Well, there has been a lot of talk, but no movement thus far out of the Cards.  The biggest splash during the Winter Meetings was our snagging former uber-prospect Brian Barton from the Indians.  In Straus' article today he makes a great point, that I failed to even remember:

"Following a third-place finish in 2003, they drafted Indians infielder Hector Luna at the winter meetings. Luna made the club in spring training and remained in St. Louis all season. Luna later returned to the Indians in a trade July 2006 for second baseman Ronnie Belliard, a key player in the Cardinals' postseason surge."

Who knows if Barton will become a special player for us, become a good chip to trade, or if he will even stay in STL.  Only time will tell, but I like the signing because if nothing else it gives us some options as far as being able to trade an OF or two for pitching.  I suppose we'll see.

The other rumor out there that kind of intrigues me is us possibly being interested in Barry Bonds.  Sure there is a dark cloud over him, but come on, he can't make the club house anymore dysfunctional that it already is?? Can he??  Who knows, he may even balance it out.  But to be serious, if we can get him at a decent one year deal I'd love to see him hitting in front of or behind Pujols.  But, here's the catch in my opinion: The interest in him seems to be very sparse, which you would think would make him a bargain.  However, Barry has too much pride and ego to take less than what he thinks is fair for his services, thus, IMHO, he would retire before taking a salary below what he expects to earn.  You just never know with him.  But I'd be open to his services for a year.

Lastly, and I recognize that this isn't hot stove, but I would like to discuss Rasmus for a moment.  I love the guy, think he is going to be amazing, and could turn out to be the best player we have had since Pujols came along.  HOWEVER, I do not think the Cardinals (or any team for that matter) can say a player is untouchable.  While I agree with everyone here that he will only get better, I think if you can get a Lincecum or someone similar you would be crazy not to.  Obviously it would depend on the situation and who else was involved in the trade, but the point is if you can get a dominant starter that will anchor your staff for 5+ years, I don't see how you don't at least discuss it.  Just a disclaimer before you all jump down my throat, I am not advocating trading Rasmus or do I think it is in the best interest of the team, I just feel we should be open to options that could better the Cardinals for the long term.    Just ask yourself these questions as well: Would the Sox rather have Beckett or Elsbury?  Would the Indians rather have Sizemore or Sabathia?  Would the M's rather have F. Hernandez of Adam Jones?  Awesome pitching with upside trumps awesome hitting/defense with upside.  Fact of life.

Have at it VEB!!