Cardinals Trade Rumors

Cardinals release Brad Thompson, make roster trims
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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'
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 ..."
Red Sox officially release former Cy Young winner
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August 17
Foxsports.com
 
"John Smoltz has been released by the Red Sox, a major league source told FOXSports.com. The move is not a surprise, since his contract was designated for assignment on Aug. 7. Smoltz will clear unconditional release waivers on Wednesday, at which point he will be free to discuss a new contract with any team. The Dodgers, Marlins, Cardinals and Rangers have interest, sources have told FOXSports.com senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal. Smoltz, 42, does not intend to retire and is open to joining clubs as a starter or reliever, a source told Rosenthal over the weekend. The Red Sox are now obligated to pay the remainder of the one-year, $5.5 million contract Smoltz signed in the offseason."
Deal for bullpen help unlikely
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July 31
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak downplayed the possibility of acquiring relief help before today's 3 p.m. waiver deadline. The Cardinals remain interested in set-up relief help but may find a match after today. "I don't see anything happening in the near term," Mozeliak said. "There is a possibility something may come along after (today), but there is also a significant chance that nothing happens." Having expended five prospects and outfielder Chris Duncan for Mark DeRosa, Matt Holliday and Julio Lugo in the last five weeks, the Cardinals enjoy little flexibility for another impact trade."
Wellemeyer seems headed to Cardinals' bullpen
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July 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Todd Wellemeyer's struggles probably will translate to at least a temporary reassignment to the bullpen, effective today with an announcement from the Cardinals regarding Friday's starter against Houston. "I still consider Wellemeyer an important part of our staff who is going to have a lot to do with what we hope to accomplish in September," pitching coach Dave Duncan said. "Whether that happens in the rotation or happens in another role, we have to help him sort things out somehow." Wellemeyer did not help himself in Sunday's 9-2 loss to Philadelphia as he allowed three two-run home runs and seven earned runs (five earned) in 5 2/3 innings, jacking his ERA to 5.79. Manager Tony La Russa, ..."
Cardinals want to keep Holliday long term
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July 27
SI.com
 
"The Cardinals intend to try hard to extend just-acquired outfielder Matt Holliday, according to sources. One reason they want Holliday is to protect Albert Pujols. But the unspoken reason may be that they want to impress Pujols. Their negotiations with Pujols should be a doozy, as he can be expected to request an Alex Rodriguez-type salary of close to $30 million per year. Holliday won't cost nearly that much -- though he won't necessarily be cheap, either. He rejected a deal with Colorado that was thought to be worth $72 million over four years. With only months to go before free agency, the conventional wisdom is that extending Holliday is a tall order, especially considering that he is ..."
Todd is third piece in DeRosa trade
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July 27
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals completed their trade with Cleveland for Mark DeRosa and continued the costly business of contending. The Cleveland Indians selected Class AAA closer Jess Todd on Sunday from a list of minor-leaguers to join Chris Perez as the two arms that the Cardinals packaged for their starting third baseman. In his first year as a closer for the Memphis affiliate, Todd was 2-2 with 24 saves and a 2.20 ERA. He was the Cardinals' minor-league pitcher of the year in 2008. On Friday, the Cardinals shipped Brett Wallace and Clayton Mortensen to Oakland for Matt Holliday. Of the Cardinals' top six prospects according to the 2009 Baseball America Prospect Handbook, four have been traded in two ..."
Holliday deal is done
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July 24
ESPN.com
 
"The Athletics and Cardinals have completed a trade that sends outfielder Matt Holliday to St. Louis in exchange for third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney. In addition, sources said the Athletics will throw in $1.5 million to the Cardinals. Holliday, 29, is eligible for free agency after this season, and has had a lackluster season overall with the Athletics, hitting .287 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs. But he has hit well this month, batting .344 with a .421 on-base percentage, and one scout who has seen him play said Tuesday that Holliday is swinging the bat as well now as he has all ..."
Cards get Holliday for Wallace, two other prospects
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July 24
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals have completed a trade for Oakland outfielder Matt Holliday, the Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold has confirmed. Holliday was told by his agent Scott Boras this morning that a deal was done, and Holliday is telling his former teammates in Colorado that he's a Cardinal, sources told Goold. A Cardinal source said the team does not have a commitment from Holliday or his agent for a contract extension in place, but the team is hopeful it can convince Holliday to sign. To get Holliday, the Cardinals are sending Oakland third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and pitcher Clayton Mortenson. The A’s will also contribute $1.5 million to the Cardinals, according to ESPN’s ..."
Sources: A's, Cards talking Holliday
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July 23
ESPN.com
 
"The St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics have been talking about a possible swap of All-Star outfielder Matt Holliday and top prospect Brett Wallace, according to sources, and one person familiar with the talks places the odds of a deal at 50-50. Holliday, 29, is eligible for free agency after this season, and has had a lackluster season overall, hitting .287 with 11 homers and 54 RBI. But he has hit well this month, batting .344 with a .421 on-base percentage, and one scout who has seen him play said Tuesday that Holliday is swinging the bat as well now as he has all year. The Cardinals have been searching for a way to upgrade their offense, to build in some lineup protection for ..."
Holliday to Cards, redux
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July 23
San Francisco Chronicle
 
"For the second time, rumors are swirling about the Cardinals' interest in the A's Matt Holliday. One NL source said Wednesday that St. Louis might be edging closer to Oakland's asking price, minor-league third baseman Brett Wallace, because the Cardinals need a left fielder and their other option essentially would be Washington's Josh Willingham."
Jays GM: Next week key for trade talk
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July 22
ESPN.com
 
"Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi expects the Roy Halladay trade talks will come to a head early next week, he said Wednesday. Ricciardi said the Blue Jays "haven't even really exchanged names" yet with teams pursuing Halladay because they're still scouting the minor-league systems of the clubs involved. "But we're getting really close to sitting down and telling teams, 'This is what it's going to take,'" Ricciardi said. "I'd say going into Monday, we'll pretty much have our cards on the table." That wouldn't leave those teams much time to complete a deal before the Jays' unofficial deadline of Tuesday, July 28. But Ricciardi quipped: "We'll see how fast people want to ..."
Halladay the crown jewel of trade market
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July 20
MLB.com
 
"The July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline is looming, and Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay continues to show why he is the most popular pitcher available on the market.On Sunday, the 2003 American League Cy Young Award winner limited Boston to one run on six hits over nine innings in a 3-1 win for his fourth complete game of the year. The victory improved Halladay's record to 11-3 and dropped his ERA to 2.73. The right-hander's availability has been a hot topic since before the All-Star break, when Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said he would listen to offers for the team's star pitcher.According to reports, the Phillies, Yankees, Cardinals, Dodgers, Brewers, Tigers, Rangers, Red Sox, ..."
Rasmus in a deal for Halladay? Mo says no
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July 17
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals continue to scrutinize the trade market. Their need for another hitter has become secondary to finding a pitcher. General manager John Mozeliak spoke recently to Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi about the availability of former Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay. Mozeliak on Thursday played down the chances of swinging a mega-trade for Halladay. Refusing to specify a connection, he ruled out involving center fielder Colby Rasmus in any such package. "We're not going to move Rasmus in any deal for a player we can control for a year or a 1½ years," Mozeliak insisted. Halladay's current contract runs through 2010. The Cardinals continue to seek a set-up ..."
Cardinals sign touted Dominican teen
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July 2
MLB.com
 
"The Cardinals continued their recent push into Latin America with a major signing on Thursday, as they announced a deal with 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Wagner Mateo. Once all but a non-factor in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, the Cardinals have increased their efforts in those areas in recent years. Mateo is the highest-profile fruit of that labor to date. According to multiple reports, he will receive a bonus of $3 million or a little more. That would be the second-largest bonus ever paid to a Latin American free agent, and the largest to a hitter, trailing only the $4.25 million the A's gave pitcher Michael Ynoa last year. "This agreement is a significant step for the ..."
Khalil Greene likely to go on DL
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June 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The trade of righthanded reliever Chris Perez to Cleveland on Saturday night for Mark DeRosa left the Cardinals with 12 pitchers, and manager Tony La Russa admitted Sunday, "I don't like (12)." Pitching coach Dave Duncan had surmised before Sunday's game that righthander Kyle Lohse, recovering from a strained forearm flexor, might be the 13th pitcher when he returns after one or perhaps two rehab starts. But La Russa said after Sunday's 6-2 loss to Minnesota, a 13th pitcher might come sooner than later. "(Thirteen pitchers) was too good for us," said La Russa. Unfortunately, the roster move that will make this possible, probably as early as today, is one the Cardinals don't want to make. ..."
Mozeliak goes for contending and retooling
Comment
June 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Jeff Gordon
"Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak proved willing to sacrifice future assets to make the present less tense. "I get beat up a lot - and the organization gets beat up - for not making these short-term decisions," Mozeliak observed Sunday. But acquiring gritty infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa could actually pay long-term dividends without undermining the organizational reconstruction. Contending and retooling are NOT mutually exclusive concepts. Let's walk through the particulars: -- Although DeRosa could become a free agent after this season, he seems open to making this a longer-term relationship. DeRosa always enjoyed playing against the Cardinals, and he feels a good vibe in ..."
Trade for DeRosa proves Cards are serious about winning
Comment
June 29
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Moments after a loss Sunday, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols paused at the door to the players' lounge and reflected on the previous night's acquisition of former Cleveland Indians infielder-outfielder Mark DeRosa. "I guess we're trying to win," Pujols said. By trading reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named for DeRosa and the remainder of his $5.5 million salary, the Cardinals and general manager John Mozeliak altered their earlier long-term vision to address a team need. "There are times when you have to react to situations that are now," Mozeliak said before the Cardinals took the field for a 6-2 loss to the Minnesota Twins. "There are other times when you can have vision ..."
Brewers asked about DeRosa
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June 28
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
 
"Assistant general manager Gord Ash confirmed Sunday that the Brewers had interest in Cleveland second baseman Mark DeRosa, who was traded to St. Louis in a move that should help the Cardinals greatly in the NL Central race. Ash said general manager Doug Melvin contacted the Indians about DeRosa but didn't have what Cleveland wanted – young, major league-ready pitching. St. Louis sent young reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named to the Indians in the trade. "They didn't feel like we had the type of players they were looking for," said Ash. "The big thing will be who the second player is. I would imagine it's a pretty good player. "(The Cardinals') interest in him is similar to ours – ..."
Deal set for young outfielder
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June 28
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"The Cardinals and representatives for 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Wagner Mateo have agreed in principal on a signing bonus that would make Mateo the franchise's highest-priced amateur acquisition out of the Caribbean, according to sources familiar with the situation. Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak refused to confirm a deal being in place, citing baseball's prohibition against officially signing players out of the Caribbean until July 2. But sources insist the Cardinals have swayed the 6-foot-1 player with an offer worth about $3.1 million. ESPN Deportes also reported a deal being in place Friday afternoon. Mozeliak returned last week from a trip to the Dominican to attend a ..."
Cards' front-office not alone in looking for deals
Comment
June 24
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Jeff Gordon
"The major league baseball trade mart is quiet right now, to the exasperation of Cardinals fans. Many fans don't accept that explanation from Cards owner Bill DeWitt or general manager John Mozeliak. Many fans don't believe these guys are willing to make changes. Of course, fans in other cities are saying the same things about their owners and general managers. The Cards have the second-best record in the National League, so most of their rivals are even more eager to make changes. "I'd say right now we're buyers," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "We're looking for a hitter." Trouble is, not much is available on the market. Some fans believe DeWitt and ..."
Source: Injured Glaus has trade appeal at 1B/DH
Comment
June 23
Foxsports.com
 
"Here's another name to consider for all those teams in the market for a first baseman or designated hitter. Troy Glaus. Glaus, who has yet to play this season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, is progressing better with his hitting than his throwing, according to a source with knowledge of his recovery process. While Glaus hit off a pitching machine for the first time Monday and could be ready for a minor-league rehabilitation assignment by the middle of next week, he is struggling to throw at distances of greater than 90 feet, the source said. If Glaus cannot play third base, he will be of virtually no use to the Cardinals. Albert Pujols, perhaps the best player in the ..."
Ten ball clubs that can add payroll
Comment
June 22
SI.com
 
"Baseball is doing better than most businesses. But you know something's amiss when even the Yankees are claiming they can't add salary or expand their payroll. Ultimately, the $200 million team just might find a few mil in the seat cushions. But for now anyway, they're saying they are tapped out. The same may be true for the Cubs, yet another storied big-market club that may not spend this summer. The Cubs' situation could be compromised by the glacial pace of the team's sale. At present, their player dealings appear to be in the same sort of limbo as the sale, meaning their big in-season acquisition may be limited to recovering star Aramis Ramirez. The Rangers also are believed to have ..."
The Indians are ready to deal Mark DeRosa
Comment
June 22
ESPN.com
 (scroll down)
"The Indians are ready to deal Mark DeRosa, but they want a young pitcher in return, and the Cardinals are not willing to give up any of their better young relievers (Jason Motte, Chris Perez or Kyle McClellan), and the Mets won't part with Bobby Parnell. The Yankees demonstrated some interest in DeRosa before, and if they believe that Alex Rodriguez might continue to struggle this year, DeRosa would be a heck of an insurance policy. But even the Yankees are coping with some financial limitations this season, and they haven't been engaged on DeRosa for awhile."
Why would St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols be in any rush?
Comment
June 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 columnist Bryan Burwell
"Even though I haven't talked to Albert Pujols about this recently, I have a hunch. Maybe there's a very good reason why there have been no active contract talks between baseball's greatest player and the franchise that desperately needs to get his name signed at the bottom of a lucrative new contract extension. Maybe, just maybe, it's actually Pujols, not the Cardinals, who doesn't want to rush into this. My columnist tag-team partner, Bernie Miklasz, started this conversation in Monday's Post-Dispatch with a column that raised the issue of why Cardinals ownership has apparently dragged its organizational heels on an issue that most of us simply assumed was a mandatory, yet predictable ..."
Sox not in a hurry to trade Brad Penny, Street being scouted
Comment
June 15
SI.com
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"The Red Sox now "aren't in a hurry" to trade Brad Penny, who hit the mid-90s in his last start vs. the Yankees, even with John Smoltz seemingly ready to go. While it appears they have too much pitching, they also know there's no such thing. The market also hasn't been great so far for Penny, thanks to his $5 million salary. Perhaps with the pitching market dying, though, he'll begin to look better to someone. • Rockies closer Huston Street is being heavily scouted. Among the teams that need a reliever are the Yankees, Rangers and Angels. The Rays, Cubs and Twins might also consider bullpen help. • The Cardinals continue to scour the market for a bat. • Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez is on ..."