The transaction news is flying left and right in this corner of Cardinal Nation. First, we hear that Troy Glaus could be traded. Next, the (confirmed) signing of Wagner Mateo. Thirdly, the juicy rumor involving the Cardinals and Matt Holliday.

The Cardinals have agreed in principle to sign their 16-year-old Dominican prize to a $3.1 million bonus, the largest bonus ever given out by the Cardinals organization, exceeding the $3 million given out to J.D. Drew.

It's this kind of international news that gets me giddy, as I believe using an international approach to roster transactions can help capitalize on market inefficiencies in the game of baseball. I was championing Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo, who both went to the White Sox, and it's nice to see us get our own international bonus baby.

I wish there were more news on the Troy Glaus Could Be Traded rumor, but I feel like it's being a little outshone by the next one.

Matt. Holliday.

The arguably biggest name of the 2009 trade market. One of the top corner outfielders in baseball. No relation to Roy Halladay. In all his bald-headed glory. Could be coming to the Cardinals.

Granted, about 20 other teams and their respective blogs think they have a chance on him too, a simple Google blog search will tell you that, but still. I mean, if Bill DeWitt is on board with it, who's left to nix such a deal? Common Sense was laid off last week.


"Tony, don't hurt me like that."

The Cardinals are apparently willing to ante up for Matt's $13.5 million salary, along with dealing Ryan Ludwick, one of Jason Motte, Chris Perez, or Kyle McClellan, and a prospect, who probably won't be a schlub either. Didn't we already go through this with He Who Shall Not Be Named? That's all I'm going to say about He Who Shall Not Be Named.

Matt Holliday would make a great addition to the ballclub, but at what price do we upgrade our team? Holliday presents only a .083 OPS boost from Ryan Ludwick, and Luddy has had more pop overall than Matt. Is that worth sacrificing cheap, cost-controlled talent? If money is not an option, either, than we should have no problem signing recent first round draftee Shelby Miller to a contract.

I'm all for the Cards making upgrades in a seemingly good year for a post-season run, but I think there are better places to address our weaknesses.