December 2, 2004
Walton’s Wanderings
By Brian Walton
Pujols Better Be Better
According to MLB.com, Albert Pujols’ plantar faciitis in his heel has been treated by high frequency soundwaves. As a result, surgery may be unnecessary. I sure hope so, otherwise the start of the season would seem to be a risk despite what the experts say.
Nomar Returning for More?
In the Arlington Heights Daily Herald, Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry acknowledges contact with Edgar Renteria’s agent, but reiterated that his No. 1 target remains resigning Nomar Garciaparra. The Sun-Times reports that Hendry is meeting with Nomar’s agent in earnest, trying to get a deal done before the 7th.
Polanco Flirtation
MLB.com reports that the Cardinals and free-agent second baseman Placido Polanco have expressed mutual interest, according to Polanco’s agent, Adam Katz. Katz correctly points out that Polanco is a “front-line player”, without identifying how much front-line money is required to sign his client.
Another Wants to be a Cardinal
The longest-tenured Philadelphia Phillie, catcher Mike Lieberthal, might be traded. The Cardinals were one of the four teams he mentioned by name to the Philadelphia Inquirer that would meet his criteria as a team “that can win”. He makes $7.5 million this year and next and will be 33 in January. Pass.
Kliner to Beantown?
The Boston Globe calls Steve Kline “one of the most desirable targets” of the Red Sox this off-season.
Cal at Altitude?
The Denver Post reports the Colorado Rockies “are showing strong interest” in Cal Eldred and mention John Mabry as a possible addition. Former Cardinal Mike Gallego (1996-97) is a candidate for the third base coaching job there.
Drew Bucks Big
Former Cardinal outfielder J.D. Drew is looking for a four or five year deal at $10 million or more per year, his agent, Scott Boras, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. My money is on Drew becoming second prize in the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes. Speaking of Beltran…
Other Beltran Signs
Former Cardinal lefty reliever Rigo Beltran (1997) signed a minor league deal with the Milwaukee Brewers and received a spring training invite. In 2004, the 35-year-old Mexican pitched for Montreal, getting into only two games in April and spent the majority of the year with Triple-A Edmonton.
Coolbaugh Contract
Former Redbird third baseman Mike Coolbaugh (2002) re-signed with the Houston Astros and was invited to spring training. Since playing for Memphis for most of 2002, Coolbaugh worked in Double-A and Triple-A for the Astros. He slammed 30 homers for New Orleans last season.
Nunnally Still at it
Another former Redbird farmhand, 33-year-old Jon Nunnally (2002-03), re-signed a minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was returned to Triple-A Indianapolis.
