The Cardinals had a scout watching the Nationals recently, though it is unclear which player(s) were being scouted -- perhaps Tim Redding or Odalis Perez, both available inexpensive options who have been pitching well lately.
You'll find both starters in our recent Trade Market post, and they do make sense for St. Louis. However, Tony La Russa is primarily pushing for a bat to protect Albert Pujols. Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman wouldn't qualify, but he would be an improvement over Cesar Izturis and Brendan Ryan.
Guzman wouldn't be traditional power protection, but I think Ankiel and Ludwick have done a fine job of that anyway. What Guzman would do is get an effective player on base in front of Pujols to create havoc and force pitchers to make bad pitches.
I heard there is some serious confusion in St Louis. LaRussa keeps asking Mozeliak to trade Rasmus for a package of Tom Collins, Roby Roy, and Harvey Wallbanger. Once he gets them he can take a nap in the dugout like he did in his car in Florida last year.
If the Astros make Miguel Tejada avalable, I think he would be a perfect fit for the Cardinals. He fills a need and can hit cleanup. I don't think they need to aquire an outfielder. Ankiel and Ludwick have been good and Schumacker has been a good leadoff man. Ludwick and Ankiel can hit behind Pujols. They should add a cheap 2b/ss guy like Mark Grudzilanek, then add starting pitching help and a lefty reliever. LaRussa's list of a power bat, then reliever, then starter is wrong. It should be Starter, lefty reliever, power bat.
yes i would like tejada too but being in the same division combined with what they gave up for him its not happening.
who the heck r we scouting from the nationals? they dont appear to have a good lefty reliever. guzman is only signed through this year and we dont want a rental. redding? definitely not odalis.
and the cards dont want bradley because hes a headcase and, once again, i dont think tony likes black guys. no proof of this but i believe this to be the case.
Guzman would be a great lead off hitter in St. Louis with the season he is having he has the ability to get on base at a good clip.
I personally think the Cardinals should go after Jason Bay, I know it's in the same division which makes it unlikely, but the Pirates have dealt in division before (a la Aramis Ramierez)
I think it will be hard for the Cardinals to get anything decent in the trade market without giving up Rasmus. I personally like Rasmus, but I don't think he's untouchable. He has a problem with striking out too much in the minors and I can see that transitioning to the Major Leagues so if you can get someone that's already proven at the MLB level and would have team control of them I could see it being worth giving him up.
the Cards need pitching to keep up with the Cubs and Brewers. Will any of the Nat's pitchers help them keep up tho?
Posted by: cubs land | July 11, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Guzman wouldn't be traditional power protection, but I think Ankiel and Ludwick have done a fine job of that anyway. What Guzman would do is get an effective player on base in front of Pujols to create havoc and force pitchers to make bad pitches.
Posted by: AA | July 11, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I heard there is some serious confusion in St Louis. LaRussa keeps asking Mozeliak to trade Rasmus for a package of Tom Collins, Roby Roy, and Harvey Wallbanger. Once he gets them he can take a nap in the dugout like he did in his car in Florida last year.
Posted by: goose102977 | July 11, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Hardy har. That was so far from funny I didnt even forget to laugh. It never crossed my mind.
Posted by: nrmax88 | July 11, 2008 at 02:25 PM
You are right, there is nothing funny about drunk driving.
Posted by: goose102977 | July 11, 2008 at 02:41 PM
The only positive of getting Odalis Perez is that he wouldn't have to face Albert anymore.
Posted by: StLouie_J | July 11, 2008 at 03:59 PM
If the Astros make Miguel Tejada avalable, I think he would be a perfect fit for the Cardinals. He fills a need and can hit cleanup. I don't think they need to aquire an outfielder. Ankiel and Ludwick have been good and Schumacker has been a good leadoff man. Ludwick and Ankiel can hit behind Pujols. They should add a cheap 2b/ss guy like Mark Grudzilanek, then add starting pitching help and a lefty reliever. LaRussa's list of a power bat, then reliever, then starter is wrong. It should be Starter, lefty reliever, power bat.
Posted by: Joe | July 11, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Just a thought. Why are the Redbirds not that interested in Milton Bradley?
Posted by: The Captain | July 11, 2008 at 07:36 PM
yes i would like tejada too but being in the same division combined with what they gave up for him its not happening.
who the heck r we scouting from the nationals? they dont appear to have a good lefty reliever. guzman is only signed through this year and we dont want a rental. redding? definitely not odalis.
and the cards dont want bradley because hes a headcase and, once again, i dont think tony likes black guys. no proof of this but i believe this to be the case.
Posted by: Joelcards | July 11, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Guzman would be a great lead off hitter in St. Louis with the season he is having he has the ability to get on base at a good clip.
I personally think the Cardinals should go after Jason Bay, I know it's in the same division which makes it unlikely, but the Pirates have dealt in division before (a la Aramis Ramierez)
I think it will be hard for the Cardinals to get anything decent in the trade market without giving up Rasmus. I personally like Rasmus, but I don't think he's untouchable. He has a problem with striking out too much in the minors and I can see that transitioning to the Major Leagues so if you can get someone that's already proven at the MLB level and would have team control of them I could see it being worth giving him up.
Posted by: ShaneR_38 | July 12, 2008 at 10:59 AM