Here's a transcript of the
questions and answers from Wednesday's live chat with Post-Dispatch
baseball writer Joe Strauss:
Thanks for taking my
question Chatmeister:
I am concerned if we do not explore Michael Young angle seriously. Getting a 20 HR .290 guy who has a positive history from a team desparate to shed him (so much so they may eat salary) seems like the classic "buy low" opportunity we should be looking into. Especially when he could potentially man 3b or 2b (both areas of question marks and upgrade potential). Maybe Texas asks for too much and we say no, but we should at least make a concerted effort. If we do not, is this more an indication of DeWitt's lack of payroll flexibility or Mo's failure to balance the roster/payroll well enough to be in a place of taking advantage of this? Is this not a great "buy low" opportunity we should consider if we committed to fielding a winner? And if this falls into the "Pujols Contract" limitation, what does that say about ability to field a winner with his contract implications?
I am concerned if we do not explore Michael Young angle seriously. Getting a 20 HR .290 guy who has a positive history from a team desparate to shed him (so much so they may eat salary) seems like the classic "buy low" opportunity we should be looking into. Especially when he could potentially man 3b or 2b (both areas of question marks and upgrade potential). Maybe Texas asks for too much and we say no, but we should at least make a concerted effort. If we do not, is this more an indication of DeWitt's lack of payroll flexibility or Mo's failure to balance the roster/payroll well enough to be in a place of taking advantage of this? Is this not a great "buy low" opportunity we should consider if we committed to fielding a winner? And if this falls into the "Pujols Contract" limitation, what does that say about ability to field a winner with his contract implications?
Joe Strauss: You suggest
a "buy low" approach for a player owed $48 million over the next
three years? I'm fascinated with the M. Young movement that has
been in place here for several years. Are the Rangers so inept that
they take Young off shortstop, where E. Andrus now plays. They
acquire A. Beltre for $80 million to take third base from Young.
They then project Young, 34, as their designated hitter. Is there a
red flag in there somewhere? Rangers GM Jon Daniels is no buffoon.
He sees a player in decline. Rather than being handcuffed by an
outsized contract, Daniels has continued to fortify his team. True,
the Rangers are likely to take on some of Young's salary. But are
you willing to gamble big money (and players) based on a
PlayStation perception? If you think Young is still an All-Star
player, you disagree with a heavy percentage of the industry. It
appears very uncertain whether Young will be dealt at this time. As
needs arise among contenders, he may become more marketable. But as
John Mozeliak suggested Tuesday, the timing only further
complicates such a move.
Where is Shelby Miller
likely to start the season? High-A?
And what about Tyrell Jenkins?
And what about Tyrell Jenkins?
Joe Strauss: Miller is
highly likely to open the season at High A Palm Beach (and finish
at Double-A Springfield). Jenkins may open the season in extended
spring then advance to either short-season Batavia or Quad
Cities.
Seen Bill
DeWitt?
Joe Strauss: About an
hour ago.
=I read an
article that stated Freese has not yet begun to run?? How worried
should Cardinal Nation be?? Is he going to be ready March
31st??
Joe Strauss: Let me
clarify. An early version of Tuesday's Michael Young story
incorrectly stated that Freese has yet to enter a running program.
Freese has been cleared to engage in baseball-related activities.
Part of that step involves him running. He has been making progress
in that regard for several weeks. That said, the club intends to be
very conservative with Freese this spring. He has required surgery
on both ankles in the last six month. The ankles are described as
arthritic. It is highly unlikely that even if healthy Freese will
be allowed to start lengthy, uninterrupted stretches of games.
Freese has a long history of foot/ankle problems. His recovery from
said problems has typically been lengthy. A proactive approach is
now be the preference. All that said, the club firmly believes
that, barring a setback, Freese will be available to open the
season.
Ref; Rick Ankiel showed up
a day after becoming a father.
Did the Cards sign him to a minor league deal? Did I miss that?
Did the Cards sign him to a minor league deal? Did I miss that?
Joe Strauss: Ankiel
lives in Jupiter. The Cardinals have given him access to their
facilities until he reports to the Washington Nationals' camp in
Viera.
Question about
Edmonds. What are the chances of Jim having a spot on the Cardinals
bench out of Spring Training? With recent injuries and the fact
that we have decently healthy outfielders as it is, will he have a
good chance of knocking one of the younger bench players to
Memphis?
Joe Strauss: Edmonds
still must pass a team physical. Should Jimbo make the team, his
presence would appear to jeopardize either Jon Jay or Allen
Craig.
Joe, hope
you're enjoying the weather and the sights and sounds from Spring
Training. It appears the Cardinals don't have an interest in
Michael Young. I would think he is a compelling option should the
Rangers eat $20mm and we can unload Skip. Thanks for taking my
question.
Joe Strauss: I'm not
sure of the term "compelling."
Make a prediction for
me, will Franklin be the closer at the end of the year?
Joe Strauss: Barring
injury, yes.
Joe--Interesting article
regarding Albert and his wife having dinner in Decatur.
Question..what will be the procedure for copntract negotiations as
February 16 approaches: matathon sit down? Dewitt involvement?
Albert involvement? Finally, how do you think these negotiations
will compare to those with Matt H?
Joe Strauss: You don't
believe ownership already is involved in a potentially
record-setting contract? C'mon. Deadlines, by definition, force
action. I believe that will be true in this instance as well.
Negotiations with Scott Boras regarding Holliday took on a rather
sharp edge at times, enough so that the team chairman was prepared
to walk away rather than guarantee a seventh season. ('Mo'
convinced Bill DeWitt, Jr. to accede to a 7th year.)
Mo' remains the point man on talks,
but nothing gets finalized without BDJ's consent. My information is
that these talks remain professional and ongoing. As long as both
those apply, there remains a chance for something to get done. But
as of today I have no information that leads me to change my
opinion that Pujols is headed to free agency.
It seems like the media
blackout has hurt Albert's image to some. Personally, I believe
this the right way for negotiations to happen. Has this helped the
Cardinals' FO from the way it seems some fans are displaying their
frustration with Albert? I am almost getting the sense that more
and more fans are going to be OK with Albert as the negotiations
have pressed on.
Joe Strauss: Based on
fan reaction, I doubt either side emerges as the white hat should
talks fail to produce an extension.
For the love of God, get
#5 signed. Dont give me this 'its complicated and there are things
the average fan doesnt understand' line. They should have signed
him before last season and they waited hoping the market deflated.
Bad decision. Now pay up. Yes you are going to have to overpay for
the end years when production is down. That is the way it works,
you got a HUGE discount up until now. So I guess, my question is
what is taking the club so long, is AP really being ridiculous with
his demands?
Joe Strauss: I believe
Mo' was sincere last May when he asserted that the club would pay
for future, not past production. It is very difficult to envision
any club committed to analytics believing that a 37-year-old Pujols
will be as productive as the 27-year-old version. I have heard no
desire by the club to apologize for the cost-effective deal Pujols
signed in February 2004.
Nothing fancy; how do you
see the Central standings stacking up at the conclusion of the 2011
regular season?
Joe Strauss: I'll
restate:
Cardinals and Cubs finish 1-2, in either order.
Reds and Brewers finish 3-4, in either order.
Astros fifth.
Pirates sixth.
It's possible four teams finish with winning records but the division winner fails to reach 90 victories. There, you've got your ammunition if the Astros lead the division after 10 games and the Cardinals break slow from the gate.
Cardinals and Cubs finish 1-2, in either order.
Reds and Brewers finish 3-4, in either order.
Astros fifth.
Pirates sixth.
It's possible four teams finish with winning records but the division winner fails to reach 90 victories. There, you've got your ammunition if the Astros lead the division after 10 games and the Cardinals break slow from the gate.
With major
questions/concerns at 2B,SS, and 3B for the Cards this season
including everthing from health to defensive and offensive ability,
why is the team so quick to dismiss any interest in Young, given
that he can play all three spots, hit for average and offer some
pop and if this whole Pujols thing goes south, the offense will
certainly need to be upgraded moving forward...Young would seem
like a very sensible move and an upgrade at all three spots if a
deal could be worked out. Further, if they don't pay Pujols then
money wont be a factor.
Joe Strauss: Your last
sentence goes to the core. You're assuming "they don't pay Pujols
the money." That's impossible to know until after next
Nov/Dec.
Joe: How much
affect do you think the enhanced pitching within the Central Div
will have on our team other than AP & MH.? If we are expecting
to improve our hitting over 2010, I just don't see that happening
with the support players we have today.
Joe Strauss: Depth may
be an issue. But depth typically gets exposed if there are
deletions to the starting lineup. As stated here numerous times, D.
Freese and L. Berkman are huge variables. If either goes down, the
lineup degrades noticeably. It's more likely than not that the
Cardinals will maintain their rotation beyond this May, unlike a
year ago when Penny and Lohse went down on consecutive days. I'll
still go with the Cardinals top five starters and everyday lineup
over their competition. However, injuries could well dictate the
outcome of a closely-bunched division.
I know your getting
swamped with questions about micheal young....but do you think
there is ANY chance at all that the Cardinals could trade for him?
If so, what do you think it would take?
Thanks Joe
Thanks Joe
Joe Strauss: 'Mo' on
Tuesday emphasized current timing is not good. Should circumstances
change during the season -- with Young still in Texas -- perhaps
the matter could be revisited. But Young's contract and the club's
uncertain salary projections make it a tough fit at present. The
Cardinals continue to view David Freese as their third baseman. The
club will have to make a decision about second base when
Schumaker's contract expires at the end of this season. Schu',
however, doesn't reach free agency until after the '12
season.
With one week to
go in negotiations I am starting to freak out! Human sacrifice,
dogs and cats living together... Mass hysteria!!
Any reason to get down off the ledge??
Any reason to get down off the ledge??
Joe Strauss: I'm not
sure why you would get on it.
I've got to believe there are more significant matters in your life than this. Pujols will be in a Cardinals uniform this season. Even if no deal is done in the next week, the club will engage him in talks after the season. Does it increase the odds of him leaving? Sure, it does. Albert will get paid. If he's not on a ledge, I certainly wouldn't be.
I've got to believe there are more significant matters in your life than this. Pujols will be in a Cardinals uniform this season. Even if no deal is done in the next week, the club will engage him in talks after the season. Does it increase the odds of him leaving? Sure, it does. Albert will get paid. If he's not on a ledge, I certainly wouldn't be.
What is your % that
Pujols re-signs with the Cards by Feb. 16? Thanks.
Joe
Strauss: Without knowledge of the Cardinals' offer,
any guess would be irresponsible.
What are your feelings on
the contract situation with Pujols. Do you think this could effect
the team the entire season, if a deal is not done. To think that
the media is going to let it rest if a deal is not done seems
unrealistic..I don't see it not becoming a distraction.
Joe Strauss: Many share
your opinion.
Tim Brown, Buster Olney,
Ken Rosenthal and others just seem to keep repeating the same story
over and over and over again about the state of contract
negotiations w/ AP. If there is a supposed to be a media blackout
how are these guys getting their info? How is the P-D getting their
info? thanks.
Joe Strauss: Let's see:
A person(s) with an understanding of a situation offers information
on the condition that his or her name(s) not be used. His
information helps address significant fan interest in a delicate
matter that both parties have no interest in sharing. The proper
response must be to out the person(s) offering insight to the
situation in order to damage them personally and professionally.
I've got it.
If both Talbet and
Valdes pitch solidly in camp this spring, is there a decent chance
the team would conisder opening the season with 3 lefties out of
the bullpen?
Joe Strauss: Only if the
club carried 13 pitchers. Unlikely.
Assuming both are healthy
this spring, handicap the race for Opening Day starter... Is it
still Carpenter or does Wainwright finally get the nod?
Joe Strauss: No need to
guess. The answer should be apparently fairly soon.
During his presser at
Winter Warm up 2010 Pujols indicated he was a amenable to a
"hometown discount". That is he is on records saying that we would
be willing to take a hometown discount. What happened between then
and now? Was that just a slip of the tongue or do you think the
club's actions since then has hardened his stance?
Joe Strauss: A discount
from what? And when? He also noted that he was unafraid of reaching
free agency. The CandyLand crowd seized on his mention of a
"discount" as proof that an extension was imminent while totally
ignoring the comment's lack of context. Safe to say that any
"discount" looks different now after the Howard, Crawford, Werth
deals. There also was an expectation that the club would
aggressively engage Pujols in talks last winter. That apparently
did not occur. Now that Pujols retains massive leverage within nine
months of reaching the market, you really think he's interested in
cutting the team a break; i.e. taking a lesser AAV than Ryan
Howard? As Albert succinctly put it before signing his deal in
2004, "This is business."
Is The Negotiation
all or nothing, or is there a possibility of an announcement of
some agreed framework, with the details to be ironed out before
(perhaps well before) Opening Day?
Joe Strauss: There will
be no announcement before a deal is finalized, notarized and filed
with MLB and the MLBPA.
3 years back I
purchased an Ankiel jersey. I got one good season out of it before
it became obsolete. I'm considering a Jaime Garcia powder blue, but
I'm nervous that I'll spend money on a jersey only to have the
player leave in a year or two. I'm curious as to how long we "own"
Jaime, and it it's not long are the Cards looking at a long term
deal to lock him up?
Joe Strauss: Garcia
reaches arbitration after this season. He would reach free agency
after the 2014 season. I would anticipate you getting more mileage
out of your 54 than your 24.
If you had to sum
up the Cards inability to make the playoffs in 3 of the past 4
seasons, what would you say were the root causes/cause? How is 2011
going to be different?
Joe Strauss: Lack of
organizational depth. The only year in which the team reached the
playoffs (2009), it was able to parlay prospects for DeRosa and
Holliday. In 2007, 2008 and 2010, the club did not make significant
in-season additions. The Ludwick-for-Westbrook move subtracted from
the offense to address pitching. The club dropped from 0.5 games in
first place to 5.0 games back after the fact. The bench has not
been nearly as deep the last four years as it was in '04-'05 and,
to a lesser degree, in '06.
It seems NL Central GM's
decided that "Good Pitching beats Good Hitting" and loaded up
starting staffs.
The Birds seem to be the best 1 thru 5. While people fawn about the Brewers acquisitions, they have Narveson at 5. The Reds tandem of Bailey/Wood is high on potential but...could it be that the Cubs addition of Garza makes them #2?
Which other team do you think has the staff that can allow them to win some games no matter who they throw out on the field?
The Birds seem to be the best 1 thru 5. While people fawn about the Brewers acquisitions, they have Narveson at 5. The Reds tandem of Bailey/Wood is high on potential but...could it be that the Cubs addition of Garza makes them #2?
Which other team do you think has the staff that can allow them to win some games no matter who they throw out on the field?
Joe Strauss: I'm higher
than most others on the Cubs. Judging from some of today's
comments, I may also be higher than most others on the Cardinals.
Again, health is always a variable. But it is especially true
within this year's NL Central.
Joe My Man, What would
DeWitt be doing in Florida, when I would assume he would have more
pressing business in St. Louis, signing Albert. Unless the contract
is done, and they are just intentionaly driving us all nuts.
Joe Strauss: My man,
they have phones down here, too.
If Pujols does decide
to become a free agent, who will be playing 1st in 2012? What 1st
baseman will be available after the 2011 season?
Joe Strauss: No. 1 free
agent: Prince Fielder. The Red Sox are expected to sign Adrian
Gonzalez to an extension at some point during the season. If not,
I'd place Gonzalez ahead of Fielder. More important, the Cardinals
likely would, too.
In your opinion will
we start and finish the season with the same 25 guys?
Joe Strauss: It's my
opinion no team will.
Considering the
fact that this may be Craig's last year to show what he can do,
considering that Jay showed some ability last year, and considering
that both are more than 10 years younger than Edmonds, and have
much more upside than a guy who may very well retire before the
season ends, if not before it begins, what was the point of signing
Edmonds? Do you suspect a potential trade? Or maybe backup for
uncertainty about Berkman? Or is this just "Tony being Tony"? I'll
also accept "All of the Above".
Joe Strauss: Let's save
the speculation until Edmonds shows that he is fit enough to play.
By their own admission the Cardinals aren't sure. Signing Jimbo to
a minor-league deal eliminates risk for all parties.
I read in STL Today a
few days ago that Albert and his agent want 10 years. If they don't
come off that position, I think we should let him walk. That's too
many years to tie up in any person--even Albert. My God, he'll be
over 40 at that time. I would rather have two $15 mil a year
players if we have to tie up that many years.
Joe Strauss: My
information is that a 10-year framework was mentioned last year. It
has not been reported as being part of the ongoing talks between
the parties. In 2010 there was also the possibility of folding the
final two years of Albert's previous deal into an extension.
Obviously, that possibility no longer exists.
Im just reading
some of the chat as you post it...and unless I put my glasses on
backwards I thought I just read that you think the Cubs would
finish higher than the Brewers in the Central this year...? Really?
I live in Brewer country and understand that there is plenty of
hype surrounding their off season right now but just to
clarify...you are referring to the Chicago Cubs, right? The same
Cubs who finished behind the Brewers last year and did far less to
improve their team than Milwaukee did in the off
season.
Joe Strauss: Sounds like
you've got some clip-and-save material. As we all know, any team
that finishes behind another the previous season has no expectation
of passing that team the next year. The Brewers are this season's
NL Central Flavor of the Month. We'll see if that month is May or
October.
Chatmeister.....what a
great time to have your job, covering one of the most compelling
stories of this early baseball season in AP deadline. On to my
question.....Which will be demonstrated the most in your humble
opinion by the media if Albert doesn't sign....Alberts' proposed
greed to be the highest paid 1st baseman or the St. Louis Cardinals
proposed cheapness not to sign this generations best 1b?
Joe Strauss: I would
wager it will be presented in both forms by various outlets.
Joe, lets say BDJ is
okay with 27 mil per year for however many years but AP & his
agents want 29 or 30 mil per year. Do you really allow him to walk
for 2 mil. Just raise the ticket price 75 cents more for the 3.2
mil fans and be done with it. Gives the Cards nearly 2.5 mil more
to pay him. Or we can have "donation buckets" at the gates and have
each one of fans drop in their donation to the "just get'em and
keep him signed" campaign. Really, if it boils down to a couple mil
difference per year then what's the fuss. Either way, the fans are
going to pay for AP to stay. Is that a fair and balance way to
state the obvious.
ljr
ljr
Joe Strauss: Length of
contract is a huge issue.
JSL!!! I realize "ifs"
and "buts" are like candy and nuts, but if Freese or Berkman to a
lesser degree goes down EARLY in the season say prior to May 1 do
you see the Cards going outside the organization for help if the
standings warrant it?
Joe Strauss: Jay/Craig
or a healthy Edmonds/Craig remains as a possible RF platoon.
Punto/Craig or Punto/Greene could serve the same role at third
base. I believe both would serve as short-term solutions. If such
an injury occurred early (ifs and buts) it's likely the club would
eventually seek outside help.
Do you see Team
Pujols moving the deadline up to 2/16 as an indication that they
want to get this done?
Joe Strauss: The
deadline has not been moved up.
Joe- How come Nick
Stavinoha is hardly mentioned as a bench guy? He has been a very
good pinch hitter. Where to put him defensibly must be the problem.
Is he really that bad in the field compared to the likes of Jay and
Craig? I like Jay, but he needs to get better jumps on the ball off
the bat. Craig and Stavinoha seem to be equal on the definsive side
of things, average at best. Craig can play third and Stavinoha can
catch. So I guess the club is admitting that defensibly they are
weak,. They just won't come out and say it.
Joe Strauss: Stavinoha
is not currently on the 40-man roster. By definition it will be
more difficult for him to make the club. He has no options
remaining.
I know of his value in
the bullpen, but assuming Motte & Boggs continue to progress,
do you see McClellan getting any starts if the starting 5 have any
injuries?
Joe Strauss: As last year showed,
once McClellan opens the season in the bullpen, he's very likely to
stay there. Walters, Lynn, Batista, Dickson and Snell are options.
Only a situation that arose in spring might alter the
equation.
Hi Joe: Welcome
back to sunny FLA. Do you think the Colby Rasmus and TLR fued is
100% over? I'm still concerned about TLR thinking that using your
dad as a hitting coach is not "major league."
Joe Strauss: A long season tends
to reveal such issues. For now, all parties are playing nice.
Joe,
Seems to me that Albert's dramatic success back in 2004 to get such a huge committment (8 years) from the team, may have been his undoing for the mega-contract that he wants now. I doubt we would have hesitated to give the guy most anything he wanted were he 27. Do you foresee another team being willing to give him everything that Lozano is asking at 32?
Surely the Cards will want to incentivize the last five years. Albert's a smart guy. He may not want that, but intellectually it makes no sense for a team to make a different risk commitment. Is Lozano the right guy to lead Albert thru these negotiations?
Seems to me that Albert's dramatic success back in 2004 to get such a huge committment (8 years) from the team, may have been his undoing for the mega-contract that he wants now. I doubt we would have hesitated to give the guy most anything he wanted were he 27. Do you foresee another team being willing to give him everything that Lozano is asking at 32?
Surely the Cards will want to incentivize the last five years. Albert's a smart guy. He may not want that, but intellectually it makes no sense for a team to make a different risk commitment. Is Lozano the right guy to lead Albert thru these negotiations?
Joe Strauss: How can you say what
Albert may command before he reaches free agency? Therein lies much
of the current dilemma. Even if the Cardinals were able to achieve
some sort of "discount," it's impossible to know what figure should
be discounted absent a competitive market. It is difficult to see
Pujols accepting a "discount" compared to a Howard contract. A
"discount" compared to another team's higher bid may be easier to
accept while still offering PR value.
Is Lozano the right guy? I'm sure many more would question his fitness if he accepted a lesser deal before his client reaches the market. With his client less than a year from hitting the market, an agent typically isn't about "breaks."
Is Lozano the right guy? I'm sure many more would question his fitness if he accepted a lesser deal before his client reaches the market. With his client less than a year from hitting the market, an agent typically isn't about "breaks."
Hey Joe,
Just curious about your NL Central projection. Do you see Cincy taking a step back this year, or do you think St. Louis and Chicago have upgraded this year? Thanks.
Just curious about your NL Central projection. Do you see Cincy taking a step back this year, or do you think St. Louis and Chicago have upgraded this year? Thanks.
Joe Strauss: I'm skeptical that
the Reds will again reach 90 wins within a more balanced division.
They also enjoyed a disproportionate number of late wins in 2010. I
think Walt Jocketty is galvanizing a team that may be very good for
a number of years. But it's not unrealistic to see a half-step back
this season.
You are a smug basta**
and I wish that you would just go away, why even bother to do these
chats if all of your responses are smart as*!!!
Joe Strauss: Once again, the
editors can't contain themselves.
Has Josh Goldberg been assigned a locker?
Joe Strauss: You're moving in on
my turf. Stop it.
You have a finger
on the pulse of Cardinal fans. I'm wondering what the reality will
be in 2012 if we have no Pujols? Will attendance decline? Will we
be under 'the curse of El Hombre' a la the Boston Red Sox and Babe
Ruth? Personally, I love Pujols but I think I love winning baseball
more. I only want the former if I can have the latter.
Joe Strauss: My sense is that St.
Louis will always support a contending club with 3 million
attendance. Question: Do the Cardinals remain contenders without
Pujols? Another postseason miss minus Pujols could test fan loyalty
moreso than at anytime since the aftermatch of the 2003 season
(2.91M attendance).
What is the early word on
Rasmus?
Am I wrong to think he should be much more comfortable this year and that the influence of Edmonds and Berkman may be just what he needs?
I'm hoping for a much better year from him.
Am I wrong to think he should be much more comfortable this year and that the influence of Edmonds and Berkman may be just what he needs?
I'm hoping for a much better year from him.
Joe Strauss: The club shares your
hope.
High expectations for
Berkman, Rasmus, and Freese contributing offensively. If all three
do, we have a contender. If only one performs, we have a pretender.
What about two out of three? Also, is any one of these three more
critical than the others?
Joe Strauss: All three are
critical. The club can likely compensate for the 2-3 week absence
of any. A month or more creates a major issue. I believe the team's
complementary pieces better this season. However, that's different
than turning over a position for 6-8 weeks. Craig's development
could be huge given his presence at 3B and RF.
thanks for doing
this each week...
i dont know the ins and outs of contract issues- ive just been a stl fan for 33 yrs. and im trying to make this work in my head so albert can still play for my favorite team.
is it even possible for pujols to sign something like a 10 yr. 300 million deal that pays out over the course of 12, 15, or even 20 yrs.?
thanks
i dont know the ins and outs of contract issues- ive just been a stl fan for 33 yrs. and im trying to make this work in my head so albert can still play for my favorite team.
is it even possible for pujols to sign something like a 10 yr. 300 million deal that pays out over the course of 12, 15, or even 20 yrs.?
thanks
Joe Strauss: Only if he wants the
deal to be worth 50-75 cents on the dollar.
Joe:
Re: "Now that Pujols retains massive leverage within nine months of reaching the market, you really think he's interested in cutting the team a break; i.e. taking a lesser AAV than Ryan Howard?"
5 years and $28M AAV would probably get done in a heartbeat on the Cardinal side. I doubt the Cards are looking for a lesser AAV than Howard unless the duration is onerous. This has nothing to do with Howard's AAV.
Re: "Now that Pujols retains massive leverage within nine months of reaching the market, you really think he's interested in cutting the team a break; i.e. taking a lesser AAV than Ryan Howard?"
5 years and $28M AAV would probably get done in a heartbeat on the Cardinal side. I doubt the Cards are looking for a lesser AAV than Howard unless the duration is onerous. This has nothing to do with Howard's AAV.
Joe Strauss: Sounds like you're
plugged in. Thanks.
Hi Joe... Wish I was in
Jupiter myself... Lots of snow here...
Considering that Edmunds remains popular among Cardinal fans, and that the front office is perhaps somewhat less so (Ludwick trade, Ryan trade, failure so far to sign AP), could Edmunds signing and upcoming try-out be more PR than reality...?
Thanks...
Considering that Edmunds remains popular among Cardinal fans, and that the front office is perhaps somewhat less so (Ludwick trade, Ryan trade, failure so far to sign AP), could Edmunds signing and upcoming try-out be more PR than reality...?
Thanks...
Joe Strauss: You're not the first
ChatHead to pose the question. But if Edmonds can't play, I really
don't see the PR value.
Joe,don't you think
Albert would be taking a big risk in not signing an extension over
a few million a year? If he is injured this year he could stand to
lose 10 of millions dollars. He is getting older, and more prone to
injury.
Joe Strauss: I hear you. However,
Pujols has averaged 156 games played the last four years. He has
averaged 155.8 games played over his 10-year career. I'm not
discounting that advancing age can lead to chronic injury; however,
Pujols' career consistency also stems from his availability.
Joe, a question was
asked as to who would be playing 1st in 2012 if Albert becomes a
free agent. You responded by saying that the number 1 free agent
would be Prince Fielder... Dont you think that if Albert Becomes a
Free Agent HE will be the Number 1 guy? How long do you think the
Cardinals would remain in the mix for Albert next offseason before
being forced to look at a guy like Prince (who in my opinion, would
be a distant Number 2)?
Joe Strauss: Point taken. I
believe the ChatHead assumed Albert landing elsewhere.
Chatmeister,
The Cardinals have made some curious moves this winter, like the Lance Berkman signing. He's a guy who could be a decent bat this year, but doesn't provide a long term solution anywhere. Do you sense that the Cardinals are going "all in" this year, with the assumption that it's their last year with Pujols?
The Cardinals have made some curious moves this winter, like the Lance Berkman signing. He's a guy who could be a decent bat this year, but doesn't provide a long term solution anywhere. Do you sense that the Cardinals are going "all in" this year, with the assumption that it's their last year with Pujols?
Joe Strauss: My sense is that the
Cardinals have tried to restrict themselves to shorter-term deal
until the Pujols situation resolves itself.
Which was worse?
Christina's Star Spangled Banner or The Black Eyed Peas Half-time
show?
Joe Strauss: Worst of all was the
Steelers' inability to cover.
For some reason the
Pujols situation reminds me of Edgar Renteria, what are the chances
Pujols comes out of this feeling disrespected? Obviously not the
same caliber of player but same team.
Joe Strauss: A very good
chance.
JSL,
Do you think that Pujols's personal success has been so crucial to this team not being horrific in '07, '08, '10 that in some cases his play masked major issues that would have caused an uproar among fans had Pujols not be mezmerizing us?
Do you think that Pujols's personal success has been so crucial to this team not being horrific in '07, '08, '10 that in some cases his play masked major issues that would have caused an uproar among fans had Pujols not be mezmerizing us?
Joe Strauss: Interesting
question: As noted last week, one rival executive recently insisted
that the Cardinals are a fourth-place team this year without
AP.
Edmonds, 40, signed
for 1M. Manny signed for 2M(?) down from about 20M.
Berkman, who has some age on him, accepted 8M which about 50% than last year. Don't remember what Damon made, but I think he took a hit as well.
I guess the point is aging players who think they can still play sign for less. We can't really expect to pay Albert 25M - 30M at age 40, can we?
Berkman, who has some age on him, accepted 8M which about 50% than last year. Don't remember what Damon made, but I think he took a hit as well.
I guess the point is aging players who think they can still play sign for less. We can't really expect to pay Albert 25M - 30M at age 40, can we?
Joe Strauss: As I (and the
organization) have reminded before: It's not my money.
El Diablo,,,If
Albert does not resign, do you see a situation similar to the Cavs
(25 straight losses) happening to the Cards in 2012? Thanks
RJ
Joe Strauss: I would doubt the
Cardinals suffer a 25-game losing streak.
Dear great
wavemaster,
I see lots of comments about how the Cardinals can simply(?) use the money saved by not signing Pujols to populate the team with two or three "near-equivalent" all-stars. However this does not appear likely given recent trends: the frustrating turns and twists of the Holliday signing (and the overpayment IMHO for him and Lohse), and the signing of castoffs and retreads (Theriot, Punto, Berkman). In fact, recent post season history suggests to me an unwillingness on the part of the front office to spend money to build a WS contender(you've argued, for example, that management is building a team to win the NL Central Division and not the World Series). Additionally, from my observations of recent off-season activity, a lot of the better players simply resign with their existing team - which again argues against the success of buying talent. If Albert isn't signed, isn't it reasonable to assume Cardinal management will simply continue to populate the team with castoffs and retreads (and dumpster dives) rather than getting into a bidding war for major players and do you believe this will be the case?
Thank you for answering in all your munificence!
I see lots of comments about how the Cardinals can simply(?) use the money saved by not signing Pujols to populate the team with two or three "near-equivalent" all-stars. However this does not appear likely given recent trends: the frustrating turns and twists of the Holliday signing (and the overpayment IMHO for him and Lohse), and the signing of castoffs and retreads (Theriot, Punto, Berkman). In fact, recent post season history suggests to me an unwillingness on the part of the front office to spend money to build a WS contender(you've argued, for example, that management is building a team to win the NL Central Division and not the World Series). Additionally, from my observations of recent off-season activity, a lot of the better players simply resign with their existing team - which again argues against the success of buying talent. If Albert isn't signed, isn't it reasonable to assume Cardinal management will simply continue to populate the team with castoffs and retreads (and dumpster dives) rather than getting into a bidding war for major players and do you believe this will be the case?
Thank you for answering in all your munificence!
Joe Strauss: I'm not going to
speak for the organization. But I think it safe to assume that if
Albert plays elsewhere in 2012, the blowback toward the
organization (and, yes, the player) will be a study unseen in St.
Louis since Brett Hull's exit as a free agency in 1999. One would
think that circumstance would force the team to act very
aggressively next winter.
How do the
Cards think they're going to make progress and eventually extend
Albert if they reportedly can't even present him with an offer?
Thanks!
Joe Strauss: The Feb. 15 deadline
will not pass without the Cardinals making an offer.
Question: Any chance
that Pujols doesn't want to play here any more, management knows
it, and this whole secrecy thing is just a way for both to save
face?
Joe Strauss: The pace of talks
has nothing to do with antagonism toward St. Louis. There are
numerous reasons for Pujols to wish to remain in the area.
That's
going to be a wrap for this week's edition of Joe Strauss Live!!!
Next week's chat coincides with an announcement by the club and
presumably Albert's agent regarding the talks' fate. Safe to say
it'll be somewhat crazy. Thanks for your attendance this week. As
always, enjoyable. Catch you again after pitchers, catchers and
Albert report. Aloha.
