The dust has settled on the Scott Rolen deal, but if his shoulder is okay, the Cardinals didn't receive full value for him in return.

When Rolen is right, he can hit AND field.  Defensively, he is one of the best third basemen around.  He doesn't have to club a three-run homer to win a game, he can rob a guy of a hit and do the same.

Troy Glaus may be a better hitter and with more power, but his defense, reportedly, is suspect.  But it was good the Cardinals could receive a third baseman in the trade.

The Rolen- Tony LaRussa battle was causing deep problems.  It's too bad because Rolen is an outstanding player and I was looking forward to him having a long career with the Cardinals.

But it's time to move on and wish Rolen sucess in the American League.  I am glad he went to the other league.  That way if he does well, I won't feel as bad.

Continue reading "The Scott Rolen Trade"

It appears that Mark McGuire and the Baseball Hall of Fame will not embrace each other anytime soon--if ever.

McGuire has the numbers, but it is all about whether he took steroids or not.  He refuses to comment on the situation in the public eye and therefore he is termed guilty.

McGuire is a private person, but I wish he would tell us the truth.  People think he is hiding something and that is another strike against the former Cardinal slugger.  If he did take steroids, I wish he would admit it, ask for forgiveness and people can move on.  The Hall of Fame voters can then make a more accurate judgement of his hall electability.

McGuire thrilled Cardinal fans and baseball in general when he broke the single season home run record in 1998.  Baseball needed the positive feelings after the damaging baseball strike.

Continue reading "Mark McGuire and the Hall of Fame"

It seems like the Cardinals are always looking for a bargain especially starting pitching. It reminds me of going to my favorite music store and browsing through the $5 CD bin.

The latest 'find' is Matt Clement who had some success with Boston and the Cubs. Like most pitchers the Cardinals pick up these days, Clement is coming off injury. He didn't pitch at all in 2007. I have nothing against Clement or these other projects, but why can't the Cardinals trade for a decent starting pitcher? I know, you say, but they don't have good trade prospects. Well then, trade a position player. Could the Cardinals have received a decent pitcher in return for Scott Rolen? Then they could have signed a medium-priced third baseman from free agency.

Again, heading into 2008, the starting pitching is spotty. Adam Wainwright is the only top-notch starter available. Mark Mulder may come back, but Chris Carpenter is not available this season. It looks like again another year for a hopefully solid bullpen.

Continue reading "The Bargain-Hunting Cardinals"

When the St. Louis Cardinals traded center-fielder Jim Edmonds recently to San Diego, it ended a successful era for the native Californian.

Edmonds was probably the best center-field to play that spot in the history of Cardinal baseball.  The guy was a highlight film with many game-saving catches over the years.  The pitcher's best friend was not the double play, but Edmonds stationed in center-field.

He also brought top-notch offensive skills to the game too.  Edmonds was a good player with California, but he became a blue-chipper with the Cardinals.

Edmonds was a key component of several playoff teams and a couple World Series runs.  Like most talented players, he was clutch when it counted the most.

But Edmond' skills are starting to erode now as he ages.  And he continues to fall victim to the injury bug.  So now it is time for a new center-fielder in St. Louis.  But good luck, because there will be comparisons. 

Continue reading "Thanks for the Memories Jim"