Round and Round We Go

The Cardinals still remain on the lookout for a shortstop. It seems to me that they would like to get a fresh face in there, but there aren't a lot of options to choose from. Outside of Eckstein, Miguel Tejada, Jack Wilson, and Cesar Izturis are the three likeliest targets; Cesar would be the easiest to acquire since he is a free agent. The Pirates have been reported to be asking sorely high prices for all their players, which leads me to believe they'd want to reach into our top 10 prospects for their overpaid shortstop. The Orioles are the least probable trading partners of the three, seeing as we don't match up directly and would need to put a legitimate prospect or more in the mix to make it work.

It's a matter of how much David is asking for. It would be better to take Cesar on a one year deal than sign Eck to a three year deal. Cesar, who will turn 28 in February, provides top-notch defense and little else. His last deal was a 3 year/$9.9 million contract with the Dodgers, which took him to the Cubs, where he subsequently was traded to the Pirates. Considering the lack of middle infield talent available this off-season, it could play a factor in what Izturis could command. A one year/$3 million deal would be overpaying but manageable for the Cardinals. But, if we are going to settle on such a low-grade option, why wouldn't we just kick the tires with Alexei Ramirez and give him a short-term deal?

Miguel Tejada scares me by the fact that he's due $13 million for two more years. He probably would complete your offense, play adequate defense, and get along great in a winning atmosphere, but being on the hook for another $26 million is enough to sober my excitement. First of all, Miguel had his first real injury-affected year in his age-31 season. The MLB iron-man had played 162 games every year from 2001-2006, but played 133 in 2007. Early thirties are a time when we start seeing a overall decline in production, so it really shouldn't be a surprise to see the drop-off. Second, Miguel Tejada would command a hefty package from the Cards, especially if we want the O's to pay some salary. At least one top 10 prospect would have to be included, probably two. Third, Miguel has been linked to steroids, and, quite honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if he used them. Just another allegation we'd have to address at one time or another.

Jack Wilson has already been discussed here, but the fact that the Pirates are trying to milk teams for as much as they can makes it hard to judge if he is a worthwhile target.

Jack Wilson and Miguel Tejada will improve this team, Cesar Izturis will be a placeholder until 2009, and David Eckstein keeps it the same. It depends on ownership's willingness to open the pocketbook. Shortstop should not hinder the acquisition of a starting pitcher, so it's a matter of how much we're willing to spend this off-season.