i would rather see someone a bit younger who would get better rather than worse as the years go by.

but if we got the cash to throw at him, and still get some pitching maybe a three year deal would be sweet

are b/t furcal and hudson for next year

the All-Star Break before I start mapping out the offseason.

Carpenter
Wainwright
Wellemeyer
Lohse/Piniero
Garcia/Todd/McClellan

for 2009? I would hate to see us waste valuable prospects on guys like Lowe/Wolf. As for 2nd base paying 10-15 mil for someone who doesn’t have Utley skills is not my idea of a homerun. I’d love to see us shed some non difference making pitching(Thompson/Reyes/Flores/Villone etc.) for a young 2nd basemen (Cardenas, Antonelli) which could end up a true bargain

He’s the best player this season, but is in a walk year. May be too expensive to resign.

Furcal and Hudson are often mentioned, and I have no problem with either of them as free agents. With that said I’d love to see Utley or Uggla patrolling second. I know it would drain our whole farm system to even have a shot at either one, so I’ll just leave it as a dream that won’t/shouldn’t be realized.

But are you really arguing that we need more power from the corner outfield positions next season. Assuming Rasmus is in center, that gives us Ank and Luddy in the corners, both of which are on pace for 30ish homeruns this season. If that is duplicated next year, I have no concern with their power production (maybe average, but they can both hit the ball hard). Add in a Mather and/or Skip type off the bench and outfield looks good to me.

Last point, I hope you accidentally omitted Wainwright from your “pitchers who have been strong” list, there is no other reason to not include him. He will be around next year barring some injury more devastating than what has him on the dl at present. I would also like to say that IMO Looper has been very good so far as he was last year prior to injury, maybe not top of the rotation good but I don’t expect that from him. I’ve also been pretty impressed with Piniero so far, little as far as results in the W column, but he typically gives the team a chance. I have no problem with looking outside the organization for a dominant pitcher to add to what we already have, but an opening day rotation of Carp, Wainer, Welley, Lohse, Piniero (feel free to plug Loop/Garcia/Todd into your least favorite spot in that rotation) certainly wouldn’t make me cringe.

Venturing somewhat off topic, many have talked lately about adding a top of the rotation type, namely CC. I would much rather see STL pursue him as a free agent than trying to swing any trade for the guy. Our starting rotation is easily one of our strengths this season, adding another guy who gets games to our bullpen only to end up with a no decision when the relievers blow it does nothing to bolster our record this year. There is no reason to throw away top prospects for that, but if the boys upstairs want to pony up the money for him in the offseason I would be more than pleased. Any trades should shore up the bullpen or the middle infield

end rant

Though they’ve been hot recently, Detroit is underperforming this year. Even if they stay in contention, Edgar Renteria has been his usual American League self, the version that got him traded away from Boston very quickly. I think a move back to the NL is in order, and the Cardinals might be a good fit if they give us some salary relief with him. They might demand Bryan Anderson, given their need of a post-Pudge catcher, but I wonder if he could be had for less.