The 2008 Chicago Cubs are certainly an imposing bunch, but if you want to feel a bit better about things take a look at what's just over the horizon for the small bears.

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It's nice that Washington finally got a chance, but the Cardinals need a high-quality, backup corner infielder to spell Glaus and Pujols.  Wes Helms has been DFA'd and Philly wants someone to pick up the $2.9 million left on his contract.  That's a lot for a 31-year-old Matt Stairs-type who might be over the hill, but if he reverts to 2006 or even 2005 form he could be useful.  He posted a 149 OPS+ in '06 in about 250 PAs and he's tough on lefties.  I don't want to oversell someone who was bumped aside by Pedro Feliz, but this seems like an obvious chance to upgrade the roster.

What does a baseball fan care about when there is zero chance his/her team will achieve any success? My quick and dirty list:

What are the possibilities?

Brendan Ryan - This would bring Miles and Eckstein, into the lineup now, and perhaps Kennedy when he returns. Hoff-power could help bolster the middle infield once September rolls around.

Scott Spiezio - Is he done for the year?

Albert Pujols - Duncan to first, Enc and Ankiel at the corners. Would LaRussa dare?

A trade - Who's out there? Shea Hillenbrand (shudder)

The calendar has flipped to August and speculation on the end-of-year awards can officially begin. This is especially welcome this year as the Cardinals are brutal on the field, stagnant in the front office, and barren of any exciting talent in the high minors. Yes, yes I love Rick Ankiel and Jarrett Hoff-power as much as the next guy, but here in Arizona they're about to see the big league debut of Justin Upton. Now that's exciting.

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One thing to keep in mind when judging Reyes is that he's only started 28 regular season games. Is this a sufficient number to start making conclusions about his likely future? To help answer that I thought I'd look at what other notable Cardinal hurlers did in there first 28 starts:

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Chris Burke for Brad Thompson

I know, not very exciting... Burke just got sent down. He's stuck behind Everett, Loretta, Biggio, and now Hunter Pence, the Astros' top prospect.

Burke has never posted an OPS+ higher than 94, but he has a little pop, he can get on base, and he can steal a base. In short, he's not a creaky old geezer.

He would make a nice platoon partner in center with Edmonds or at second with Kennedy, or he could pinch run, pinch hit, and even take over at short if necessary.

Unfortunately, he's arb eligible at the end of this year, so he's due for a raise.

The Post-Dispatch reported this morning that talks between Eckstein and the Cardinals have ceased for now.

I'm not surprised. Eck's celebrity factor is sky high right now, he'll be entering his age 33 season when the new deal starts, and he'll probably want at least three years. Scrappy players don't age that well. Has this been empirically tested? I don't know, but he has a small frame for a pro player and his arm has always been weak. The most valuable attribute he brings is a decent OBP, but as has been stated on this blog and others, because he produces few steals and XBHs, he's actually a pretty poor leadoff guy.

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It's being reported that Anthony Reyes will go to the White Sox for Buerhle and Darin Erstad...

Apparently Jocketty thinks Buerhle has worked through  his recent struggles and he likes the fire and the intangibles Erstad brings.

link

I say it's a good deal if we can sign Buerhle to an extension.

Thoughts?

The time has come to put an end to the Looper as starter gag. I mean, it was funny for a while, but we're getting dangerously close to opening day.

The Phillies have too many starters, and for some dumb reason they are going to send Lieber - their fourth   best - to the 'pen, if they can't trade him first. Reports have Lieber going to the Brewers for Kevin Mench or to the Chisox with Aaron Rowand for Mike MacDougal. Both of these trades address the Phillies' needs, bullpen help and the outfield.

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