GatewayRedbirds.com

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Many talked about how the early schedule benefited the Cards, but some waived that off. I believed it was a big benefit.

Now, since they're barely treading above the .500 line since April 30, and as we head toward the trade deadline, the team really has to examine whether or not to be buyers or sellers. (The Brewers, despite having a poor May, are actually 12 games over in this same time frame, FWIW.)

While I think there's a slight possibility this team could still compete as AW and Carp come back, I still think it's a long shot. There would likely be a ton of outrage by most fans, particularly the casual fan, if they were to sell, but I wouldn't mind seeing it. Granted, I think, and have said, that they should look to be both buyers and sellers as they move closer to July 31. Look to sell guys not under contract for next year. Look at selling high on some possible others (maybe even like Glaus, although the Dodgers might have been the best bet to move him)

Kyle Lohse has been very good the last couple of months. However, he's not going to re-sign before he hits free agency. I'd make him available and see what you could get. Throw Glaus' name out there to the Angels and Dodgers and see if either bites for the right price. Make Looper, Piñiero and Wellemeyer available (although you'd have to keep them since none would bring anything in return...although moving JP could constitute as a salary dump). Look at dealing Franklin and Springer (doubtful he'd accept a deal...again) and even Izzy (no value now).

Look to buy, but look at guys under contract for more than one year. Don't buy guys like Fuentes (although they could have in mind keeping him after the year). I'd rather not overspend for Street or Sherrill, but at least those guys are still under contract for a couple of years. If they insist on getting a closer, don't settle for Fuentes.

Look at a SP or two to pair up with Carp and AW....for the next couple of years, but who could also start this year.

Most importantly, find a SS.

Tough call, and a tough thing for a new GM to do. But I think Mo has done well to keep the focus on the future. That should continue.

You're really JoeyBombing the forum!

I love that verb.

I think the Cards may be asking what teams would offer for Lohse. The problem is that he is the only starter you currently have that can get past the 5th inning on a regular basis. Is he also a Type A free agent. If so, you would get two draft picks for him next year if he walks. The Cards would have to get a ton in return to move him in my opinion.

Not sure what you would get for guys like Wellemeyer and Looper. If the Cards could pick up a starter that eats innings, one of these guys could help our bullpen situation. You may move the other there too if both Carp and Wainwright return and are effective. Looper has closer and setup man experience. Wellemeyer has a power arm and his workload as a starter is being questioned.

Piniero would have to be a salary dump. The guy just cannot hold a lead and is due $7.5 million next year.

Franklin is just not a closer. His contract is not outrageous. Would rather see him as a swingman.

Would Izzy accept a trade if he was allowed to close? Haven't heard anything but internet rumors that the Tigers are not satisfied with Renteria. Reports have them interested in bullpen help. Just asking but would an Izzy for Renteria deal be possible?

Piniero would have to be a salary dump. The guy just cannot hold a lead and is due $7.5 million next year.

$7.5 million isn't that much to spend on a league average pitcher, which Pineiro has been with the Cards.

Would Izzy accept a trade if he was allowed to close? Haven't heard anything but internet rumors that the Tigers are not satisfied with Renteria. Reports have them interested in bullpen help. Just asking but would an Izzy for Renteria deal be possible?

Considering how bad Izzy's been, I don't see how he can bring anything in a trade, let alone an All-Star SS.

Fat Strat wrote: $7.5 million isn't that much to spend on a league average pitcher, which Pineiro has been with the Cards.

People might wonder about that, but you're right - since coming to the Cards, he's had an ERA+ of 111 (last year) and 89 (this year) which averages out to 100.

$7.5 million isn't that much to spend on a league average pitcher, which Pineiro has been with the Cards.

He was lucky last year in 60 innings; this year he isn't league average and as it is he's walking an extremely fine line where his control goes just a little and he's replacement level. Next year he's a year older and his track is spotty at best. If he was likely to be a 100 ERA+ pitcher it would be a fine deal, but he's not so it isn't. There's a decent chance he's not even one of the five best starters on the roster.

Fat Strat wrote: Considering how bad Izzy's been, I don't see how he can bring anything in a trade, let alone an All-Star SS.

But he said Renteria, not an AS SS. Big difference these days.

Renteria was not an All-Star this year. If you are going to count what he has done in the past, Izzy was an All-Star as well

GatewaySnayke wrote:You're really JoeyBombing the forum!

Hate to be a stickler, but is this the correct usage of the term? I thought the definition was something like this:

JoeyBomb: When a new poster (< 1 week) shows up on the forum, and immediately presses a hot button. Examples include Yadier Molina, Mark Mulder, Aaron Miles, Anthony Reyes, the existence of God, and ZZ Top.

Or am I mistaken as to what JoeyBombing truly is?