Do the Cardinals pick up an outfielder?

by SirVLCIV on Jul 9, 2005 11:16 PM EDT

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/6CB63C00AF167B32862570330013B4D2 ?OpenDocument

Personally, if we're looking for a fourth outfielder to retain after Walker leaves, I'm leaning towards Mench or Wily Mo Pena.

Also:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/berniemiklasz/story/1E73B345EA5C918286256F280 0112506?OpenDocument

Free Jim Edmonds.

The All-Star center fielder has asked team management to pick up his contract option for 2007 and extend his contract through at least 2008 so he can retire as a Cardinal. Word is, he'd take less money in '08, too. Sounds like a good idea.

Take Jimmy through 2008? How much would he cost? Worth it?

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Aubrey Huff....

I think Aubrey Huff would be an excellent pick up and plays into the classic Walt move, namely a guy who's value has sank recently. I think he could probably be had on the cheap, because the rumor is most AL teams won't touch him.

His second half splits are great, hits about fifty points higher after the all-star break.

Huff can also play third and first, which provides a good back up and rest bit for Rolen and Pujols.

Baseball reference claims he made 2.7 million last year, and would imagine he wouldn't win more than that in arb.

I would rather go after Huff, with the idea that he's the starter next year. Walker has hinted he wants to come back, though in a bench player role. Don't know how much cash that would take, but I'd explore the option.

by Brock20 on Jul 10, 2005 11:04 AM EDT reply actions

Huff

is definitely someone i wouldn't mind seeing jock go after if mench is not available. i think coming into a winning situation would be just what the dr. ordered for him.

by cardsrul on Jul 10, 2005 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Keep Jim Edmonds

As a team that relies on players choosing to play there based upon considerations other than mere money--i.e. the terrific support from the fans and the local press--I think it behooves the team to show some loyalty back to its players.

Not only do I think that retaining Jim Edmonds is the decent thing to do, I think it's essential for maintaining the "more than money" sales pitch that the team makes when recruiting players.

We all know how Edmonds has campaigned for the team in the past when securing players like Walker and Mulder, telling them how great it is to play in St. Louis. That's important. Plus, the man is still a fine player. I'd be willing to take the risk that he'll still have value in another two seasons.

The St.L has been blessed not to get many mercenaries like Ken Griffey, A-Rod, or Beltran. Keeping Jimmy is a way to maintain that tradition.

So says, The Dude

by Titus Pullo on Jul 10, 2005 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

Hmm

I think I'd definitely have to agree with Edmonds - give him the years he wants - I just hope he's not asking too much, his value WILL decrease in the next two years.

If we're going after Huff, we should get him QUICKLY - he's already on the upswing. All Star break would be a great chance to make a move for him.

Only problems I have: Huff's making $4,916,667 this season ( http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/200627 ) and $7.33 million in 2006 ( http://ztigerx.blogspot.com/2004/10/radical-statement.html ).

Mench is making $345,000 and I believe a free agent after the year (not positive) - he and the Rangers didn't agree on a 4 year, $10 million contract ( http://kffl.com/player/6419/mlb ).

My personal favorite target is Wily Mo Pena, who's at $440,000 this season (I don't know contract details, but his 5 year contract signed with the Yankees ran out after the 2003 season).

Only problem: "Mon, 21 Mar 2005 02:31:36 -0800

Updating an ongoing story, The Dayton Daily News' Hal McCoy reports Cincinnati Reds OF Wily Mo Pena does not want to be dealt to the Washington Nationals or any other team, as he wants to finish his career in Cincinnati."

Also, more on Wily - http://stlcardinals.scout.com/2/379620.html

by SirVLCIV on Jul 10, 2005 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

Oh and

Pena kills lefties.

364/386/764 vs lefties and
236/277/481 vs righties.

by SirVLCIV on Jul 11, 2005 12:07 AM EDT reply actions

Price for players?

I would think the asking for price for a Willy Mo would be considerably higher than the asking price for a Mench or Huff, given those large salaries. Though, last year this time I would have said the same thing about Walker.

Let's assume that the Rangers either can't or won't resign Mench, he would be a logical choice because his salary is low and the Rangers' asking price would be probably be low as well. IF the idea is to move Suppan, Marquis, Reyes, or Wainwright, then the Rangers would be another likely canidate because they are always desperately in need of pitching.

Bowever, all factors being equal, Mench would be my last choice if the Cards are looking for someone who will transition into the starting role next year. If the objective is to obtain a player just for this year, then that would be fine.

by Brock20 on Jul 11, 2005 10:14 AM EDT reply actions

This from my Fantasy bit on cbs.sportsline

"Ross Gload, 1B CHW

News: Ross Gload is hitting .369 with five homers, 13 RBI and 14 runs for Triple-A Charlotte. He went on the White Sox's DL retroactive to April 25 with a shoulder problem which appears to be healed now. He had a setback in mid-June.

Analysis: Gload is a promising DH/1B/OF bat for an AL-only league team, but the White Sox are loaded in those positions right now with Paul Konerko, Frank Thomas, Carl Everett and Jermaine Dye. Even if Gload was to return to the big-league roster, he would be too limited in playing time. The former Met and Rockie might be a candidate for a midseason trade, though."

If we need a strong bat, weak fielding leftfielder for this year, here's an idea.

by SirVLCIV on Jul 11, 2005 12:42 PM EDT reply actions