Going Gonzo

First off, if you've not seen it, Redbirds Fun has gotten up their UCB All-Star team posting.  This is the last UCB project until mid-March, when we do our predictions around the majors in a week-long extravaganza.  So be on the lookout for that when the time comes.

The big news in Cardinal Nation is the signing of Juan Gonzalez.  When the rumors of this first broke, there were some people that really went overboard criticizing it.  It seems to be that it's one of the classic moves of the Cardinals the last couple of years.  Low risk, high reward.

I mean, it's a minor league invite.  It's possible the team will spend more in gas for the bus in spring training than they will paying Juan Gone.  And he easily could be this season's version of Greg Vaughn, who has nothing left in the tank and retires during spring training.

But what if it isn't?  What if it's closer to 2007 Sammy Sosa?  You won't see MVP-level offense from him, that's obvious.  But a guy that could hit 15-20?  For the league minimum?  If nothing else, he could really help out the bench.

I think the most telling thing is who is recommending him.  It's not a sight-unseen, "let's bring in a name" type of signing.  You have numerous people, probably most importantly including Albert Pujols, who are impressed with his workouts.  It's not a front office thing, it's not a player thing, it seems to have support from both levels, which gives this a better chance, in my mind, of being a success.

Besides, the Cardinals really need that right-handed bat in the outfield.  The question becomes, who gets squeezed if Gonzalez is back to form?

We'll start finding out soon.  Pitchers and catchers in just over a week.


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