2008/2009 St. Louis Cardinals Offseason News

[Hogtropolis™]

And the Cards offseason begins with signing Lohse to a 4-year deal worth $41 mil.

[dacskc]

So Wainwright and Lohse. Mulder,...toast, Carp,..., and Looper on the market.

Is this the last year of Pineiro's deal? Welly??

[ErieHog]

Overpaid Lohse.  He's a good guy and a tough competitor, but he's a 10-15 win guy.  Is that really worth over $10 million a year in a down market?

[dhornjr1]

And the Cards offseason begins with signing Lohse to a 4-year deal worth $41 mil.

What happened to the Cardinal policy of not signing pitchers to more than three year deals?

And if now is the time to break that rule, why wouldn't you wait and throw the bank at C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets?

[ar_sports_talk]

Sabathia has been a beast lately, but he's thrown more innings this year than he ever has in a single year.

His arm has to get tired eventually.

[TuckFexas]

Overpaid Lohse.  He's a good guy and a tough competitor, but he's a 10-15 win guy.  Is that really worth over $10 million a year in a down market?

Agreed.

[trollhog]

maybe this is the year we throw down some real ccash for pitching talent.

[Hogtropolis™]

I am hoping we sign CC no matter what it takes.  Even if it's record money for a pitcher.  It would be great to get CC.  What other starting pitchers are on the market?  I know Sheets is, but I really don't want him.  Too many injury problems.

I agree that we overpaid Lohse though.  He's a good innings eater, but not much more than that.  He had a career year this year and I don't expect him to repeat his production from this year.

[ar_sports_talk]

I would love for the Cardinals to sign Sabathia (even though he's thrown a ton of innings this year), but I would be shocked if it happened.

[TuckFexas]

They could sign me for $1 million. I'd give them just as much production as Matt Clement did.

[dhornjr1]

They could sign me for $1 million. I'd give them just as much production as Matt Clement did.

LOL.

I forget that they had even signed Clement. What a waste.

They need to throw the Brinks truck at Sabathia. I see where you guys are coming from about him throwing a lot of innings this year.

But he's not Pedro Martinez.

Y'know, 5'11" and 165 lbs throwing 250 innings. He's 6'7" and I 'll be generous and say 250 lbs. But, between you, me and the lamp post, I'd say he's closer to three bills.

He should be able to handle a lot of innings.

[ErieHog]

Agreed.

I was a huge fan of Lohse as a 1 year $4.25 million signing; I advocated him to many of you Cardinal fans when you were sour on that signing.

The going market rate for a 4th starter (which is Lohse's long-term makeup) is about 7 million, with a shelf life of 3 seasons;  grand total, he's being overpaid about 13 million, and for a season too long.

Sabitha, btw, is not going to be a Cardinal-- not even if he was offered $30 million a year.

[T-Wacker]

So, with Renteria being released, do the Cards go back after him?

[Hogtropolis™]

So, with Renteria being released, do the Cards go back after him?

I didn't see that, but I think for the right price, they will.  We don't have a SS that has the spot locked down right now, so I say why not.  I was always a fan of him and hated it when he left.

[T-Wacker]

I didn't see that, but I think for the right price, they will.  We don't have a SS that has the spot locked down right now, so I say why not.  I was always a fan of him and hated it when he left.

I would expect Renteria to come crawling back if he gets the chance. His career took a nosedive when he left the Cards. However, not sure TL would want him back. He tends to be somewhat vindictive.

[T-Wacker]

I didn't see that, but I think for the right price, they will.  We don't have a SS that has the spot locked down right now, so I say why not.  I was always a fan of him and hated it when he left.

He was not actually released, but Detroit declined his option for next year making him a free agent.

[camden5r]

Who else is out there for them to go after???

[dhornjr1]

Who else is out there for them to go after???

Potential free agent list

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html

[dhornjr1]

Dunc gets a new deal

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/1C32251C61FC57D2862574D800130551?OpenDocument

"Duncan said in meetings this week with the front office and ownership he 'didn't have to ask about' the plans for improvement.

He understands the plan is 'to do what it takes to compete.'

That starts, from his perspective, with the ninth inning."





Yeah, we'll see.

[dhornjr1]

Retooling the Redbirds: 'Nobody untouchable'

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/columnists.nsf/jeffgordon/story/F005592B7C50F381862574D60053387C?OpenDocument

[dhornjr1]

No precedent for Carp's condition

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/EB925A4C3C6250EE862574D700133478?OpenDocument

[clifflee4mvp]

Sabathia has been a beast lately, but he's thrown more innings this year than he ever has in a single year.

His arm has to get tired eventually.

He just got tired at the wrong time

[Hogtropolis™]

Dunc gets a new deal

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/1C32251C61FC57D2862574D800130551?OpenDocument

"Duncan said in meetings this week with the front office and ownership he 'didn't have to ask about' the plans for improvement.

He understands the plan is 'to do what it takes to compete.'

That starts, from his perspective, with the ninth inning."





Yeah, we'll see.

You scared me there for a second.  I thought you were talking about Chris.  Whenever his deal runs up, we need to cut him loose.

[T-Wacker]

Need to cut Izzy loose (3 years ago actually). I would like to see them keep Looper and put him back in the bullpen. The Cards screwed up a few years ago giving up on Timlin.

[Hogtropolis™]

I would expect Renteria to come crawling back if he gets the chance. His career took a nosedive when he left the Cards. However, not sure TL would want him back. He tends to be somewhat vindictive.

I would like us to go after Furcal.  We've been needing some speed and a true leadoff hitter.  We would also have a solid SS.

Also, while we're talking about signing former players, I wouldn't mind Eckstein coming back and playing 2B for us.  He would be a definite upgrade over Kennedy.  Either that or commit to Miles being your everyday second baseman.  I get sick of this platoon stuff with Miles when he has clearly been the best 2B on the team.

[clifflee4mvp]

I would like us to go after Furcal.  We've been needing some speed and a true leadoff hitter.  We would also have a solid SS.

Also, while we're talking about signing former players, I wouldn't mind Eckstein coming back and playing 2B for us.  He would be a definite upgrade over Kennedy.  Either that or commit to Miles being your everyday second baseman.  I get sick of this platoon stuff with Miles when he has clearly been the best 2B on the team.

Furcal has such a cannon too.

[LVW]

I would expect Renteria to come crawling back if he gets the chance. His career took a nosedive when he left the Cards.

maybe you should go back and see what he did for the Braves in 2006 and 2007.

[LVW]

I would like us to go after Furcal.  We've been needing some speed and a true leadoff hitter.  We would also have a solid SS.

Also, while we're talking about signing former players, I wouldn't mind Eckstein coming back and playing 2B for us.  He would be a definite upgrade over Kennedy.  Either that or commit to Miles being your everyday second baseman.  I get sick of this platoon stuff with Miles when he has clearly been the best 2B on the team.

Miles is stretched as an everyday 2nd baseman(he has NO power or speed nor does he walk much, his career ISO is .075)- he's clearly most effective being used the way he is.

[Hogtropolis™]

Miles is stretched as an everyday 2nd baseman(he has NO power or speed nor does he walk much, his career ISO is .075)- he's clearly most effective being used the way he is.

I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, since Miles has been on the team he has seemed to be the most productive 2B on the team.  We keep trying to force Kennedy in there and he just isn't getting the job done.  Before then Belliard stepped in and played a good second half for us in 2006, but Luna clearly wasn't better than Miles.

Anyway, that's just my thought.  I really wish would we sign someone more solid and let Miles be an actual platoon player, but we need to have a solid SS and 2B to do that.  Good stats though LVW.  What is ISO though?

[LVW]

What is ISO though?

Isolated Slugging% or Slug% minus avg.

[dhornjr1]

The player to watch in the NLCS

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/10/the-player-to-watch-in-the-nlcs/

[jst01]

I understand what you're saying, but at the same time, since Miles has been on the team he has seemed to be the most productive 2B on the team.  We keep trying to force Kennedy in there and he just isn't getting the job done.  Before then Belliard stepped in and played a good second half for us in 2006, but Luna clearly wasn't better than Miles.

Anyway, that's just my thought.  I really wish would we sign someone more solid and let Miles be an actual platoon player, but we need to have a solid SS and 2B to do that.  Good stats though LVW.  What is ISO though?

I say get rid of Kennedy and sign F. Lopez to 2nd base.  The guy can play.  Furcal would be an
awesome addition at leadoff.  1, 2, 3 hitters could be Furcal, Lopez, Pujols.   

and I agree that the first move should be to get rid of Izzy.  I have to stand up and do breathing
exercises when he comes into games.  Add a stud pitcher & shortstop & closer and I think we have
a really solid team.

SS
Lopez/Skip
Pujols
Lud
Troy
Ank
Yadi
Pitch
Skip/Lopez

[dhornjr1]

Pujols has surgery on elbow

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/76A324535BB59346862574E10074F720?OpenDocument

[Hogtropolis™]

Cards mentioned as a team that could be interested in trading for Peavy.  I would be willing to give up just about anyone for him.  I think the only untouchable prospect would be Rasmus.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3647795

[jst01]

Cards mentioned as a team that could be interested in trading for Peavy.  I would be willing to give up just about anyone for him.  I think the only untouchable prospect would be Rasmus.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3647795

shoot, I'd trade Colby Rasmus for Peavy.  Our outfield is looking good and young.
Lud is still pretty young at 30 I believe. Ank will be there for a long time.  Skip
is getting better & better.

[HoundHog]

shoot, I'd trade Colby Rasmus for Peavy.  Our outfield is looking good and young.
Lud is still pretty young at 30 I believe. Ank will be there for a long time.  Skip
is getting better & better.

I agree!! Surely we have some good young pitchers that SD would be interested in. I don't know what everyone thinks about this, but I thought Motte would be an excellant closer. I liked him a lot better than Perez. They do need a good lefthander ( Fuentes ) to go along with Motte.

[LVW]

They do need a good lefthander ( Fuentes ) to go along with Motte.

Fuentes isn't going to sign with someone to be part of the show he'll sign somewhere where he is THE GUY in the 9th.

[Hogtropolis™]

No more Mulder!  No surprise that the Cards buyout Mulder's option.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3654944

[el predicador]

Overpaid on Lohse.  Should've kept some of that money for a difference maker like Peavy, CC, or Furcal.
I'm afraid they let one good year from Lohse make them think he is worth more than he is.

[dhornjr1]

Cardinals Not a Player for Peavy

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bernies-extra-points/bernies-extra-points/2008/10/cardinals-not-a-player-for-peavy/

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/0E346CA346B8D2C7862574EB00150ADD?OpenDocument#tp_newCommentAnchor

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/10/the-jake-peavy-razor/

[dhornjr1]

Albert Pujols named MLBPA Player of the Year

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/10/albert-pujols-named-player-of-the-year/

[dhornjr1]

Mulder: "I would give up anything to have done well in that city"

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/10/mulder-i-would-give-up-anything-to-have-done-well-in-that-city/

[ErieHog]

Overpaid on Lohse.  Should've kept some of that money for a difference maker like Peavy, CC, or Furcal.
I'm afraid they let one good year from Lohse make them think he is worth more than he is.

The money they spent on Lohse combined over the 4 years wouldn't be enough to bring Sabathia to St. Louis for a year.

They really, really aren't players when it comes to him-- he wants a big market to go with his big payday.

[Snort and Squeal]

Mulder: “I would give up anything to have done well in that city”

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/bird-land/bird-land/2008/10/mulder-i-would-give-up-anything-to-have-done-well-in-that-city/

Wow... classy comment by Mulder. 

[A-Town Hog Fan]

Any interest in the new FA Garrett Anderson?

[dhornjr1]

Wow... classy comment by Mulder. 

Agreed.

[LVW]

Any interest in the new FA Garrett Anderson?

he wouldn't last a full season in the NL- his legs haven't allowed  played 100 games in the OF since 2005.

[Hogtropolis™]

Any interest in the new FA Garrett Anderson?

Not from me.  He would end up being just like Jim Edmonds in his last two year with the Cards.

[MS_HogFan]

Renteria (sp) got released from Detroit.
We could use a SS that could hit. What do yall think about him possibly being a Cardinal?

[Hogtropolis™]

I saw in yesterday's newspaper that the Cardinals have re-signed LaRue to a new 1 yr contract to be the back-up catcher.

I'm good with that.  He did a good job as the back-up this year.  Let's hope that we can sign some big name free agents with the extra money we have freed up this year.