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OOTPRealTime · 12-09-2013, 12:29 PM

CARDINALS OFF-SEASON PLANS IN FOCUS
St. Louis Post-Dispatch -- Sunday, December 8, 2013 -- by: Derek Gold

The Cardinals have been slow out of the gate this off-season and new general manager Parker Campbell isn't worried about it. They have a plan.

With big names signing big contracts with other teams, Cardinals Nation is wondering when their beloved Redbirds are going to jump into the fray. Carlos Beltran has signed in Seattle and the team must replace his offense from a season ago. This can be done by jumping in on a high-priced free agent that plays the same position (right field) and hope that the contract doesn't become a hindrance as the player ages (Corey Hart).

Another option would be putting all of your chips in a young prospect that has yet to prove anything at the big league level (Oscar Taveras). The final option would be to think about replacing that void in the lineup by upgrading at another position (shortstop) via trade or free agency.

There is no surprise that the Cardinals are looking into upgrading at shortstop - a key position in any lineup and defensive alignment. Campbell has stated publicly that this is the case - but he did not say anything was imminent. The Cardinals have two young, solid defensive players who may be considered "offensively challenged" (Pete Kozma and Ryan Jackson). Campbell has also stated that he isn't willing to give up defense at a key position like shortstop to fill the offensive void created by Beltran heading to the American League (Asdrubal Cabrera).

The top names on the "wish list" of Cardinals fans remain the unlikeliest to get done (Troy Tulowitzki, Elvis Andrus, Jurickson Profar). Campbell says that giving up the farm to fill this need is not the preferred method and certainly not the "Cardinal Way" - at least, not the way his predecessor John Mozeliak would have done it.

Campbell said that they have "kicked the tires" on just about every single option - both via trade and free agency and have narrowed down their list to a few options. Those options include (but may not be limited to) Yunel Escobar or Stephen Drew in free agency and possibly a trade that involves the White Sox for Alexi Ramirez. Also, the Cardinals have have "in depth" continued talks with the Rangers - but, again, it would not be the preferred method to give up three quality and top prospects for one player. Keep in mind that there is a third option in Texas and that is 22-year old Leury Garcia. A speedy, defensive-minded player with big time upside. That is more likely who the talks surround at this point.

As Campbell meets with his counterparts in Orlando for the first time, he'll be reaching back out to a few that have open conversations and possibly some new ones could be sparked. That's why they do this. He'll also have a host of agents to meet with regarding potential signings for the Cardinals.

Campbell revealed that the team may be in the market for a backup catcher, focused on defense to spell Yadi from time to time. His brother, Jose, is a free agent and fits that description to a tee. Though, he is 39 years old.

The team will likely look for more bullpen depth as well. As Campbell puts it, "You just can't have enough arms."

Regardless of what happens in the next few days at the Winter Meetings, the Cardinals general manager has a plan and will be jumping in soon enough, rest assured Cardinals Nation.

----------------------

After reading Gold's piece, I was happy to see that he didn't take any liberties and really did report everything I gave him to go on. I threw out a few things that I asked him to keep off-the-record and he did. Mainly just the names that we would be seeking to trade in potential deals.

I've arrived in Orlando for the Winter Meetings and will be getting to work quickly. I'll be seeking out Jon Daniels for sure to see if we can put a bow on this thing - I believe I'm ready to pull the trigger - we'll see if he feels the same way. I'll also be looking for an update from the Joel Hanrahan camp.

Who knows what else will happen, but I'm ready for it.

12-09-2013, 12:29 PM	#52
OOTPRealTime Minors (Double A) Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 147	Gold article and response; Travel to Winter Meetings CARDINALS OFF-SEASON PLANS IN FOCUS St. Louis Post-Dispatch -- Sunday, December 8, 2013 -- by: Derek Gold The Cardinals have been slow out of the gate this off-season and new general manager Parker Campbell isn't worried about it. They have a plan. With big names signing big contracts with other teams, Cardinals Nation is wondering when their beloved Redbirds are going to jump into the fray. Carlos Beltran has signed in Seattle and the team must replace his offense from a season ago. This can be done by jumping in on a high-priced free agent that plays the same position (right field) and hope that the contract doesn't become a hindrance as the player ages (Corey Hart). Another option would be putting all of your chips in a young prospect that has yet to prove anything at the big league level (Oscar Taveras). The final option would be to think about replacing that void in the lineup by upgrading at another position (shortstop) via trade or free agency. There is no surprise that the Cardinals are looking into upgrading at shortstop - a key position in any lineup and defensive alignment. Campbell has stated publicly that this is the case - but he did not say anything was imminent. The Cardinals have two young, solid defensive players who may be considered "offensively challenged" (Pete Kozma and Ryan Jackson). Campbell has also stated that he isn't willing to give up defense at a key position like shortstop to fill the offensive void created by Beltran heading to the American League (Asdrubal Cabrera). The top names on the "wish list" of Cardinals fans remain the unlikeliest to get done (Troy Tulowitzki, Elvis Andrus, Jurickson Profar). Campbell says that giving up the farm to fill this need is not the preferred method and certainly not the "Cardinal Way" - at least, not the way his predecessor John Mozeliak would have done it. Campbell said that they have "kicked the tires" on just about every single option - both via trade and free agency and have narrowed down their list to a few options. Those options include (but may not be limited to) Yunel Escobar or Stephen Drew in free agency and possibly a trade that involves the White Sox for Alexi Ramirez. Also, the Cardinals have have "in depth" continued talks with the Rangers - but, again, it would not be the preferred method to give up three quality and top prospects for one player. Keep in mind that there is a third option in Texas and that is 22-year old Leury Garcia. A speedy, defensive-minded player with big time upside. That is more likely who the talks surround at this point. As Campbell meets with his counterparts in Orlando for the first time, he'll be reaching back out to a few that have open conversations and possibly some new ones could be sparked. That's why they do this. He'll also have a host of agents to meet with regarding potential signings for the Cardinals. Campbell revealed that the team may be in the market for a backup catcher, focused on defense to spell Yadi from time to time. His brother, Jose, is a free agent and fits that description to a tee. Though, he is 39 years old. The team will likely look for more bullpen depth as well. As Campbell puts it, "You just can't have enough arms." Regardless of what happens in the next few days at the Winter Meetings, the Cardinals general manager has a plan and will be jumping in soon enough, rest assured Cardinals Nation. ---------------------- After reading Gold's piece, I was happy to see that he didn't take any liberties and really did report everything I gave him to go on. I threw out a few things that I asked him to keep off-the-record and he did. Mainly just the names that we would be seeking to trade in potential deals. I've arrived in Orlando for the Winter Meetings and will be getting to work quickly. I'll be seeking out Jon Daniels for sure to see if we can put a bow on this thing - I believe I'm ready to pull the trigger - we'll see if he feels the same way. I'll also be looking for an update from the Joel Hanrahan camp. Who knows what else will happen, but I'm ready for it.