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| The great and powerful Puzz offers his takes on baseball. |
| DECISIONS, DECISIONS-posted 11/06/05 The Cardinals' front office has many decisions to make, in regards to their "could-be" free agents. In an effort to keep pace with an always competitive NL Central, the Cardinals organization will have some holes to fill, going into the 2006 season. It is true that MLB's GMs aren't exactly salivating over this years's class of free agents. Quite possibly, the top five most sought after free agents include Johnny Damon, Billy Wagner, Ramon Hernandez, Brian Giles, and A.J. Burnett. These aren't exaclty guys to build a team around. Why does this year's class of free agents lack the super studs? On reason is that it goes in cycles. Players like A. Rod, Randy Johnson, Albert Pujols, and several others were signed over the last couple years. This means that there's bound to be a time (now) when most of the franchise players are signed, and absent from the ranks of free agency. Another reason is that more and more players are looking to sign long term deals. Randy Johnson will probably play out his current contract until he retires. Albert Pujols signed a deal that not set to expire until 2010. And we all know about A. Rod's monster deal, so there's no reason to revisit that one. So what is the result of a lack of free agents? The result of a lack of stud free agents could be bloated contracts. Guys like Matt Morris might sign a cotract that he's looking for, which might be higher than what he's worth. Also, we could see many ealry signings. GM's will try to lock up what little talent is available, early, in order to hoard what little talent that exists in this year's market. And now to address the Cardinals' needs in this anorexic free agent market. The Cardinals will have to fill a hole created by Larry Walker's retirerment. What the Cardinals are going to do, as of yet, is somewhat unclear. There simply aren't many quality outfielders on the market. The Cardinals are talking to Brian Giles who played in San Diego in 2005. If those talks fall through, a replacement could come from within the organization. John Rodriguez might be a guy who could step into a starting role, as could So Taguchi. The problem with So, however, his is lack of power. It is highly likely that Reggie Sanders, and Mark Grudielanek will be re-signed. Abraham Nunez might not be back because he's asking for more money than the Cardinals want to pay him, as a bench player. Nunez played well in Rolen's absence, during the 2005 season, but showed signs of fatigue in the last month to month and a half of the season. John Mabry's contract has expired, as well. It would be nice to have him back for 2006, but not a necessity. So Taguchi is a free agent for the first but, but the Cardinals have exclusive rights to him. It would be foolish for the Cardinals to let him go, especially with his production off the bench. Einar Diaz did well defensively as a back up (especially when Yadier Molina went down this past season) and could be re-signed. With Mike Mahoney waiting in the helm, Diaz could be left unsigned. Julian Tavarez may be headed for greener pastures, though the Cardinals would benefit by re-signing this set-up man. Tavarez has compiled 31 holds in his last 70 appearances. It looks like Matt Morris all but has one foot out the door. He will be looking for a rich contract, while the Cardinals will want one much like last year's (incentive based). It is rumored that he is seriously talking to the Detroit Tigers, though he and the Cardinals are continuing to negotiate. There is a possibility that Anthony Reyes could fill Morris's vacancy, should he leave the organization. Other Cardinals free agents include relievers Cal Eldred, Randy Flores, Al Reyes, and Josh Pearce. It's all up to Walt Jocketty, and the Cardinals front office to field a winner next season. There's no reason to believe that 2006 will be any less exciting than 2005. |
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| Puzz is currently a student at UM-St. Louis, and excells in the area of basketweaving. He also manages an adult men's baseball team in the CBL. |