It is common knowledge that the Cardinals organization can not find a taker for Adam Kennedy so far this offseason, despite his request of a trade.  Thus, it has been decided, apparently, to commit to him as the starter at 2B in 2009.  But I personally feel that the apparent reconciliation between Kennedy and LaRussa is just a show to make Kennedy look halfway attractive and not completely disgruntled to any potential suitor.  After finding no takers at the Winter Meetings, Kennedy supposedly "changed his mind" and decided to show up to play next year.  But I just don't see it.

To move Kennedy by himself is near-impossible, but the Cards also have a depth of outfielders, third basemen, and RHP setup men from which they could deal.  In fact, I don't even see how they can enter 2009 without clearing up some of the OF/3B glut, and that is a good problem to have.  Realistically, the 2009 season can not start with the whole group of Ludwick, Ankiel, Rasmus, Schumaker, Mather, Barton, and Duncan as OFs on the roster.  How would the five of the above group that make the team all get enough ABs and playing time?  You could make a case that any of the above could be capable regulars at the big-league level to commence next year.

It is pointless, however to keep repeating the need to deal from the outfield strength that is discussed daily.  It seems to me that one could package Adam Kenndy with, say, Skip Schumaker/David Freese and Mitchell Boggs to bring back a quality 2B from one of the other 29 teams.

Now I put forth to you a few dark-horse trade possibilities to play 2B next year.

Inquire to the Mariners about Jose Lopez.  He is a free agent in two years, and the M's are rebuilding from a 101 loss season.  Lopez was a standout last year on an abysmal M's team, with 191 hits, 17 HRs, 89 RBIs, and 41 2Bs.  It would take a substantial offer to bring him here, and the M's certainly won't be interested in Ankiel, who is a FA after 2009.  But I don't know if the M's are convinced with Jeff Clement at C, and with Kenji Johjima imploding last year, they might be interested in Bryan Anderson.  Beltre is also a FA after next year, so they'll have a hole at 3B.  So perhaps;  Anderson/Freese/Boggs(give or take) for Lopez.

Or what about Christian Guzman from Washington?  Jim Bowden seems to be collecting mediocre outfielders these days, and we have OFs.  He also likes to get sub-mediocre to mediocre SPs and call them Aces.  Washington seems to be dysfunctional these days, so who knows what they might want.  The Nats might want to unload his contract, so who knows?  Anyway, its speculation.

I wonder if the Angels would want back Adam Kennedy with Rick Ankiel+pitcher for Howie Kendrick?  Having Ankiel for one year would obviate the need for the Halos to give a big contract that they don't really want to give to M.Ramirez or Dunn.  Ankiel would give them a bat to partially replace Teixeria and then they could make a run at Matt Holliday in 2009 for their long term solution.  And/or, the Angels might want Freese/Craig to play 3B for them next year so they could move Chone Figgins back to the outfield where his skillset makes more sense.  I would be fine with offering Kennedy, Ankiel, and Freese for Kendrick, whom could possibly fill our 2B revolving door for several years.

Also, as a sidebar, I knew that someone would give Willy Taveras a sweet 2 year deal.  Thank you Walt Jocketty.  I don't think it is possible to misGMmanage a team worse than you are currently doing.