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***Official Cardinals Offseason Thread*** (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter curta269
- Start date
From the St. Louis Post Dispatch:
A four-week search including a detour or two led the Cardinals down the hallway of their own front offices Wednesday when the organization formally announced former assistant general manager John Mozeliak as the 12th general manager in franchise history.
Mozeliak, long considered the protégé of his ousted predecessor, Walt Jocketty, accepted the post after serving as interim GM for the previous 28 days. He signed a three-year contract and pledged to extend the 2006 World Series champions' extended run of success.
Citing the "huge responsibility" he had accepted, Mozeliak addressed the Cardinals family by saying, "I want them to know we are committed to winning — and creating a successful environment that will allow us to compete. Everyone knows the landscape's changing at the major-league level, and we have to adapt. As we move forward, we are prepared to do so."
Adaptability is part of Mozeliak's job description, just as it was for the search that promoted
him.
Determined to complete the monthlong search before this weekend, Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. offered the job to Mozeliak on Tuesday, hours after Cleveland Indians assistant general manager Chris Antonetti removed his name from consideration.
"The job was offered to one person. It was offered yesterday afternoon to 'Mo.' He accepted the job," team President Mark Lamping said.
After visiting Busch Stadium on Friday to interview with Lamping, Antonetti withdrew from consideration after three days of talks with DeWitt and Lamping over matters that included compensation. Antonetti said he never rejected a formal proposal.
"The St. Louis opportunity is a phenomenal opportunity," said Antonetti, who toured the city with his wife, Sarah, during last Friday's visit. "There has seemingly been an undercurrent about reservations I had or someone had. I had no reservations about St. Louis."
Antonetti insisted he harbored no concerns over the Cardinals' front office structure or compensation, noting that he was instead swayed by conversations with Indians President Mark Dolan and general manager Mark Shapiro.
"I was given a strong indication the next general manager would have autonomy over all baseball matters," Antonetti said. Mozeliak was the only one of five finalists for the job not to formally interview with DeWitt and Lamping. During his term as interim GM, Mozeliak completed negotiations with pending free agent pitchers Joel Pineiro and Russ Springer before finalizing contracts with manager Tony La Russa's coaches.
DeWitt lauded Mozeliak's performance as "extremely impressive in every way" and referred to the environment during the past four weeks "as refreshing to see."
Along with Antonetti, Chicago White Sox assistant general manager Rick Hahn, Arizona Diamondbacks assistant Peter Woodfork and San Diego Padres assistant Paul Depodesta were also classified finalists. Hahn removed himself from consideration before the World Series, according to an industry source.
"I don't think it's fair at this point to get into who was in second, who was in third, who was in fourth," Lamping said.
The Cardinals have remained mostly the same organization since DeWitt dismissed Jocketty three days after the Cardinals completed a third-place, 78-84 season marked by widening divisions within baseball operations. Mozeliak's hire occurred seven days after La Russa accepted a two-year contract to return as manager and two days after the club announced it would retain La Russa's entire coaching staff.
The administration of scouting and player development under Vice President Jeff Luhnow also will remain largely the same, though longtime minor-league pitching coach and coordinator Mark Riggins on Monday became the latest instructor to resign.
Mozeliak insisted Wednesday he plans to retain much of Jocketty's support staff, which included vice president of player personnel Jerry Walker, special assistants Mike Jorgensen, Cam Bonifay and Alan Benes, and the club's training staff.
Mozeliak said he will begin a search for an assistant and still must find a replacement for director of pro scouting Bruce Manno, who was let go Oct. 4 and since landed as Atlanta Braves assistant general manager.
Stating a desire for continuity, Mozeliak also referred to a "different methodology" and "a completely different approach" that will take shape.
Whereas Jocketty was reluctant to embrace statistical analysis, Mozeliak will assume supervision of the organization's analytical department from Luhnow.
Decisions are also likely to involve input from a broader number of people, including La Russa and his coaches, numbers crunchers and Luhnow.
"I really think the biggest difference is going to be how we make decisions, how we get there and really looking at the process," said Mozeliak.
"As a whole, the environment will be one that encourages open thinking," insisted Mozeliak, who acknowledged his ties to Jocketty but added, "I think moving forward and thinking ahead, I will be my own man."
Mozeliak's chores will include healing the last year's fissures.
"I think a lot of that's been overstated. But I will say this: My working relationship with Jeff is outstanding," Mozeliak said. "As we look forward, obviously what he's done to this point has allowed us to better make decisions. ... It would be ludicrous of me to ignore that."
"Mo is also a terrific communicator with excellent relationships within our organization and throughout the game, from scouts to agents to his fellow GMs in both leagues," said DeWitt, who four weeks ago referred to front office tension as a contributor to his move on Jocketty.
La Russa offered Mozeliak his support during a phone conversation Tuesday night. Referring to the somewhat complex route the club took to decide upon Mozeliak, La Russa said, "How he got the opportunity isn't as important as the fact that he has the opportunity."
La Russa also endorsed Mozeliak's work as interim GM, describing it as "an extremely difficult situation."
"Knowing that he felt comfortable with me as the next general manager made me feel very good about this," Mozeliak said. "I would have been very hesitant had he not."
Mozeliak joined the Cardinals after the 1995 season. After serving in both scouting and player development administration, he advanced to scouting director in 1999-2000 and director of baseball operations in 2001. Jocketty named Mozeliak assistant general manager in 2003. Mozeliak also ran the 2003 and 2004 amateur drafts before Luhnow became scouting director in 2005.
"When you look at what I've done with the Cardinals, it's been 12 years. You can ask my wife. It's been a lot of hard work and long hours," Mozeliak said.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Mozeliak was the oldest of the known candidates for the job and one of the few to lack an Ivy League degree. He does, however, possess experience none of the others had running a department.
Classified as Jocketty's "shadow" during much of his term, Mozeliak has assumed more responsibility in setting budget, dealing with agents and negotiating contracts in recent years.
Jocketty phoned congratulations before Wednesday's news conference, according to Mozeliak, but could not be reached to comment later in the day.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sp...01655A18E5750360862572190024934D?OpenDocumenthttp://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/01655A18E5750360862572190024934D?OpenDocument
A four-week search including a detour or two led the Cardinals down the hallway of their own front offices Wednesday when the organization formally announced former assistant general manager John Mozeliak as the 12th general manager in franchise history.
Mozeliak, long considered the protégé of his ousted predecessor, Walt Jocketty, accepted the post after serving as interim GM for the previous 28 days. He signed a three-year contract and pledged to extend the 2006 World Series champions' extended run of success.
Citing the "huge responsibility" he had accepted, Mozeliak addressed the Cardinals family by saying, "I want them to know we are committed to winning — and creating a successful environment that will allow us to compete. Everyone knows the landscape's changing at the major-league level, and we have to adapt. As we move forward, we are prepared to do so."
Adaptability is part of Mozeliak's job description, just as it was for the search that promoted
him.
Determined to complete the monthlong search before this weekend, Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. offered the job to Mozeliak on Tuesday, hours after Cleveland Indians assistant general manager Chris Antonetti removed his name from consideration.
"The job was offered to one person. It was offered yesterday afternoon to 'Mo.' He accepted the job," team President Mark Lamping said.
After visiting Busch Stadium on Friday to interview with Lamping, Antonetti withdrew from consideration after three days of talks with DeWitt and Lamping over matters that included compensation. Antonetti said he never rejected a formal proposal.
"The St. Louis opportunity is a phenomenal opportunity," said Antonetti, who toured the city with his wife, Sarah, during last Friday's visit. "There has seemingly been an undercurrent about reservations I had or someone had. I had no reservations about St. Louis."
Antonetti insisted he harbored no concerns over the Cardinals' front office structure or compensation, noting that he was instead swayed by conversations with Indians President Mark Dolan and general manager Mark Shapiro.
"I was given a strong indication the next general manager would have autonomy over all baseball matters," Antonetti said. Mozeliak was the only one of five finalists for the job not to formally interview with DeWitt and Lamping. During his term as interim GM, Mozeliak completed negotiations with pending free agent pitchers Joel Pineiro and Russ Springer before finalizing contracts with manager Tony La Russa's coaches.
DeWitt lauded Mozeliak's performance as "extremely impressive in every way" and referred to the environment during the past four weeks "as refreshing to see."
Along with Antonetti, Chicago White Sox assistant general manager Rick Hahn, Arizona Diamondbacks assistant Peter Woodfork and San Diego Padres assistant Paul Depodesta were also classified finalists. Hahn removed himself from consideration before the World Series, according to an industry source.
"I don't think it's fair at this point to get into who was in second, who was in third, who was in fourth," Lamping said.
The Cardinals have remained mostly the same organization since DeWitt dismissed Jocketty three days after the Cardinals completed a third-place, 78-84 season marked by widening divisions within baseball operations. Mozeliak's hire occurred seven days after La Russa accepted a two-year contract to return as manager and two days after the club announced it would retain La Russa's entire coaching staff.
The administration of scouting and player development under Vice President Jeff Luhnow also will remain largely the same, though longtime minor-league pitching coach and coordinator Mark Riggins on Monday became the latest instructor to resign.
Mozeliak insisted Wednesday he plans to retain much of Jocketty's support staff, which included vice president of player personnel Jerry Walker, special assistants Mike Jorgensen, Cam Bonifay and Alan Benes, and the club's training staff.
Mozeliak said he will begin a search for an assistant and still must find a replacement for director of pro scouting Bruce Manno, who was let go Oct. 4 and since landed as Atlanta Braves assistant general manager.
Stating a desire for continuity, Mozeliak also referred to a "different methodology" and "a completely different approach" that will take shape.
Whereas Jocketty was reluctant to embrace statistical analysis, Mozeliak will assume supervision of the organization's analytical department from Luhnow.
Decisions are also likely to involve input from a broader number of people, including La Russa and his coaches, numbers crunchers and Luhnow.
"I really think the biggest difference is going to be how we make decisions, how we get there and really looking at the process," said Mozeliak.
"As a whole, the environment will be one that encourages open thinking," insisted Mozeliak, who acknowledged his ties to Jocketty but added, "I think moving forward and thinking ahead, I will be my own man."
Mozeliak's chores will include healing the last year's fissures.
"I think a lot of that's been overstated. But I will say this: My working relationship with Jeff is outstanding," Mozeliak said. "As we look forward, obviously what he's done to this point has allowed us to better make decisions. ... It would be ludicrous of me to ignore that."
"Mo is also a terrific communicator with excellent relationships within our organization and throughout the game, from scouts to agents to his fellow GMs in both leagues," said DeWitt, who four weeks ago referred to front office tension as a contributor to his move on Jocketty.
La Russa offered Mozeliak his support during a phone conversation Tuesday night. Referring to the somewhat complex route the club took to decide upon Mozeliak, La Russa said, "How he got the opportunity isn't as important as the fact that he has the opportunity."
La Russa also endorsed Mozeliak's work as interim GM, describing it as "an extremely difficult situation."
"Knowing that he felt comfortable with me as the next general manager made me feel very good about this," Mozeliak said. "I would have been very hesitant had he not."
Mozeliak joined the Cardinals after the 1995 season. After serving in both scouting and player development administration, he advanced to scouting director in 1999-2000 and director of baseball operations in 2001. Jocketty named Mozeliak assistant general manager in 2003. Mozeliak also ran the 2003 and 2004 amateur drafts before Luhnow became scouting director in 2005.
"When you look at what I've done with the Cardinals, it's been 12 years. You can ask my wife. It's been a lot of hard work and long hours," Mozeliak said.
A graduate of the University of Colorado, Mozeliak was the oldest of the known candidates for the job and one of the few to lack an Ivy League degree. He does, however, possess experience none of the others had running a department.
Classified as Jocketty's "shadow" during much of his term, Mozeliak has assumed more responsibility in setting budget, dealing with agents and negotiating contracts in recent years.
Jocketty phoned congratulations before Wednesday's news conference, according to Mozeliak, but could not be reached to comment later in the day.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sp...01655A18E5750360862572190024934D?OpenDocumenthttp://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/cardinals/story/01655A18E5750360862572190024934D?OpenDocument
Next on the agenda for the Cards:
What's next? Mozeliak's to-do list
By Derrick Goold
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/01/2007
New Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has already been on the job as the interim GM for nearly a month. Here are some things that have been done and many things he has left to do:
* Find a top-of-the-rotation starter from the thin pool of free agents or via trade.
* Re-sign Joel Pineiro to provide depth for the rotation. (Done)
* Decide what to do with the vacant shortstop position by re-signing free agent David Eckstein, looking in another direction or opening up a competition for the job that would include second-year infielder Brendan Ryan.
* Address whether Anthony Reyes is going to be part of the rotation or part of a trade to shore up another part of the roster.
* Pick up Jason Isringhausen's option and negotiate an extension with Russ Springer. (Done)
* Identify and acquire a bat that can provide sock to a lineup that needs guaranteed support for Albert Pujols.
* As Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. has said in front-office meetings: "Integrate" the chambers of the baseball operations by working closely with Jeff Luhnow's minor-league staff to strengthen development and the major-league roster.
What's next? Mozeliak's to-do list
By Derrick Goold
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/01/2007
New Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has already been on the job as the interim GM for nearly a month. Here are some things that have been done and many things he has left to do:
* Find a top-of-the-rotation starter from the thin pool of free agents or via trade.
* Re-sign Joel Pineiro to provide depth for the rotation. (Done)
* Decide what to do with the vacant shortstop position by re-signing free agent David Eckstein, looking in another direction or opening up a competition for the job that would include second-year infielder Brendan Ryan.
* Address whether Anthony Reyes is going to be part of the rotation or part of a trade to shore up another part of the roster.
* Pick up Jason Isringhausen's option and negotiate an extension with Russ Springer. (Done)
* Identify and acquire a bat that can provide sock to a lineup that needs guaranteed support for Albert Pujols.
* As Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. has said in front-office meetings: "Integrate" the chambers of the baseball operations by working closely with Jeff Luhnow's minor-league staff to strengthen development and the major-league roster.
Cards decline option on Bennett
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/02/2007
The Cardinals have officially added back-up catcher to their winter wish list as the club has declined to pick up its option on veteran Gary Bennett.
Bennett, 35, served as backup to Yadier Molina the past two seasons, hitting .223 in 60 games in 2006 before averaging .252 in 59 appearances this season. Bennett became the Cardinals’ first back-up catcher to return for consecutive seasons since Eli Marrero in 2001-02.
The Cardinals exercised a $50,000 buyout rather than assume Bennett’s $900,000 salary for 2008. A veteran of seven major-league teams, Bennett will now pursue free agency.
The Cardinals do not believe prospect Bryan Anderson, 21, is ready to make the jump from Double-A to the major leagues and are most likely to scour the free agent market to fill Bennett’s spot on the roster.
Paul Bako and Yorvit Torrealba are among the eligible free-agent catchers who could fill a back-up role, though Torrealba will likely seek a starting opportunity after appearing in 113 games for the Colorado Rockies last season.
Bennett’s biggest moments in St. Louis came during the final week of August 2006, when he had consecutive walk-off hits, including a grand slam on Aug. 27, against the Chicago Cubs. The previous night, Bennett contributed his second straight three-hit game and both RBIs of a 2-1 win against the Cubs. Bennett appeared in three games but received only one plate appearance during the club’s unlikely run to the 2006 world championship.
Bennett played only sparingly down the stretch this season as manager Tony La Russa opted to give playing time to Kelly Stinnett when Molina did not play.
Bennett received only 12 at-bats from Aug. 13-Sept. 19. He started three of the team’s final seven games after Molina required season-ending knee surgery.
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/02/2007
The Cardinals have officially added back-up catcher to their winter wish list as the club has declined to pick up its option on veteran Gary Bennett.
Bennett, 35, served as backup to Yadier Molina the past two seasons, hitting .223 in 60 games in 2006 before averaging .252 in 59 appearances this season. Bennett became the Cardinals’ first back-up catcher to return for consecutive seasons since Eli Marrero in 2001-02.
The Cardinals exercised a $50,000 buyout rather than assume Bennett’s $900,000 salary for 2008. A veteran of seven major-league teams, Bennett will now pursue free agency.
The Cardinals do not believe prospect Bryan Anderson, 21, is ready to make the jump from Double-A to the major leagues and are most likely to scour the free agent market to fill Bennett’s spot on the roster.
Paul Bako and Yorvit Torrealba are among the eligible free-agent catchers who could fill a back-up role, though Torrealba will likely seek a starting opportunity after appearing in 113 games for the Colorado Rockies last season.
Bennett’s biggest moments in St. Louis came during the final week of August 2006, when he had consecutive walk-off hits, including a grand slam on Aug. 27, against the Chicago Cubs. The previous night, Bennett contributed his second straight three-hit game and both RBIs of a 2-1 win against the Cubs. Bennett appeared in three games but received only one plate appearance during the club’s unlikely run to the 2006 world championship.
Bennett played only sparingly down the stretch this season as manager Tony La Russa opted to give playing time to Kelly Stinnett when Molina did not play.
Bennett received only 12 at-bats from Aug. 13-Sept. 19. He started three of the team’s final seven games after Molina required season-ending knee surgery.
News about Schilling and the Cards. He was on a St. Louis AM radio talk show this morning.
We had Curt Schilling on the show this morning, and he expressed his
desire to pitch in St. Louis...although he made it clear that he'd like to
finish his career in Boston.
Really a good guy to interview. Talked about coming to St. Louis
and a lot of other Cardinals' recent history topics...such as the '04
World Series (and had some interesting things to say about that...which
I had never thought about...mainly cause I've blocked it out) and also the
'01 NLDS (which he called one of the best 5 game series ever played).
For those that would like to listen, here's the link:
http://www.insidestl.com/morningafter/audi...WorldSeries.mp3
We had Curt Schilling on the show this morning, and he expressed his
desire to pitch in St. Louis...although he made it clear that he'd like to
finish his career in Boston.
Really a good guy to interview. Talked about coming to St. Louis
and a lot of other Cardinals' recent history topics...such as the '04
World Series (and had some interesting things to say about that...which
I had never thought about...mainly cause I've blocked it out) and also the
'01 NLDS (which he called one of the best 5 game series ever played).
For those that would like to listen, here's the link:
http://www.insidestl.com/morningafter/audi...WorldSeries.mp3
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
They're talking about having $20 million to spend this off-season. Did I read that right? On a starting SS, a top of the rotation pitcher, a bat to protect Pujols/replace Encarnacion in the outfield, and bench players? Riiiiiiiiiiiight.
Mr. Know-It-All
Footballguy
Well, I for one wish they'd give Ryan a shot at SS - but I have a feeling LaRussa is not a big fan.It would be nice to finally be done with Edmonds and (sad to say) Rolen - but how do you fill those gaps? Garrett Atkins would be a nice fit but I doubt he is available unless it came in some package also including Fuentes (a plausible replacement for Izzy). I just don't know anything about Atkin's contract status.What we don't need is more old guys - we need a younger face to the club to go around Pujols, Duncan, Wainwright and Molina.
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
Atkins is up for arbitration this off season, I think. I doubt that he's an option.I hope DeWitt will give Mozeliak more than $20 to spend if he has the chance to get an impact player in the offseason (as well as fill needs). I think that Ryan would be fine as a starting SS, although it would be nice to get a capable backup in case of Ryan falters. It'll be sad to see Eckstein go because he's a guy that I enjoy watching play. But business is business and DeWitt needs a new car. Or two. Just kidding.The Cards need to find 1 #2-#3 starter, and free agency probably should not be the route they go if they're conscious about saving money. Judging by the contract they gave Piniero, they may have inadvertently set the market too high for a quality pitcher.If the Cards plug Ryan into SS and they stand pat about their starting pitching, $20 mil may very well be enough.
More news:
The Cardinals declined the one-year option for outfielder So Taguchi on Monday night, though new general manager John Mozeliak said that doesn't close the door to the 38-year-old's return.
"We wanted to give ourselves as many options as we can, and by doing this we maintain a greater degree of flexibility," said Mozeliak, who was in Orlando, Fla., for the first day of the annual general managers' meetings.
"Which is not to say we couldn't do something down the road. But for right now, this gives us flexibility."
Taguchi hit .290 this year and, for the third consecutive season, scored at least 40 runs for the Cardinals as a backup outfielder.
The club held a $1.1 million option but elected to buy it out at $100,000.
Taguchi is eligible for arbitration, and the Cardinals could tender him a contract before the December deadline.
Before the 2005 season, the Cardinals did not tender Taguchi a contract and waited until after the deadline to negotiate a new deal with the outfielder.
Taguchi came to the Cardinals from Japan before the 2002 season and has said his preference is to remain in St. Louis and play in the major leagues.
The Cardinals declined the one-year option for outfielder So Taguchi on Monday night, though new general manager John Mozeliak said that doesn't close the door to the 38-year-old's return.
"We wanted to give ourselves as many options as we can, and by doing this we maintain a greater degree of flexibility," said Mozeliak, who was in Orlando, Fla., for the first day of the annual general managers' meetings.
"Which is not to say we couldn't do something down the road. But for right now, this gives us flexibility."
Taguchi hit .290 this year and, for the third consecutive season, scored at least 40 runs for the Cardinals as a backup outfielder.
The club held a $1.1 million option but elected to buy it out at $100,000.
Taguchi is eligible for arbitration, and the Cardinals could tender him a contract before the December deadline.
Before the 2005 season, the Cardinals did not tender Taguchi a contract and waited until after the deadline to negotiate a new deal with the outfielder.
Taguchi came to the Cardinals from Japan before the 2002 season and has said his preference is to remain in St. Louis and play in the major leagues.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
With Encarnacion likely not coming back, Edmonds being Edmonds (i.e, old and injury-prone), Duncan just posing as an outfielder, and Ankiel a bit of an HGH-fueled question mark still, does this mean we've officially entered the Colby Rasmuss era? I mean, what does that leave in the OF behind that trio? I can't see them actually making a play at a guy like Rowand. Are we ready to place that much reliance on Skip Schumaker and Ryan Ludwick?
Last edited by a moderator:
I think thats what the Cardinals management thinks. They have said so far in the offseason that they are set in the OF. I think Rasmus is going to be a really good player, but I think he needs 1 more season in the minors. I also keep seeing Duncan's name in trade rumors. Who knows what they have planned? I have a feeling 2008 is going to be similar to 2007.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
By the idiots on the Post-Dispatch forums or potentially credible sources?
Post Dispatch for one. Did I hear LaRussa lobbying for Duncan to be traded, or did I hear wrong? I also so a thread on another board where the Yankees may have interest in Rolen. Not sure who the Cards would get back, but a young pitcher or 2 would be nice. It would also free up cash to pursue some free agents.Bob Sacamano said:
More news:
Cards announce '08 schedule; home opener March 31
By Derrick Goold
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/09/2007
During a 10-day road trip in late June, the Cardinals will revisit three of their opponents from their past four World Series appearances, including a trip to Detroit for the third consecutive summer.
The Cardinals announced their 2008 regular-season schedule Friday, and it features a visit to Fenway Park to face the World Series champion Boston Red Sox and an opening day visit from the National League champion Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals open the 2008 season March 31 with an afternoon home game against the Rockies, and the regular season ends on Sept. 28 with a home game against Cincinnati.
Of the Cardinals first 32 games in 2008, 21 are at Busch Stadium.
The Chicago Cubs make three visits to St. Louis this coming season. That includes a Fourth of July weekend visit that concludes a home stand that starts with a four-game against the New York Mets. Former Cardinals manager and new Los Angeles manager Joe Torre will bring his Dodgers to Busch for a three-game series August 5-7.
The rotating interleague schedule has the National League Central lined up to face teams from the American League East, though the Cardinals will only face a couple AL East teams and will not visit Yankee Stadium in its final season. The Tampa Bay Rays $$ who officially dropped the "Devil" from their nickname this week $$ will make their first ever visit to St. Louis, in a three-game series (May 16-18).
The Cardinals start an interleague road trip with a visit to 2004 World Series opponent Boston on June 20-22. The trip winds through 2006 World Series opponent Detroit (June 24-26) and finishes against 1985 World Series opponent Kansas City (June 27-28). Despite Detroit not being the Cardinals’ designated interleague rival $$ the Royals are $$ the Cardinals will make their third trip to Comerica Park in three years.
"The isn’t a reason except, simply, the interleague schedule is out of balance," said Major League Baseball official Katy Feeney, who directs scheduling. "With different numbers in the division and the prime rivals, some pieces don’t fit. So you try to avoid the team making a long trip in the middle there and that’s just the way it’s fallen."
The Cardinals will begin selling multi-game ticket plans and individual game sales for all-inclusive areas on Dec. 8.
Cards announce '08 schedule; home opener March 31
By Derrick Goold
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/09/2007
During a 10-day road trip in late June, the Cardinals will revisit three of their opponents from their past four World Series appearances, including a trip to Detroit for the third consecutive summer.
The Cardinals announced their 2008 regular-season schedule Friday, and it features a visit to Fenway Park to face the World Series champion Boston Red Sox and an opening day visit from the National League champion Colorado Rockies. The Cardinals open the 2008 season March 31 with an afternoon home game against the Rockies, and the regular season ends on Sept. 28 with a home game against Cincinnati.
Of the Cardinals first 32 games in 2008, 21 are at Busch Stadium.
The Chicago Cubs make three visits to St. Louis this coming season. That includes a Fourth of July weekend visit that concludes a home stand that starts with a four-game against the New York Mets. Former Cardinals manager and new Los Angeles manager Joe Torre will bring his Dodgers to Busch for a three-game series August 5-7.
The rotating interleague schedule has the National League Central lined up to face teams from the American League East, though the Cardinals will only face a couple AL East teams and will not visit Yankee Stadium in its final season. The Tampa Bay Rays $$ who officially dropped the "Devil" from their nickname this week $$ will make their first ever visit to St. Louis, in a three-game series (May 16-18).
The Cardinals start an interleague road trip with a visit to 2004 World Series opponent Boston on June 20-22. The trip winds through 2006 World Series opponent Detroit (June 24-26) and finishes against 1985 World Series opponent Kansas City (June 27-28). Despite Detroit not being the Cardinals’ designated interleague rival $$ the Royals are $$ the Cardinals will make their third trip to Comerica Park in three years.
"The isn’t a reason except, simply, the interleague schedule is out of balance," said Major League Baseball official Katy Feeney, who directs scheduling. "With different numbers in the division and the prime rivals, some pieces don’t fit. So you try to avoid the team making a long trip in the middle there and that’s just the way it’s fallen."
The Cardinals will begin selling multi-game ticket plans and individual game sales for all-inclusive areas on Dec. 8.
News on Eckstein:
11/17/2007 12:44 PM ET
Report: Mets targeting Eckstein
Career shortstop would convert to second base in New York
By Marty Noble / MLB.com
David Eckstein is thought to be seeking a four-year contract worth about $36 million. (Jeff Roberson/AP)
MLB Headlines
NEW YORK -- Thinking -- and acting -- outside the box, as general manager Omar Minaya says he likes to do, the Mets are pursuing a career shortstop to play second base and provide some of the fire the team lacked last season. Free agent David Eckstein -- not Luis Castillo -- appears to be the Mets' primary target for second base.
The 32-year-old veteran, the shortstop for two World Series champion teams in the last six seasons, has been wined and dined by the Mets, according to a report in the New York Daily News on Saturday. The paper reported the Mets' interest, though it said it couldn't measure Eckstein's interest in changing teams or positions.
Eckstein hadn't returned phone calls from MLB.com on Friday, and his agent, Ryan Gleichowski, wouldn't go so far as to acknowledge contact with the Mets.
The Daily News reported Minaya and manager Willie Randolph, an admirer of Eckstein's spunk, had met this week with the MVP of the Cardinals' 2006 World Series champion team in Greenwich, Conn., hometown of Mets COO Jeff Wilpon.
Whether Eckstein in inclined to change positions is unknown. He has played 14 games at second base -- all in 2001 -- in his eight seasons in the big leagues. The rest of his career has been spent at shortstop, where he has overcome a modest arm to play regularly or almost regularly.
Because of injuries, he has started 231 of the Cardinals' 323 regular-season games the last two years. Despite the games missed, Eckstein is widely recognized as one of baseball's foremost gamers.
The Mets may see him as source of the grit and resolve their team lacked last season and may believe Eckstein would provide some of the fire Paul Lo Duca provided in his two seasons as their catcher. Lo Duca's time with the Mets has come to an end unless Yorvit Torrealba, the free-agent catcher they are about to sign, fails a physical examination.
The News said Eckstein is thought to be seeking a four-year contract worth $36 million, which, the paper said, exceeds what Castillo is expected to command.
A person familiar with Eckstein said Friday he believed the former Angel would opt to play shortstop in St. Louis rather than second base in New York, if all other issues were equal. He also said the Cardinals retain interest in Eckstein, but they believe his defense deteriorated last season.
Eckstein played fewer innings, 943 2/3, in 2007 than in any other season and committed a career-high 20 errors.
His hitting for average improved, though. A career .283 batter through 2006 with a career high of .294 in 2005, Eckstein batted .309 in a career-low 434 at-bats -- 377 as a leadoff man -- in 2007. His respective on-base and slugging percentages were .356 and .382, each higher than his pre-2007 career numbers. Considered a master of the contentious at-bat, Eckstein batted .244 in 88 at-bats with runners in scoring position after batting .281 in those circumstances in the previous five seasons.
Playing for an offensively-challenged team -- the Cardinals scored 725 runs, the sixth fewest in the National League -- Eckstein scored 51 runs and drove in 38.
Orlando Hudson, the Diamondbacks' Gold Glove second baseman, is the Mets' other option at second. But they would prefer to sign a free agent to play second rather than trade for one, and use their primary prospects to deal for a starting pitcher.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
11/17/2007 12:44 PM ET
Report: Mets targeting Eckstein
Career shortstop would convert to second base in New York
By Marty Noble / MLB.com
David Eckstein is thought to be seeking a four-year contract worth about $36 million. (Jeff Roberson/AP)
MLB Headlines
NEW YORK -- Thinking -- and acting -- outside the box, as general manager Omar Minaya says he likes to do, the Mets are pursuing a career shortstop to play second base and provide some of the fire the team lacked last season. Free agent David Eckstein -- not Luis Castillo -- appears to be the Mets' primary target for second base.
The 32-year-old veteran, the shortstop for two World Series champion teams in the last six seasons, has been wined and dined by the Mets, according to a report in the New York Daily News on Saturday. The paper reported the Mets' interest, though it said it couldn't measure Eckstein's interest in changing teams or positions.
Eckstein hadn't returned phone calls from MLB.com on Friday, and his agent, Ryan Gleichowski, wouldn't go so far as to acknowledge contact with the Mets.
The Daily News reported Minaya and manager Willie Randolph, an admirer of Eckstein's spunk, had met this week with the MVP of the Cardinals' 2006 World Series champion team in Greenwich, Conn., hometown of Mets COO Jeff Wilpon.
Whether Eckstein in inclined to change positions is unknown. He has played 14 games at second base -- all in 2001 -- in his eight seasons in the big leagues. The rest of his career has been spent at shortstop, where he has overcome a modest arm to play regularly or almost regularly.
Because of injuries, he has started 231 of the Cardinals' 323 regular-season games the last two years. Despite the games missed, Eckstein is widely recognized as one of baseball's foremost gamers.
The Mets may see him as source of the grit and resolve their team lacked last season and may believe Eckstein would provide some of the fire Paul Lo Duca provided in his two seasons as their catcher. Lo Duca's time with the Mets has come to an end unless Yorvit Torrealba, the free-agent catcher they are about to sign, fails a physical examination.
The News said Eckstein is thought to be seeking a four-year contract worth $36 million, which, the paper said, exceeds what Castillo is expected to command.
A person familiar with Eckstein said Friday he believed the former Angel would opt to play shortstop in St. Louis rather than second base in New York, if all other issues were equal. He also said the Cardinals retain interest in Eckstein, but they believe his defense deteriorated last season.
Eckstein played fewer innings, 943 2/3, in 2007 than in any other season and committed a career-high 20 errors.
His hitting for average improved, though. A career .283 batter through 2006 with a career high of .294 in 2005, Eckstein batted .309 in a career-low 434 at-bats -- 377 as a leadoff man -- in 2007. His respective on-base and slugging percentages were .356 and .382, each higher than his pre-2007 career numbers. Considered a master of the contentious at-bat, Eckstein batted .244 in 88 at-bats with runners in scoring position after batting .281 in those circumstances in the previous five seasons.
Playing for an offensively-challenged team -- the Cardinals scored 725 runs, the sixth fewest in the National League -- Eckstein scored 51 runs and drove in 38.
Orlando Hudson, the Diamondbacks' Gold Glove second baseman, is the Mets' other option at second. But they would prefer to sign a free agent to play second rather than trade for one, and use their primary prospects to deal for a starting pitcher.
Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
RnR
Footballguy
Mets re-signed Castillo and the White Sox re-signed Uribe and traded for Cabrera. Seems like the top 2 teams in the market for Eckstein are no longer in play.ETA: I'll be forever grateful to Eck for his play in the 06 series, but I really think the Cardinals need to move on and spend their money elsewhere.
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RedRaiders
Mr. +EV
This gets me every time.
More news from mlb.com:
Catcher LaRue signs with Cardinals
St. Louis also inks Brazelton, Wasdin to Minor League deals
By **** Kaegel / MLB.com
Dewon Brazelton, who last pitched in the Majors in 2006, was released by the Royals in April. (Tony Gonzalez/AP)
KANSAS CITY -- Catcher Jason LaRue, a free agent from the Royals, has moved across the state. LaRue signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Monday.
LaRue was signed as the backup catcher to Yadier Molina.
The Cardinals also signed two right-handed pitchers to Minor League contracts: Dewon Brazelton and John Wasdin.
LaRue, 33, is regarded as a top-notch defensive receiver but struggled with the bat this year, his only season with Kansas City. He batted just .148 (25-for-169) in 66 games with four home runs and 13 RBIs.
But he showed an outstanding arm, throwing out 14 of 40 would-be basestealers, 35 percent. He's tied with Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez for second in best efficiency, 37 percent, since 2001, trailing only Washington's Brian Schneider's 38 percent.
The Royals had a 24-31 record in the 55 games he started behind the plate, and he caught five of the Royals' six shutouts in 2007.
The Royals obtained LaRue in a trade from Cincinnati, where he played for eight seasons. He was the Reds' primary catcher for five years and had 10 or more homers and 50-plus RBIs in each season. However, in 2006, LaRue was limited to 72 games after undergoing right knee surgery during Spring Training.
During his Reds' career, LaRue had a .239 average and 84 home runs, with a high of 16 in 2003.
A right-handed batter, he replaces veteran catcher Gary Bennett, who became a free agent after two years with the Cardinals.
Brazelton, 26, was in camp with the Royals last spring and pitched for Triple-A Omaha and was 0-4 with a 7.11 ERA in four games before being released. Moving to the Pittsburgh organization, he was 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA in 15 starts for Double-A Altoona.
In 2001, Brazelton was the first-round Draft choice and third overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. He pitched for them in the Majors for four years with a cumulative 8-23 record and a 5.98 ERA in 54 games. In 2005, he was the Rays' Opening Day starter but fell out of the rotation and was 1-8 in 20 games.
His last Major League turn came in 2006, when he was 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in nine games for San Diego.
Wasdin, 35, has a 39-39 record and a 5.28 ERA in a 12-year Major League career. Last year, he broke camp with the Pirates and was 1-1 in 12 relief appearances but then had a right thumb sprain. His season ended in late July because of a wrist injury.
Wasdin has also pitched for Oakland, Boston, Colorado, Baltimore, Toronto and Texas. In 1999 for the Red Sox, Wasdin began the season with a 7-0 record as a reliever and finished 8-3, matching his career high for wins reached as an A's starter in 1996.
Wasdin was the A's first-round Draft choice in 1993.
He and Brazelton will be invited to Spring Training as non-roster players.
**** Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Catcher LaRue signs with Cardinals
St. Louis also inks Brazelton, Wasdin to Minor League deals
By **** Kaegel / MLB.com
Dewon Brazelton, who last pitched in the Majors in 2006, was released by the Royals in April. (Tony Gonzalez/AP)
KANSAS CITY -- Catcher Jason LaRue, a free agent from the Royals, has moved across the state. LaRue signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals on Monday.
LaRue was signed as the backup catcher to Yadier Molina.
The Cardinals also signed two right-handed pitchers to Minor League contracts: Dewon Brazelton and John Wasdin.
LaRue, 33, is regarded as a top-notch defensive receiver but struggled with the bat this year, his only season with Kansas City. He batted just .148 (25-for-169) in 66 games with four home runs and 13 RBIs.
But he showed an outstanding arm, throwing out 14 of 40 would-be basestealers, 35 percent. He's tied with Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez for second in best efficiency, 37 percent, since 2001, trailing only Washington's Brian Schneider's 38 percent.
The Royals had a 24-31 record in the 55 games he started behind the plate, and he caught five of the Royals' six shutouts in 2007.
The Royals obtained LaRue in a trade from Cincinnati, where he played for eight seasons. He was the Reds' primary catcher for five years and had 10 or more homers and 50-plus RBIs in each season. However, in 2006, LaRue was limited to 72 games after undergoing right knee surgery during Spring Training.
During his Reds' career, LaRue had a .239 average and 84 home runs, with a high of 16 in 2003.
A right-handed batter, he replaces veteran catcher Gary Bennett, who became a free agent after two years with the Cardinals.
Brazelton, 26, was in camp with the Royals last spring and pitched for Triple-A Omaha and was 0-4 with a 7.11 ERA in four games before being released. Moving to the Pittsburgh organization, he was 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA in 15 starts for Double-A Altoona.
In 2001, Brazelton was the first-round Draft choice and third overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. He pitched for them in the Majors for four years with a cumulative 8-23 record and a 5.98 ERA in 54 games. In 2005, he was the Rays' Opening Day starter but fell out of the rotation and was 1-8 in 20 games.
His last Major League turn came in 2006, when he was 0-2 with a 12.00 ERA in nine games for San Diego.
Wasdin, 35, has a 39-39 record and a 5.28 ERA in a 12-year Major League career. Last year, he broke camp with the Pirates and was 1-1 in 12 relief appearances but then had a right thumb sprain. His season ended in late July because of a wrist injury.
Wasdin has also pitched for Oakland, Boston, Colorado, Baltimore, Toronto and Texas. In 1999 for the Red Sox, Wasdin began the season with a 7-0 record as a reliever and finished 8-3, matching his career high for wins reached as an A's starter in 1996.
Wasdin was the A's first-round Draft choice in 1993.
He and Brazelton will be invited to Spring Training as non-roster players.
**** Kaegel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
Beats me. I don't like his odds to make the big club or anything, but I guess it can't hurt checking to see if Dewon has anything in the tank in AAA.As for LaRue, from what I've heard, the Cardinals have been very high on him over the past few years. I don't know if it's simply because they've seen a lot of him since he was a Red for all those years or what, but for a member of the Brotherhood of Backup Catchers, he'll do nicely. In fact, he could do a lot better than Gary Bennett since LaRue at least understands the value of taking a base here and there and has a little pop in his bat. If I recall, he's also pretty solid defensively.
I saw LaRue play a lot when I lived in the Cincinnati area. He does have some power. He will be a nice option when they decide to give Yadi some rest. Now, they really need some starting pitching.
Izturis in at shortstop; Eckstein appears out
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/30/2007
Cesar Izturis forces out Ryan Ludwick of the Cardinals in a July 31 game.
(AP)
The Cardinals have reached agreement with free agent shortstop Cesar Izturis on a one-year contract, industry sources confirmed Friday, suggesting that the club will sever ties with three-year incumbent and 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein.
Izturis underwent a team physical this morning in Venezuela as the last detail before the deal was finalized.
He will receive a base salary of $2.85 million, and can earn up to $3.5 million through incentives.
Izturis, 27, became a free agent when the Pittsburgh Pirates declined to exercise his option for 2008.
The National League’s Gold Glove shortstop in 2004 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Izturis hit .258 last season in 110 games split between the Chicago Cubs and the Pirates.
He produced 16 RBIs without a home run in 318 at-bats. The Cardinals become his fourth organization in three years, as the Dodgers dealt him to the Cubs at the 2006 non-waiver trade deadline.
The Cardinals have had minimal discussions with Eckstein’s agent, Ryan Gleichosky, since Eckstein filed for free agency earlier this month.
Eckstein, who last season hit .309 while dealing with numerous injuries, is believed to be seeking a four-year contract; the Cardinals apparently were willing to guarantee no more than two years.
In three seasons with the Cardinals, Eckstein has hit .297 and averaged 72 runs scored as their regular leadoff hitter. Last season, however, his errors spiked to a career-most 20 after he committed six in six more games in 2006.
The Cardinals have until midnight Saturday to offer Eckstein arbitration. The club appears unlikely to do so.
General manager John Mozeliak and the rest of the team’s entourage will travel to Nashville on Sunday to attend Major League Baseball’s winter meetings at the Opryland Hotel.
The Cardinals remain in pursuit of another starting pitcher and are believed to have strong interest in Milwaukee Brewers lefthander Chris Capuano.
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
11/30/2007
Cesar Izturis forces out Ryan Ludwick of the Cardinals in a July 31 game.
(AP)
The Cardinals have reached agreement with free agent shortstop Cesar Izturis on a one-year contract, industry sources confirmed Friday, suggesting that the club will sever ties with three-year incumbent and 2006 World Series MVP David Eckstein.
Izturis underwent a team physical this morning in Venezuela as the last detail before the deal was finalized.
He will receive a base salary of $2.85 million, and can earn up to $3.5 million through incentives.
Izturis, 27, became a free agent when the Pittsburgh Pirates declined to exercise his option for 2008.
The National League’s Gold Glove shortstop in 2004 while with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Izturis hit .258 last season in 110 games split between the Chicago Cubs and the Pirates.
He produced 16 RBIs without a home run in 318 at-bats. The Cardinals become his fourth organization in three years, as the Dodgers dealt him to the Cubs at the 2006 non-waiver trade deadline.
The Cardinals have had minimal discussions with Eckstein’s agent, Ryan Gleichosky, since Eckstein filed for free agency earlier this month.
Eckstein, who last season hit .309 while dealing with numerous injuries, is believed to be seeking a four-year contract; the Cardinals apparently were willing to guarantee no more than two years.
In three seasons with the Cardinals, Eckstein has hit .297 and averaged 72 runs scored as their regular leadoff hitter. Last season, however, his errors spiked to a career-most 20 after he committed six in six more games in 2006.
The Cardinals have until midnight Saturday to offer Eckstein arbitration. The club appears unlikely to do so.
General manager John Mozeliak and the rest of the team’s entourage will travel to Nashville on Sunday to attend Major League Baseball’s winter meetings at the Opryland Hotel.
The Cardinals remain in pursuit of another starting pitcher and are believed to have strong interest in Milwaukee Brewers lefthander Chris Capuano.
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
2.85 mil for this guy? He ain't even worth 1 mil!
No power, not much speed, and below-average plate discipline. Jesus ####### Christ, Mozeliak, Brendan Ryan could do the job 5 times better at a fraction of the cost.
I sense dark times ahead for the Cardinals.
No power, not much speed, and below-average plate discipline. Jesus ####### Christ, Mozeliak, Brendan Ryan could do the job 5 times better at a fraction of the cost.
I sense dark times ahead for the Cardinals.
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Yes, I think it is going to be another long season, just like last year.
Cardinals talk trade at the meetings:
Rolen is star of trade talks
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/04/2007
July 25, 2007-- Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen
(Chris Lee/P-D)
NASHVILLE, TENN. — Talking up their leverage while trying to accommodate a disenchanted third baseman's desire to land elsewhere, the Cardinals on Monday intensified efforts to deal away Scott Rolen, possibly to a rival poised to displace them as the NL Central's dominant franchise.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has met twice with the Milwaukee Brewers since arriving Sunday night at baseball's winter meetings and plans to extend discussions today.
Mozeliak insisted the teams have not yet discussed components of a deal beyond Rolen, but club sources indicated a willingness Monday night to provide the Brewers whatever medical information necessary to ease concerns about Rolen's problematic left shoulder. A high-ranking club source also said the Cardinals are "highly flexible" when discussing how much of Rolen's remaining contract the Cardinals will assume.
In real estate parlance, the Cardinals appear "highly motivated," an impression Mozeliak
attempted to soften.
"Obviously, we do not have to do anything," he said. "We're not going to make a move that's not in the best interest of our future."
The Cardinals owe Rolen about $36 million the next three seasons, a huge amount for a player three months removed from his third shoulder operation in barely two years.
Prospective trade partners have been told they may speak directly to Cardinals medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta and Cincinnati orthopedic surgeon Dr. Timothy Kremchek, who performed reconstructive surgery on Rolen's left shoulder in August 2005 and a clean-up procedure last Sept. 11.
The Cardinals' financial flexibility would be dictated by what players they might receive in return for Rolen. The club remains intrigued by lefthanded starting pitcher Chris Capuano, who earned $3.25 million last season and is arbitration-eligible in 2008.
Mozeliak played down the likelihood of finalizing a deal involving Rolen before the meetings adjourn Thursday, though the Cardinals apparently have trimmed the field of potential suitors for Rolen to four. The Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants also have voiced interest.
The Cardinals may wait until the Florida Marlins resolve the status of third baseman Miguel Cabrera before acting.
Cabrera and Minnesota Twins lefthander Johan Santana are considered catalysts for this week's activity. The Marlins are believed to be in discussions with the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, among others, for Cabrera, whom they would rather trade than pay following another round of arbitration.
Mozeliak believes the Cardinals' position will improve after Cabrera's situation is resolved. Until then, he says the club's priority is finding starting pitching.
"Right now, the most pressing matter for us to address is starting pitching," said Mozeliak, who allowed that discussions have grown to include free agents as well as potential trade targets.
Cabrera would fit the Cardinals' need for Rolen's replacement. However, all discussions have begun and ended with center field prospect Colby Rasmus, whom the Cardinals so far have deemed untouchable.
Mozeliak described the situation as fluid and is sensitive to what Rolen might net in a trade and insisted any deal would not represent purge.
"This is not a salary dump by any means," he said.
Mozeliak classified public perception of any potential Rolen trade as "a concern. ... I don't want to find ourselves in a position, if we do move someone of Scott's ilk, that we don't get a fair replacement coming back. Scott Rolen in '07 is not the Scott Rolen we think someone's getting in '08. That's why we're really treading on very thin ice if we were to do something like this and didn't think we were getting something in return."
The Cardinals' first transaction of the meetings was the announcement of former commissioner's office executive John Abbamondi as assistant general manager. Abbamondi assumes the post held by Mozeliak until Mozeliak's promotion as interim general manager to succeed Walt Jocketty on Oct. 3. Mozeliak was named Jocketty's replacement Oct. 31.
Abbamondi, a graduate of MIT, worked for four years in baseball's central office, most recently as senior director of labor economics. Abbamondi specialized in arbitration, player contracts and revenue sharing.
Before joining MLB, Abbamondi served as a Navy pilot.
"John brings a lot of experience to the organization, not only in arbitration matters, but also in contract valuation and many other skills that will add greatly to our baseball operations," Mozeliak said in a statement.
The organization also has promoted Blaise Ilsley, pitching coach at Class AA Springfield, to Class AAA Memphis, Mozeliak said. Vice president of amateur scouting and player development Jeff Luhnow declined to identify Ilsley's successor.
Luhnow suggested the organization would not name a replacement for minor-league field coordinator Jim Riggleman, who accepted a job in October as Seattle Mariners bench coach.
The Cardinals met with the Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles on Monday. Talks with the Orioles again included shortstop Miguel Tejada, a position transplant whom the Orioles are attempting to move soon.
The Orioles' management already has informed Tejada they anticipate moving him to third base next season.
Sources familiar with the situation say Tejada is open to playing third base elsewhere as long as it's for a contender.
The Padres have interest in center fielder Jim Edmonds. Like Rolen, Edmonds can veto any trade. But Edmonds informed the club last month that he would mull a deal to a Southern California team. The Padres also have interest in out-of-favor Cardinals starter Anthony Reyes. Mozeliak acknowledged outside interest in Reyes, 2-14 in 22 appearances last season. Reyes surrendered all his runs in one inning of 11 of his 20 starts, including last Aug. 7, when he held the Padres to one run in seven innings of a 4-0 loss.
jstrauss@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8371
Rolen is star of trade talks
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/04/2007
July 25, 2007-- Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen
(Chris Lee/P-D)
NASHVILLE, TENN. — Talking up their leverage while trying to accommodate a disenchanted third baseman's desire to land elsewhere, the Cardinals on Monday intensified efforts to deal away Scott Rolen, possibly to a rival poised to displace them as the NL Central's dominant franchise.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has met twice with the Milwaukee Brewers since arriving Sunday night at baseball's winter meetings and plans to extend discussions today.
Mozeliak insisted the teams have not yet discussed components of a deal beyond Rolen, but club sources indicated a willingness Monday night to provide the Brewers whatever medical information necessary to ease concerns about Rolen's problematic left shoulder. A high-ranking club source also said the Cardinals are "highly flexible" when discussing how much of Rolen's remaining contract the Cardinals will assume.
In real estate parlance, the Cardinals appear "highly motivated," an impression Mozeliak
attempted to soften.
"Obviously, we do not have to do anything," he said. "We're not going to make a move that's not in the best interest of our future."
The Cardinals owe Rolen about $36 million the next three seasons, a huge amount for a player three months removed from his third shoulder operation in barely two years.
Prospective trade partners have been told they may speak directly to Cardinals medical supervisor Dr. George Paletta and Cincinnati orthopedic surgeon Dr. Timothy Kremchek, who performed reconstructive surgery on Rolen's left shoulder in August 2005 and a clean-up procedure last Sept. 11.
The Cardinals' financial flexibility would be dictated by what players they might receive in return for Rolen. The club remains intrigued by lefthanded starting pitcher Chris Capuano, who earned $3.25 million last season and is arbitration-eligible in 2008.
Mozeliak played down the likelihood of finalizing a deal involving Rolen before the meetings adjourn Thursday, though the Cardinals apparently have trimmed the field of potential suitors for Rolen to four. The Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants also have voiced interest.
The Cardinals may wait until the Florida Marlins resolve the status of third baseman Miguel Cabrera before acting.
Cabrera and Minnesota Twins lefthander Johan Santana are considered catalysts for this week's activity. The Marlins are believed to be in discussions with the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox, among others, for Cabrera, whom they would rather trade than pay following another round of arbitration.
Mozeliak believes the Cardinals' position will improve after Cabrera's situation is resolved. Until then, he says the club's priority is finding starting pitching.
"Right now, the most pressing matter for us to address is starting pitching," said Mozeliak, who allowed that discussions have grown to include free agents as well as potential trade targets.
Cabrera would fit the Cardinals' need for Rolen's replacement. However, all discussions have begun and ended with center field prospect Colby Rasmus, whom the Cardinals so far have deemed untouchable.
Mozeliak described the situation as fluid and is sensitive to what Rolen might net in a trade and insisted any deal would not represent purge.
"This is not a salary dump by any means," he said.
Mozeliak classified public perception of any potential Rolen trade as "a concern. ... I don't want to find ourselves in a position, if we do move someone of Scott's ilk, that we don't get a fair replacement coming back. Scott Rolen in '07 is not the Scott Rolen we think someone's getting in '08. That's why we're really treading on very thin ice if we were to do something like this and didn't think we were getting something in return."
The Cardinals' first transaction of the meetings was the announcement of former commissioner's office executive John Abbamondi as assistant general manager. Abbamondi assumes the post held by Mozeliak until Mozeliak's promotion as interim general manager to succeed Walt Jocketty on Oct. 3. Mozeliak was named Jocketty's replacement Oct. 31.
Abbamondi, a graduate of MIT, worked for four years in baseball's central office, most recently as senior director of labor economics. Abbamondi specialized in arbitration, player contracts and revenue sharing.
Before joining MLB, Abbamondi served as a Navy pilot.
"John brings a lot of experience to the organization, not only in arbitration matters, but also in contract valuation and many other skills that will add greatly to our baseball operations," Mozeliak said in a statement.
The organization also has promoted Blaise Ilsley, pitching coach at Class AA Springfield, to Class AAA Memphis, Mozeliak said. Vice president of amateur scouting and player development Jeff Luhnow declined to identify Ilsley's successor.
Luhnow suggested the organization would not name a replacement for minor-league field coordinator Jim Riggleman, who accepted a job in October as Seattle Mariners bench coach.
The Cardinals met with the Brewers, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles on Monday. Talks with the Orioles again included shortstop Miguel Tejada, a position transplant whom the Orioles are attempting to move soon.
The Orioles' management already has informed Tejada they anticipate moving him to third base next season.
Sources familiar with the situation say Tejada is open to playing third base elsewhere as long as it's for a contender.
The Padres have interest in center fielder Jim Edmonds. Like Rolen, Edmonds can veto any trade. But Edmonds informed the club last month that he would mull a deal to a Southern California team. The Padres also have interest in out-of-favor Cardinals starter Anthony Reyes. Mozeliak acknowledged outside interest in Reyes, 2-14 in 22 appearances last season. Reyes surrendered all his runs in one inning of 11 of his 20 starts, including last Aug. 7, when he held the Padres to one run in seven innings of a 4-0 loss.
jstrauss@post-dispatch.com | 314-340-8371
I was hoping I would have an update today, but the only news I could find was LaRussa talking about Rolen. This is nothing new.
I guess they are still looking for a SP and a righthanded OF. Its my guess they will sign 2 lower-tier free agents and be done with it. The Cards are going to have trouble finishing .500 next season.
I guess they are still looking for a SP and a righthanded OF. Its my guess they will sign 2 lower-tier free agents and be done with it. The Cards are going to have trouble finishing .500 next season.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
GDB identifying Ana Benson's ##### as the solution.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
And way to increase leverage on the Rolen trade front, Tony. You should be a PR rep when you retire.
Added La Russa: "He’s got a contract to play, and we need him to play. And he’s going to be treated very honestly.
"If he plays hard and he plays as well as he can, he plays. And if he doesn’t, he can sit. If he doesn’t like it, he can quit."
Added La Russa: "He’s got a contract to play, and we need him to play. And he’s going to be treated very honestly.
"If he plays hard and he plays as well as he can, he plays. And if he doesn’t, he can sit. If he doesn’t like it, he can quit."
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
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My thoughts exactly. If they are interested in trading Rolen, I have no idea why LaRussa would do this. Rolen's value is not very high anyway.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
So, they're going to act like they're planning to do something on the trade front, probably make a low-ball offer to Rowand, and then tab a rehab project or Fogg to slide into the back of the rotation.MrPhoenix said:
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
Probably. I think Barden takes care of the OF concern, but anything more than Josh Fogg and I'll crap an egg.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
I'm not certain Edmonds makes it into the season on the roster. I'm not saying it'll happen, but if they could move him it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
RnR
Footballguy
Eh, not sure what good that does them. At 10 cents on the dollar, they are better off keeping them. It's not like they have a better option at 3rd within the system, and Edmonds is keeping CF warm for Rasmus in '09. They're both still very solid defensively, and can perform better than replacement level at the plate. Any trade involving either will most likely result in eating the majority of the salary and only mid-tier prospects in return, so they may as well roll the dice that Rolen's shoulder is better and that Edmonds has another .800 OPS season in the tank.
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More insignificant Cardinal news:
Cardinals don't give an offer to Miles
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/13/2007
The Cardinals may have put Brendan Ryan on the fast track toward sticking with next season's club Wednesday when they declined to offer veteran utility infielder Aaron Miles a contract, making Miles a free agent.
General manager John Mozeliak notified Miles of the move Wednesday night, hours after the club added Triple-A depth and perhaps gave its major-league bullpen another lefthanded alternative by signing reliever Ron Flores to a minor-league deal along with righthanded pitcher Hugo Castellanos, catcher Mark Johnson and third baseman Rico Washington. The club also purchased the contract of Gateway Grizzlies outfielder Chris Gibson, son of Cards' Hall of Famer Bob Gibson.
The flurry arrived as the Cardinals expressed interest in free-agent pitcher Matt Clement, a 14-game winner for the 2003 Chicago Cubs who underwent extensive shoulder surgery in September 2006. Clement did not pitch last season while rehabilitating.
Wednesday marked the deadline for clubs to tender offers to unsigned players on their 40-
man roster.
The move severs ties with Miles, 30, after two seasons. Brought to St. Louis in a December 2005 trade with the Colorado Rockies, Miles hit .276 with 103 runs scored in 268 games that included 840 at-bats.
Miles' production was nearly identical last season to 2006 except for a batting average that climbed from .263 to .290.
Ryan, however, represents a better defensive alternative, according to many within the organization, and his success vs. lefthanded pitching suggests a potential platoon with shortstop Cesar Izturis. Ryan hit .354 in 79 at-bats against lefthanders last season.
Roster flexibility played a significant role as the Cardinals seek to upgrade offensively. "At this point we're just looking to add flexibility," said Mozeliak. "If we can subtly do some things to change the way the team looks, we'll look at that. We're not closing the door on other moves right now."
The Cardinals similarly dumped veteran outfielder So Taguchi last week, two days before selecting Cleveland Indians outfield prospect Brian Barton in the major-league draft. When the club declined to assume his $1.1 million option last month, Taguchi became eligible for arbitration after making a $925,000 base last season. Barton will receive the major-league minimum if he makes the opening-day roster.
Miles received exposure at shortstop the last two seasons despite never having played the position above Class A. He made three appearances there last season in place of the injured David Eckstein, but played 40 games at third base in place of Scott Rolen. Miles also pitched in two blowout losses.
Ryan, 25, made 15 starts at second base, 17 at shortstop and 18 at third base, hitting .289 overall while amassing nearly as many errors (10) as RBIs (12).
Flores, 28, is the younger brother of veteran Redbirds reliever Randy Flores. Ron Flores pitched in 17 games for the A's last season, striking out 15 hitters in 17 2/3 innings. The younger Flores spent most of the summer at Triple-A Sacramento, where he was 1-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 40 appearances. "Flores adds some depth for us to the left side. We definitely needed some protection there," Mozeliak said.
Castellanos and Washington return to the Cardinals as minor-league free agents.
Johnson, 32, fills a role handled parts of last season by Kelly Stinnett, who has since retired. Johnson hit .320 with 34 RBIs in 80 games for Triple-A Tucson and appeared in 322 major-league games before 2005 with the Chicago White Sox, A's and Milwaukee Brewers.
Gibson played college baseball at Southeast Missouri State before signing with the independent Grizzlies. He batted .260 in 61 games last season.
The Cardinals also filled out their front office Wednesday, announcing the appointment of Moises Rodriguez as director of international operations and Juan Mercado as Latin American scouting supervisor.
Rodriguez served for nearly 10 years in Major League Baseball's central office, where he specialized in international baseball operations.
Mercado is credited with signing New York Mets All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes and will remain based in the Dominican Republic.
Cardinals don't give an offer to Miles
By Joe Strauss
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
12/13/2007
The Cardinals may have put Brendan Ryan on the fast track toward sticking with next season's club Wednesday when they declined to offer veteran utility infielder Aaron Miles a contract, making Miles a free agent.
General manager John Mozeliak notified Miles of the move Wednesday night, hours after the club added Triple-A depth and perhaps gave its major-league bullpen another lefthanded alternative by signing reliever Ron Flores to a minor-league deal along with righthanded pitcher Hugo Castellanos, catcher Mark Johnson and third baseman Rico Washington. The club also purchased the contract of Gateway Grizzlies outfielder Chris Gibson, son of Cards' Hall of Famer Bob Gibson.
The flurry arrived as the Cardinals expressed interest in free-agent pitcher Matt Clement, a 14-game winner for the 2003 Chicago Cubs who underwent extensive shoulder surgery in September 2006. Clement did not pitch last season while rehabilitating.
Wednesday marked the deadline for clubs to tender offers to unsigned players on their 40-
man roster.
The move severs ties with Miles, 30, after two seasons. Brought to St. Louis in a December 2005 trade with the Colorado Rockies, Miles hit .276 with 103 runs scored in 268 games that included 840 at-bats.
Miles' production was nearly identical last season to 2006 except for a batting average that climbed from .263 to .290.
Ryan, however, represents a better defensive alternative, according to many within the organization, and his success vs. lefthanded pitching suggests a potential platoon with shortstop Cesar Izturis. Ryan hit .354 in 79 at-bats against lefthanders last season.
Roster flexibility played a significant role as the Cardinals seek to upgrade offensively. "At this point we're just looking to add flexibility," said Mozeliak. "If we can subtly do some things to change the way the team looks, we'll look at that. We're not closing the door on other moves right now."
The Cardinals similarly dumped veteran outfielder So Taguchi last week, two days before selecting Cleveland Indians outfield prospect Brian Barton in the major-league draft. When the club declined to assume his $1.1 million option last month, Taguchi became eligible for arbitration after making a $925,000 base last season. Barton will receive the major-league minimum if he makes the opening-day roster.
Miles received exposure at shortstop the last two seasons despite never having played the position above Class A. He made three appearances there last season in place of the injured David Eckstein, but played 40 games at third base in place of Scott Rolen. Miles also pitched in two blowout losses.
Ryan, 25, made 15 starts at second base, 17 at shortstop and 18 at third base, hitting .289 overall while amassing nearly as many errors (10) as RBIs (12).
Flores, 28, is the younger brother of veteran Redbirds reliever Randy Flores. Ron Flores pitched in 17 games for the A's last season, striking out 15 hitters in 17 2/3 innings. The younger Flores spent most of the summer at Triple-A Sacramento, where he was 1-2 with a 2.72 ERA in 40 appearances. "Flores adds some depth for us to the left side. We definitely needed some protection there," Mozeliak said.
Castellanos and Washington return to the Cardinals as minor-league free agents.
Johnson, 32, fills a role handled parts of last season by Kelly Stinnett, who has since retired. Johnson hit .320 with 34 RBIs in 80 games for Triple-A Tucson and appeared in 322 major-league games before 2005 with the Chicago White Sox, A's and Milwaukee Brewers.
Gibson played college baseball at Southeast Missouri State before signing with the independent Grizzlies. He batted .260 in 61 games last season.
The Cardinals also filled out their front office Wednesday, announcing the appointment of Moises Rodriguez as director of international operations and Juan Mercado as Latin American scouting supervisor.
Rodriguez served for nearly 10 years in Major League Baseball's central office, where he specialized in international baseball operations.
Mercado is credited with signing New York Mets All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes and will remain based in the Dominican Republic.
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
Maybe they are going to give Rasmus a shot at CF. I'm hoping the Edmonds trade is to free up salary so they can get some more pitching.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
Cardinals fans apparently don't know this, never seeing position players promoted from the minors to the big league squad and all, but it almost seems the rule more than the exception now for position players to make the jump from AA to the majors rather than putzing around in AAA. Hell, half the Diamondbacks roster last year came up from AA. I know it was their stated preference at one point to give Rasmus another year, but he should be given every chance in spring training to show whether or not he can make the leap now.
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
:golfclap:
Bob Sacamano
Footballguy
MrPhoenix
Ron Paul Soldier
Watch it, this guy was HOT property 7 years ago.IN before St. Louisans start comparing him with Tony Womack favorably.
He has more talent than Miles, and that is who I am guessing he replaces. Once again, it is going to be a long summer for Cardinals fans.
