St. Louis Cardinals: What SHOULD happen this offseason

For a while now, the St. Louis Cardinals have been a team that seems to float by and never spend any money. They find has-beens and used-to-bes and make them relevant again. Sometimes it works, sometimes it does not; always seeming to lack the superstar.

Well, I think it’s time to give it a rest. I’m tired of watching a cheap team. I understand what the St. Louis Cardinals are trying to do. Really. They’re trying to get the best for their dollar without ever getting the best.

The St. Louis Cardinals have money. What’s the point of having money in this business if you never spend it? It’s not like the more they save as an organization, the better vacation they can go on at the end of the year?

The money is there to be spent. Try taking some WD-40 to those pockets so they stop squeaking and shell out some cash for quality. What happens when you by a new car that’s a little more expensive? It runs better. Smoother. Less trouble with mechanics. See what I mean?

I used to say forget Bryce Harper. Forget Manny Machado. I change my mind. There’s no reason the Cardinals shouldn’t put out a competitive effort in free agency to get one of these guys. The Cubs sure will.

They sure could use either of them. Why?

The Cardinals need some star power! The Cardinals need a number-three hitter that fans pay just to come see. Cardinals fans are loyal. We’ve been watching the same cheap baseball for years and still pack Busch with 3 million every season.

Harper and Machado are both 25. This would be an investment that could last ten years. With 7 of those years being their prime. Why wouldn’t you go after that? Yeah, it’s going to cost $300 mil. So what? They have it.

Its time for the St. Louis Cardinals to play up to their competitors – and not just on the field. In the front office, too. Or they’re going to get left behind. Adapt or die.

Overall, the Cardinals are in a good position. They have the pitching and some good young talent. They have some big bats in the minor leagues, as well. Let’s add a superstar to this mix and intimidate a team for once.

What to do?

I say the best option is to try and sign Harper. But don’t stop there. I’m thinking looking at a trade for Nolan Arenado is in order, too. Maybe a package with Ozuna and a top prospect. The Rockies need a left fielder and their number one prospect (Brendan Rodgers) seems to be major league ready and he can play third.

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This also gives Harrison Bader and Tyler O’Neill (especially O’Neill), the chance to play everyday in this game.

Arenado has voiced displeasure with Colorado in the past as well as voiced compliments of the Cardinals organization. Why not milk every ounce out of that as you can?

Second option, go for Machado. The redbirds need a third basemen and Paul DeJong could slide back over to his natural position, allowing Machado to play short.

As much as I love the Jedd Gyorko’s of the world – him hitting fifth everyday is not going to win a championship in this league.

And once again…

Whatever they do, don’t sign Josh Donaldson. I’ve said this in almost every article I’ve written. I do not care what type of used car sale sticker is going to be on him. Let another team take that look.

It’s time to go big or go home every October, Cardinals. Every team in playoff contention this season either has a superstar or two (or more), or went out and got some.

It’s time to make a splash in St. Louis. If the Cardinals truly believe they are the best organization in baseball – prove it. Invest in some big time players and let’s quit watching this inconsistent baseball.