Future has to be now
Now that the Mark Mulder trade has had a week to swirl around my head I guess it’s a good time to unload a few thoughts. If no one else stops by, hopefully I can at least count on my brother to do so. I don’t like the trade. In fact, I’m not sure I’d like it even if one of the three Cardinals were not involved. But the reason for this deal is obvious. Walt Jocketty was unable to put what happened in the Series in proper perspective. Everyone screamed for a No. 1 power pitcher. Once Edgar Renteria was gone (perplexing given that the Cards offer was similar to Boston’s) it seemed like Walt felt compelled to make a major splash. But Mark Mulder fell apart in the second half of last season (6.13 ERA) and is not really more of a power pitcher than (younger) Dan Haren. Mulder is certainly better now than Haren, so the team might be better in 2005 if Mulder tosses 200 innings and starts 33 games. But one of the better middle relievers is now gone (Kiko Calero, who at 30 is older than many realize), Haren is gone and the team’s prize prospect is gone. St. Louis does not have much in the Minors, and now they have nearly nothing. I love Yadier Molina and the word is that Daric Barton could’ve been a corner OF in a couple of seasons. So keeping both made sense. Barton was a 313/.445/.511 hitter in A ball and is only 19. He was our jewel. I honestly wish the Redbirds would have avoided dealing with the A’s. With an improved Matt Morris, Haren and Rick Ankiel waiting in the wings, I just don’t see the need to unload so much for Mulder. Is Chuck Finley 50 years old yet? We could’ve called him.
Will David Eckstein be our SS? Hmmm.