I’ll be the first to admit it – I figured the hot stove was all but extinguished for the Cardinals.
Sure, if Mo had the opportunity to add a cheap veteran pitcher right before or during spring training – he’d probably take a flyer. But as a far as blockbuster moves? Nah.
https://twitter.com/OnlySportTalk/status/553157114076856321
What. Is. Going. On.
We wrote yesterday that FOX Sports analyst Ken Rosenthal made an appearance on MLB Network and predicted James Shields would end up on the Cardinals.
Now – as of last night – the Cardinals have also been connected with free-agent Max Scherzer and Phillies ace Cole Hamels.
If you’re SUPER cynical, you’d probably assume that this cold snap has stalled ticket sales at the Winter Warm-Up and this news could help boost interest. If you’re SUPER SUPER cynical, you’d probably assume that the Cardinals are taking the opportunity to kill off any speck of interest St. Louis has left in the Rams.
But it’s probably just the Cardinals trying to get 1 more front-of-the-rotation pitcher to shore up a staff that isn’t bereft of options if 1 or 2 guys go down with injuries.
Let’s take wild guesses at the odds of landing all 3:
James Shields – 49%
Probably seeking 110-120M for 5 years range. Coming off a very solid season with KC. May not be willing to wait for Scherzer to sign (therefore increasing his demand). Got a taste of winning in TB and KC and knows he’ll be in big games for STL.
Max Scherzer – 5%
Most likely Cardinals name keeps popping up because agent Scott Boras is trying to squeeze another team for more $$$. Would be a great homecoming story (STL native). Looking for something in the 140-160M for 6 years range. A bit more money than the Cardinals have been willing to spend on a FA in the past. Still not happening.
Cole Hammels – 33%
Wild card is what the Phillies actually want in return. If they’re looking to dump salary, then the Cardinals have a shot. If they want top prospects? It’s way less of a chance he ends up in STL.
Again, all guesses without any facts… you know, because we’re a blog.
Photo: Jason Eric Brooks
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