Mass substitutions

The Cardinals have been really busy this trade season. They've already made three trades involving Major League talent: Brian Barton for Blaine Boyer, Chris Perez for Mark DeRosa, and Chris Duncan for Julio Lugo. So far, I'd say that none of the trades have proven too successful. Boyer was optioned to AAA and claimed off waivers by the Diamondbacks, DeRosa has a wrist injury that will need surgery in the offseason, and Lugo hasn't played since July 6.

But maybe the best indicator that none of the trades have been satisfying is the fact that the Cards are still trading. Their latest trade, which is still in the works, would send top prospect and third baseman Brett Wallace to Oakland for Matt Holliday.

The Cardinals wanted Holliday in the offseason, and I wasn't sold on the idea then because of the bevy of outfielders that they already had (Barton, Duncan, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, Skip Schumaker, Colby Rasmus). During this season, though, Tony La Russa has proven to me that he can play and win with what I would call an excess of outfielders, so that's not a major concern for me anymore (except that I have Ludwick in fantasy and this trade would probably limit his time even more).

I'm also a little worried about trading with the A's. GM Billy Beane is pretty notorious for scouting good players, getting the best years out of them, then getting rid of them (Barry Zito, Mark Mulder, Tim Hudson, Jason Giambi, Miguel Tejada). There was a whole book about it. I'm not particularly worried that Holliday's best years are behind him, though this isn't his best year. I am worried that Brett Wallace and the other two players going to the A's (Shane Peterson and Clayton Mortensen) will turn into absolute studs. I think the general opinion is that Brett Wallace will. And he has a good name.

One more minor concern: Holliday's contract is up at the end of the year. I have no doubt that the Cardinals can resign him, considering every player who plays in St. Louis claims to love it. I just hope he doesn't want too much money.

Ultimately, this trade comes down to one thing: the Cardinals are trying to win now.

When I started this blog, I was pretty much against this trade, but I think I've talked (written?) myself into believing in it. Most of my concerns are minimal and have good counterpoints. The Central division is really tight, and the Cards are the only one making moves. If Holliday continues to hit like he has lately (.338 batting average in July), then maybe he'll provide the offense that the Cardinals so desperately need. St. Louis would need a few of their players to start hitting like they have in the past, but if they do then this lineup looks pretty good:

2B Skip Schumaker
OF Colby Rasmus
1B Albert Pujols
3B Mark DeRosa
OF Matt Holliday
OF Ryan Ludwick
C Yadier Molina
P Adam Wainwright
SS Brendan Ryan

QotD:

Friday is the day that Sportscenter replaces their "Top Ten" segment with the "Not Top Ten." In a hypothetical "Not Top Ten," where would Matthew leaving Mark Buehrle on his fantasy bench when Buehrle throws a perfect game fall?

My take: #3. It's funny and dumb, both pluses. But there's no physical injury, so I can't imagine it would earn a one or two spot.