GatewayRedbirds.com

In the GDT, I said that I wouldn't be upset if the Cardinals let Eckstein walk after the season.

It was pointed out that the options could be pretty weak, meaning the Cardinals might have no other option than to re-sign him.

Eckstein doesn't have much left. He's a slap hitter with average skills and a weak arm. In hindsight, they probably should have just ponied up on Renteria a few years ago, but there's no use in going over that. Eck was an excellent addition in 2005, but in light of seeing how the lineup is going backwards, they should look to upgrade, not remain static.

Going back to spring training, I was hoping the Cards would get a deal done with Eckstein, but after the first month of the season, I want to uprade at short. I would be just fine though, if they brought him back as long as they upgrade the OF.

Who's a FA at SS after the season?

Eckstein might be a VERY weak player in no more than two years.

Other options aren't looking so good either but I don't think we can bring him back. Got a take a chance on someone else.

Newsday wrote:Alex Rodriguez has said he loves New York before. He even has said he wants to remain a Yankee before.

Yet Rodriguez's proclamation of allegiance to New York Tuesday may have been his firmest to date.

"I want to stay in New York, no matter what," Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez's statement sounded even stronger in the context of the question that preceded it. Rodriguez, who is batting .385 with 14 home runs and 34 RBIs in just 19 games, was nearing the end of a dugout interview with reporters when the opt-out clause in his contract was brought up.

There are basically no FA alternatives at this point. Vizquel and Eckstein as far as I know. Uribe and Izturis have options. Ugh.

If Eckstein has a decent year he could be back, hopefully for something short and reasonable. If not, it could get pretty interesting.

Agreed on all counts.

They could always hope A-Rod opts out then shock the world by bringing him in...

Or they could try to trade for someone like Renteria, who GB seems to think could be traded depending on a couple of their prospects.

Perhaps that is why they locked up a second baseman when they always said they didn't need to.

See?

GatewaySnayke wrote:Agreed on all counts.

They could always hope A-Rod opts out then shock the world by bringing him in...

Or they could try to trade for someone like Renteria, who GB seems to think could be traded depending on a couple of their prospects.

Wow.

Miguel Tejada has 2 yrs and $26M left on his contract after 2007. I'm not really sure what it means, but he's been rumored to be going places before if I remember correctly.

Since this team is in decline I don't want to give up young talent unless the cards are getting youth in return.

haltz wrote:Miguel Tejada has 2 yrs and $26M left on his contract after 2007. I'm not really sure what it means, but he's been rumored to be going places before if I remember correctly.

Haven't they tried to trade him before?

So, the two most likely candidates to get traded are Renteria and Tejada, and even they aren't close to sure things considering that having a top-level shortstop talent is a luxury.

Leroy, what are you wowing?