Like why, for example, Marshawn Lynch finds it necessary to stop running when he hits the line of scrimmage (and killing my fantasy season in the process) or when we can expect Favre’s new Wrangler ads? So, what do ya got, Greg and Dan? (Note: actual exchange forthcoming):

Dan: Man, there’s a lot to like about Thomas Jones…and what he likes is a lot of blocking up front.
Greg: The Jets are up to 300 yards on offense early in the 3rd Quarter. Now that’s very, very productive.

But I digress. Let’s talk about baseball.

The fellas in St. Louis have been quiet on the acquisition front since they inked Trever Miller to a $500K incentive-laden deal and traded for Khalil Greene (taking on the entire $6.5 million he’s owed). Brian Fuentes remains firmly within Tony La Russa’s sights, but, GM John Mozeliak was more guarded in his assessment:

“We’ve said all along that if there’s a chance we can address the closer role, we’re going to try…We’re open and willing to explore. We also are not giving up hope on some other fronts as well should we not be able to accomplish this.”

I would have a tough time drinking the Kool-Aid if they commit 3 years and $40+ 30 million to a 33 year old reliever. Not to belabor the point, but even with the bullpen problems of 2008, I don’t see the point to signing a big-ticket closer. It’s such a volatile position, and we already have the arms to get those tough outs on the team. I’m willing to ride the Perez/Motte/Kinney train rollercoaster into next Spring and see what happens. If they can’t get the job done, it’s not like there won’t be a closer available when Pittsburgh or San Francisco or Washington are having their annual fire sales in June. I simply don’t understand locking up a closer, who’ll pitch 70 innings during a good year, to a long-term deal…unless the name on the back of his jersey reads “Rivera” or “Sutter”.

Regarding our new shortstop, I was lukewarm on Khalil to begin with, and I’m still not very optimistic, but…at least there’s a bit of offensive upside with him (certainly something you can’t say about new Orioles SS Cesar Izturis). Still, there’s not a whole lot to like about Greene. His defense is not as good as Izturis’, but Cesar played above his ability last season, and I imagine there will be some regression with his age and a switch back to the DH league. Thus, any defensive “drop-off” from Izturis to Greene should be limited.

But this trade wasn’t about defense. No, the real reason the Cards picked up this “close-out special” is the career .427 SLG Greene brings with him (as compared to a baffling .331(!) from Izturis). Unfortunately, that slugging percentage does NOT come equipped with any ability to reach base or hit a baseball with any frequency.

Khalil Greene had a nice rookie campaign in 2004, hitting .273/.349/.446 with 15 HR and 65 RBI over 139 games (he finished 2nd in the RoY voting). Since that season, though, he has posted an OBP above .300 exactly once, and had the worst season of his career in 2008, playing in only 105 games and hitting .213/.260/.339…brutal! Worth noting however, Greene was nearly as valuable offensively last year in 105 games as Izturis was in 135, (67 OPS+ for Cesar, 64 for Greene). That said, I think the team is getting a player in Greene who provides an overall upgrade at the position (provided he can stay healthy…and thats questionable). I don’t think a line of .245/.300/.450 wouldn’t be unrealistic to expect, and that would be a nice addition to the lineup. As of December 15th, I remain cautiously optimistic. To be continued…

Finally, before I go, there’s an intriguing name floating around in Free Agentland as of last week. The Orioles did not offer a contract to Daniel Cabrera before the December 13th deadline (I guess because they felt comfortable with that veritable pitching stockpile they have featuring…um…Jeremy Guthrie…Garrett Olson…and Brian Burres? I’ll say!). Admittedly, there’s not a lot to like about Cabrera, but let’s look at the positives, shall we?

He’ll only be 28 in May of next year, and he’s pitched 384.3 innings over the last two seasons. Granted, his ERA was north of 5.00 both years, but a portion of that is certainly due to the level of competition in the AL East coupled with having the Baltimore Orioles play behind him. Tough times are certain to follow in those circumstances. Also on the plus side, Cabrera can strike out a lot of guys. 651 over his five-year career to be exact.

Now, Daniel Cabrera is not a prospect, but he does have potential given the right situation. His control, which has never been great, was terrible last season, and he generally seemed like he was struggling all the time. Nonetheless, he’s shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and has the ability to strike out 150-160 hitters over 180-200 innings in a season. I don’t see why a ticket out of Baltimore and some advice from Dave Duncan couldn’t turn things around, even slightly.

A move to the Senior Circuit, with the luxury of facing the pitcher 2-3 times/game could probably shave 0.5-1.0 run off of Cabrera’s ERA, making him a younger, cheaper Braden Looper, with a better ability to miss bats. Cabrera made $2.87 million last season, and probably shouldn’t expect too much of a raise. Do I like him on a 1-year deal at $3 million or 2 years at $6.5? Yes I do. Very much, thank you.

Well, what do you all think?

1. Do we need Brian Fuentes’ left arm to reach the post-season in ’09 or can the team walk a tight rope with the youth movement?
2. Should Mozeliak kick the tires on Daniel Cabrera or should we keep looking for another arm in the rotation?

Roster spots are going fast!

UPDATE: Per MLBTradeRumors, It seems 11 teams have expressed interest in signing Cabrera. The only specific team mentioned is the Pittsburgh Pirates. I would hope the Cardinals are among the remaining 10.

Khalil Greene is apparently owed 6.5 million in 2009 and will be a free agent at the end of the season. Again, the full details of this trade have not been released yet so we are unsure if the Cards are on the hook for the full $6.5 million or if the Padres have agreed to eat some of this money.

Greene had a breakout year in 2007, cranking 27 HR’s and driving in 97 RBI’s, while playing a very smooth shortstop. Greene struggled at the plate in 2008, though, as experts feel he was consumed with trying to hit the long ball. Khalil only hit .213 in 2008 with 10 HR’s and 35 RBI’s through 105 games. His season was cut short July 31st as he broke his hand after apparently punching a storage unit.

Reports show that Khalil Greene had a falling out with the Padres front office and it has been rumored for a while now that they were wanting to move him, whether just to get rid of his salary or turn the page with someone else.

I am sure the Cardinals are hoping that a change of scenery will help Greene return to his ’07 form. Khalil Greene has performed better away from pitcher-friendly Petco park over his years there, to the tune of a .270 BA and 50 HR’s versus .255 and 30 HR’s at Petco.

When the details of this deal are finally released we will be able to truly decide if the Cards have made a smart move here. Hopefully they have’nt given up some top name prospects and likewise, hopefully Greene can return to being the electric, smooth, power hitting shortstop that helped him make a name for himself.

I will say it’s nice to actually see the Cards doing something. They have made some moves over the past couple of years but not necessarily what a lot of fans were hoping for. Again, that’s why we’re fans and not management. The Cards continue to compete and hopefully with a few more strong moves this off season the Cards can climb back to the top of the Central.

coop92 is a contributing author to Midwest Sports Fans, as well as the editor at Midwest Sports Junkies. Check out his site for additional analysis of the Cardinals, the BCS, and Missouri Tigers football.