar: comeback kid Troy Percival. The Cards will watch him throw, if they haven't already. St. Louis joins roughly a half-dozen teams in the Percival pursuit. More than that, if you add the Giants and A's to the mix.
And they released Eli Marrero last week.
Wtg guys.
After this Reyes fiasco I'm about done with Duncan and LaRussa.
Posted by: plh903 | June 02, 2007 at 01:22 PM
why do the Braves need another closer? I know, Gonzo is out, but do we really need an 8.5M dollar secondary set-up man?
Posted by: Vuchato | June 02, 2007 at 08:07 PM
A pathetic bullpen is what caused Atlanta the NL wildcard last season. Mike Gonzalez is out for the year, & it seems the NL East is going to be a 2 team race the rest of the season between the Braves & Mets. I think Soriano & Wickman can get the job done in the 8th & 9th innings. The Braves biggest need is a quality #3 starting pitcher behind Smoltz & Hudson.
Posted by: Yars | June 02, 2007 at 08:25 PM
The question is who would they give up for 6 weeks of LaRue? Their farm system is barren. And what do they need? Everything but a 1b. This is one of the worst Cardinal teams I have ever seen. They have traded away anything resembling a prospect for right now/playoff runs. They are maxed out of their self-imposed salary cap after wasting money on Edmonds, and to a lesser extent Wells, Kennedy, and Eckstein. Unfortunately the weakness of the division will allow them some glimmer of hope well into the summer and not allow them to dump some of these players. Jocketty has never struck me as a rebuilder just a patch it up guy.
Posted by: The Stone Cop | June 02, 2007 at 11:44 PM
Burhle and a free agent outfielder, and the Cards should be fine. I think there is a lot more quality in next years FA class. They showed great restraint in not over spending for crap. I think they have enough in the kitty to plug that gaping hole in the outfield and get a solid starter in Burhle. Maybe they can also pick up Jeff Weaver in exhange for a tootsie roll or but no more than a box of cracker jacks.
Posted by: coolpapabell | June 04, 2007 at 03:15 PM
They should be compensated for letting Weaver throw one pitch...and I mean millions. Each pitch he throws has at least a 20% chance of being hit out of the park
Posted by: Aduncaroo | June 04, 2007 at 03:30 PM
I don't see the Cardinals breaking the bank for Buehrle. They seem to think Dave Duncan is Jesus Christ.
Posted by: Teetz | June 05, 2007 at 03:37 PM