An updated ranking of our free agents according to the Elias formula is out again, just in time to wallow in the misfortune of the ill-fated Rolen trade. Not that the trade was a bad deal in year one for the Cards, but this year has obviously been a different story. The Cards, expecting to at least be able to get something when Glaus departed in 2009, either by trade or compensation, will most likely get nada.

Once again, kudos to Eddie Bajek of Detroit Tigers Thoughts for the updated numbers, available at MLB Trade Rumors. Former ranking in parenthesis, link to first Elias post here.

Mark DeRosa, Type B (B)

Khalil Greene, None (None)

Troy Glaus, Type B (A)

Jason LaRue, None (None)

Rick Ankiel, None (B)

Joel Pineiro, None (B)

Todd Wellemeyer, Type B (B)

Trever Miller, Type A (A)

Matt Holliday, Type A (A)

From 3 A's, 4 B's, and 2 None's last update, the Cardinals are now on track to have 2 A's, 3 B's, and 4 None's at the end of the season. Quite a change for just a couple weeks of play between them. From a potential 7 extra draft picks by compensation, this list provides for 5 now, if you discount Glaus and Wellemeyer, both of whom will likely not be offered arbitration.

I truly believe that Joel Piniero will be a Type B when the season is said and done, but it will take a strong finish for him to merit that. As it stands, Pineiro will probably not be offered arbitration unless he reaches Type B status, as the Cardinals would have nothing to gain but just a one-year contract from Joel if he accepts. It's not probable that he does that.

The strongest cases where the Cardinals will absolutely offer arbitration if longer deals can't be reached are the two Type A's, Miller and Holliday. Both would likely decline arbitration if it got to that point, although it would be much harder for an outside team to sign Miller if they have to forfeit a draft pick. DeRosa is another likely candidate for arbitration if he is not signed beyond this year. With all three players, it seems that the Cards will be looking to extend them beyond this year if possible.

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David Freese Update: David has hit safely in every game since making his return to Memphis. His line in August:

	AB	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	H	HR	LD%
Freese	20	.350	.480	.550	1.030	7	1	13.3

There's still hope for third base after all...