John Mozeliak Chat On MLB.com

Cardinals GM John Mozeliak chatted with fans over at MLB.com. Let's dig out the hot stove info. Mozeliak seems open to talking extension with Kyle Lohse at some point during the season. Lohse has a 3.79 ERA in seven starts. Less than 3% of his flyballs are leaving the yard, a trend that doesn't figure to last. But for less than $5MM, who's complaining? Mozeliak reiterated that the Cardinals have no interest in Barry Bonds. Trade talks "could be exciting" come July. Sadly, Juan Encarnacion is not likely to play baseball again.

Cards Showcasing Reyes In Triple A?

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch suggests that Anthony Reyes' demotion to the Triple A rotation increases his trade value. Interested teams view him as a starter, and want to see him in that role before acquiring him. Last week, ESPN's Jayson Stark heard rumblings that the Cards want "an upper echelon prospect back, plus another piece." Reyes, 26, has shown flashes of brilliance but has a 5.41 career ERA in 219.2 innings. He just seems fixable, is all.

Reds Podcast Appearance

Yesterday I joined Dan Clasgens and Greg Shoemaker on the Get Sports Radio Reds podcast. You can download the mp3 here. On the show, I wasn't able to explain the Cardinals' hot start. How are they doing it? The starting pitching is clicking on all cylinders (with more help on the way), and the hitters are collectively getting on base quite often.

Braves, Angels Scouting Cardinals

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch mentioned in a Wednesday chat that the Braves are scouting the Cardinals heavily and the Angels have also been watching recently. One rumor that's been floating about consistently is that the Cardinals are willing to trade pitcher Anthony Reyes. Yesterday Jayson Stark relayed that John Mozeliak wants "an upper echelon prospect back, plus another piece."

Stark's Latest: Zito, Anthony Reyes, Varitek, Inoa

ESPN's Jayson Stark has been working the phones, and the result is his latest Rumblings and Grumblings column. Stark talked to an official from a "pitching-starved" team. This person said the Giants would have to eat at least $80MM of Barry Zito's remaining $112.5MM if they want to trade him. One scout suggested Zito's only chance at revival is a reunion with Rick Peterson. The Cards' Anthony Reyes is "eminently available." Problem is, John Mozeliak has a high asking price for the 26 year-old hurler. Edwin Jackson remains a hot commodity, but there's no reason for the Rays to move...

Brian Gunn On Walt Jocketty

Brian Gunn is a regular at Baseball Analysts and The Hardball Times, among other places. Recalling his fine "GM In A Box" piece on Walt Jocketty in the THT annual a few years back, I asked him to dispel his wisdom once again on the Cards ex-GM back in October of 2007. An excerpt of his piece follows. WALT JOCKETTY By Brian Gunn New Reds GM Walt Jocketty was a big-game hunter with the Cardinals. He generally looked elsewhere for talent, and he landed some of the biggest names around. Here’s a brief look at his legacy. JOCKETTY’S STRENGTHS Jocketty...

Oswalt Staying Put

Last night on Baseball Tonight, Peter Gammons suggested that Roy Oswalt might become available and that he was willing to waive his no-trade clause. The Astros, however, are far from cashing in their chips. They've won their last four and have no intention of trading Oswalt. Oswalt is signed through 2011 with a full no-trade clause. Oswalt repeated his stance from last year - he'd consider waiving it if the Astros approached him (and if the acquiring team is the Cardinals, Braves, or Red Sox). I imagine most players feel this way. It's a moot point right now; Ed Wade...

No Offers For Bonds

Jon Heyman recently spoke to Barry Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris. Borris said no team has made any kind of offer to Bonds, even at the league minimum. Borris might not take $400K for Bonds, but he'd listen. Tony La Russa and Ron Washington pushed for Bonds for their respective teams, but management passed. Heyman notes the Rays' flirtation as well. That's it though. No front office wants anything to do with Bonds, despite the possibility of a 1.000 OPS at a bargain basement price. I still expect Bonds to play this year. A month or two from now some team...

Odds and Ends: Deeds, Tejada

Some random tidbits for you; I may add to this post if I find a few more. RotoAuthority analyzes the hottest fantasy baseball pickups from this week. The Twins completed the Craig Monroe deal by sending 25 year-old outfielder Doug Deeds to the Cubs. He looks like a long shot to make the Majors. Monroe hasn't looked like much of a big leaguer lately, either. Richard Justice notes that the Cardinals targeted Miguel Tejada this winter but couldn't get it done. As if they needed any more steroid stigma. It's interesting to see the Tejada deal looking so good for...

At Least Ten Teams Scout Anthony Reyes

According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, scouts from at least ten teams observed Anthony Reyes' fine start against Washington yesterday. He says the Cards have made Reyes' availability known. Reyes, 26, already has 250 Triple A innings and 200 big league innings under his belt. Despite an awful ERA and record last year for the Cards, his strikeout and walk rates weren't too bad. Everyone seems to believe there's something more here, but the potential won't be realized in St. Louis. He's not getting much encouragement from the Cardinals right now. Teams that have shown interest in...

Cards To Sign Wainwright Long-Term

I mentioned on Monday that Cards ace Adam Wainwright seemed a prime candidate for an extension. Today, Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says a contract is done, pending a physical. According to Goold: The guaranteed part of the new contract is four years and expected to be worth around $15 million, and it will buy out Wainwright’s arbitration years, through 2011. The deal has an option that would cover the first two years of his free agency, sources said. MLB.com's Matthew Leach writes that Wainwright's $448K renewal for '08 will be overwritten and is one of the four...

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Rule 5 Draftees

Last year the Reds selected Josh Hamilton in the Rule 5 draft despite only 23 games above Single-A and only 15 games anywhere since 2002 (actually the Cubs picked Hamilton and traded him to the Reds the same day). Hamilton went on to hit .292-19-47 in 90 games. This year, 18 players were chosen in the Rule 5 draft (14 pitchers). These players must remain on the 25-man roster all season or be offered back to their original club for $25K. By my count, three players (Sergio Valenzuela, Lincoln Holdzkom, Jose Capellan) have already been offered back to their original...

Cafardo's Latest: Fuentes, Sowers, Laffey

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo's Sunday column has new hot stove material, as usual. Cafardo notes that Kyle Snyder, Julian Tavarez, and Bryan Corey have all been heavily scouted by other clubs. Snyder is out of options, so he's a good trade candidate. Cafardo mentioned on Thursday that the Orioles were taking a look at Corey, who might return to Japan if he doesn't join a big league 'pen. I imagine the Sox are going to want the insurance Tavarez provides. The Phils are hunting for a southpaw reliever and another starter. Brian Fuentes remains on their radar, but...

Cardinals Leaning Towards Keeping Barton

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that Brian Barton is one player that may not switch teams prior to the regular season. Barton was selected by the Cardinals with the 10th pick of the Rule 5 draft from the Indians. The Cardinals are said to be deciding between keeping Barton or 2-time MVP Juan Gonzalez who is battling an abdominal injury. "When you have a (Rule 5) guy, if there's a way that guy can fit on your ballclub, you try to figure a way if you see a legitimate major-league future," La Russa said. While Gonzalez' spring...

Lohse/Cardinals Deal Official

TODAY: Lohse passed his physical; it's official. THURSDAY: According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the Cardinals signed Kyle Lohse to a one-year deal (pending a physical). The deal is worth $4.25MM plus incentives, a fine deal by John Mozeliak. The Cardinals needed some depth, and Lohse offers upside beyond just innings (especially under Dave Duncan). Lohse has to be bummed - he was looking for ten times what he received. On the other hand, he's still set for life.

Nats To Pass On Weaver

Scott Boras found a deal for Kyle Lohse; will he now focus on getting Jeff Weaver a job? On Monday, Jeff's brother Jered said the Nationals and Cardinals had expressed interest. The Cards are surely out of the mix now, and MLB.com's Bill Ladson says Weaver has seemingly "priced himself out of the Nats' pay range." I'll guess the Nats were thinking $2MM or so. So if the Nats and Cards are both out, what's the elder Weaver to do? Baltimore seems to be his best option. Toronto could work. Perhaps the Astros as a long shot. In a note...

Odds and Ends: Mirabelli, Lohse, Spring Stats

Here are some links I've cobbled together. Surprise move by the Red Sox, releasing Doug Mirabelli. Check out this typically lengthy blog entry from Joe Posnanski. I laughed out loud twice. Read it. Derrick Goold says the Cards are having "continued dialogue" with Kyle Lohse's people. Viva El Birdos considers this a test for ownership. With a hat tip to John Dewan, RotoAuthority attempts to find some meaning in this year's spring training stats. If you haven't already, take a look at my video mailbag from yesterday. We should have one of those MLB Roundup things on the way this...

Astros To Pass On Lohse

This morning, Brian McTaggart of the Houston Chronicle suggested the Astros' rotation picture looked like this: 1. Roy Oswalt 2. Brandon Backe 3. Wandy Rodriguez 4. Woody Williams 5. Shawn Chacon as the frontrunner, with Chris Sampson, Felipe Paulino, Runelvys Hernandez, Jack Cassel, Mark McLemore, and Brian Moehler in the mix Now Paulino is out a month with a pinched nerve. Williams has been destroyed this spring. So now it's looking like Oswalt/Backe/Rodriguez/Chacon/Sampson. Not exactly playoff quality nor likely to stay healthy all year. However, Ed Wade said today he doesn't see Kyle Lohse as a fit for around $4MM....

Cardinals Interested In Lohse

Joel Pineiro's second bout of shoulder tightness this spring has the Cardinals scrambling for pitching help. Fortunately there are still a few names left on the market who are probably as good as Pineiro. One such pitcher is Kyle Lohse; the Cardinals put in an inquiry with Scott Boras recently. GM John Mozeliak was upfront in saying that Pineiro's uncertainty changes the landscape for his team. If Lohse truly goes in the $4-5MM range we've been hearing about, that's a fine signing. Hell, Pineiro got two years and $13MM and was more questionable than Lohse at the time of the...

Nationals, Cardinals Interested In Jeff Weaver?

Whither Jeff Weaver? We haven't heard much about potential destinations for the 31 year-old righty. Probably has to do with his 6.20 ERA last year, but at least he's healthy. Jeff's younger brother Jered piped up yesterday, saying that the Nationals and Cardinals have expressed interest. Hard to say if that interest is current or just occurred at some point this winter. But either team would do well to bring him in on a minor league deal. If he's holding out for a Major League contract it may be time to adjust expectations. When teams have their rotations all lined...

Odds and Ends: Johnson, Ponson, Nady

Ever lose a contact in the bathroom and scour for it for hours? That was my morning. Good times. On to the links. Friend of MLBTR Susan Slusser notes that the Giants had two scouts watching the A's on Wednesday. One guy they might have been eyeing is first baseman Dan Johnson. It seems that Johnson, who is out of options, may be able to linger around on the A's roster until at least mid-April given the expanded rosters for the Japan series. And since Slusser's article we've learned that Daric Barton's hand injury is more serious than initially thought....

Odds and Ends: Ponson, Inge, Papelbon

Let's round up some Monday morning links. The Cardinals are taking another look at Sidney Ponson. Insert your own punchline in the comments. Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun could see the O's making a minor trade for a veteran second baseman if they acquire Ronny Cedeno but not Eric Patterson in a Brian Roberts deal with the Cubs. Brandon Inge is trying his best to talk his way out of town. The Dodgers' recently reported nibble hasn't been publicly shot down, so that's a plus. South Side Sox thinks speedy infielder Eugenio Velez is the type of player the...

Managers On The Hot Seat

It is a slow news day, so we are going to venture a bit off the beaten path...As spring training is now in full swing, a number of managers may have their jobs on the line during the '08 season. Three managers are in the final year of their deals and another 12 managers have two years left on their contracts. This second group will be due either an extension or a pink slip next winter as few teams are willing to play out a season with a lame-duck manager. Therefore, any manager with two years remaining on their contracts...

Rosenthal's Latest: Lohse, Furcal, Lofton

FOX's Ken Rosenthal checks in with the latest buzz from Spring Training. The Mets, Cardinals, and Orioles are listed as possibilities for Kyle Lohse. However, the Mets may deem him unnecessary, reports are conflicting on the Cards' interest, and the Orioles are wary of the price. Rosenthal says Rafael Furcal's agent met with Ned Colletti a few days ago, but the Dodgers would likely want to see Furcal return to form before entertaining an extension. Click here to see the other shortstops eligible for free agency after the '08 season. The Dodgers may have a viable replacement for Furcal in...

Odds and Ends: Spiezio, Pavano, Gross, Jackson

Links, rumors... Scott Spiezio is in trouble with the law, and the Cardinals decided to release him for it. Joe Ostermeier notes that the Cards now have about $20MM in dead money on the payroll for '08. Evan Grant believes the Rangers would want Jose Ceda or Donald Veal in a deal for Marlon Byrd. Call it informed speculation, but Mike Berardino wonders whether Carl Pavano could end up back with the Marlins eventually. Ken Rosenthal recently wrote that the Padres were eyeing Gabe Gross. Tom Haudricourt found out that Kevin Towers never inquired on the Brewers outfielder, but that...

Rays Never Serious About Bonds

The whole Barry Bonds to Tampa Bay storyline has been well overblown, as Cork Gaines has written numerous times. Jon Heyman recently talked to a "Rays person" who put the odds at 100 to 1. Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, says "People are being cheated" by not being able to see Bonds play. Interesting choice of words. Beyond the mild Tony La Russa flirtation, Heyman notes one anonymous AL GM who wanted Bonds but had his owner veto the idea. Let's see what MLBTR readers think about this situation. Will Barry Bonds play for a Major League team in 2008? Take...

Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Roger Clemens

Last week we looked at one face of the steroid era (Barry Bonds) and wondered where he might end up playing in 2008. Today let's take a look at the newest face of the steroid era, Roger Clemens. Clemens has yet to decide whether to pitch in 2008. While his friends believe that the Astros are the only option, Buster Olney suggested the Cardinals could also be an option. And while the Yankees and the Red Sox have shown zero interest, we can't rule out a mid-season return to either team. Both have question marks in their rotations, and if...

David Wells Denied By Cardinals

David Wells' agent, Gregg Clifton, reached out to the Cardinals recently to see if his client could assist them with their early season rotation uncertainty. It's been said that Boomer, 44, is looking to make about 20 starts this year. He earned $3MM in '07. Derrick Goold says the Cardinals prefer their in-house options over Wells. What does PECOTA have to say about this? David Wells - 4.55 ERA Anthony Reyes - 4.32 ERA Brad Thompson - 4.29 ERA Todd Wellemeyer - 4.39 ERA Seems the Cardinals are on track with this one. I'm sure they'd be ecstatic to get...

La Russa Suggested Bonds

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Cardinals manager once again suggested the team consider signing Barry Bonds this winter. GM John Mozeliak and company decided to pass on the idea. They've already brought in Juan Gonzalez as an aging wild card slugger, anyway. A St. Louis talk show host, Kevin Slaten, recently started a feud with La Russa over the manager's steroid connections and his unwillingness to discuss them.

Rosenthal's Latest: Gross, Weaver, Encarnacion

Ken Rosenthal is on the scene with some new rumors. Astros president Tal Smith arguing other teams' arbitration cases. Rosenthal finds it a bit awkward, while Keith Law finds it to be a hilarious conflict of interest. Possible trades of Matt Murton to the Padres or Rangers seem to have fizzled. The Padres may turn to the Brewers' Gabe Gross, a player who previously caught the eye of the A's, Indians, and Braves. Our good friend PECOTA sees a .267/.366/.467 line from Gross this year. With Gross and various veteran starters, the Brewers have some surpluses to work with. Rosenthal...

Will Clemens Play In '08?

The tolerance for Roger Clemens' annual "will he, won't he" saga will be much lower this year in the wake of the steroid mess. But the fact remains that we still don't know whether he'll try to play. Buster Olney devotes a portion of today's blog to this question. He thinks it's in Clemens' nature to defiantly keep pitching. Olney says Clemens' friends indicate he'd only pitch for Houston. Olney speculates that the Cardinals might be one other club that would consider it. He could certainly help either team if he came with a price tag below $10MM. In case...

Cards Eyeing Weaver, Colon

With the price of free agent starting pitching dropping by the day and Matt Clement looking questionable, it's only natural that the Cardinals would explore the market. Indeed, John Mozeliak is looking at Jeff Weaver and Bartolo Colon. Seems that Impacto Deportivo may have been misinformed on the whole Colon-to-Chicago thing. Weaver seems the smarter option for a team looking for healthy innings. If nothing else, Weaver can provide that. Something tells me he's not getting $8MM this time around. His most recent success was in St. Louis, so maybe Dave Duncan can guide him to a league average season....

Odds and Ends: Crisp, Stewart, Meyer

Let's round 'em up! I'm doing a fantasy baseball mailbag feature at The Hardball Times. Check out the first entry. Nothing really new from Coco Crisp...if he loses the center field battle, he'll probably prefer a trade. The Brewers are close to a minor league deal with Russell Branyan, who might have a hard time sniffing the big league roster anytime this season. The Toronto Star relays from J.P. Ricciardi that the Blue Jays no longer have an offer on the table for Shannon Stewart. Turns out Oakland's Dan Meyer has a fourth option, meaning he's likely to lose the...

Odds and Ends: Papelbon, Bonds

Your collection of links and rumors... Interestingly, Pirates GM Neal Huntington put out a statement for Pirates' fans. He explains why the Pirates have been inactive this winter, and I agree with the logic. This team doesn't need to be wasting money on mediocre free agents. Justin Huber is out of options, so he'll either make the Royals or end up elsewhere. Athletics Nation paints a picture in which the A's are buyers at this year's trade deadline. A parallel universe with a healthy Rich Harden, if you will. The Red Sox are exploring a multiyear deal for Jonathan Papelbon,...

Ron Villone Signs With Cardinals

The Cardinals inked 38 year-old lefty reliever Ron Villone to a minor league deal today. Randy Flores and Tyler Johnson seem to have the lefty bullpen roles locked up, but maybe Villone can squeeze his way in. Villone is typically pretty tough to hit, but his control is questionable and he's a flyball pitcher.

Fogg Still Looking For Work

Every year some free agent unexpectedly finds himself without a job in late February. This year, that guy is Josh Fogg. To rejoin the Rockies, Fogg would have to take a pay cut from his '07 salary of $3.625MM, and he'd have to be open to bullpen work. Will anyone take Fogg in for $4MM and give him a rotation spot? The Nationals, Reds, Astros, and Cardinals seem like viable options. Viva El Birdos isn't thrilled with the Cardinals' portrayal of Matt Clement's health. Since Clement won't be ready for the start of the season, maybe St. Louis will add...

Odds and Ends: Perez, Jones, Howard, Burnett

Let's round up today's linkage. No more long-term discussions with Oliver Perez and the Mets. Andruw Jones already wants to talk extension with the Dodgers. The Cardinals are not likely to make anymore acquisitions. In my view the team has question marks in right field, the middle infield, and the rotation. Here's a look at their MLB.com depth chart. By the way, could Ryan Franklin be a league average starter? They could try it if the current options don't pan out. Jim Salisbury thinks the Ryan Howard contract situation is a nonstory. I think this is partially because (and I...

Odds and Ends: LaRue, Rogers, Hunter

Some random rumorage before I shut it down for the evening... My 2008 MLB Free Agents list is current; take a gander. The Cardinals signed Jason LaRue to be their backup catcher. LaRue had a nice five-year tr