December 8, 2004
Why the Gas House Gang Aren’t Playing Today
By Brian Walton
Let’s face it. Those who seemingly want to see the entire 2004 Cardinals roster return are living in the past, just like those great Cardinals teams of the 1930’s. The reality of baseball is that players need to move on due to age, injury, ineffectiveness or yes, even salary considerations.
It may be boring to read, but I agree with every single move that Walt Jocketty made on Tuesday. Perhaps that is because I had already predicted most all of them. The only exceptions were Matt Morris, due to his recent surgery, and Cal Eldred, which is a very low risk deal.
Let’s quickly at each situation.
Williams – Not tendered. The team needs to improve at two starting pitching spots and Williams held one of them. He would not have signed at the reduced amount the Cards would have offered him. Offering Woody arbitration would have been utterly stupid, as he would have been guaranteed $6 million or more. Wish him luck in whatever he decides to do next.
Morris – Agreed to $2.5 million one-year deal with $4.5 million in incentives. This situation changed with Morris recent surgery and is a good hedge by Walt. If nothing else, Morris can be a long reliever/spot starter until his strength is back. After all, he’s worth as much as Julian Tavarez, isn’t he? And if Morris comes through and achieves all his incentives, the Cards will have a pretty darned good hurler.
Renteria – Offered arbitration. Good first step, but the Cards are not out of the woods yet. Edgar either needs to sign or at least accept arbitration as the next step. The market for $8 million plus per year shortstops is dwindling, but there could still be a surprise suitor out there. I still believe a deal will be worked out for him to return. But, I believe it will not be a one year deal via arbitration. Edgar might make more in the long haul by taking a one year contract and having a better 2005, then cashing in bigger next year. But, he plays best when uncertainties in his life are reduced.
Matheny – Offered arbitration. I was one of the few who was not surprised by this, though I think it may take more than two years, $4 million to sign Mike. Yadier Molina’s future is becoming cloudier as a result. Think trade.
Mabry – One year, $750,000. Likely was willing to take less to return. Comparable to last year’s deal and great for both parties. A very good signing.
Eldred – One year, $600,000. If I had thought Cal would accept a 33% pay cut, I would have predicted his re-signing. Like Mabry, he obviously wants to remain a Cardinal. It is low risk, even if he doesn’t pitch well enough in the spring to make the team.
Kline – Non-tendered. Kline will likely fetch $6 million for two years on the open market. The Cards have Ray King and other options for a second lefty that are much less pricey. Good decision.
Womack – Two years, $4 million from the Yankees. Good for Tony. Only Steinbrenner would take this kind of risk. All I can think of is the parallels with 35-year-old Fernando Vina getting a bloated two-year deal from the Tigers and delivering almost nothing. There will be other second base/leadoff hitter options that are lower risk and potentially higher reward.
I’d like nothing better than to see both Womack and Kline in the other dugout in the World Series, but I would not commit up to $10 million to keep them for two years. That money is needed elsewhere.
While I give Walt an “A” to date, this is just the first term of a four-semester class. So far, so good, but there is a lot of work remaining ahead.
