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Hypothesis ... if he could be afforded (i.e. after signing AP), would Jimmy Rollins make sense as a FA signing for the Cardinals? I'd spend more for him than I would Furcal. With SS set, Craig would be back-up corner OF/SB; Theriot and Descalso would be utility IFs. In this scenario, the major needs would then be a back-up CF (not sure if Chambers is good enough) and a second lefty in the BP.

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 11:54 PM ET  12.05 by CardinalPride25

Hypothesis ... if he could be afforded (i.e. after signing AP), would Jimmy Rollins make sense as a FA signing for the Cardinals? I'd spend more for him than I would Furcal. With SS set, Craig would be back-up corner OF/SB; Theriot and Descalso would be utility IFs. In this scenario, the major needs would then be a back-up CF (not sure if Chambers is good enough) and a second lefty in the BP.

With Rollins wanting a 5 year deal, I'd rather they pass on him. He's 33 years old. He turned down the Phillies offer of a 3 year contract.

What I'd really like is for the Cards to make an offer and set a deadline with Pujols. If he doesn't like it or doesn't respond, move on. We can't do anything else until he makes up his mind

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:18 AM ET  12.06 by stargatebabe

With Rollins wanting a 5 year deal, I'd rather they pass on him. He's 33 years old. He turned down the Phillies offer of a 3 year contract.What I'd really like is for the Cards to make an offer and set a deadline with Pujols. If he doesn't like it or doesn't respond, move on. We can't do anything else until he makes up his mind

I don't think any team gives Rollins 5 yrs, I was thinking 3+ an option year. The Pujols circus is what it is, mgmt could've avoided it with an extension 3 years ago but chose to see what the landscape was at the end of his last contract.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 12:18 PM ET  12.06 by CardinalPride25

I don't think any team gives Rollins 5 yrs, I was thinking 3+ an option year. The Pujols circus is what it is, mgmt could've avoided it with an extension 3 years ago but chose to see what the landscape was at the end of his last contract.

I agree, I don't see Rollins getting 5 years from anyone. I hope that the Pujols circus gets decided quickly so that Moz has time to make some moves if Albert decides to bolt town.

I'm not convinced Albert would have signed an extension before now. I believe he's planned on testing the market all along. The only extension he would have signed would have been one exceeding A-Rod's deal.

I think you've covered our needs pretty well. The middle infield and the left side of the bullpen. I like the idea of trading Westbrook and signing Berhle. Lohse isn't happening because he's not waiving his no trade under any circumstances.

I wouldn't mind signing Buerhle, but I'm assuming he will want a long-term deal. The question to me then becomes how long is it until Miller and/or Martinez are ready to be major league starters.

Lohse is gone after this year. So for 2013 in that scenario, you'd have Carp, Waino, Buerhle and Garcia. If those guys are both ready in 2013, you'd have a potential logjam, but starting pitching is an area I don't mind having more people than you need. I kind of look for Carp to retire after a couple of more years, so even if you signed Buerhle long term, you might be fine.

If Albert leaves, Buerhle could certianly be handled in the payroll, along with a significant middle infielder.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 10:40 PM ET  12.06 by ElevenRingsSTL

I wouldn't mind signing Buerhle, but I'm assuming he will want a long-term deal. The question to me then becomes how long is it until Miller and/or Martinez are ready to be major league starters.Lohse is gone after this year. So for 2013 in that scenario, you'd have Carp, Waino, Buerhle and Garcia. If those guys are both ready in 2013, you'd have a potential logjam, but starting pitching is an area I don't mind having more people than you need. I kind of look for Carp to retire after a couple of more years, so even if you signed Buerhle long term, you might be fine.If Albert leaves, Buerhle could certianly be handled in the payroll, along with a significant middle infielder.

For some reason I see the NLCS Shaun Marcum when I hear Buerhle's name. I don't trust his stuff against the Reds, Brewers or Phillies. I'd sooner add Lynn to the rotation than sign Buerhle. On a different note, does Descalso have the range to play SS (arm not in question) if the Cards are not sold on Tyler Green's bat?

I was surprised about Ryan Braun, but I can't say it thrills me to see the Crew sign Aramis Ramirez. That guy has made a living out of killing Cardinal pitching.

I guess I'm okay with Skip being signed for a couple of years. I didn't really have strong feelings either way, but with Craig out he could be valuable filling in for him in RF.

I'd like to see what Descalso can do every day playing 2B, so I hope they go that direction.

So long to Theriot. Just another career Cub that had to go elsewhere to get a ring. he he he

I'm very torn with the AP debacle. Part of me is like "don't let the door hit ya where the Good Lord split ya!" and the other part of me is like "why did Mo not hand AP a blank check and say 'Fill in a number.'" The back end of this deal is going to end up hurting the Angels, but in the first 5 years, he'll pay for himself. This is why I don't understand why the Cards couldn't open up the bank book and pay him. Since DeWitt bought the team, the ball clubs value has exceeded $500 million. $250 mil is ok in my opinion to pay a franchise player like Pujols, but again, on the other hand, I agree with them not caving to his demands and letting him walk. Beltran should be a prime target to get some offense that will definitely be lacking with the absence of Pujols. The Furcal signing was a must. Not sure I like the JC Romero deal or not.
I wish Albert nothing but the best, and appreciate the 11 years of being spoiled by the best player in the game. Just wish he wouldn't have turned out to be a liar.

Coco Crisp is the latest rumor. I think I'd prefer to add Beltran to the OF, but it intrigues me to add an actual legitimate base-stealing threat to the lineup. It's been a while since we had one of those.

Coco Crisp was in the Cardinals organization at one point, but was traded to the Indians for Chuck Finley back in the day. The move intrigues me too. Having a base stealer would be nice, but Beltran would help (however small) replace Pujols' bat in the lineup.

I'm not interested in Crisp whatsover, his base stealing prowess doesn't make up for a weak bat and below average on-base percentage.

With Beltran now in the fold, that about completes the puzzle for the 2012 Cardinals. Now put everyone in bubble wrap and get them to opening day healthy!

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 12:59 PM ET  12.23 by CardinalPride25

With Beltran now in the fold, that about completes the puzzle for the 2012 Cardinals. Now put everyone in bubble wrap and get them to opening day healthy!

I agree. I would imagine that Mozeliak is just about done for the winter now.