Along Came Jones

It's a testimony to the power of Viva El Birdos in the Cardinal internet realm that a diary--not even a main post--can get people talking all around the net.  The suggestion was put out there and then it spread.  Matthew Leach commented on it.  Tom had a post up at CardinalsGM.  And the discussion got started at CCH as well.   It's VEB's world, the rest of us Cardinal bloggers are just living in it.

As for the premise of the talk, signing Andruw Jones to a short-term deal, I've got mixed feelings.  Those that say we should save the payroll for pitching make a strong point.  The Cards are going to need at least one more top of the rotation pitcher and will need the funds to pay for them.  Who knows exactly what you'll get out of Jones at the plate, he's a Boras client, it'll take $13 million or so.  All extremely good points and I figure that's the way that will rule the day.

But......

I've got to say I was a little taken with the arguments presented in favor of the move.  Obviously, the Cardinals need a right handed bat in the outfield.  Defensively, an outfield of Ankiel-Jones-Edmonds would be darn tough to beat, both in general fielding and in arm strength.  If Jones is on a one-year deal, there's a better-than-average chance he gets his numbers back in line with his career norms to get a bigger payday.  And it frees up Duncan to be traded for pitching.  If we put Duncan and, say, Anderson in a deal, perhaps we can get back a younger guy that can fit at the top of the rotation for less money than we'd expect.

The Cardinals are going to need to pitch better, that much is true, but that's not the whole reason the Cards were outscored by 100+ runs last year.  Getting a strong, impact bat like Jones would help the team make a stride forward in cutting that gap.

If nothing else, a Jones signing and a Duncan trade would show Mozeliak has a little creativity in him, instead of just signing whatever free agent is out there.

Site note: This is post 100 of C70 at the Bat.  It's been fun doing it and I hope y'all have enjoyed reading.  You'll notice buttons, etc. around the site.  I've submitted it to numerous blog sites to help with traffic.  Some of those have voting options, so if you want to vote for the site, feel free.

Also, the formative plans for the cooperative Cardinal blogger idea are taking shape.  If you want to be a part of it, please e-mail and let me know.

7 Comments

7 Comments | Leave a comment

Rockin' the Red | November 14, 2007 1:26 PM | Reply

I had not seen that diary, so this idea is news to me. I think a one year deal is interesting and should probably be offered for him to consider, and I would even consider giving him the 3-4 year deal he's after. He is only 30 years old, which suggests he's on the brink of entering a decline period, but he has been relatively stable in OBP and SLG throughout his career. The drop-off last year had less to do with declining skills as his drop in BABIP (luck). Duncan becomes instantly tradeable and could be a part of a package for a veteran Dontrelle Willis-type or a young Minnesota Twin starter. If we were serious about this, Scott Rolen might have to go to clear payroll and could be part of a Duncan/Rolen package to get Matt Garza from the Twins.

cardinal70 | November 14, 2007 2:08 PM | Reply

Well, the news on Rolen at the PD today makes me think he won't be in St. Louis on Opening Day. I don't know that it is the best idea and I hope they don't just give him away, but there it is.

I don't think Rolen would waive the no-trade for Minnesota, due to the artificial turf there.

tom@cardinalsgm.com | November 14, 2007 4:29 PM | Reply

I had not read the diary either.

Rolen when healthy is very good. Hope we keep him.

cardinal70 | November 14, 2007 4:52 PM | Reply

You hadn't, Tom? I figured you had when you had it up on your site. That's what I get for assuming.

The idea of trading Rolen now really doesn't make sense. You won't get full value and you'll probably have to pay for him to play elsewhere. But I do think it's going to happen.

cards4life | November 14, 2007 6:13 PM | Reply

jones is interesting, but i still would rather go after an arm. 13 million can get you a very good arm, probably a #2 which is fine because i think wainwright has ace type stuff. oh yeah, id like to get into this cooperative blogging thing. whats going on with that? what is it actually? like assigning different topics for bloggers to write about i assume.

Rockin' the Red | November 14, 2007 7:11 PM | Reply

I would be interested in the cooperative blogging as well.

I actually do not want to trade Rolen, but getting Jones almost makes it a necessity. We've had this smoke blown from Rolen and La Russa for several off-seasons now. I don't think it makes a trade inevitable, but it does give Moz an excuse to look into it.

Deaner | November 14, 2007 10:27 PM | Reply

You've inspired me to add some buttons to my site too

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