Cards Hope To Re-Sign Eckstein
Last we'd heard, David Eckstein was expected to leave the Cardinals and sign with the White Sox, Tigers, or Mets. However, the Cards' team spokesman said two days ago when Joel Pineiro was signed that John Mozeliak's next order of business was to re-sign Eckstein.
Eckstein earned $4.5MM this season in the last year of his three-year deal. He turns 33 in January, and has averaged 120 games in the last two seasons. Eckstein has a solid career OBP of .351. There's a great point-counterpoint over at Viva El Birdos about whether the Cards should re-sign him. Their best estimate is that he would earn about $6-7MM per year on a two or three-year deal. The Cards stand to net some solid draft picks if they let Eckstein walk in favor of Brendan Ryan or an external candidate.
He is just not worth 6 to 7 mil in my book. I would pay money not to have to watch his throwing motion...
Posted by: Aduncaroo | October 17, 2007 at 11:59 AM
PLEASE NO MORE ECKSTEIN!!!!! He was overpaid this past year at $4.5 mil. He is too injury prone, his defense is worse now than it ever has been, and all he can do is hit a single and then pretty much clog up the basepaths due to his declining and lack of speed. Give the job to Ryan or try to bring someone(anyone) in. Whoever gets it will be a huge upgrade over Eckstein.
Posted by: sls_47 | October 17, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I think he'll be resigned. He's actually pretty overrated and not really good at anything except play with great effort, but even that has caused some detrimental effect now that he's older with all the injuries he get.
That said, if the team said it wants to resign him, I think he would probably be inclined to stay. If the going rate really is 6-7 million, I think he would stay for something like a 2 year for 11 million, maybe an option for 3rd year on games played.
Posted by: zs190 | October 17, 2007 at 12:19 PM
anything over 5 mill is too much. they need to be smart with their money. if they don't want to give the full time job to ryan then they should try to make a trade somewhere. the last thing the birds need is another player riding the bench eating up a big contract. you'd think they'd learn from rolen and edmonds
Posted by: muidomi84 | October 17, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Please re-sign Eckstein now so that Kenny Williams can't sign him.
Posted by: Andrew Cabiness | October 17, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Ditto Cabi !
Posted by: Blutarski | October 17, 2007 at 12:53 PM
I love Eck but that is just crazy money for what he brings to the table.
Posted by: bjsguess | October 17, 2007 at 12:59 PM
Honestly, if he would take a 2 YEAR deal then it would be worth it. Even at 14 Mil. He is still a good leadoff hitter, and thats something the cardinals need. Keep Ryan around to platoon with Adam Kennedy, and sub for Eck if he gets hurt.
But NO MORE than 2 years 14 Mil. Anything more than that it is a very bad contract. Plus, Eck will probably still be a Type a free agent at the end of the deal, at worst a type b.
Posted by: registereduser | October 17, 2007 at 02:54 PM
I'd rather they let him walk. I love his hustle and effort, but he can't stay healthy anymore, and committed a lot of errors in limited action in '07.
I like Ryan too, but I'm still undecided on whether or not I think he should get the starting gig.
The Cardinals need starting pitching badly. I think overpaying on a SS would be a mistake, and it would be nice to get the draft picks too.
Posted by: mikeonthecards | October 17, 2007 at 03:44 PM
If Eckstein is a type A...they need to praise the Lord and wave as he walks.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | October 19, 2007 at 04:56 PM