The Cardinals Ideal Off-Season

Bench

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Speaking of Ty Wigginton and last year’s failed attempt to find a right-handed hitter with some pop, the Cardinals bench needs some work. Hopefully, some of the moves in the outfield will help solidify the bench, but there’s one more move I’d make to really give it some punch.

Michael Young

Everything that Mozeliak wanted Ty Wigginton to be, Michael Young is: he can hit for average, has a little bit of pop left, can give his team good at bats, provides a strong veteran presence, and seems to be ready for a lesser role. There were even rumors that he was considering retirement, so maybe it won’t take so much to pull him in for a year or two.

The biggest reason that I think Young is worth pursuing is his experience at shortstop. As we try to fill our shortstop hole with young prospects and hopeful players, Michael should be able to guide and help them — sharing his experience and knowledge of the game. The addition of a solid right-handed bat off the bench is almost just a bonus.

If Young can be signed for anything less than seven million for one year, I’d snatch him up in a heartbeat.

Overview

This is where I explain anything that might seem a little bit unusual, and delve a bit more into my reasoning.

First, money. A quick look at the salaries coming off the books for the Cardinals (44.95 million dollars) and the potential raises due to its players (21.515 million dollars) shows that St. Louis ought to have about 23.5 million dollars to play with, assuming that they don’t increase their payroll. The free agent signings I propose total about 20 million dollars, which leaves some wiggle room to add some payroll via trade or mid-season acquisition. Thus, I think that my off-season proposal offers a financially viable option.

Additionally, my plan successfully fills the Cardinals’ few gaps. St. Louis doesn’t need pitching, and I don’t propose pursing any. The hole at shortstop, however, is quite concerning. Trading for a young, major league-ready shortstop while also pursuing Aledmys Diaz ought to fill a pressing need while simultaneously providing much-needed depth.

While the number of outfielders I suggest pursuing may initially seem far too great, signing all three would provide flexibility. Mozeliak would gain the liberty to bring up Taveras when he’s ready, Matheny could save Craig’s legs and play him at first base, and Jay wouldn’t be the only legitimate center fielder on the team. With a number of outfield prospects on the verge of being ready, the short contract lengths give the Cardinals room to reevaluate next year, and don’t lock them into an unnecessary and harmful mega-deal. And, realistically, signing Grady Sizemore is a big risk. If he plays well, one of the other two players become expendable, but it’s possible that he won’t make it back out of the minors, making the other two acquisitions necessary.

Finally, Michael Young can make the bench very solid. On any given night in 2014, you could expect to see Matt Adams, David Freese, Jon Jay, Daniel Descalso, and Tony Cruz on the bench. Young would add another dynamic and dangerous bat, not to mention his experience and veteran presence.

The fact of the matter is that the Cardinals are a very good team as they stand, but they have some money and some talent to play with. The plan proposed here offers the possibility of a distinct improvement, and gives St. Louis a lot of security. There may not be a major improvement in store (excepting shortstop), but just a few careful moves could create a nearly unstoppable team.

Hopefully, Mozeliak will make those moves.

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