What can we really expect for the '07 rotation?

by redbirdnation on Nov 27, 2006 7:49 PM EST

The next few weeks are really crunch time if the cardinals plan on returning to the World Series next year. As much as I hate being pessimistic, I think that the cardinals are running out of options fast at starting pitching. So far none of the big names have signed, but mussina, woody, and eaton have really set the bar for the contracts that are going to be signed. The big question is will the Cardinals be willing to spend the kind of money required to bring in the top tier pitchers. If they are not, we shouldn't expect to see many big name pitchers.

With that in mind, the cards need to start talking to pitchers before every one worth anything has signed. They need to go out and sign the guys they really want, before they are snatched away by a team willing to spend big bucks. The majority of the top free agent pitchers are allready having discussions with many teams, but the cardinals name has not appeared next to any of the teams that have interest. Jason Schmidt does not want to leave the west coast, and lives in seattle so is rumored to be interested in becoming a mariner. The cardinals will not be willing to put out the type of money that Zito wants, so I don't think he is an option. Ted Lilly and the Yankees are having heated discussions, and the Yanks have an infinite amount of money to blow off on free agents. The Cubs are interested in meche. Eaton just signed with phils, Randy Wolf with the dodgers. Basically we are running out of options unless the cards are talking to any of these guys. If all of those guys sign with those teams, vincente padilla is the best starter availible assuming pettitte is asking for to much money.

Basically the cards need to get in there and spend the money before everyone is gone. Our rotation will be in trouble if the front office won't put out the big bucks. The only other option we have is a trade, which i think is inevitable

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starters

if we can resign weaver , maybe somehow convince schmidt that st. louis is the place for him,sign mulder to the 1 year incentative contract. then that would be good. hancock or narv can always hold down the 5th spot until mulder gets ready in june. but yes things do need to start coming together. and adam eaton would have been nice but he is really not that great

SWH

by BRINGBACKWILSON on Nov 27, 2006 11:42 PM EST reply actions

I'm getting the feeling....

That our rotation for 2007 is going to end up looking something like this:

1.) Carpenter
2.) Weaver
3.) Reyes
4.) Wainwright
5.) K. Wells/M. Bautista

I know that everyone thinks Wainy is the closer now, but the fact of the matter is that we don't know JACK. What may end up happening is that LaDunca sees that there is nothing out there worth it as far as SP, and put AW in the rotation as was the plan before.

If we don't sign Schmidt, Zito, or trade for at least 2 other SP's, I will be officially worried.

by SethWestern on Nov 28, 2006 11:22 AM EST reply actions