Mozeliak To Dial Area Code 4-1-6
MILWAUKEE - Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak on Thursday refused to discuss specifically the team’s interest in Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay but allowed that he would be contacting Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi about a potential talent match.
“I’m not going to get into a conversation about another team’s player. It’s my policy not to. But as I said recently, we’re going to take stock of where we stand then more forward accordingly,” Mozeliak said. “Without getting into specifics, it’s fair to say there will be a call to Toronto well before the [non-waiver trade] deadline.”
The Cardinals are among a cluster of teams intrigued by the perennial Cy Young Award contender. And in some ways, they represent a good fit for a player who is under contract through 2010 and enjoys full no-trade protection. The Blue Jays are believed more likely to deal Halladay to the National League, and Halladay is known to have a favorable opinion of St. Louis. Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter is among Halladay’s closest friends. St. Louis also offers a more neutral stadium in addition to a less caustic fan base than rumored front-runner Philadelphia.
Mozeliak said the team’s recent trade of reliever Chris Perez and a player to be named for Cleveland Indians infielder-outfielder Mark DeRosa does not necessarily inhibit the club’s ability to make a huge deal. “Another deal would be completely independent and, in my mind, no less possible because of [the DeRosa acquisition].”
The Cardinals, however, are more likely to aim lower, pursuing a set-up reliever and bench help. The timetable for DeRosa’s return from a torn tendon sheath near his left wrist will also affect whether the club believes another front-line hitter necessary.
(12 votes, average: 4.58 out of 5)
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Zero chance of this happening but I bet we come in second place on getting him.
With a starting rotation of Carpenter, Halliday, Wainwright, Lohse, and Piniero, the necessary offense would be so minimal that it might not matter who plays shortstop, 3B, or left field. Albert along with Schumacher, Ludwick, Rasmus, and Molina could probably handle it alone. The Cardinals have a history of spending huge if the player is special enough. Halliday is special. It would be a great love affair with the StL fans. Please, Chris Carpenter, talk your friend into it!
Three or Four top prospects is too much.
Give them choice of 2 and throw in Duncan.
Ta-Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Not going to hold me breath on this one….although it WOULD be amazing! Even better if we can ship Lil’ Duncan outta here!
Unfortunately, he’ll probably go to the Mets, Phillies or Cubs. Let’s hope Toronto hijacks one of these org.’s future in the process, and Halliday goes Mulder on them.
This is the sort of thing that Mo needs to do on his own and keep quiet about it. He doesn’t have to announce to the world that we are now pursueing Halladay. It would be a great acquisition if he can pull it off, however, it is most likely not going to happen. All this just makes for great fodder. I’d like to see him pick up another bat, more than anything else.
I feel like 4-5 “top” prospects is a bit much, especially with him being a bit shaky since returning from injury. Give them 2-3 and a few others we could live without (Dunc, Ank, Thurston, whatever). I still doubt we get him but I really don’t want to see this guy in a Cubs, Phillies, or Dodgers uniform. YIKES.
Guys remember these prospects are just that unproven talent.your talking about a number one starter,oh yeah that would give us 3 number ones and the best starting pitching since the braves had their big 3.Dont hesitate mo and let the brewers slide in there or the dodgers.This is the move that can highlight your career make you a very rich man as a top gm in the league.Not to mention my best buddy ever!
I’m sure many of us are a bit “jaded” over the Mulder fiasco
but no matter whether they do or don’t,
I’m still a Redbirds fan.
I feel sorry for those poor saps that root for the other guys.
Giants? yeah, right.
Royals? Puh-lease!
Yankees? Screw em and their gazillions!!
Birds-on-the-bat for me…Viva El Birdos!!
Yes, this is the correct Halladay to go after. Not the Coors inflated OF who is doing nothing special this season, and set to become a very rich FA OF.