A vote for McClellan as a starter
Q: Great stuff, Commish. I think the answer to our starter problem is in our bullpen. Why does everyone forget about McClellan? Motte and Perez can be used in the setup role in place of McClellan and he can move to the rotation. And he is cheap.
A: Some good points, Steve. But, for that to happen, the Cardinals would have to get a veteran closer.
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Q: Given the Cards’ penchant for picking up “scrap heap” starting pitching, particularly guys who were once highly-regarded. . . what are the odds that they take a flier on Freddy Garcia, Tony Armas Jr., Carl Pavano, or Jason Jennings? If any of these guys are healthy, they could likely be signed cheaply and could thrive in the Dave Duncan School of Pitching.
A: Andy, I’m thinking the Cardinals have enough of a rehab project with Carpenter. I believe this is probably one of the few years that they don’t bring in several “scrap-heap” additions, as you say.
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Q: Hi Mr. Hummel;
It looks as if Edgar Renteria is set to sign a 2-year $18 million dollar contract with the SF Giants and Rafael Furcal has been offered a 4-year, $48 million contract with the Oakland A’s. That leaves Orlando Cabrera as the most attractive free agent out there who has yet to sign. Will these signings, (if they hold true), likely to push the Cards into a trade with Atlanta for Escobar or have they let the SS boat drift away because they did not move fast enough or aggressively enough to secure Renteria? Is the Renteria signing a blow to the Cardinals middle infield scheme?
Thank you, Mr. Hummel
A: Dave, I don’t think that $48 million, four-year deal to Furcal is accurate. I’m still more inclined to think he’s going to get a shorter deal because of his back issues. The report on Renteria came out of a New York radio station, not always the most reliable source. If the $18 million for two years with the Giants is accurate, I feel that’s a little high to go for Renteria. But he won’t be signed anyway until after Dec. 1 when the Tigers don’t offer him salary arbitration. As far as the other avenue, I’m thinking the Cardinals still could trade for a shortstop. There are several possibilities out there _ Escobar, Greene, Crosby. The boat hasn’t sailed yet.
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Q: I worry the most about the Cards’ starting pitchers not being able to get deep enough into games. This inability results in a broken, worn-out bullpen by August or so. And I don’t care who’s in the pen. If they are overused, they become ineffective. Just look at Marmol last season. So I would like to see us sign a proven starter who can go deep in games, even if his ERA isn’t that great. Mr. Hummel, who do you see as that type pitcher who might be available? Thanks for this great forum
A: Roger, these days the bullpens are so deep, pitchers generally are expected to work only six or seven innings. A Looper-type pitcher _ even if it were he _ wouldn’t be the worst addition although the Cardinals are probably looking to upgrade here. They seem satisfied to wait until later this week or next week when more medical information about Chris Carpenter is available. We can discuss this at greater length then.
(13 votes, average: 4.38 out of 5)
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- Commish,
I know that this might be slightly off-topic of “Hot Stove Issues,” but do you have any feel for the upcoming Rule 5 draft on December 7th? I generally liked the selection of Barton last year, and was curious if you knew of any of the club’s plans for the draft? Thanks for your continued coverage and response.