December 8 Hot Stove Diary

Me too.

And I don't want to hear that he's "trouble." I'm more concerned that he'll end up on the DL than I am about personal issues. He's a perfect stop gap to keep around while waiting on Colby-and if the Cardinals were hopelessly out if it he'd be a perfect trade chip. Give him earplugs so he doesn't hear what the umps are saying and he'll be okay.

by jillsinmo on Dec 8, 2007 10:14 AM EST reply actions

Hey

I thought one-line diaries were not allowed! The diary police will get you. I am only joking because it is your world, the rest of us just play in it. So, please, don't kick me off your site, sir.

by cardsgirl95 on Dec 8, 2007 10:19 AM EST reply actions

I know it's a long shot but

maybe Baton will have a better year than Bradley and it won't sting as much.

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Dec 8, 2007 10:28 AM EST up reply actions

hope for health/development

albert was the only cardinal (position player) to amass enough at-bats to qualify for any end of the season stats in 2007. that just plain hurts.

it'd be great if barton played to his potential. he could be great. but the concerns for his knee are real.

i feel like this team's success is highly dependent upon the health of ALL rolen (06 version), edmonds(05) and mulder(05) along with the continued development of duncan(full, healthy season), ankiel(400-500 abs) and maybe barton (no mlb abs), too.

the team just isn't that good and even optimistic projections make us .500 (per optimism? diary). IF all those things happen, we could have a good (not great) team. i'm still excited for the season and what mo might do with the remaining 2/3 months, but man, that's a whole lot of stinking if's.

here's hoping.

by birdsonthebat on Dec 8, 2007 10:46 AM EST up reply actions

How about Barton not Baton....

Sheesh

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Dec 8, 2007 10:36 AM EST reply actions

Hot Stove Diary

Hey Lb just wanted to say how great an idea having a hot stove diary is. Instead of having to go through 6 diaries to get all the news all I gotta do is check this one out.
Great job!

by Calhoun on Dec 8, 2007 10:57 AM EST reply actions

Arbitration news..

A few names that declined arbitration:
Aaron Rowand, Livan Hernandez, Mike Cameron.
Here's the link to the article.

"It's always about the money. Anyone who says it's not is lying."- Gene Simmons

by cardsrul on Dec 8, 2007 11:31 AM EST reply actions

Livan

I want Livan Hernandez to be a Cardinal if we can get him on the cheap. That would be fantastic. After watching the bullpen sessions begin in the 3rd all year last year (minus most Waino starts), I would love to see the bullpen get to take a nap until the 7th or 8th once every five days.

stlfan

by stlfan on Dec 8, 2007 4:46 PM EST up reply actions

I think we can trot out any number of guys

who can put up LH's line against the league:

.308/.371/.499

I can't imagine a guy could regularly get to the 7th or 8th with the league putting up an .870 OPS against him.

Anthony Reyes .261/.338/.464
Kip Wells .287/.368/.460
Brad Thompson .301/.365/.505

I would like a guy who can throw 200 innings too, just not the worst pitcher in MLB who threw 200 innings in '07

Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...

by giveml on Dec 8, 2007 6:46 PM EST up reply actions

Hernandez

Eats more than innings. Bad joke.

The guy isn't very good anymore. He's on the wrong side of 30, he essentially lobs the ball over the plate and hopes they don't hit it to Mars, and "they" have done that 114 times since 2004. His K/BB last year was 90/78 last year in 204 innings. His WHIP last year was nearly 1.6. His xFIP was 5.62. It was 5.50 the year before, and 5.33 the year before that. His opponent's OPS was .863 last season. Yuck, yuck, and more yuck...But then again maybe he'd fit right in.

by redbirdnation8206 on Dec 8, 2007 6:53 PM EST up reply actions

OK...

So I rescind my statement. Maybe that's not a good idea.

stlfan

by stlfan on Dec 8, 2007 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

la russa q+a transcript

http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=46841

this was originally posted as a separate diary, which i deleted. it's a perfect example of something that works as a comment in an existing thread, but tends to gum up the works as a separate diary.

by lboros on Dec 8, 2007 11:43 AM EST reply actions

That was a long interview

with La Russa by Strass and after reading it in it's entirety, I am a little less critical of La Russa than I have been in some remarks I have made earlier about the Rolen situation. I still think it probably best though, to refrain from trying to iron out problems like this through the press. It leads to things being said that shouldn't be said publicly and things being taken out of context and untruths being spread by other reporters. Best to keep it in house overall.

by ridgesee on Dec 8, 2007 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

If You Read Bernie's Extra Points on this...

Rolan apparently started complaining about LaRussa to reporters off the record and as background for stories, which is how all this got started.

by Forsch31 on Dec 8, 2007 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

I had the opposite reaction

I think he comes off as very arrogant and prickly during the course of that interview. He gives off this disdain that's really tiresome in his comments to the press.

by azruavatar on Dec 8, 2007 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

Good news?

http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/weblog/2007/12/bradley_pushes_back_decision.html

I guess that leaves the door open slightly for either a look at MB or a deal for Edmonds to the Pads. Maybe he is reading VEB, and now he finally realizes his true value.

Rasmus, Barton, Pujols...ichi, ni, san (in honor of So)

by gforce on Dec 8, 2007 12:06 PM EST reply actions

Bradley

The problem with signing Bradley or any other outfielder is that it virtually nullifies the Barton signing. The Cards have to keep him all season or lose him. I suppose they could have platooned him and Bradley and traded Duncan but I'm not as sure as some that Duncan can get them the kind of pitcher they need.
Barton may be damaged or unready and need to be jettisoned but right now I'm pretty excited about him. I'd hate it if he looked good in the spring and they didn't have a spot on the roster for him.

by easy on Dec 8, 2007 12:08 PM EST reply actions

Bradley would be perfect, as far as Barton goes

since Bradley would star teh season hurt, it would give the team time to figure out if they really want Barton, and if the answer is no, then they can just let Bradley push Barton off of the roster when he comes off of the DL

by Valatan on Dec 8, 2007 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

This might be a sensitive subject,

but maybe they would both feel more comfortable if they weren't the only African American on the team.

by jillsinmo on Dec 8, 2007 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe

Another thing to note is that Bradley doesn't need to be platooned with anyone - he's a switch hitter.

by Toddius396 on Dec 8, 2007 2:38 PM EST up reply actions

I just giggled because I was

thinking of the clubhouse. LaRussa would have his hands full with Bradley in one corner and Rolen in the other. Tee-heee! It would not be the year to cancel my PD subscription.

by jillsinmo on Dec 8, 2007 3:19 PM EST up reply actions

Andy McPhail - Orioles GM

Confirmed that he has had discussion with the Cardinals about Miguel Tejada.

"Well, you wait for a strike. Then you knock the shit out of it. - Musial to Flood on how to hit a curveball

by Hardcore Legend on Dec 8, 2007 1:06 PM EST reply actions

Hmm

How about Bedard?

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Dec 8, 2007 6:57 PM EST up reply actions

Salomon Torres

Is apparently considering retirement, in which case the Brewers would have just given the Pirates two prospects for nothing.

Seems kind of unfair to the Brewers if he does retire, but them's the breaks I guess.

"A great catch is like watching girls go by; the last one you see is always the prettiest." - Bob Gibson

by stl tyler on Dec 8, 2007 1:19 PM EST reply actions

I wasn't surprised to read that.

Torres has had a bit of an up and down existence with the Pirates and their management; but he seemed to love playing for them. He's a gamer, but maybe he just doesn't want to be uprooted at his age and this stage of his career.

by jillsinmo on Dec 8, 2007 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

who wouldn't want to be able to

be freed from perennial doormat pittsburgh?

Future Redbirds

by erik on Dec 8, 2007 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

You could question that......

but sometimes the heart wants the heart wants. Despite the comments about Pittsburgh being a horrible place, and the team being a horrible team, they have a beautiful ballpark and some wonderful people and places. It's possible Torres is in love with the place...

by jillsinmo on Dec 8, 2007 4:38 PM EST up reply actions

Maybe he just doesn't understand

what the fans are saying when they scream "Yins gotta win, you jagoffs!"

by Valatan on Dec 8, 2007 5:58 PM EST up reply actions

I, personally

don't see any reason for excitement over the Brian Barton draft. Reasons being: You have to keep him on ML roster to keep him, He's not young, question mark on his health, has no major league experience, only limited experience at triple AAA (in which he never proved himself; 264 BA) good numbers at A and AA, but at an advanced age. We've got a few in the minors already like him. Seems no more than a right handed Cody Hearther to me.

by ridgesee on Dec 8, 2007 1:23 PM EST reply actions

Barton

is 25 years old, which isn't old, either. He's a five-tool player when healthy (and a pretty solid one when not), and if his knee is fine, its highly possible that the Cardinals just got a steal of late blossoming prospect.

by Forsch31 on Dec 8, 2007 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

He's got upside

and he's right-handed. Right now, he's better than Skip so there's no reason to think he can't be a halfway productive member of the OF. If we're expecting a star, we're expecting too much. But he could play all 3 OF positions and, if nothing else, be a platoon partner for Duncan in LF, Edmonds in CF, or Ankiel in RF.

He probably tops out as a 4th OF or effective guy to platoon w/ a lefty, but that's still pretty good for $50,000 + the minimum salary.

by chuckb on Dec 8, 2007 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

FWIW

he also runs exceptionally well and has stolen 40 bases in a season before. I know this counts as one of the 5 tools - just wanted to mention it specifically.

by Toddius396 on Dec 8, 2007 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

so far its...

Mo's best addition of the off season. cards get younger and cheaper at the 5th outfield spot, there's potential for upside (with no opportunity cost) and worst case scenario is we give him back losing $25K in the process.

by vances law on Dec 8, 2007 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

it's not just his numbers

it's his tools one scout rated his power, speed and ability to hit for average as plus, and only his fielding as average, yet they noted he could play any OF position. haerther has basically one tool, the ability to hit for average. everything else is average or below about him. i like haerther, don't get me wrong. they just don't compare

Future Redbirds

by erik on Dec 8, 2007 3:48 PM EST up reply actions

Not hot stove

but we got some love on mlbtraderumors.com. While it's not anything to write home about, we were recognized as well as the STL Post Dispatch, thus being the only team with two sites linked to the blurb. Just thought I'd mention. Here's the link:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/where-do-mlbtr.html

by joecardsfan on Dec 8, 2007 3:03 PM EST reply actions

any news on the pitching front

one more starter would be nice but I think we will go into spring training how we are??? Ideas

by cm1000 on Dec 8, 2007 3:05 PM EST reply actions

Perspective on the Barton Rule 5 Move

Just wanted to provide a data point from Derik McKamey's 2007 Baseball Analyst book. Essentially Barton is rated a 9D or an Elite prospect. To provide prospective of the other hitting prospects that were rated 9D-9A, here goes:

Elvis Andrus
Ryan Braun
Jay Bruce
Billy Butler
Hank Conger
Elijah Dukes
Jacoby Ellsbury
Dexter Fowler
Carlos Gomez
Alex Gordon
Carlos Gonzalez
Gorkys Hernandez
Andy LaRoche
Adam Lind
Evan Longoria
Fernando Martinez
Cameron Maybin
Andrew McCutchen
Chris Nelson
Colby Rasmus
Travis Snyder
Ian Stewart
Jose Tabata
Justin Upton
Neil Walker
Chris Young
Delmon Young

We got one of these guys for nothing! That's unbelievable. I realize not all of these guys are gonna make it, but for $25K???? AND someone we happened to be looking for (high OBP potential RH outfielder). My only fear is that LaRussa's love of Schumaker is going to hinder this move. PLEASE NOOOOOOOOO

by Lawless on Dec 8, 2007 5:06 PM EST reply actions

That's a lot of talent.

Maybe we stole him. Only time will tell. If he comes through and Rasmus comes up and Ankiel is for real we will have one of the best young offensive/defensive outfields in the game for cheap. I'm crossing my fingers.

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Dec 8, 2007 5:20 PM EST up reply actions

I want to see this line-up

Rasmus CF Barton LF Pujols 1B Ankiel Rf Rolen 3B Molina CA Kennedy 2B Pitcher Ryan SS I have no stats to back it up but it gives you on-base guys with speed and power backed up by Some R/L pop followed by Molina who has been clutch with runners. Ryan starts it all over agian. Not to mention I believe this would provide some solid defense.

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Dec 8, 2007 5:25 PM EST reply actions

I want to see this line-up take II

Rasmus CF
Barton LF
Pujols 1B
Ankiel Rf
Rolen 3B
Molina CA
Kennedy 2B
Pitcher
Ryan SS

I have no stats to back it up but it gives you on-base guys with speed and power backed up by Some R/L pop followed by Molina who has been clutch with runners. Ryan starts it all over agian. Not to mention I believe this would provide some solid defense

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Dec 8, 2007 5:26 PM EST up reply actions

Rasmus to Beijing

tlr will want Colby to at least play the first half in AAA and get a well deserved chance to medal in the Olympics.

But I'd also love to see Hoffpauir tear it up in ST, get a chance and force a trade of AK by the deadline.

If Barton sticks, and Hoff makes it, when Rasmus gets back from China we could have three lead-off type players. Until then, since we've proven the utility of having two 9-hole batters, we may need to show how to start off with a pair of #2's.

by Birds on the Bat on Dec 8, 2007 8:20 PM EST up reply actions

don't tease me like that

i would love to see a trade of AK for virtually anything imaginable. rivals tino as walt's worst move - i especially can't believe they gave him three years. i hope his agent sends WJ a nice fruit basket...

Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...

by giveml on Dec 8, 2007 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

dude,

give him a chance. Yes, he played poorly for the first half of last year, but that's all.

I can almost guarantee this year will be much better for him.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Dec 8, 2007 8:51 PM EST up reply actions

dude, don't mean to downgrade AK

never had anything to say on this one except that the turnstile at 2B was the best place to give the utility bench players a place to crack the starting nine. and yeah, i also thought they could've upgraded spending on the position to pickup Grudz after a gold glove (worthy) season. and then after the spivey debacle i guess they did, and spent the funds on AK.

So the guy starts the season with his BABIP off the chart (bottom), and despite some good fielding, just didn't restore his game to former self, before going DL. I really hope he comes back big, or at least comes back.

But I also would really love to have a guy like Hoff play so well that he forces his way on the team. Reality says that AK will be OK, and Hoff will just be AAA. Just hoping for better, dude.

by Birds on the Bat on Dec 8, 2007 10:22 PM EST up reply actions

I hope

you didn't think I was addressing you -- I was saying that to "giveml."

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Dec 9, 2007 12:38 AM EST up reply actions

OK, I'll give him a chance

'cause TLR loves him and he is going to play anyway. I still don't think he has a prayer of hitting LHPs (.122 in '07) and you don't give a platoon player a 3-year deal.

However, he did have a career best range factor. If he can match his '06 numbers of .273/.334/.384 I won't whine too much. I guess I am still bitter they wouldn't offer Grudzielank two years after the '05 season

Those Pilgrims ain't lookin' so proud now...

by giveml on Dec 9, 2007 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

haha,

understandable. We're all bitter about that.

On with the youth movement!

by aet15 on Dec 9, 2007 3:50 AM EST up reply actions

2nd half last year

Kennedy's second half was better, but nothing to get excited about.

.246/.290/.415/.705 line with bad defense.

stlfan

by stlfan on Dec 9, 2007 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

If you're looking for on-base and power...

why not have Duncan in there instead of Ankiel? I know he is a good story but offensivly he is not the player the Dunc is. definsively? thats another story...but if you put Barton in RF and Dunc in LF it shouldnt be that big a deal.

"Back in the day when I played, a pitcher had 3 pitches: a fastball, a curveball, a slider, a changeup and a good sinker pitch." - Mike Shannon

by nomar34 on Dec 9, 2007 12:04 AM EST up reply actions

I dunno about that....

Duncan has proven his hitting longer, over basically two halves of the season. But I think Ankiel has more pure power. He doesn't walk, but if he's batting down in the order, that doesn't matter so much, as no one down there would drive him in anyway if he did walk. (Since Molina-Izturis-Kennedy-Pitcher would be pretty dismal)

by DiscoJer on Dec 9, 2007 2:28 AM EST up reply actions

rick

he is not good enough to bat behind albert yet. They will just walk albert to pitch to rick. Yes rick has power but they will be much more confident in the chances of striking rick out. I do not want to see rick behind albert.

by ICbirdfan on Dec 9, 2007 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

Hoff didn't fair so well in the AZ league.

I mean he kept up his crazy OBP but the rest of the line was kind of slumpy. Maybe it is to small of a sample size I don't know. But I think AK needs to get one more shot and if he tanks plug in the Hoff.

The Red Blazer

by Red Blazer on Dec 8, 2007 11:04 PM EST reply actions

Glaus for Rolen?

Ken Rosenthal suggests the Cardinals and Blue Jays should swap first basemen, although calls the Angels a "perfect fit" for our troubled third-sacker.

According to Cot's, Glaus is due $12.75M in 2008 and has a $11.25M player option for 2009 as well as "a payment from Arizona at the end of the contract making up the difference in tax Glaus will have paid playing in Canada rather than the U.S." Whatever that means.

He also has a full no-trade clause, as does the Huffy Hoosier, who is due $12M in each of the next three seasons.

I don't see this deal happening. I can't imagine Rolen wanting to go to Canada first, and playing on turf second.

I know that trades with the Angels have been discussed ad infinitum here, but if enough dough could be kicked in, perhaps we could get one of their 647 middle-infield prospects.

Or Jered Weaver.

by 26thMan on Dec 8, 2007 11:39 PM EST reply actions