December 12, 2004
Walton’s Wanderings
By Brian Walton
Renteria
The Cards set their top amount they would pay. Unless Renteria is willing to take less than Boston’s offer to return to the Cardinals, he is gone. However, Peter Gammons says Saturday’s reports of Renteria’s imminent signing by Boston were premature. The Red Sox’ top priority is to ensure they have enough cash to re-sign Pedro Martinez and Jason Varitek. We should know more today.
Renteria’s agents, Barry Meister and Jeffrey Lane, are pushing hard to get the best deal possible for their client while Renteria is sitting at home in Colombia. While I do not know this, I have a feeling that when push comes to shove, Edgar will decide to stay in St. Louis. Maybe I am being too optimistic, but I still think it could happen.
Jocketty is saying he will use the Renteria money on pitching if Edgar leaves. But, it may be too late for several of the top pitching prizes.
Clement
The Los Angeles Daily News reports the Dodgers are “heavy favorites” to sign Matt Clement.
Hudson
The San Jose Mercury News reports the Dodgers will announce the acquisition of Tim Hudson on Sunday for pitcher Edwin Jackson and second baseman Antonio Perez. The P-D says the Cards will not part with Jason Marquis and lack the second baseman the A’s desire. The Sporting News’ Ken Rosenthal says the Yankees and Red Sox are trying to work deals for Hudson.
Millwood/Lowe
Ray Mileur reported here first yesterday, the P-D reported today that the Cards have spoken with agent Scott Boras about free agent pitcher Derek Lowe. They also inquired about another Boras client, Kevin Millwood. Given Boras is involved, do not expect quick signings.
Milton/Zito/Mulder
The P-D mentions all three as possibilities if the Cards cannot get Hudson. Forget the A’s guys. GM Billy Beane will not trade two of his starters after Mark Redman and Hudson are gone. Maybe in 12 months, but not now. Milton seems to be a lock to join the Yankees.
Matheny
The Post-Dispatch says that Cards will not increase their two-year, $4 million offer to Mike Matheny. They expect to lose him to the Giants, Dodgers or perhaps, Pirates.
Morris
The P-D reports what we assumed all along. Matt Morris will not be able to start the season in the rotation due to his shoulder surgery and is projected not to be ready to throw 100 pitches until the sixth week of the season (mid-May). He may be ready to start the season in the bullpen.
Haren
As a result of the Morris situation, Dan Haren has been mentioned as the #5 starter in the interim. Of course, trades and signings could change this.
Larkin
The Cards have had preliminary talks with free agent shortstop Barry Larkin’s agent. Signing a fragile 40-year-old is not something I ever hope to see happen. Want to be scared for a minute? Think about a double-play combination of Larkin and Roberto Alomar. Let’s hope it never gets to that point.
Middle infield
The team will act on Placido Polanco if Renteria is not signed. They are also interested in Miguel Cairo, who lost his job to Tony Womack in New York. Jocketty has not spoken to Tampa Bay about shortstop Julio Lugo.
Rule 5
Don’t forget that the Rule 5 draft is Monday. Cardinals Tyler Johnson and John Nelson are at greatest risk of being selected. Expect the Cards to at least make a Triple-A selection as they did last year with shortstop Rayner Laya.
Cubs Frustrated Again
Brewers closer Dan Kolb was traded to the Braves Saturday for pitcher Jose Capellan and a player to be named. The Cubs had tried to get Kolb earlier without success. Too bad for them!
