Evaluating Our Options

I spent some time gathering information on some possible middle infield candidates that the Cardinals could target as the trade deadline gets closer. The common assumption is that the team needs to go outside the organization to upgrade its offensive production, although that is not necessarily true. Brendan Ryan's promotion stands to be a boost, and we can look to both Cesar Izturis' lack of production and Ryan's 2008 ZiPS projection to support that notion. Along with Triple-A MI's Brian Barden and Jarrett Hoffpauir (discussed here), the Cardinals have three legitimate options to play middle infield within the organization, although Jarrett's defensive limitations would keep him at second. Still, are there any better solutions out there? Following up my previous post, let's take a deeper look:

Brent Lillibridge, SS, Braves - Brent still hasn't found his bat with Triple-A Richmond, but he has already had a successful 300+ AB season at Richmond and may be discouraged from the apparent logjam in the middle infield ahead of him. It was once thought that he might force Yunel Escobar to be traded, but Escobar has transitioned well in his second season with the major league club. Brent is currently hitting .159/.241/.232 in 69 ABs with Richmond. The Braves, needing rotation help, could certainly find a role for Brad Thompson in exchange.

Sean Rodriguez, SS, Angels - Sean's season in Triple-A Salt Lake has been a success so far, putting up a .333/.464/.711 line with 4 dingers and 11 RBIs. While we must consider the park factors, the 2007 numbers don't seem to affect Sean's current line all the much. Besides, it's the home run potential that allures me, with the batting average being a plus. Angelswin.com had this to say about Sean:

Though Sean doesn't have one standout tool, he rates out as average across the board, with power being best. Sean also displays major league caliber baseball instincts. Quality person, always smiling, who has an excellent work ethic . . . has a thick frame and his range is limited at shortstop so the club may start him in left field in '08 where he could hit 25-30+ HR's annually in the big leagues

The fact that Erick Aybar has been impressive at shortstop so far could either lead to a position change for Sean or a trade...

Jed Lowrie, SS/UT, Red Sox - Jed has found his way to the major leagues this season and has done well in his age 24 season, batting .350/.364/.500 in 20 AB with Boston. Last year, he hit .294/.350/.500 in 160 AB with Triple-A Pawtucket and .297/.408/.501 in 337 AB with Double-A Portland. The Red Sox, having Dustin Pedroia at second and Julio Lugo locked up until 2010 (with a 2011 option), could try to keep him as a super-utility guy, but that would seem to be a waste of a good player and a good trading chip. From the Cardinals perspective, I would rather have Lowrie over Lugo and could see the Red Sox interested in Anthony Reyes or Bryan Anderson. Lowrie's scouting report, according to Soxprospects.com:

Lowrie is an intelligent shortstop with a decent glove and average range. His arm is strong but he needs to work on his throwing accuracy. May be moved to 2B, but his strong work ethic and improving defense is increasing the chances he could stick at SS, where he could probably play the position adequately at the MLB level. Above average speed on the basepaths. He demonstrated plus power for a middle infielder in college, but at this point he looks to have doubles power and not a lot of home run pop. Hits for average very well, and equally from both sides of the plate. Outstanding plate discipline...

Ben Zobrist, SS, Rays - The 26-year-old shortstop still hasn't started his 2008 season after suffering from a broken right thumb, which put him on the 15-day DL on March 21st. He isn't really a viable option for the Cards at this point, but you can find his scouting report here. Had a .279/.400/.455 season in 222 AB with Triple-A Durham last year.

Chin-Lung Hu, SS, Dodgers - Things have gotten interesting on the Dodgers front, as Rafael Furcal's great season continues and Los Angeles has been hard-pressed to find time for Hu, who has played most of the time at second base. MLB Trade Rumors suggests that Hu could become a trading chip if the Dodgers re-sign Furcal (which probably will happen), so the Cardinals should monitor the situation closely. So far Hu has hit .278/.409/.278 in 18 AB with Los Angeles, and he hit .319/.337/.508 in 191 AB with Triple-A Las Vegas last year. There's a good read on Hu at SportsHubLA, including this scouting report:

Short athlete with plus defensive skills and improved offense by adding muscle. Exhibits plus range and solid-average arm strength, making all the plays at SS. Compact swing and use of opposite field is conducive to BA and began turning on inside pitches, improving power.

I came across this sorta funny video during my search as well, regarding the Abbot and Costello skit:



Michael Young, SS, Rangers - It'll be a hard for the Rangers to convince a team to take on Young's 5-year/$80 million contract from 2009 to 2013, paying him $16 million annually; the Rangers would definitely have to take on some salary to trade the 31-year-old shortstop. Young would look great in our middle infield, for sure, but I question the benefit it would have to the organization in the long run. So far Young is batting .276/.347/.414 in 87 AB with Texas and is a career .302/.347/.414 hitter.

Angel Gonzalez, SS, Indians - A final name to consider, Gonzalez has had a good 2008 with Triple-A Buffalo, hitting .300/.435/.580 in 50 AB. On the other hand, Angel didn't do so hot in an extended run with the White Sox last season, putting up a .185/.279/.249 line in 189 AB.

Of course, by the time I finish writing this on Thursday evening, Brendan Ryan has already gone 2-3 with an RBI, walk, 2 runs, and a good defensive play at shortstop. Who knows? He could be the answer. If not, I think Jed Lowrie and Chin-Lung Hu have to be at the top of our radar.