Cards won’t trade Shelby Miller for Baltimore Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy

If you were hoping that Baltimore Orioles shorstop J.J. Hardy would be the St. Louis Cardinals shortstop come opening day in 2014, don’t expect it to happen.
Oct 6, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller (40) reacts on the field before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates in game three of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jon Heyman, the Cardinals told the Orioles that Shelby Miller is not available.

The rookie pitcher went 15-9 this season with a 3.06 ERA but did not pitch an inning during the World Series against the Boston Red Sox. He also finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.

Hardy is signed with the Orioles through the end of the 2014 season. Despite hitting .263 this season, the Orioles shortstop was selected for the All-Star game and named winner of both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards.

When it comes to making a trade for a quality shortstop, there’s no doubt that it means having to send some pitching in any proposed trade given the wealth of arms in the system. There’s no doubt that Carlos Martinez will not be available. Neither will Michael Wacha or Trevor Rosenthal. If the Cards do trade a pitcher, it would likely be a Joe Kelly or Lance Lynn.

Now that the Cards have said Miller is not available, it should put to rest the proposed trade of Miller for Texas Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar.