Time for Walt to make his move
The final Opening Day at Busch Stadium is less than four months away. The team that will be taking the field in early April is rapidly being decided upon through a series of intricate management decisions that potentially could be scrutinized for eternity – and from many perspectives. Since I have no influence on Cardinals management I typically prefer to analyze as a reactionary activity, rather than deal with hypothetical scenarios. However, I am hoping for Placido Polanco to be our starting 2B. Besides the 'feel-good' factor, it is an upgrade from Tony Womack in every sense, particularly age and range. Womack has very limited range and, most likely, had a fluky season. PP had an OPS of .786 last season, compared to Tomack’s .735. But Polanco is at .748 for his career; Womack is at .681. The Yankees could have done better, but I am betting they think they have another ‘winner’.
Best news ever: Rick Ankiel. As of Dec. 3 he has 18 K’s and 3 W’s in 13 1/3 innings for Carolina in the Puerto Rican league. I read recently that his team's defense is terrible and to overlook his 4-plus ERA. No one his hitting him hard, I guess. Cool. That brings to me to the current Redbirds rotation of Carpenter, Marquis, Morris, Suppan and Ankiel - with Dan Haren ready to step in. I am not uncomfotable with that, but have to assume I am in the extreme minority on this. The team needs a 2B, SS (Renteria? At least 9 mill) and must fill 3-4 bench/bullpen spots still. They have $20 million to do so. I’ve heard of no trade scenarios that are acceptable to get RJ from Arizona. Please don’t mess with the A’s and Billy Beane. Matt Clement is tempting, but why risk him following an injury-plagued season? Well, for the right price, maybe. He has such nasty stuff.
I’m extremely pleased to get Matt Morris back for $2.5 million. He wants a chance to prove himself and that works perfectly. If he reaches any incentives, it will be well worth the extra money. Plus, we can scrutinize his personality and quirky mound antics some more. Mellow Matt is back! Feels good.
Talk about taking care of business. After a very emotional tenure in St. Louis, Woody Williams signs with the Padres hours after becoming eligible to do so. Dude had a plan and I wish him a smooth transition into the Western sunset. I interviewed him after a game last season for MLB.com and he seemed as genuine as I had anticipated.
Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com's minor league guru, said: “The Cardinals do have some good, young pitching, but not much of it is healthy. Adam Wainwright's elbow bothered him all year, Blake Hawksworth made just two starts and even Jim Journell missed most of the year. Chris Narveson stayed healthy, but was sent to Colorado in the Larry Walker deal.” . . . Not too good, so perhaps having Haren ready in the wings as a middle reliver is a good idea . . . Hal McRae had a 286-277 record managing the Royals. Why did he leave? I don’t remember, but I hope it was a good reason. Glad to have him on board . . . John Mabry and Cal Eldred for $1.3 mill? I like it . . . Come back home, Edgar!