Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Cardinals will acquire Ron Belliard from the Indians sometime soon. Belliard went 2 for 4 in today’s game against Seattle. Will Carroll is reporting that Hector Luna would go to the Tribe.
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Belliard, a 31 year-old second baseman, was hitting .289/.335/.419 entering today’s game. He’s been consistently solid since becoming a regular in 2003. The second base class plays at a higher level in the NL; league average is .276/.341/.424. Belliard is also middle of the pack as far as defense, but he will make a skilled double play partner for David Eckstein. Belliard, an impending free agent, makes $4MM this year.
Belliard represents a clear upgrade over Aaron Miles, though I’m not sure that he’s signficantly better than Hector Luna. Luna, a 26 year-old, has a career line of .276/.336/.398 in 533 ABs. The versatile Luna has played every position but catcher in his Cardinal career. Walt Jocketty got him as a Rule 5 pick in 2002.
Based on yesterday’s update from Bernie Miklasz, the Cardinals seem content to tinker rather than make an impact trade.
