The Cardinals want to lock up Albert Pujols, but Jon Heyman of SI.com wonders if they can keep him and Matt Holliday. One GM says there's "no chance" the team can keep the two stars, despite owner Bill DeWitt's goal to "lock up both of them." Here are more details on the Cardinals' superstars, along with the rest of Heyman's rumors:
- Heyman says it's illogical to expect Pujols to demand anything less than $30MM per season.
- Holliday is "thought to be interested" in a deal comparable to Mark Teixeira's $180MM pact. No doubt Holliday would have interest in that kind of deal, but would any team consider it? (I doubt it.)
- There are many reasons it makes sense for the Cards to try to lock up Holliday and Pujols. As Heyman says, such an attempt would show manager Tony La Russa, pitching coach Dave Duncan and the fan base that the team wants to win at all costs.
- Heyman hears that the Astros will interview former Nats manager Manny Acta for their managerial opening.
- Indians GM Mark Shapiro is facing pressure to fire manager Eric Wedge, especially now that the club has lost 11 straight.
- Not surprisingly, two GMs consider Alfonso Soriano untradeable. He has $90MM remaining on his contract.
- The Cubs would have to eat a "decent chunk" of Carlos Zambrano's contract if they decide to trade him. A trade doesn't seem likely, however.
- If the Cubs deal Milton Bradley, Heyman considers the Padres a logical fit.
- Execs around the league expect Roy Halladay to be on the trade market again this winter.
