Things are heating up on the David Freese front while Texas' trade of Ian Kinsler has many wondering where the Cardinals will find a shortstop, as the Hot Stove Heats up.
David Freese
Reports surfaced yesterday that the Cardinals were talking to the Angels about a possible David Freese trade (first reported by Ken Rosenthal via Twitter). Rosenthal further reported that the Cardinals were looking for outfield depth and that the sides were still in the "discussion phase". The Angels have young outfielders, such as Peter Bourjos, J.B. Shuck and Kole Calhoun that could interest the Cards.
I find it somewhat puzzling that the Cardinals would be looking for additional outfielders, when the have some talented youngsters of their own, such as Oscar Taveras, Stephen Piscotty and even Mike O'Neill waiting in the wings.
Perhaps its an indication that the Cardinals may be looking to move someone like Matt Adams or Jon Jay in another trade to acquire a shortstop.
In any case, Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register indicated that the Cardinals would not trade Freese for Bourjos straight up and that some more pieces need to be involved, but they are still working on it.
Update: The Cardinals have traded Freese and Fernando Salas for the Angles' Peter Bourjos and Randal Grichuk. I will post details later...
Shortstop
The Cardinals search for a shortstop hit an unexpected roadblock this week when the Rangers traded second baseman Ian Kinsler to Detroit for Prince Fielder. Although Ken Rosenthal indicated that the Rangers are still open to trading either Elvis Andrus or Jurickson Profar, it seems less likely now.
With Andrus and Profar off the table, Bernie Miklasz breaks down the other options for the Cards, with J.J. Hardy listed as his "best fit".
While Hardy won the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove last year, it appears that he has his drawbacks as well. For one thing, he is only signed through the 2014 season and it appears that the Orioles asking price (Shelby Miller) is pretty high.
I, for one, do not want to give up Miller for a one-year rental, however, as Miklasz points out, there doesn't appear to be a lot of other great options.
Perhaps the Cardinals can find some way to pry Erick Aybar away from the Angels while they are working on the Freese trade or perhaps the Rangers might be more willing to trade Andrus or Profar if the Cardinals include Kolten Wong (to replace Kinsler at second). However, that won't happen if the Cards trade Freese.
In any case, it looks like Freese could be on the move soon and we might have to wait a while before the shortstop position is filled.
Showing posts with label shortstop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shortstop. Show all posts
Friday, November 22, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Why Elvis Andrus is my pick to be the next Cardinals shortstop.
Ever since Cardinals GM John Mozeliak stated that he was willing to trade young pitching for a young controllable shortstop, the rumors have been flying as to who the Cards might acquire. There's been speculation regarding Troy Tulowitzki, Jed Lowrie, J.J. Hardy, Stephen Drew and, of course, Elvis Andrus and Jurickson Profar of the Rangers.
After careful consideration of all of the alternatives, I think that Elvis Andrus of the Rangers would be the best fit for the Cardinals.
Here's why:
He's young and controllable
First off, Andrus meets Mozeliak's own criteria of being "young and controllable". Andrus is only 25 year's old and is signed through 2022 (although he can opt out of his contract after 2018 or 2019). Sure, his contract is not cheap--he will make $6.475 million in 2014 and $15 million a year through 2018, but the Cardinals have the money to afford him.
He's available
The Rangers have said that they are willing to trade one of the middle infielders (Andrus, Profar or Ian Kinsler). Trading Andrus probably makes the most sense for them, as it would help them shed salary while opening up a spot for Profar.
He can hit lefites
As I pointed out in a previous article, the Cardinals need to improve their lineup against lefties and Andrus would do just that. For his career, Andrus has hit .273/.346/.352 against lefties and .275/.337/.347 against righties. Pretty even splits.
He's got speed
One thing the Cardinals offense lacked last season was speed. The Detroit Tigers were the only team in baseball with fewer stolen bases than the Cardinals 45 (the Tigers had 35). Andrus nearly matched the Cardinals total by himself, with 42 stolen bases in 2013. He would fit nicely atop the Cardinals lineup along with Matt Carpenter.
But, what about the other candidates? How do they stack up?
Troy Tulowitzki
Tulo is 29 years old and signed through 2020. He is set to make $16 million in 2014 and then $20 million a year through 2019 before dropping back down to $14 million in 2020. While a better all around hitter than Andrus and at least comparable defensively, the downside to him is his injury history and availability.
In his career, Tulowitzki has only appeared in over 150 games twice in 7 seasons. Andrus has averaged over 150 games a year in his 5 seasons.
In addition, Tulo does not appear to be on the block. That's not to say the Rockies wouldn't trade him, but the Cardinals would likely have to overpay to get him (one so-called expert suggested Michael Wacha, Trevor Rosenthal AND Allen Craig, i.e. NOT GONNA HAPPEN).
Jed Lowrie
Lowrie is 29 but is signed only through the 2014 season. This is probably his biggest drawback, as, not only would the Cardinals have to give up some prospects for him, but then they would risk losing him after only one season.
That said, the asking price for him would probably be lower, but there has been no indication that the A's are willing to trade him in the first place.
J.J. Hardy
The Orioles reportedly offered the Cardinals Hardy for Shelby Miller, which the Cards quickly turned down. Hardy is already 31 years old and is only signed through 2014, so, like Lowrie, there is a risk that the Cardinals could be back in this same predicament after the 2014 season, only down a prospect or two.
Not a very appealing option.
Stephen Drew
Drew, a free agent, wouldn't cost the Cardinals any young arms, just money. However, he will be 31 to start the 2014 season and to get him the Cards would probably have to sign him to at least a 4-5 year deal.
The biggest drawback for Drew is his inability to hit lefties. He hit just .196/.246/.340 against lefties in 2013 and just .235/.291/.390 for his career. In fact, since 2010, he has gotten progressively worse in his splits against lefties, going from a .255 average in 2010, to .224 in 2011, .198 in 2012 and .196 in 2013.
Jurickson Profar
Of all of the other candidates, Profar would probably be my second choice. At 20, he is younger and cheaper than Andrus, and would be under team control for another 5 years (if my math is right). However, he has yet to prove himself at the major league level and yet would probably cost more in a trade than Andrus, mainly because of his salary and high upside.
So, given all of the above, I would like to see Mozeliak make a big push for Andrus. It may take a package of Shelby Miller and Matt Adams to acquire him, but I think it would be worth it. If the price goes significantly beyond that, then Mo should turn to Plan "B" (whatever that is).
What are your thoughts? Who would you like to see the Cardinals go after? I will post a poll on the homepage and you can discuss your choice in the comments section.
After careful consideration of all of the alternatives, I think that Elvis Andrus of the Rangers would be the best fit for the Cardinals.
Here's why:
He's young and controllable
First off, Andrus meets Mozeliak's own criteria of being "young and controllable". Andrus is only 25 year's old and is signed through 2022 (although he can opt out of his contract after 2018 or 2019). Sure, his contract is not cheap--he will make $6.475 million in 2014 and $15 million a year through 2018, but the Cardinals have the money to afford him.
He's available
The Rangers have said that they are willing to trade one of the middle infielders (Andrus, Profar or Ian Kinsler). Trading Andrus probably makes the most sense for them, as it would help them shed salary while opening up a spot for Profar.
He can hit lefites
As I pointed out in a previous article, the Cardinals need to improve their lineup against lefties and Andrus would do just that. For his career, Andrus has hit .273/.346/.352 against lefties and .275/.337/.347 against righties. Pretty even splits.
He's got speed
One thing the Cardinals offense lacked last season was speed. The Detroit Tigers were the only team in baseball with fewer stolen bases than the Cardinals 45 (the Tigers had 35). Andrus nearly matched the Cardinals total by himself, with 42 stolen bases in 2013. He would fit nicely atop the Cardinals lineup along with Matt Carpenter.
But, what about the other candidates? How do they stack up?
Troy Tulowitzki
Tulo is 29 years old and signed through 2020. He is set to make $16 million in 2014 and then $20 million a year through 2019 before dropping back down to $14 million in 2020. While a better all around hitter than Andrus and at least comparable defensively, the downside to him is his injury history and availability.
In his career, Tulowitzki has only appeared in over 150 games twice in 7 seasons. Andrus has averaged over 150 games a year in his 5 seasons.
In addition, Tulo does not appear to be on the block. That's not to say the Rockies wouldn't trade him, but the Cardinals would likely have to overpay to get him (one so-called expert suggested Michael Wacha, Trevor Rosenthal AND Allen Craig, i.e. NOT GONNA HAPPEN).
Jed Lowrie
Lowrie is 29 but is signed only through the 2014 season. This is probably his biggest drawback, as, not only would the Cardinals have to give up some prospects for him, but then they would risk losing him after only one season.
That said, the asking price for him would probably be lower, but there has been no indication that the A's are willing to trade him in the first place.
J.J. Hardy
The Orioles reportedly offered the Cardinals Hardy for Shelby Miller, which the Cards quickly turned down. Hardy is already 31 years old and is only signed through 2014, so, like Lowrie, there is a risk that the Cardinals could be back in this same predicament after the 2014 season, only down a prospect or two.
Not a very appealing option.
Stephen Drew
Drew, a free agent, wouldn't cost the Cardinals any young arms, just money. However, he will be 31 to start the 2014 season and to get him the Cards would probably have to sign him to at least a 4-5 year deal.
The biggest drawback for Drew is his inability to hit lefties. He hit just .196/.246/.340 against lefties in 2013 and just .235/.291/.390 for his career. In fact, since 2010, he has gotten progressively worse in his splits against lefties, going from a .255 average in 2010, to .224 in 2011, .198 in 2012 and .196 in 2013.
Jurickson Profar
Of all of the other candidates, Profar would probably be my second choice. At 20, he is younger and cheaper than Andrus, and would be under team control for another 5 years (if my math is right). However, he has yet to prove himself at the major league level and yet would probably cost more in a trade than Andrus, mainly because of his salary and high upside.
So, given all of the above, I would like to see Mozeliak make a big push for Andrus. It may take a package of Shelby Miller and Matt Adams to acquire him, but I think it would be worth it. If the price goes significantly beyond that, then Mo should turn to Plan "B" (whatever that is).
What are your thoughts? Who would you like to see the Cardinals go after? I will post a poll on the homepage and you can discuss your choice in the comments section.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Cardinals put Lance Lynn and/or Shelby Miller on the block? Who might they get in return?
The Hot Stove league has barely begun and already the Cardinals have created a stir by allegedly placing Lance Lynn and Shelby Miller on the block in their quest for a shortstop.
According to Joe Strauss, the Cardinals may want to make room for either Carlos Martinez or Trevor Rosenthal in the starting rotation and trading either Lynn or Miller will free up a spot for one of those two while also addressing their other area of need (i.e. shortstop).
The only question is what shortstop is available that the Cardinals could go after?
Here are some possibilities:
Texas: Elvis Andrus/Jurickson Profar
There was much discussion around the July trade deadline of a Oscar Taveras for Jurickson Profar trade. Both are top prospects for their respective teams, but it seemed unlikely that either would be moved. But might Texas be tempted to move Profar if Shelby Miller was the bait?
As for Andrus, Texas just signed him to a 8-year, $120 million extension back in April, which locks him up through 2023, although he can opt out after the 2018 or 2019 seasons. Its hard to see the Rangers trading him so soon after the extension, but the contract only contains a limited no-trade clause, in which he can only block trades to 10 teams beginning in 2016, so it is not out of the question.
The Rangers could move Andrus to make room for Profar at short and, if so, a trade involving Lynn for Andrus might make sense.
Arizona: Didi Gregorius/Chris Owings
Like the Rangers, the Diamondbacks have two quality shortstops and only once place to put them. Owings probably has the higher offensive upside, while Gregorius is generally considered the better defender.
On the surface, Gregorius had a decent rookie season, hitting .252/.332/.373 with a 94 OPS+, however it was really a tale of two halves. Gregorius had a .744 OPS in the first half of the season, but only .628 in the second half, which was only a bit higher than Pete Kozma's .548 OPS for the year.
Owings hit .330/.359/.482 in AAA Reno this year (granted, it was the offensive minded PCL) and is a career .291/.320/.441 hitter in the minors. He hit .291 in 55 at bats with Arizona and looks to be major league ready.
I would not give up Shelby Miller for either of these two and would probably only give up Lynn for Owings, as Gregorius does not seem to be much of an upgrade.
Colorado: Troy Tulowitzki
Another rumor that has been floating around a while is the Cardinals making a play for the Rockies Tulowitzki. While he is certainly an excellent hitter, with a career line of .295/.367/.509 and an above average defender, there are some concerns as well.
For one, he is owed $134 million over the next 7 years, including a $4 million buyout for 2021. While the Cardinals have some payroll flexibility, I'm not sure they want to commit that much to one player.
In addition, Tulo has been injury prone, especially the last two years, in which he only played 47 games in 2012 and 121 in 2013. For his career, he's only averaged 120 games per season.
Finally, to get a guy like Tolowitzki, the Cardinals would like have to give up Miller and then some, which might be too steep a price.
Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro/Junior Lake
The Cubs may be getting fed up with Castro, who, after signing a 7-year, $60 million extension in August 2012, proceeded to go out and have the worst year of his career in 2013, hitting just .245 with a .631 OPS.
The Cubs could decide to sell low on Castro and move Lake, a converted shortstop, back to short for one season, until uber-prospect Javier Baez is ready to take over the reigns.
Despite his 2013 troubles, Castro is still talented and would be an upgrade over Kozma, at least offensively, and might just need a change of scenery.
Still, I wouldn't give up any more than Lynn for him.
Overall, there are some good options out there, as well as some I may have overlooked (such as J.J. Hardy/Manny Machado in Baltimore or Asdrubal Cabrera/Francisco Lindor in Cleveland), but, as with most up-the-middle guys, the price could end up being higher than the Cardinals are willing to pay.
In any case, its something to keep an eye on as the Hot Stove heats up.
According to Joe Strauss, the Cardinals may want to make room for either Carlos Martinez or Trevor Rosenthal in the starting rotation and trading either Lynn or Miller will free up a spot for one of those two while also addressing their other area of need (i.e. shortstop).
The only question is what shortstop is available that the Cardinals could go after?
Here are some possibilities:
Texas: Elvis Andrus/Jurickson Profar
There was much discussion around the July trade deadline of a Oscar Taveras for Jurickson Profar trade. Both are top prospects for their respective teams, but it seemed unlikely that either would be moved. But might Texas be tempted to move Profar if Shelby Miller was the bait?
As for Andrus, Texas just signed him to a 8-year, $120 million extension back in April, which locks him up through 2023, although he can opt out after the 2018 or 2019 seasons. Its hard to see the Rangers trading him so soon after the extension, but the contract only contains a limited no-trade clause, in which he can only block trades to 10 teams beginning in 2016, so it is not out of the question.
The Rangers could move Andrus to make room for Profar at short and, if so, a trade involving Lynn for Andrus might make sense.
Arizona: Didi Gregorius/Chris Owings
Like the Rangers, the Diamondbacks have two quality shortstops and only once place to put them. Owings probably has the higher offensive upside, while Gregorius is generally considered the better defender.
On the surface, Gregorius had a decent rookie season, hitting .252/.332/.373 with a 94 OPS+, however it was really a tale of two halves. Gregorius had a .744 OPS in the first half of the season, but only .628 in the second half, which was only a bit higher than Pete Kozma's .548 OPS for the year.
Owings hit .330/.359/.482 in AAA Reno this year (granted, it was the offensive minded PCL) and is a career .291/.320/.441 hitter in the minors. He hit .291 in 55 at bats with Arizona and looks to be major league ready.
I would not give up Shelby Miller for either of these two and would probably only give up Lynn for Owings, as Gregorius does not seem to be much of an upgrade.
Colorado: Troy Tulowitzki
Another rumor that has been floating around a while is the Cardinals making a play for the Rockies Tulowitzki. While he is certainly an excellent hitter, with a career line of .295/.367/.509 and an above average defender, there are some concerns as well.
For one, he is owed $134 million over the next 7 years, including a $4 million buyout for 2021. While the Cardinals have some payroll flexibility, I'm not sure they want to commit that much to one player.
In addition, Tulo has been injury prone, especially the last two years, in which he only played 47 games in 2012 and 121 in 2013. For his career, he's only averaged 120 games per season.
Finally, to get a guy like Tolowitzki, the Cardinals would like have to give up Miller and then some, which might be too steep a price.
Chicago Cubs: Starlin Castro/Junior Lake
The Cubs may be getting fed up with Castro, who, after signing a 7-year, $60 million extension in August 2012, proceeded to go out and have the worst year of his career in 2013, hitting just .245 with a .631 OPS.
The Cubs could decide to sell low on Castro and move Lake, a converted shortstop, back to short for one season, until uber-prospect Javier Baez is ready to take over the reigns.
Despite his 2013 troubles, Castro is still talented and would be an upgrade over Kozma, at least offensively, and might just need a change of scenery.
Still, I wouldn't give up any more than Lynn for him.
Overall, there are some good options out there, as well as some I may have overlooked (such as J.J. Hardy/Manny Machado in Baltimore or Asdrubal Cabrera/Francisco Lindor in Cleveland), but, as with most up-the-middle guys, the price could end up being higher than the Cardinals are willing to pay.
In any case, its something to keep an eye on as the Hot Stove heats up.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Rafael Furcal injury highlights Cardinals lack of quality options at short
The latest news out of Spring Training is that Cardinals short stop Rafael Furcal is hurting, again.
According to Derrick Gould of the Post-Dispatch, Furcal continues to be hampered by pain in his right elbow.
As Furcal put it himself, "It still hurts. A lot."
Of course, by now we should expect an injury to Furcal. Last year he missed 41 games, he missed 75 in 2011 and he missed 65 in 2010 and, at 35 years old, he's not going to magically get healthier.
Based on all that, one would have expected the Cardinals to have a backup plan. Someone to fill in while Furcal is on the shelf.
Instead, we have Ronny Cedeno, Pete Kozma and Ryan Jackson.
First dibs on the short stop job will probably fall to Cedeno--he of the $1.15 million contract and career WAR of -(yes, negative)1.6. Cedeno did a decent job as a utility infielder for the Mets last year (.259/.332/.410 in 166 at bats) and he did start at short for two years for the Pirates from 2010-2011. But there is a reason why the Pirates have not had a winning record for 20 years. Because they continually start players like Ronny Cedeno.
Once Cedeno proves that he is no better than a replacement level player, the Cardinals will probably turn to Kozma. The Cards caught lightning in a bottle when Kozma hit .333/.383/.569 down the stretch last year, but that was probably just a small sample size (72 at bats) aberration. Truth is, Kozma is a career .236/.308/.344 hitter in the minors and will probably not hit enough in the majors to justify a starting job.
Which leaves us with Ryan Jackson. Jackson is regarded as a better fielder and has a better minor league resume than Kozma with a career .267/.335/.370 line. But, what does it say when the Cardinals consider him lower on the depth chart the the light hitting Kozma.
So, with a little over a month left before opening day, the Cardinals are left with an ailing short stop and 3 below replacement level options as his backup. The Cards are hoping that Furcal will be ready by opening day, but, given his history, they should have had a better backup plan in place.
According to Derrick Gould of the Post-Dispatch, Furcal continues to be hampered by pain in his right elbow.
As Furcal put it himself, "It still hurts. A lot."
Of course, by now we should expect an injury to Furcal. Last year he missed 41 games, he missed 75 in 2011 and he missed 65 in 2010 and, at 35 years old, he's not going to magically get healthier.
Based on all that, one would have expected the Cardinals to have a backup plan. Someone to fill in while Furcal is on the shelf.
Instead, we have Ronny Cedeno, Pete Kozma and Ryan Jackson.
First dibs on the short stop job will probably fall to Cedeno--he of the $1.15 million contract and career WAR of -(yes, negative)1.6. Cedeno did a decent job as a utility infielder for the Mets last year (.259/.332/.410 in 166 at bats) and he did start at short for two years for the Pirates from 2010-2011. But there is a reason why the Pirates have not had a winning record for 20 years. Because they continually start players like Ronny Cedeno.
Once Cedeno proves that he is no better than a replacement level player, the Cardinals will probably turn to Kozma. The Cards caught lightning in a bottle when Kozma hit .333/.383/.569 down the stretch last year, but that was probably just a small sample size (72 at bats) aberration. Truth is, Kozma is a career .236/.308/.344 hitter in the minors and will probably not hit enough in the majors to justify a starting job.
Which leaves us with Ryan Jackson. Jackson is regarded as a better fielder and has a better minor league resume than Kozma with a career .267/.335/.370 line. But, what does it say when the Cardinals consider him lower on the depth chart the the light hitting Kozma.
So, with a little over a month left before opening day, the Cardinals are left with an ailing short stop and 3 below replacement level options as his backup. The Cards are hoping that Furcal will be ready by opening day, but, given his history, they should have had a better backup plan in place.
Monday, January 28, 2013
MLB investigating age of Cuban shortstop Aledmys Diaz
Baseball America is reporting the Major League Baseball is investigating the age of Cuban shortstop Aledmys Diaz. Diaz is stating that he was born on January 8, 1990, which would make him 23. A report on Cuba's official baseball website from December 2007 has him being born on August 1, 1990, while a roster from the Haarlem Baseball Week lists his birthdate as August 1, 1991.
The significance of all this is that, if Diaz is 23, as he says, he would be exempt from the 2012-2013 international bonus pools, which would make him more attractive to MLB teams. In addition, if MLB finds out that he has falsified his age, he could be subject to a penalty of being ineligible to sign for one year.
The Cardinals showed some interest in Diaz earlier this year, but given his age issues and the modest scouting reports on him, I think its best for the Cardinals to take a pass on him.
For their part, the Cardinals may already be showing signs of doing just that, as they have recently shown interest in Ronny Cedeno.
In any case, its obvious the Cardinals are still looking for infield depth, with questions surrounding Rafael Furcal's health to start the season.
The significance of all this is that, if Diaz is 23, as he says, he would be exempt from the 2012-2013 international bonus pools, which would make him more attractive to MLB teams. In addition, if MLB finds out that he has falsified his age, he could be subject to a penalty of being ineligible to sign for one year.
The Cardinals showed some interest in Diaz earlier this year, but given his age issues and the modest scouting reports on him, I think its best for the Cardinals to take a pass on him.
For their part, the Cardinals may already be showing signs of doing just that, as they have recently shown interest in Ronny Cedeno.
In any case, its obvious the Cardinals are still looking for infield depth, with questions surrounding Rafael Furcal's health to start the season.
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