Matt Holliday is pretty darn close to being a Cardinal, ESPN is reporting.

I need only refer you to Future Redbirds to tell you why trading Brett Wallace for Matt Holliday doesn't make sense. A quote:

$25 million > $8 million.

Moving on.

No, what? What's that you say? The deal is getting closer? I thought it was defeated with common sense? Common sense checked out yesterday? Oh, crap.

"Don't hurt me like that, Mo."

Faster than you can say, "Whaaa-," the Cardinals have moved from being "reasonably close" to "Holy Mother of Musial" close in pursuit of Matt Holliday. I feel like I'm under the gun typing this, even. I feel like I can't even show internet frustration on this one. Curse you, Tim Kurkjian.

The latest update has the Cardinals parting with three prospects - Brett Wallace, Clayton Mortensen, and Shane Peterson - for Holliday, and presumably most of his salary. Shane Peterson was mentioned here several days ago as a possible chip in a deal for Carl Pavano, so we had the name right, at least.

This story is still developing, so it would be imprudent to try dissecting it before it's done. I admit, the prospect of getting Matt Holliday is pretty exciting. The prospect of getting rid of Brett Wallace for what may be a one-year rental, however, is devastating. I don't like this deal at all, not in the slightest, unless Holliday is locked up long-term. Don't get me started on Mortensen, either.

I was going to finish this post talking about why we should pursue Josh Willingham instead of Holliday. Looks like I won't even have time to.