No Eckstein next year?

[Phyrkrakr]

Hmm...maybe Travis Hanson was more impressive than I thought...

As long ago as the Winter Warm-up, Cardinals officials expressed a hope to approach shortstop David Eckstein during spring training to discuss an extension to his current contract.

There were some talks but nothing substantial while the club was in Florida, and while he senses mutual interest, general Walt Jocketty believes the talks could be tabled until the end of the season.

“We’re still interested in having him back after this year,” Jocketty said. “We’re just not at a point right now where we’re able to do that. We’ll wait to see how things develop. ... We’ll likely wait until the end of the season and see where we go with it.”

Jocketty declined to go into specifics, but it’s clear waiting will allow the Cardinals more time to evaluate what kind of offer to make to Eckstein. The 32-year-old shortstop is entering the final year of a three-year, $10.25-million deal. He was slowed last season by an injured side, and this spring missed a couple weeks as the team addressed a less severe injury in the same area.

The MVP of the 2006 World Series, Eckstein has hit better than .290 in both seasons with the Cardinals. This spring, he has said he would like to remain a Cardinal but acknowledged the business of the decision.

“We’d love to have him back,” Jocketty said. “He wants to come back. It’s just a matter of at some point sitting down and trying to work something out.”

Notebook link

[ToughGuy_BlueShirt]

Hmm...maybe Travis Hanson was more impressive than I thought...

As long ago as the Winter Warm-up, Cardinals officials expressed a hope to approach shortstop David Eckstein during spring training to discuss an extension to his current contract.

There were some talks but nothing substantial while the club was in Florida, and while he senses mutual interest, general Walt Jocketty believes the talks could be tabled until the end of the season.

“We’re still interested in having him back after this year,” Jocketty said. “We’re just not at a point right now where we’re able to do that. We’ll wait to see how things develop. ... We’ll likely wait until the end of the season and see where we go with it.”

Jocketty declined to go into specifics, but it’s clear waiting will allow the Cardinals more time to evaluate what kind of offer to make to Eckstein. The 32-year-old shortstop is entering the final year of a three-year, $10.25-million deal. He was slowed last season by an injured side, and this spring missed a couple weeks as the team addressed a less severe injury in the same area.

The MVP of the 2006 World Series, Eckstein has hit better than .290 in both seasons with the Cardinals. This spring, he has said he would like to remain a Cardinal but acknowledged the business of the decision.

“We’d love to have him back,” Jocketty said. “He wants to come back. It’s just a matter of at some point sitting down and trying to work something out.”

Notebook link

I'm confused how you came to this conclusion by reading that?

[Fan_In_NY]

I would imagine the worst time to negotiate a contract with a mediocre (stats) SS would be right after he wins a World Series MVP (still dont know if it was deserved). He was a media darling appearing all over the TV. For his actual skill set and stats contribution you would be overpaying him if you signed him this offseason. I would imagine he is going to be looking for a nice raise, but to be honest, I think what he is making right now is probably all he is really worth. Love the player, love the hustle, but you can't keep paying for past performance and grittiness up and down the lineup.

[Popeye_Card]

I would imagine the worst time to negotiate a contract with a mediocre (stats) SS would be right after he wins a World Series MVP (still dont know if it was deserved). He was a media darling appearing all over the TV. For his actual skill set and stats contribution you would be overpaying him if you signed him this offseason. I would imagine he is going to be looking for a nice raise, but to be honest, I think what he is making right now is probably all he is really worth. Love the player, love the hustle, but you can't keep paying for past performance and grittiness up and down the lineup.

I'm in general agreement.

SS is a spot where you can upgrade the team. There are a lot of good hitting SS's in the league right now. If the Cardinals so desire, they can sign one or trade for one. In some ways, it seems easier than finding an OF bat.

Besides, A-Rod will likely be a free agent after the season.

--P--

[Phyrkrakr]

I'm confused how you came to this conclusion by reading that?

Didn't Travis Hanson get time at short in spring training?

I agree, it's not likely that someone from the system makes a move, but next year's free agent class of shortstops isn't exactly spectacular...except ARod of course

[Popeye_Card]

I agree, it's not likely that someone from the system makes a move, but next year's free agent class of shortstops isn't exactly spectacular...except ARod of course

Isn't Guillen a free agent after the season? (Or was he extended recently?)

Also, Tejada and/or Renteria could change teams. Seems like there's a decent amount of good SS's in the league that could be pried from their teams for the right price.

--P--

[ToughGuy_BlueShirt]

I agree, it's not likely that someone from the system makes a move, but next year's free agent class of shortstops isn't exactly spectacular...except ARod of course

Isn't Guillen a free agent after the season? (Or was he extended recently?)

Also, Tejada and/or Renteria could change teams. Seems like there's a decent amount of good SS's in the league that could be pried from their teams for the right price.

--P--

Guillen was just resigned like 3 days ago. There was a few good SS, but just like a lot of time, most of the really good ones will get resigned.

[TGantz]

I say if Brendan Ryan has a good year at Memphis, let Ryan play for a year. That will save money to sign an impact bat. There is literally noone available at SS as a free agent after this season, and I don't want to be stuck with a declining Eckstein.

[GatewaySnayke]

That would be neat if they got Renteria back, only for the weirdness.

[CardHawk]

The poster who said you can't overpay for grittiness is correct, but it's also worth noting, as Goold did, that he's batted above .290 both his seasons and STL. Plus, the kid's a winner: Two WS rings. Besides that, he just seems to have a good presence that benefits the clubhouse. Keep him around as long as he can be had for an appropriate price. Let's hope that history holds true that the second year after the new CBA is moe reasonable than the first, as has happened in years past.