With the trade deadline looming, it appears that the Cardinals are focusing their efforts on acquiring a pitcher.
Per Ken Rosenthal, St. Louis is still looking for rotation upgrades. The Cardinals are
exploring everything from front-line starters to back-of-the-rotation
types, he says.
Jennifer Langosch confirms Rosenthal's report, indicating that the Cardinals are looking for starting pitching, however, per
GM John Mozeliak, nothing is imminent. Asked if Cards were seeking a
top end starter or back-end depth, Mo said that the later was more
likely.
Based on these reports and previous rumors, it appears the the Cardinals are probably looking at David Price on the top end or Jake Peavy as back-end depth, amongst others.
According to Bob Nightengale, one
high-ranking AL exec thinks that St. Louis is the most likely landing
spot for Price (should the Rays decide to trade him). For what its worth, David Price recently took in a Cardinals game and told Nightengale that he was treated well.
On the other end of the spectrum, it appears that the Cards are keeping Peavy on the "back burner", according to Nick Cafardo. While Buster Olney says that the only reason that no Jake Peavy trade had been completed as of yet is that the Red Sox want a prospect, but Cards are only offering salary relief. Nonetheless, Peter Gammons says that the Red Sox are scouting Cardinals prospect Rowan Wick.
Reading between the lines, it appears that the Cards are checking out all their options when it comes to finding a starting pitcher. While Mo says a back-end starter is more likely, I'm sure they wouldn't be opposed to acquiring Price, if the price is right. However, it appears that Mo wants to see if the price will come down on Price, before making a move on Peavy.
However, despite playing the waiting game, it appears that the Cardinals believe they will acquire a pitcher. The most telling thing is that Carlos Martinez is being moved back to the pen, according to Derrick Goold, with Shelby Miller returning to the rotation.
Even with the return of Miller to the rotation, the demotion of Martinez leaves the Cardinals with just 4 starters (Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly and Miller). With off days on Thursday and Monday, the Cards will not need a 5th starter until August 2nd. The demotion of Martinez to the pen, makes it appear that they believe they will have a new addition to the rotation by then.
So, while it may come down to the wire, I think that the Cardinals will acquire another starter by the July 31st deadline and it appears that the team believes that as well.
Please, please Mo, no Jake Peavy. What, pray tell, would Peavy benefit the Cards over Martinez? So Martinez gives up 3 runs in a game and he gets sent to the pen to "work on control", and then you're telling us Peavy, who has a 1-9 record and a 4.72 ERA is the alternative? the more intelligent or trustworthy option? Yeah right!
ReplyDeleteSo, supposing the Cards aquire Peavy and he gives up 3-4 runs in a game including a couple bombs, just like in his last outing, then what's the brilliant logic? Then all you've achieved is an even less favorable situation with a bigger increase in payroll to boot!
I agree. Not sure what Mo's infatuation is with Peavy, but I'm not seeing it. Go big or go home. Price or bust.
DeleteI bleive the cards need ato clean house.they need a new GM and Manager.next they need a total overhaul of the outfield and a over haul of their bench.bring the younsters up ,they cannot do any worse than the guys now playing.the cards are afraid to spend money..this team is going nowhere.
ReplyDeletejoe
Not sure if I'm ready to clean house just yet, but a lot of what Mo and Matheny do makes you scratch your head.
DeleteIm sure Jake westbrook would come out of retirement. That would be an upgrade over Peavy. I would much rather see a AA rookie pitch than Peavy. At least we know he might get better. Just don't trade or buy Jake Peavy
ReplyDeleteI would offer Shelby Miller, Allen Craig, and either Grichuk or Piscotty in Triple A for David Price. That would free up Tavaras to play every day in right. Cards would have 2 #1 starters in Wainright and Price.
ReplyDeleteInteresting...however, based on their trade history, I think that the Rays want young, more cost controlled talent in return. Its likely that the Cards would have to include Taveras in any deal involving Price.
DeleteWith their lack of hitting, the Cards pitchers will have to throw no-hitters each time they take the mound. Until they can score more than one run per game, we need more hitting. The pitching staff was very effective during the first half, but no hitters.
ReplyDeleteit would seem to me that a good reliable closer is the more pressing need. Rosenthal can't seem to get it done anymore. a starter would be nice but who have we got that can go nine every time out. how many leads have we lost in innings 7-8. answer, a lot. how bout a good set-up guy or a closer?
ReplyDeleteWhy in the world would Mo want Peavy? Duncan is not here to bring Peavy's career back to life. Even if Dunc was still here I wouldn't want Peavy. Rosenthal has become wild all of a sudden. I think he is get the Rick Ankiel syndrome. Cards need a starter, a bat like Stanton but we all know that isn't going to happen. Cards are horrible with runners in scoring position this year. Cards have a few young players in the system that will take to get the Price deal done but the question is.... Are the Rays wanting too much?
ReplyDelete