December 14, 2004
Walton’s Wanderings
By Brian Walton
Renteria line drawn in sand
Good for Cards Chairman Bill DeWitt. According to Joe Strauss in the P-D, DeWitt denied Walt Jocketty’s request to up the four-year, $32 million bid to free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria. The question is how long the Cards will wait in their game of chicken with Renteria’s agents before they sign other players instead. I predict the waiting will continue until after Sunday night’s arbitration acceptance deadline and Monday’s non-tender deadline, at which point the full available player pool is known.
Middle infield mix
A P-D report this morning adds a new name to the list of potentials to go along with Barry Larkin, Placido Polanco and Orlando Cabrera. That is Ramon Martinez, who was a reserve for the 2003 and 2004 Cubs after playing five years in San Francisco. He’s a career .268 hitter.
Hudson hornets still buzzing
At least two other competing teams, including the Orioles, believe that the Atlanta Braves are the leaders in the Hudson sweepstakes. The Dodgers are thought to be next in line. It is hard to believe reports that the Cards’ deal is hung up on the non-inclusion of Jason Marquis.
Dean and Laux nominated
Former Cardinals broadcasters Dizzy Dean and France Laux are among ten who will compete for the 2005 Ford C. Frick Award to be awarded by the Baseball Hall of Fame. The other eight: Tom Cheek, Jerry Coleman, Ken Coleman, Gene Elston, Tony Kubek, Graham McNamee, Dave Niehaus and Ron Santo. The winner will be announced February 22 and honored during Hall of Fame festivities in late July. Past winners include Jack Buck and Harry Caray.
Gammons awarded
Everyone’s favorite Peter Gammons was awarded with the coveted “Most Untrue Rumors” award as well as the “Most True Rumors” award at baseball’s winter meetings this week. Ok, it just seems like that. Actually, Gammons was elected the 2004 winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award by the BBWAA and will also receive his award during Hall of Fame weekend.
Cox and Ordaz
Former Cardinals infielders Luis Ordaz and Steve Cox were signed by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays to minor league deals. At least Ordaz got a spring training invite. Cox, who was out of baseball after getting cut by the Cards in spring training, did not. Both are likely to be veteran Triple-A presence in 2005.
Yan for cash
Estaban Yan’s deal with the Angels ended up being for two-years, $2.25 million. Still crazy money. They’ll see soon enough.
