With Kyle Lohse signed to a new four-year contract, the Cardinals are left with eight remaining free-agents of their own to deal with. I don't think there is much chance many of them will be back, but here are my thoughts on the remaining eight:
Jason Isringhausen: when he shut it down toward the end of the year, it looked like his career was over, but recently Izzy has been making overtures about coming back and pitching again. He's a Tony favorite, so I don't think it is out of the realm of possibility that he could return. I wish Izzy the best.....he's been a solid Cardinal for a long time and had some really good years, but I think it's time to turn the page on him. Even if he were signed to be a long-reliever, Chris Perez doesn't need Izzy looking over his shoulder at every slight falter, and you know Tony would be pre-disposed to turn to Jason if Perez struggled in the closer role at all. Definitely time to move on.
Juan Encarnacion: Career is probably over, but he wouldn't be brought back anyway, given our glut of OFs
Mark Mulder: There's a better chance of Scott Rolen getting a Christmas card from Tony LaRussa than there is of the Cardinals exercising the $11M option on Mulder to bring him back next year. They'll pay the $1.5Million buyout and then appropriately turn the page on him, too.
Braden Looper: I wouldn't mind him returning actually, as I still feel the Cardinals need to add an arm to the rotation, given the uncertainty surrounding Chris Carpenter. I think it is unlikely that he will be back for financial reasons, as Mozeliak is more likely to go after a cheaper alternative if he makes a move at all. Looper has posted two straight double digits win seasons, and is durable. He'll command some decent off-season money, but it probably won't be in St. Louis.
Russ Springer: Probably his decision if he wants to come back or retire, but at $3.5M this season, he was a pretty decent buy for the bullpen. Bringing him back at similar dollars to help stabilize a young bullpen is probably a good idea.
Cesar Izturis: I'd love to see the Cardinals upgrade the shortstop position with a Furcal or someone, but if they decide to spend the available dollars on the bullpen or the rotation instead...I'd be okay with Izturis coming back in the $3M range for 2009. Plays stellar defense and provides some timely hits, too.
Jason LaRue: A bargain backup at $850,000 in 2008, I'd like to see him come back as Yadi's backup. Good veteran who obviously has the favor of Duncan and the pitching staff.....I think he'd be a much better option than Mark Johnson as the backup catcher. I believe Bryan Anderson will be traded this off-season, and even if he isn't, it makes little sense to have him around as a bench player.
Ron Villone: I hope he has already cleaned out his belongings and left St Louis, and I hope he's been erased from Mozeliak's memory. Please, for the love of God, don't bring this guy back.
Melanie Fitzpatrick
Danica Patrick
Did You See That?
Back in Time: July 3
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I pretty much concur with everything here. I like LaRue, and he's already said he wants to come back, which is good; I never was big on Bennett or any of the other previous back-ups...Einar Diaz? Really?
I wouldn't mind Looper, as a solid 3 or 4 guy, but he's gonna want a 2 salary, 8-10 mil, which is too much for 12 wins and a high ERA. Springer wants to be back, but his family's the key, which is respectable.
Really, the only position that has me worried about in the near-future and long-term future is shortstop. We have solid prospects at second and third, and C, 1B, and OF are pretty much set. Izturis is a solid stopgap, but Kozma's still a ways away.
pikesteve22
Florissant , MO
Total Comments (41)
I like what you're saying here. I agree across the board.
Isn't Ankiel a free agent this year? The sites around the internet have him listed as a free agent.
I'd like to see him back. He's a Boras player, but so is Lohse so there's hope of a not too expensive signing.
CardsFan2
Saint Louis , MO
Total Comments (1898)
I don't think Ankiel is a FA until next year, CF2. He'll be arbitration eligible, so the Cards will probably have to give him a hefty raise via arbitration, but I don't think he hits free agency until 2010.
It sounds like Lohse dictated to Boras that he wanted to stay in STL. You know there's no way Boras wanted him to sign the day after the season for less than similar pitchers were getting over the last year or two. I applaud Kyle for taking a stand and pitching where he wanted to.
TenRingsSTL
Total Comments (3861)
You're right, he's no longer on any of the free agent lists. Earlier this year I saw three different sites listing him as a free agent after this season.
I'm glad we kept Lohse and he's a bargain based on other starting pitchers signed over the last 2 years.
CardsFan2
Saint Louis , MO
Total Comments (1898)
Yeah, I think I saw that too, because during the summer I had posted something about him being a FA.
No doubt about Lohse.....look at the deals Silva, Meche, Padilla got the last couple of years......Kyle is a definite bargain.
TenRingsSTL
Total Comments (3861)
Ten, if you don't mind, I'd like to offer some insight as well on some of those who are listed above:
Izzy, Juan and Mark. First Izzy. While as great as he has been, I think we should start anew. It seems that this TJ surgery has gotten him down in the dumps of sorts and pulled a Brett Farve. I admire his heart for wanting to pitch again, but I agree with you, he may have thrown his last pitch for STL.
Juan. An illustrious career this cat has had. Correct me if I'm wrong, but he has won one WS ring. To me, that would be good enough to hang up the cleats and be a 3rd or 1st base coach.
Mark...Time for us to move on. Injuries have dictated his career with STL.
Brad, Russ and Cesar. First Brad. Solid starting pitcher in my mind. Has had some tough losses during the season, but held his head up high and that's what the rotation needs.
Russ..Pretty good middle reliever. for $3.5 mil, he would be a steal (no pun intended) to keep him on.
Cesar..To be perfectly honest, I would prefer seeing Cesar on the field every day rather than Felipe. I know that I have given props to Felipe, but with his attitude quirks, Cesar would be a much better fit.
Jason..I am very impressed with this cat. He shows a trememdous amount of heart for the game. He would be a great Yadi back up. Which brings the question...What do we do with Mark Johnson? Bullpen perhaps?
And last and always least Ron Villone...I think you hit the nail on the head, Ten. Have him replace the urinal mints in all the men's bath rooms at Busch. But he might walk a urinal or give up a toilet loaded flood in the process.
And I have to ask the same question CF2 brought up about Rick. Despite injuries, he is a BLEEPING good player. I see him in the outfield every day next season. And I pray he makes the All-Star Squad for the NL next season, after getting snubbed.
redbird1
Hopewell, VA
Total Comments (80)
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