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I don't think my inquiries are worthy of a mailbag email, but I had been wondering recently when we'd see a return to the "Needs and Luxuries" series.

You also did a post called something like "You're the GM" ... I don't think you intended it to be a series per se, but I think that could be interesting to revisit too, with other teams and other scenarios.

Cards06

Are the Cards still not willing to pick up any contract?

Giants could use him, but not at a steep price.

I think that the Cardinals are willing to eat some contract money, but they want alot in return. They should have traded him to the Brewers for Capuano and let them eat the salary. Then go after Tejada. Just my opinion...

Any pitcher NOT named Cain or Lincecum that is.

I agree that they need to understand that he has had previous surgeries and is coming off a year in which he did not perform well at all. But I also agree that Rolen "healthy" is a tremendous 3rd baseman and has the ability to hit 25= homeruns. So I agree they should trade and thats it. I dont want them to trade and eat salary. That will not help our situation any at all.

Rolen is nowhere near disireable right now. At $5m-$7m/year he might be worth the risk. However, I wouldn't be sending any decent prospects to the Cards for him.

I think that there is just as good of a chance that he never plays well again as there is that he returns to a 300 hitter with 20 hr's. Why gamble money AND prospects if that is the case?

What about a Boston-Padres or Boston-Giants trade involving Coco Crisp. Maybe the Pads of Giants dealing a bullpen arm or two? The Padres are in need of a center fielder and the Giants are in need of, well, just about everything.

Coco seems to fit the bill of a young, solid-if-not-spectacular offensive player who will give you very good defense. Plus, if I remember correctly, his contract is very reasonable-certainly less than someone like Rowand will make via FA.

Anyone see a match with either of these teams?

I'll take you up on that. I'd say he's more inclined to hit .270, 10 HR, while coming in a close 2nd to Jeff Kent in the "angriest older white player who hates his team" category.

Rolen has hit .300 one time in his career. Once. The chances that he hits .300 next year would be slim to none if he was healthy. I don't see any team taking on his full salary unless they are trading next to nothing.