FanPost

Preheating the Stove

What does everyone hope for the Cardinals to accomplish this offseason?  Obviously the biggest need is pitching, but perhaps some other upgrades are possible.

Try to keep the moves at least quasi-realistic.  Here's what I'd like to see:

Infield:

  • Most of the infield is locked in.  As far as shortstop is concerned, I don't think we can get Renteria.  He's likely the best available shortstop this off-season, and several teams have already inquired about him.  I'm totally ok with Brendan Ryan as my everyday shortstop.  
  • If there were a way to get rid of Kennedy, I'd do it and sign Kaz Matsui.  It's not happening though.
  • Outfield:
  • With the uninspiring shortstop market, if we're adding any bats it's going to have to be in the outfield.  I like the idea of an Anthony Reyes/Carlos Quentin trade.  If the D'backs won't go for it straight up, throw in a Joe Mather type or a reliever.  With Rasmus coming up, this would leave us with a good core of young outfielders for years to come.
  • Quentin or another outfielder becomes necessary when you consider the platoon splits.  If we throw out an outfield of Ludwick/Ankiel/Schumaker against every lefty we face (Duncan and Edmonds sit) then we won't be playing October baseball period.  
  • This is assuming Juan Encarnacion doesn't return next year.  I hope the best for him and his continued career, I'm just assuming he won't be with us for at least the majority of next year.
  • Bench:
  • First, no new contracts for Aaron Miles and So Taguchi.  Taguchi's always been a favorite of mine, but Skip Schumaker has made him a redundant part.  The guy's getting on up there, I wouldn't be entirely shocked if he retired at the end of the season.  
  • Re-sign Gary Bennett to a one-year deal, or don't and get some other warm body to back up Yadi.  
  • I'm not entirely sure about Ludwick's contract.  I know he would have been a minor league FA at the end of this year but I'm not sure how that translates to the majors...  In any event I hope and expect him to be our 4th outfielder in 08.
  • Schumaker takes over the full-time Taguchi role.  
  • Spiezio and Barden will be back, offering insurance for Rolen at 3rd and the middle infield.  Call up Jarret Hoffpauir if any more help is necessary.
  • Goodbye Miguel Cairo.
  • Goodbye Russell Branyan.
  • Pitching:  
  • Sign FA Curt Schilling to a one-year deal, perhaps with an 09 option.  I'd be willing to spend some money here if I were the Cards, maybe even guarantee him a second year.  Shilling offers a veteran presence in the rotation and takes a lot of pressure off of Adam Wainwright.  He's not going to win 20 games, but if he stays healthy should manage a good 15 or so with an ERA in the 3.60-3.90 range.  
  • The ChiSox have listed the asking price for Jon Garland as two relievers.  I'm a little hazy on what relievers we still have control over next year, but we've got a lot of them.  If an offer of some combination of Johnson or Flores and one of our righties can get it done, do it.  We have Josh Kinney coming back next year, and would just need to find another left hander somewhere.
  • Exercise the club option on Joel Piniero.  
  • Other options include Bronson Arroyo and Joe Blanton.  I don't think we have what it takes for Blaton, but Cincy could be interested in Duncan if they lose Adam Dunn.
  • That leaves a rotation of Wainwright, Schilling, Looper, Garland, and Piniero.  Note that I'm not including Mulder.  That's because I don't expect him to contribute anything in 2008.  If anyone falters, Thompson can take their place, and when Carp returns the low performer can shore up the bullpen.
  • Bullpen:
  • Re-sign Springer.
  • Re-sign Percival.
  • Wellemeyer can stay or go.  He wouldn't be bad to have as an insurance policy, especially if we aren't able to sign at least two capable starters.
  • Sign a decent lefty to take the place of Flores or Johnson from the Garland trade.  Josh Kinney will be back to replace the second arm.
  • Wishful Thinking:
  • I think Scott Rolen will have a much better year in 08, but I'd still trade him if there were a good option and he'd waive his clause.  Apparently the Dodgers are still interested in him.  It would be worth Matt Kemp and the salary relief.  Also, according to the Sun Sentinel, Miguel Cabrera will be made available this off-season.  Trade Rolen for Kemp and then flip Kemp with Duncan and Bryan Anderson and anyone not named Rasmus for Cabrera.  Okay, that's a pipe dream, but it would sure be nice.
  • No reclamation projects.  That means no Dontrelle Willis, no Bartolo Colon, etc.