Matt Holliday News: Pro Sports Daily

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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."

Angels owner: Bay, not Holliday, a possible pursuit

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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

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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 ..."

Hollywood nights not in cards for Holliday

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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 ..."

Cards say Bay is not priority

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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 ..."

Angels GM says focus is not on outfielder Matt Holliday

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November 17

Los Angeles Times

"General Manager Tony Reagins on Monday shot down a Foxsports.com report that the Angels are one of three teams, along with the Yankees and Red Sox, that have expressed serious interest in free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday. "He's a talented player," Reagins said of Holliday, who hit .313 with 24 home runs and 109 runs batted in for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 and could command a deal in excess of $100 million. "But our focus is not on him right now." The team's top priorities are to re-sign pitcher John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins, but Reagins, who secured outfielder Bobby Abreu to a three-year, $19-million deal on Nov. 5, hinted that it is unlikely ..."

Similar studs top free-agent outfield crop

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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 ..."

St. Louis Cardinals will stay in Holliday hunt - up to a point

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November 12

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals returned home from baseball's general managers' meetings Wednesday afternoon much as they had left two days earlier - still wondering about the timeline for free-agent left fielder Matt Holliday's decision whether to return or bolt after three months with the franchise. As general manager John Mozeliak returned to St. Louis with assistant John Abbamondi, Holliday's agent, Scott Boras, remained at the O'Hare Hilton to further cultivate a market for his client during a meeting with Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein. The Red Sox continue to pursue their own free-agent left fielder, Jason Bay, but apparently have interest in Holliday if talks with Bay go nowhere. ..."

Mixed signals from Mets' Holliday meeting

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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

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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 ..."

Mets open talks with Holliday, eye Molina

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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 ..."

Mets must make splash with free agents Matt Holliday and John Lackey

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November 11

New York Daily News

columnist John Harper

"It was a little more than a month ago that Jeff Wilpon told everyone how committed Mets ownership is to rectifying a disastrous season by putting a "championship-caliber" ballclub back on the field as quickly as possible. But is he willing to spend what it takes to back up that kind of talk? There doesn't seem to be any other way to make it happen quickly. For that matter, considering the Yankees and Phillies proved to be the two best teams in baseball in 2009, the Mets need to spend big just to make themselves relevant again. Even if all their injured players come back healthy next season, the Mets aren't even a lock to finish third in the NL East, ahead of the on-the-rise Braves and ..."

Boras likens Matt Holliday to Mark Teixeira

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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

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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

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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 ..."

Eight teams that will go Holliday shopping

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November 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"One of the biggest names available in baseball's free-agent market this winter is Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, who is expected to apply for free agency within the next week. The All-Star and former batting champ is certain to draw suitors from both leagues and both coasts. But bargain hunters and penny-pinchers need not try. He's available to the discerning (read: well-financed) consumer only. Some franchises that have the need and the financial wherewithal to do some Holliday shopping: Cardinals • The local club paid a healthy price in prospects to land Holliday, thinking his bat would get them to the playoffs (check) and their culture would win him over long-term (TBD). They ..."

Matt Holliday a prize as MLB free agency begins

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November 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals have 15 days all to themselves to woo Matt Holliday, the free-agent outfielder the club publicly has called a "high priority" to re-sign. But the Cardinals are pragmatic about the real value of an eleventh-hour sales pitch before Holliday and the other free agents hit the open market in two weeks. That's what the previous three months were for. "We need to spend some time with Matt and his agent and share what our vision is, what we have to offer, and at some point I'm sure we will," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said. "But at the same time, that's part of why we traded for him, to get him here, and at some point you'd think he has a pretty good idea of what we have ..."

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. ..."

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."

'I feel bad' for Holliday

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Colorado traded left fielder Matt Holliday after last season, but his former teammates felt the pain of his defensive mishap with the Cardinals on Thursday night. "I feel bad, because we know what he can do,'' catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. "He got better on defense when he was here. We know he's better than that. "Obviously, something went wrong. It never even hit his glove. If you're in the big leagues, you know how to catch a ball.'' Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs said Holliday may have been hampered by playing deep in a no-doubles defense. That forced him to run in on the low line drive. "That's a hard play regardless of what's going on,'' Spilborghs said. "I feel bad for any friend that ..."

'I feel bad' for Holliday

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Colorado traded left fielder Matt Holliday after last season, but his former teammates felt the pain of his defensive mishap with the Cardinals on Thursday night. "I feel bad, because we know what he can do,'' catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. "He got better on defense when he was here. We know he's better than that. "Obviously, something went wrong. It never even hit his glove. If you're in the big leagues, you know how to catch a ball.'' Outfielder Ryan Spilborghs said Holliday may have been hampered by playing deep in a no-doubles defense. That forced him to run in on the low line drive. "That's a hard play regardless of what's going on,'' Spilborghs said. "I feel bad for any friend that ..."

Moving past Holliday error

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October 10

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Only one person knows what Matt Holliday has been thinking during the last 36 hours: Matt Holliday. But if it were up to Jason Selk, a mental training consultant with the Cardinals, the outfielder wouldn't have been dwelling on the line drive he dropped Thursday, helping cost the Redbirds the second game of the National League Division Series. "When mentally tough people catch themselves thinking about what went wrong and the bad result that came of it," Selk said, "they know they have to shift their thinking to what they can do to make it better in the future." Selk, a professional counselor, motivational speaker and author of the book "10 Minute Toughness," admits that forgetting such a ..."

Holliday's error leads to Los Angeles Dodgers win over St. Louis Cardinals, 3-2

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October 9

New York Daily News

"Matt Holliday prepared to squeeze the final out and send this National League division series back to St. Louis tied at a game apiece. Then, the Cardinals left fielder lost James Loney's late-afternoon line drive in the Dodger Stadium lights, which had been turned on a few innings earlier. The ball missed Holliday's glove and struck him in the gut for a two-base error. It delivered quite a stinging blow to his teammates as well. Ronnie Belliard and Mark Loretta followed with run-scoring singles against closer Ryan Franklin and the Dodgers rallied for an improbable 3-2 win over the Cardinals yesterday to take a two games to none lead. "I had it," Holliday said. "I was coming in to get it ..."

Postgame is no holiday for Cardinals' Matt Holliday

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October 9

Los Angeles Times

"Matt Holliday might havecemented his name into postseason lore. Not the Reggie Jackson or Joe Carter kind. The Bill Buckner kind. With the bases empty and two out in the ninth inning Thursday evening at Dodger Stadium, all Holliday had to do was catch James Loney's sinking liner and the St. Louis Cardinals would beat the Dodgers to tie the National League division series at one game apiece. "I had it," the Cardinals' left fielder said of a ball hit directly at him. "I was coming in to get it and then all of a sudden I couldn't see it." Holliday lost the ball in the lights. He tried to adjust his glove at the last second, but the ball smacked him in the stomach for an error that triggered ..."

Still water runs deep

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October 6

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"People in Stillwater, moreover people in Oklahoma, won't soon forget a November evening in 1997, when Stillwater High trailed Tulsa Union 42-21 with slightly more than 6 minutes remaining in a Class 6A state playoff football game. What happened next under Friday night lights around Hamilton Field is among the 100 greatest moments in Oklahoma sports history, as listed by the Daily Oklahoman. What happened next was a surreal moment for Josh Holliday, a celebrated alum who watched from the grandstands. What happened next transformed his younger brother, the Pioneers' quarterback, from sandlot stud to local legend. In a matter of five and a half minutes, Matt Holliday threw two scoring passes ..."

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 ..."

Holliday cheers Rockies

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September 25

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Back in the delirium of their 2007 National League pennant, the Colorado Rockies and their MVP-caliber outfielder Matt Holliday experienced the thrill of postseason and were hooked. They envisioned return visits, and as 2009's playoffs approach, both the Rockies and Holliday are headed in that direction. Just not together. Holliday, who scored the deciding run in the one-game playoff that landed the Rockies their 2007 berth, returns to Coors Field today for the first time as a visitor. There to greet him is the team that jettisoned him this winter to Oakland, a move that helped build a team that leads the NL Wild Card. He's landed with the Cardinals - ready to be a presence for their ..."

Holliday cheers: Former Colorado Rockie returns to Coors Field as a St. Louis Cardinal

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September 25

Denver Post

"It was a soggy night in August when Matt Holliday's new life hit him like a bucket of water. The St. Louis Cardinals were stuck in an hour rain delay for a game against the visiting Reds. The start time was pushing 9 p.m. "And I remember coming out of the dugout and seeing a packed house. They really appreciate the game," Holliday said. "It's been a lot of fun to play in this atmosphere. It was like that in Denver in 2007. It makes a lot of difference when you're playing for a bigger purpose, for that chance to reach the postseason." Holliday returns to Coors Field tonight for the first time since the Rockies traded him to Oakland last November. He will find an environment similar to ..."

Cardinals nip Cubs 3-2 on Holliday walk-off

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September 19

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs ventured into St. Louis on Friday night trying to delay the inevitable. But with the Cardinals' magic number at six after a 3-2, walk-off victory over the Cubs, their champagne celebration is only days away. That leaves the Cubs fighting for respectability, a consolation prize that will have to suffice in this season of broken dreams. "I think we've hung in there pretty damn well," manager Lou Piniella said. "I just hope we can continue to play well the last 17 games and finish strong. That's all we can do." Matt Holliday's opposite-field, walk-off home run off Aaron Heilman gave the Cardinals the victory, sending the Cubs to their third straight loss. Ted Lilly pitched 7 2/3 ..."

Holliday pulled with bruised left knee

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September 10

MLB.com

"Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday was removed from Wednesday afternoon's 5-1 win over the Brewers due to a bruised left knee. With two outs in the third inning, Holliday hit a hard grounder to third base. He was thrown out, and after he crossed the bag, he tripped. He hit his left knee hard on the ground, suffering a bruise. He played the field in the bottom of the third and fourth, but was removed for pinch-hitter Rick Ankiel in the fifth. "It's just a little bit swollen and I just thought with an 11 1/2-game lead [in the National League Central], there's no reason to push," Holliday said. Ankiel remained in the game in left field. Holliday's stumble was an odd one, as he didn't trip on ..."

Matt Holliday homers as St. Louis Cardinals steal one

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September 9

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The Cardinals generated 12 at-bats with runners in scoring position against the Milwaukee Brewers. They did not muster a hit in any of them. They forced the Brewers to use a club record-tying eight pitchers after neck spasms forced lefthanded nemesis Manny Parra from the game after one inning. His emergency replacement, Carlos Villanueva, struck out six in three innings. Trailing by a run, the Cardinals forced Claudio Vargas to throw 37 pitches in the eighth inning. They did not score after loading the bases with one out. MORE CARDINALS CARDINAL BEAT: Daily blog of news and notes from spring training BIRD LAND: Derrick Goold's baseball blog SOUND OFF: Cards Talk forum CHATS: Joe Strauss ..."

St. Louis Cardinals' Matt Holliday provides special delivery

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September 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Perhaps Milwaukee Brewers manager Ken Macha missed the message left by Matt Holliday on Busch Stadium's third-deck façade during batting practice. If so, he certainly didn't miss the one Holliday sent in Tuesday's seventh inning against reliever Todd Coffey. Mere hours after splattering the "A" in Busch Stadium's Big Mac Land during batting practice, the Cardinals' left fielder answered an intentional walk of first baseman Albert Pujols with a three-run shot to complete a night of comebacks that ended with a 7-6 win. Holliday didn't take offense. He merely provided it. "I would anticipate Albert being walked if Babe Ruth was hitting behind him," Holliday said. "He's got 42 home runs on ..."

Holliday does it all in victory over Bucs

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August 8

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"Newcomer Matt Holliday has already won several games for the Cardinals with his bat, and his two-run homer in the first inning suggested that he might do the same Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. As events unfolded, Holliday wound up winning this one as much with his legs as the Cardinals rallied for a 6-4 victory that vaulted them back into first place in the National League Central Division. With the game tied at 4-4, Holliday beat out an infield hit with one out in the eighth when third baseman Andy LaRoche couldn't make the play cleanly after fielding a slow roller. Holliday stole second as catcher Ryan Doumit's high throw glanced off the glove of second ..."

Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday and Cardinals pose doom for Mets

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August 4

New York Daily News

"The St. Louis Cardinals made perhaps the biggest splash before the trade deadline in acquiring former All-Star Matt Holliday from the A's on July 24. But Holliday is not the Mets' biggest worry as the Cardinals arrive in town for a two-game set starting Monday. "(Holliday's) a good player and he was one of the dominant right-handed hitters in this league for a couple of years, but still, the guy you gotta get out is Albert Pujols," Jerry Manuel said. "I got a chance to (go after) Pujols or Holliday, I'm going with Holliday. I'm not going to mess with Pujols. "But that does give them some protection for Albert, and you might see him once he gets hot again take it to another level because ..."

Hot Holliday start

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August 3

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The most lasting image of Matt Holliday remains a winning experience, his face-plant slide scoring the deciding run in the Colorado Rockies' playoff win over the San Diego Padres to reach the 2007 postseason. The most recent image, developed in the 22 months since, is of a player constantly exposed to "learning experiences." Those experiences include the Rockies' hard fall after reaching the '07 World Series, his refusal to accept a four-year, $72 million extension and a curious subsequent trade to a small-market American League team that flipped him to St. Louis as part of the Oakland A's latest reinvention. "I've learned a lot. Having the chance to do some of the things I've done in the ..."

Hot Holliday start

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August 2

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The most lasting image of Matt Holliday remains a winning experience, his face-plant slide scoring the deciding run in the Colorado Rockies' playoff win over the San Diego Padres to reach the 2007 postseason. The most recent image, developed in the 22 months since, is of a player constantly exposed to "learning experiences." Those experiences include the Rockies' hard fall after reaching the '07 World Series, his refusal to accept a four-year, $72 million extension and a curious subsequent trade to a small-market American League team that flipped him to St. Louis as part of the Oakland A's latest reinvention. "I've learned a lot. Having the chance to do some of the things I've done in the ..."

Holliday makes 'em happy in home deubt with St. Louis Cardinals

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July 28

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The very public courtship of Matt Holliday began Monday night at Busch Stadium. As opening lines go, the Cardinals' 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers proved very persuasive. With a sellout crowd of 43,756 greeting the club's newest addition with a protracted standing ovation, Holliday answered in kind with a 400-foot laser to put the game on course and a once-clunky lineup became dangerous. "It gave me goosebumps and I'm sitting there pitching in the game," said Cards starter Chris Carpenter, who offered seven-plus dogged innings for his fourth win in five July starts. "He's a great player. For the fans to show how excited they are for him to be here is pretty neat. For him to ..."

Holliday rental over

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July 25

Oakland Tribune

"There was a ticking clock on Matt Holliday's tenure with the A's ever since they acquired him in November. His time in green and gold expired Friday, as Oakland traded the left fielder to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for highly touted third base prospect Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-hander Clayton Mortensen. The A's had high hopes for 2009 after landing Holliday, a three-time All-Star, in an offseason deal from the Colorado Rockies. But with the team stuck in last place, and Holliday poised to hit free agency this winter and command a big-money contract, the A's pulled the trigger. The chance to get Wallace, who could fill a long-term need at third base, was ..."

Holliday deal typical move by A's

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July 25

Oakland Tribune

columnist Gary Peterson

"Right off the bat we can think of two people who must be fired up about the trade the A's consummated Friday, those being the principals involved. Matt Holliday, because he's been paroled to go play baseball games that matter. And Sonoma native Brett Wallace, who finds himself with a chance to play as close to home as possible - at least until the majors expand to St. Helena. For the rest of us, well, this would be business as usual, wouldn't it? For starters, a trade that, taken at face value, is defensible bordering on laudable. Holliday was never in the A's long-term plans. Even keeping him until the end of the season was ill-advised, since the team would've had to offer him arbitration ..."

A's move Holliday to St. Louis

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July 25

San Francisco Chronicle

"With their season going nowhere, the A's followed through on long-standing expectations and dealt outfielder Matt Holliday. The A's, who acquired Holliday from Colorado in November, sent the three-time All-Star to St. Louis on Friday in exchange for three minor leaguers. The centerpiece of the package for Oakland is third baseman Brett Wallace. Wallace, who is from Sonoma and played at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, might wind up replacing his all-time favorite player, A's third baseman Eric Chavez. "Obviously, I'm really excited, being a Bay Area kid and growing up watching the A's," Wallace said. "We were at the Coliseum a lot." "He's a guy we've always sort of longed for," said ..."

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."

Maybe Tigers could use a Holliday

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July 23

MLB.com

"Considering the Tigers' offensive woes, including another 2-1 loss Wednesday to the M's, perhaps it isn't a Halladay Detroit needs, but a Holliday. The San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday that several teams had scouts this week in Oakland, where Matt Holliday put on a hitting display over three games against the Twins. The Mercury News names the Tigers and Giants among teams "known to have at least a degree of interest" in Holliday. The Tigers have had internal discussions about Holliday, but their level of interest likely depends on how much the A's demand in return. The Tigers arguably don't have the depth in their farm system to offer Oakland enough talent to top the two First-Year ..."

Millions of reasons to trade Holliday

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July 23

San Francisco Chronicle

"The A's may trade Matt Holliday before the July 31 deadline because they're in last place with no realistic hope for the playoffs. There may be another reason. If they don't trade him, he could return in 2010 with a far steeper salary than this year's $13.5 million, which the A's might not be thrilled to pay. Especially if his numbers don't measure up with his Colorado days. We've heard last winter's Holliday acquisition was a win-win because general manager Billy Beane could trade the left fielder before the deadline or keep him the entire season, tender him arbitration and receive compensatory draft picks after he signs elsewhere. Not so fast. If Holliday accepts arbitration, the A's ..."

Holliday to Braves for Escobar?

Comment

July 14

MLB.com

(scroll down)

"Remember that potential trade with the Braves -- Holliday and Cabrera for Escobar and prospects -- I mentioned a while back? I keep hearing it, but out here I'm also hearing the Braves would need the A's to take on a big part of the money owed Holliday over the next few months."

A's should trade Holliday -- now!

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July 9

Contra Costa Times

columnist Cam Inman

"Matt Holliday needs to go. The A's have three weeks to trade him, and they had better do so. Trading isn't the right verb. Freeing him is more appropriate, for he is their hostage. A well-paid one, yes, at the tune of $13.5 million this season. But we all know the A's aren't getting what they're paying for with Holliday, and he's not benefiting from any help in the lineup. Plus, nobody expects him to cash in as a free agent next spring in Oakland (or whatever locale A's ownership is sticking on its return-address label). From the A's point of view - as is the reasonable position of any corporation - Holliday is an asset. His worth on the trade market might not equal what he might fetch ..."