Cardinals Trade Rumors

Sabean: Bay and Holliday unlikely
Comment
November 20
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"Tim Lincecum's live press conference just ended. Afterward, we talked to GM Brian Sabean, who said he has not contacted agents for the two big hitters on the free-agent market, Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, and does not expect to either. I'll have the direct quotes later, but Sabean essentially said he refuses to be a "stalking horse" for any player who is just using the Giants to get more money elsewhere, and that the Giants will talk only to free agents who have a genuine interest in coming to San Francisco."
Phillies focusing on third base
Comment
November 19
ESPN.com
 columnist Jayson Stark
"Third base appears to be the Phillies' first order of business once the free-agent negotiating period starts. But they don't seem to have a clear-cut top choice among Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco and Adrian Beltre. DeRosa is a great fit in many ways, but there are concerns that he's never played 75 games in any season at third base. Polanco has sent signals he's open to playing third for his old team, but he has started only 38 games at third base in the last seven seasons combined. And while Beltre is probably the best pure baseball fit, he figures to want a longer contract than the Phillies are interested in offering. So this hunt could still move in a lot of different directions. Pedro ..."
Angels owner: Bay, not Holliday, a possible pursuit
Comment
November 19
Foxsports.com
 
"Angels owner Arte Moreno said today that he could envision his team pursuing Jason Bay — but not Matt Holliday — in the event that his team's prominent free agents sign elsewhere. Moreno said he would like to bring back John Lackey, Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero but acknowledged that it's unlikely the Angels can afford all three."
Cards optimistic on Holliday
Comment
November 19
Foxsports.com
 
"Once the free agent market opens in earnest Friday, we could learn quickly whether the Cardinals will be able to make a competitive bid to keep free agent slugger Matt Holliday. Holliday is expected to draw widespread interest, and a number of teams with payrolls larger than that of the Cardinals are likely to be involved. For now, though, club president Bill DeWitt III remains optimistic. "Like any club, you have to set your budget and make sure you live within it," DeWitt said in a telephone interview with FOXSports.com. "As it relates to Matt, we have an internal sense of what we can do. Hopefully, he'll view that as enough. "The process has to play itself out. There's no point in ..."
DeRosa could fill in for Phils at third
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"The Phillies see Mark DeRosa as a potential replacement at third base for Pedro Feliz. DeRosa sees the Phillies as a fit, too. FOXSports.com reported early Wednesday morning that the Phillies are the favorite to land DeRosa, according to a Major League source. But the Phillies also are seriously interested in Placido Polanco and Adrian Beltre. Other potential candidates such as Miguel Tejada could become possibilities, depending how the market develops. DeRosa hit .250 with 23 home runs and 78 RBIs last season with the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. He hit .285 with 21 homers and 87 RBIs in 2008 with the Chicago Cubs. He had wrist surgery on Oct. 26, but his representatives ..."
Hollywood nights not in cards for Holliday
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"Here's a rundown of Tuesday's biggest Hot Stove news, rumors and rumblings. Holliday out in Anaheim? The big-ticket item of the day came from Angels general manager Tony Reagins, who told the Los Angeles Times that Monday's FOXSports.com report listing the only plausible suitors for free-agent slugger Matt Hollday as the Angels, Yankees and Red Sox was, well, probably slightly inaccurate -- at least the "Angels" part. Reagins told the paper that his "focus is not on" Holliday but rather on retaining his slew of free agents: starter John Lackey, third baseman Chone Figgins and, possibly, Vladimir Guerrero and Darren Oliver. Meanwhile, St. Louis chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. told ESPN radio that ..."
Source: Phils favorite for DeRosa
Comment
November 18
Foxsports.com
 
"Of the almost two dozen teams that have expressed interest in free- agent infielder Mark DeRosa, the Phillies loom as the favorite, according to a major-league source. DeRosa attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His hard-nosed style would fit that of the two-time defending National League champions. And his price range might be realistic for the Phillies, too. The Phillies, who declined their $5 million club option on Pedro Feliz, want to spend between $4 million and $6 million on a third baseman, a second source said. DeRosa, 34, is coming off a much lower salary ($5.5 million) than two other prominent free-agent candidates at third, Miguel Tejada ($13 million) and ..."
Cards say Bay is not priority
Comment
November 18
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals see left fielder Matt Holliday as a unique talent within this year's free agent pool, and they apparently do not envision themselves as bidders for the market's presumptive second choice should Holliday defect. General manager John Mozeliak confirmed Tuesday that the Cardinals' priority signing would shift away from offense if Holliday proves too pricey for the club to retain. "We'll see how the market develops," Mozeliak said. "Is (Jason Bay) a possibility? Sure. But right now it's fair to say he's not one of our top priorities." The Cardinals have yet to submit a formal bid to Holliday's agent, Scott Boras, and are unlikely to do so until free agents can begin accepting ..."
Astros not interested in Smoltz
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"Don't expect the Astros to pursue veteran pitcher John Smoltz. Smoltz was said to have drawn interest of several teams according to a report by Foxsports.com, a list that included the Astros. And while the Astros have kicked around dozens of names from the list of free agents who have filed, sources indicate their interest in Smoltz just isn't there. Smoltz is open to starting or relieving and could serve in the closer's role for a team in need of help at the back of the bullpen. Astros general manager Ed Wade said late on Tuesday that he wasn't going to comment on Smoltz."
Troy Glaus, Jason LaRue, right-handed relief
Comment
November 18
MLB.com
 
"GM John Mozeliak pretty much ruled out the possibility of Troy Glaus returning to play 3B for the Cardinals in 2010. Glaus is just too big of a question mark, healthwise, to rely on to play 3B all year. He's likely a much better fit for a team that needs a designated hitter or perhaps a first baseman. Asked if there was anything to be read into the fact that Jason LaRue has not yet signed, given that the Cardinals often act quickly to re-up their backup catcher, this was Mozeliak's response:"
Mets eye durable free-agent pitcher Joel Pineiro
Comment
November 17
New York Daily News
 
"The Mets, in search of an innings-eater to stabilize their rotation, are particularly intrigued by free-agent righthander Joel Pineiro, according to a team insider. Pineiro, 31, had 15 wins with the Cardinals in 2009, one shy of the career high he set with Seattle six years earlier. While tossing a career-high 214 innings, Pineiro produced a 3.53 ERA, struck out 105 and walked 27. Pineiro's walks-per-nine-innings rate (1.14) was the best in the majors in four years among pitchers who reached 200 innings, and was ahead of runner-up Roy Halladay's 1.32 this season. That would distinguish Pineiro on a Mets staff that walked 616 batters last season, one off the franchise record set in 1999."
Similar studs top free-agent outfield crop
Comment
November 16
MLB.com
 
"Every free-agent market has a focal point, and in this one, the bull's-eye falls on a pair of outfielders who are strikingly similar. Matt Holliday and Jason Bay provoked the most anticipation, and are expected to generate the most attention and dollars. Both are powerful right-handed hitters of comparable age, with Bay one year older at 31. Both are modest, soft-spoken individuals much better at playing a good game than at talking it. So, fittingly, both are being led into the free-agent wilderness by outspoken, opinionated agents. The selling by Scott Boras, Holliday's man, and Joe Urbon, Bay's guy, is already under way. Urbon: "I think the most important thing about Jason Bay is that ..."
The Mets are interested in Joel Pineiro
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"The Mets are interested in Joel Pineiro, who's said to want a three-year deal for $30 million. Minaya met with Pineiro's agent, Arn Tellem. The Cardinals helped resurrect Pineiro's career, but they do not seem likely to pursue him -- not with so much else on their docket. Similarly, Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus and Khalil Greene are expected to leave via free agency."
Mixed signals from Mets' Holliday meeting
Comment
November 11
SI.com
 
"People who have spoken to Minaya suggest he is extremely interested in Holliday, who some Mets people see as the perfect middle-of-the-order and clubhouse presence they need to try to turn things around. Minaya has never shied away from the high-priced star player. Mets people clearly prefer Holliday to Bay and the Mets seem like a logical landing spot for Holliday (others include the Giants, Cubs, Braves, Yankees, Red Sox, Mariners and incumbent Cardinals) since they were the only team not to hit 100 home runs in '09 and have a gaping hole in left field. Yet, there are mixed signals about how aggressive they'll be in pursuing Holliday. While Minaya appears to be a major fan of Holliday, ..."
Minaya going after, well, everybody
Comment
November 11
Foxsports.com
 
"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."
Smoltz wants to pitch next season
Comment
November 11
MLB.com
 
"John Smoltz doesn't know where yet, and the role may be undetermined as well, but this much is sure: The veteran right-hander does intend to pitch in 2010. A representative of Smoltz's agents confirmed on Tuesday that Smoltz has decided he wants to pitch a 22nd Major League season. He met with his representatives at their Atlanta office on Tuesday to discuss his future. Smoltz said after the Cardinals were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs that he would make a decision in early November as to whether he wanted to pitch again, but even then he was leaning toward a return. Smoltz, 42, went a combined 3-8 with a 6.35 ERA in 2009 in stints with the Red Sox and Cardinals, but he ..."
Mets open talks with Holliday, eye Molina
Comment
November 11
New York Post
 
"Omar Minaya met with Scott Boras for 45 minutes last night to begin to determine the price on Matt Holliday. The meeting comes at a time when the Mets are still debating whether to big-game hunt this offseason for offense (Jason Bay or Holliday) or simply augment around their core of fragile, but talented players. "We need a left fielder and two of the best are in the [free-agent] market," one Mets executive said. "We are not doing our jobs if we don't look into it." Another official said he thought the Mets were not averse to giving a contract for as many as six years to a player of Holliday's ilk. However, officials from other teams who have talked to the Mets said they expect the team ..."
McGwire will talk to press soon
Comment
November 11
New York Daily News
 
"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak reiterated Tuesday at baseball's GM meetings that new hitting coach Mark McGwire will address his return to the game with reporters, either in a press conference or a conference call. He said he wasn't sure when that would happen. "I think that's going to be needed, yes," Mozeliak said. "How we define that, I think we'll use our time to still figure that out. That does seem logical." McGwire is sure to be asked whether he used performance-enhancing drugs, particularly steroids, during his storied career, a question he refused to answer before Congress in 2005. Mozeliak also said his team could have handled the explosive news that it was hiring ..."
Boras likens Matt Holliday to Mark Teixeira
Comment
November 11
New York Daily News
 
"Despite believing the bidding for outfielder Matt Holliday will exceed their appetite, Mets officials intended to meet with agent Scott Boras before leaving the GM meetings, which conclude today. Boras has set the bar high. The agent Tuesday night labeled Holliday a "franchise player" and maintained his client merited a contract similar to the eight-year, $180 million deal he negotiated for Mark Teixeira last offseason. Unlike Teixeira, Boras said Holliday already has "served that example" as a franchise player because he led the Rockies to the 2007 World Series. "Last year we had one club that went out and made a commitment to a franchise player and they won a world championship," Boras ..."
Holliday's agent draws line
Comment
November 11
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Free agency officially began Tuesday inside the O'Hare Hilton. Emerging from an hour-long sit-down with Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, the agent for free agent left fielder Matt Holliday commissioned the franchise the USS Moneybags. When asked about a mid-market franchise's capacity to remain competitive after retaining a franchise player with a payroll-rattling long-term deal, agent Scott Boras sneered at the premise. "I don't know what a mid-market franchise is. That's like a midsize aircraft carrier," Boras said. "They all have the potential to have an economic bomb. If you're drawing 3.3 million fans and you're averaging $50 a fan coming in, I just don't know that mid-market ..."
Holliday, Bay bidding may surpass Mets' appetite
Comment
November 10
New York Daily News
 
"Omar Minaya arrived at the GM Meetings at the O'Hare Hilton on Monday night maintaining it was his obligation to investigate the price tags of top-tier free agents. However, a team insider told the Daily News he expected that the salary demands of outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay would exceed the organization's comfort level. Instead, the Mets expect to sign a left fielder from the second tier group of free agents, or acquire one via trade, a team source said. Picking up a power bat in left field would allow the Mets to follow through with their intention of using Daniel Murphy as the primary first baseman next season. One report listed Mike Cameron as a potential target for left ..."
Wellemeyer files for free agency
Comment
November 10
MLB.com
 
"Todd Wellemeyer became the ninth and final Cardinals player to file for free agency on Monday, the fifth day that eligible players could formally file. Wellemeyer heads into free agency off a disappointing season in which he had the second-highest ERA of any National League pitcher with at least 120 innings. A year earlier, he was one of the Cards' most pleasant surprises, but he pitched his way out of the rotation in 2009. As a result, it is likely that Wellemeyer will be pitching elsewhere next year. The Cardinals would have little stomach for a return engagement with Wellemeyer in their rotation, and the team's bullpen is already all but set. Rick Ankiel, Mark DeRosa, Troy Glaus, Khalil ..."
Cardinals expect little to happen at general managers' meetings
Comment
November 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"A year after doing business at an ostentatious resort perched on Southern California bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Major League Baseball is sticking with a minimalist theme for this week's annual meetings of general managers. Club executives are scheduled to begin meeting this afternoon for parts of no more than three days at a hotel attached to O'Hare Airport. There will be no oceans, no golf courses and little expectation of a high-decibel takeoff to the offseason. "I'd say the chances of us making anything happen there is very small," said Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, a central mover during last November's weeklong meeting at Dana Point, Calif. "My expectation is ..."
Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option
Comment
November 9
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 ..."
Cardinals release Brad Thompson, make roster trims
Comment
November 4
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"In an attempt to cleanup their 40-man roster for the offseason, the St. Louis Cardinals made a series of moves this morning that included releasing reliever Brad Thompson. The roster moves started last night with Jarrett Hoffpauir being picked up off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays. The Cardinals also moved infielder Joe Thurston and reliever Matt Scherer to the Triple-A Memphis roster. The official name of the transaction is called "outrighting" the two players to the Class AAA affiliate. All four moves have been done to make room on the 40-man roster."
Pujols Clears Up Contract Speculation, Praises McGwire
Comment
October 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Appearing on St. Louis sports station WXOS 101.1 FM on Thursday morning, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols was asked to explain comments made during an interview in the Dominican Republic. In the interview, Pujols suggested he was in no hurry to sign a contract extension with the Cardinals. "I'm not desperate to sign a contract extension. I still have one year remaining in my contract for 2010 and a club option for 2011. I leave the rest in God's hands," Pujols told Dominican radio station CDN 92.5 FM. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said he was "surprised" by Pujols' stance, given that the Cardinals had repeatedly expressed an interest in opening negotiations with Pujols this winter. ..."
Tigers join Chapman sweepstakes
Comment
October 27
SI.com
 
"The Tigers have joined the host of teams expressing interest in Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, a source tells SI.com. The team has contacted Chapman's camp in attempts to schedule a meeting later this week or early next week, the source said. Chapman, a 21-year-old who has hit 102 mph on radar guns, has garnered substantial interest from major league teams since he defected July 1. His zipping fastball, youth, projectable frame (6-foot-4 and lean) and a shallow free-agent pitching pool are expected to make Chapman one of the most expensive players on the market this offseason. Several industry sources expect Chapman will command more than the $32 million the Yankees paid Cuban ..."
Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list
Comment
October 26
SI.com
 (scroll down)
"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."
La Russa will return to Cardinals in '10, McGwire to join?
Comment
October 25
ESPN.com
 
"Tony La Russa is returning to the St. Louis Cardinals as manager on a multiyear contract, sources told ESPN's Buster Olney, but there will be at least one change to his coaching staff. Sources said Hal McRae, the team's hitting coach, has been fired -- and the leading candidate to replace him is Mark McGwire, the former Cardinals slugger. The 65-year-old La Russa has been mulling his future since the NL Central champion Cardinals were swept in the division series by the Los Angeles Dodgers on Oct. 10. His two-year, $8.5 million contract expires at the end of the month."
St. Louis Cardinals buoyed by Albert Pujols surgery
Comment
October 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Cardinals were hugely relieved when Albert Pujols (above) needed surgery only to remove bone chips and debris from his right elbow, not Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ligament. They believe his elbow was a big factor in his going 89 at-bats without a home run to end the season, even though Pujols wouldn't use it as an excuse. The Cardinals may not have as tumultuous of an offseason as it appeared they might, as free-agent manager Tony La Russa is leaning toward returning for his 15th season. The decision could be announced before the World Series."
La Russa says he's close to decision on whether to return as St. Louis Cardinals manager
Comment
October 25
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Technically still in limbo, Tony La Russa on Saturday said he is "speeding to a conclusion" regarding a decision whether to return for a 15th year as Cardinals manager. La Russa insisted he has not yet discussed a contract with team chairman Bill DeWitt Jr.; however, sources familiar with the situation believe a formal announcement is likely early this week confirming La Russa's return. Said La Russa, scheduled to arrive in St. Louis in time to attend tonight's Bruce Springsteen concert: "I'm coming to an understanding of what I'm doing and intend to get it settled one way or the other shortly." La Russa, whose current two-year deal expires Oct. 31, said he has stayed in almost daily ..."
Cardinals' manager Tony La Russa nears decision
Comment
October 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Tony La Russa has been home a week now, leaving behind a cleaned-out office while taking along the bitter aftertaste of a hasty, forced postseason exit. It's been 11 days since the Los Angeles Dodgers sent the Cardinals manager into self-examination of what's important, what's old and what might lay ahead. With less than two weeks remaining on the two-year deal he accepted shortly before Halloween 2007, La Russa explained Wednesday he is not finished with his introspection about whether he will return as manager next season but that he has reached its final chapters. "It won't be long," La Russa offered during a break from a planning session at his Animal Rescue Foundation in Danville, ..."
Cardinals are upbeat about Albert Pujols' surgery
Comment
October 22
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Once inside Albert Pujols' right elbow, doctors decided not to reconstruct the MVP's torn ligament, choosing instead a procedure the club hopes will end the annual suspense about the valuable elbow's health. Pujols had several bone spurs and loose bone chips removed from his elbow Wednesday morning by Dr. James Andrews at his office in Birmingham, Ala. Pujols is expected to begin his rehab next week in St. Louis. The Cardinals described the arthroscopic surgery as a "success," but are going to wait to monitor their first baseman's immediate progress before mapping his return. "The outlook is very positive," general manager John Mozeliak said. "He should be able to resume baseball ..."
St. Louis Cardinals in bad spot with Albert Pujols
Comment
October 18
Baltimore Sun
 
"When Albert Pujols went a career-worst 89 at-bats without a home run to end an MVP performance in 2009, it was shocking. But it also may have been more. It may have been the beginning of the end for him in St. Louis. The time may be coming, faster than Cardinals fans could dream, when general manager John Mozeliak may have to do the unthinkable - solicit trade offers, most likely from the Red Sox, Yankees or Mets. Pujols, baseball's best player in the last decade, left Busch Stadium without talking to reporters last weekend. But in the little bit of communication he has had since then, he has raised doubts about his desire to spend his career with the Cardinals. In an interview with a ..."
La Russa in no rush to commit to managing in '10
Comment
October 18
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist John Shea
"Albert Pujols, the league's best hitter, is returning. So are Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright, two of the league's top three starting pitchers. Dave Duncan, pitching coach/faithful lieutenant whose issues with the front office apparently were ironed out, would be back on board. Tony La Russa has a nice gig awaiting him in St. Louis - if he decides to manage again. Third all-time in wins behind Connie Mack and John McGraw, La Russa doesn't have a contract for 2010. He said he'll take time before deciding whether to accept a standing offer to manage a 15th season with the Cardinals. It's widely assumed in St. Louis he'll sign one more multiyear deal, but La Russa tends not to jump into a ..."
Schumaker settled in at second
Comment
October 18
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"After years of habitually rotating middle infielders, the Cardinals have called off the carousel and settled on a second baseman. All it took was an outfielder. This week, Skip Schumaker, the Cardinals' transplanted second baseman, will report for duty at his usual winter workouts. But he's asked his trainer/taskmaster, LA County SWAT member Jim Moss, to shift the emphasis of his grueling drills. Schumaker is no longer thinking only like an outfielder - which is to say, thinking mostly like a hitter - and wants to prepare his body better for a season spent lunging for grounders and hurdling baserunners. "I have to do more infield-specific stuff," Schumaker said from his offseason home in ..."
Albert Pujols' comments surprise St. Louis Cardinals
Comment
October 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Albert Pujols finished the 2009 season in much the same way as his previous eight seasons: as the major leagues' most productive, most consistent player. The Cardinals first baseman ended up with 47 home runs, 135 RBIs and a .327 average, extending the conversation regarding a possible Triple Crown run into September. Pujols won the home run title, remarkably only the second time in his career that he has led the National League in a Triple Crown category. Continuing a sense of sameness, Pujols is expected to earn a second consecutive and third overall Most Valuable Player award when results of balloting by the Baseball Writers Association of America are announced next month. However, ..."
Cardinals' MVP Pujols "not desperate" for extension
Comment
October 15
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The St. Louis Cardinals, spearheaded by chairman Bill DeWitt Jr., have stated that a chief goal of this offsesaon is to address the contract of MVP and team icon Albert Pujols. General manager John Mozeliak recently said discussing an extension with Pujols, whose contract expires after a team option for 2011, is "viewed as a priority." Pujols, in an interview with a Dominican Republic radio station, implied it isn't a front-burner topic for him. The Cardinals first baseman said he is "not desperate" to negotiate with the Cardinals, and that he would "leave it in God's hands." This has been taken in some reports as a rejection of the Cardinals' plan, but that appears to be a reach when ..."
Boras expects Ankiel 'to go somewhere'
Comment
September 26
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Unless the Cardinals commit to Rick Ankiel as an everyday outfielder next season, agent Scott Boras believes there is probably a much better market for his client elsewhere. Ankiel, also a pending free agent, has fallen into a timeshare with rookie Colby Rasmus since the Matt Holliday acquisition. Diminished playing time has coincided with diminished production. Boras fully expects a market to develop for Ankiel as a starting outfielder. "I don't even think that is going to be an issue," Boras said. "Rick Ankiel is going to go somewhere."
Matt Holliday talks on hold
Comment
September 26
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak and Scott Boras, the agent for Matt Holliday, crossed paths Friday afternoon at Coors Field. Pleasantries, not offers, were exchanged. And apparently it will remain that way for the duration of the regular season and as long as the Cardinals' playoff run continues. Both parties insist there is no dialogue between the club and Boras, who anticipates an extremely active player when Holliday hits the free-agent market. Mozeliak insisted Friday that should the Cardinals reach the World Series, they will confine their home-field advantage in contract talks to the 15-day window between the Series' end and the end of the free-agent filing period. "That ..."
Duncan making no pitch to Astros
Comment
September 24
Houston Chronicle
 
"Ed Wade has more than two pages of names of unsolicited candidates wanting to become the Astros' next manager, but the man considered the best pitching coach in baseball isn't rushing to lobby for the job. If anything, St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan all but shot down any interest. "My interest right now is to be the best pitching coach for the St. Louis Cardinals for the remainder of the season and through the postseason," said Duncan, the highest-paid coach in baseball. "I don't really want to get distracted with anything that's going to take away from that. I'm just going to concentrate on doing my job right now and finishing the season." Wade, the Astros' general ..."
Cardinals void deal for Mateo
Comment
September 23
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Eager to establish themselves as a leading player in the Caribbean marketplace, the Cardinals believed Wagner Mateo was the kind of talent whose signing would make a statement. But the Cardinals voided the $3.1 million deal they had with the 16-year-old outfielder, citing on Tuesday a pre-existing injury and a "physical defect." The decision erases the largest bonus the Cardinals ever awarded an amateur, and it could be a setback for the presence the Cardinals have cultivated in the Caribbean. "I don't think it takes anything away from that," general manager John Mozeliak said. "You have to do what's right for the organization. There could be some adverse effects, some negative effects as ..."
Smoltz ailing; Wellemeyer to start Monday
Comment
September 13
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Veteran righthander John Smoltz, who has walked just one and fanned 28 in his first four starts with the Cardinals, will miss his scheduled turn on Monday here against Florida with what Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said today was some shoulder tendinitis. "He said it's happened to him before," said La Russa. "He treats it and then it's gone. We expect him to pitch on his next turn (probably next Sunday)." Smoltz, who received a cortisone shot in the shoulder, said, "It's really just a luxury to be able to do this. This is a tiny bump in the road. It doesn't mean anything." Wellemeyer, who recently was on the disabled list with elbow inflammation, last started on July 26, giving up 11 ..."
St. Louis Cardinals' DeRosa will have surgery on wrist after season is over
Comment
September 10
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals third baseman Mark DeRosa ended the suspense about his postseason plans Wednesday, saying he will have surgery after the team's looming playoff run to address a torn tendon sheath near his left wrist. "It's to the point where something is going to have to be done if, for nothing else, my peace of mind," DeRosa admitted after his team completed a three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. "I don't want to go forward with this hanging over my head." DeRosa has played with the condition since June 30. The injury forced him to the disabled list July 1. A pending free agent acquired June 27 from the Cleveland Indians, DeRosa has since hit eight home runs serving as the club's primary ..."
Cards approach DeRosa about 2010
Comment
September 9
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"General manager John Mozeliak said Tuesday that the Cardinals have significant interest in retaining pending free agent Mark DeRosa and that he has made known the club's position to the player. "Recognizing where we are, the thought is we'll talk about it and that we're still hopeful that he's someone we could sign and bring back," Mozeliak said. "He's a very valuable person to this club." Mozeliak minimized the potential impact of DeRosa's left wrist injury, one that he conceded would probably require surgery after this season. The condition involves a torn tendon sheath near the wrist."
St. Louis Cardinals reach new deals with Franklin, Miller
Comment
September 2
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"A closer of convenience when the season began, veteran righthander Ryan Franklin used the ninth inning to become an All-Star in the present and will hold onto the role for the foreseeable future. The Cardinals announced Tuesday a two-year extension for Franklin and a new contract for lefty reliever Trever Miller that could keep both 36-year-old pitchers in the bullpen through 2011. The new deals also assure that the same group of relievers that boasts Franklin - the league leader in saves - and a 3.82 ERA has all of its arms under control through next season. "We've got a family that we're going to keep intact out there for at least another year," Franklin said. "That means a lot." General ..."
Cards' Ryan Franklin nearing new deal
Comment
August 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"After spending last winter in a fruitless search for a closer, the Cardinals apparently have settled on one through 2011. The club is expected to announce this weekend an agreement with Ryan Franklin on a contract extension that includes his $2.75 million option for 2010 plus an additional season, sources familiar with negotiations confirmed Thursday. Including the club option, the deal is worth about $6.5 million plus numerous appearance incentives and virtually assures the All-Star reliever and Oklahoma resident will finish his career in St. Louis. Franklin declined comment until a formal announcement is made but confirmed talks have progressed. An extension would fall within a ..."
LaTroy Hawkins placed on trade waivers
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August 25
Foxsports.com
 
"The Astros placed right-handed reliever LaTroy Hawkins on trade waivers Monday, a development that should snap the Rockies, Cardinals and Dodgers to attention. The Rockies, who have the worst record of the three, would get the first crack at Hawkins in the waiver process. Hawkins, owed less than $900,000 for the rest of the season, has held opponents to a .645 OPS in 48 2/3 innings."
Smoltz leaning toward signing with Cards
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August 19
MLB.com
 
"John Smoltz is "strongly leaning" toward signing with the Cardinals, according to a report on ESPN.com. Smoltz, 42, told friends he will decide on a team Wednesday when his release waivers expire and he officially becomes a free agent, the report said. The pitcher is believed to prefer the Cardinals over the Dodgers, Marlins and Rangers. The Cardinals on Monday expressed interest in the right-hander. "I know that he's one of the guys we've been looking into," manager Tony La Russa said. "He's healthy, and when he's healthy, he's a weapon." Should Smoltz join St. Louis, the Cardinals would use the veteran out of the bullpen as a setup man for closer Ryan Franklin, according to the report. ..."
Smoltz leaning toward Cards
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August 19
ESPN.com
 
"John Smoltz is "strongly leaning" toward signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, two major league sources with direct knowledge of his negotiations told ESPN.com Tuesday night. Smoltz has told friends he will decide on a team Wednesday, once his release waivers expire and he officially becomes a free agent. However, all indications were that he will choose the Cardinals over a group of pursuers that includes the Los Angeles Dodgers, Florida Marlins and Texas Rangers. The Cardinals would like Smoltz to pitch out of the bullpen as a set-up man for closer Ryan Franklin. And while Smoltz has told clubs he would prefer to start, he has apparently decided St. Louis is the best fit. The 42-year-old ..."