Cardinals replace Albert Pujols

[Mays-Fan]

The Cardinals signed utility player Eugenio Velez, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Velez appeared in 34 games for the Dodgers this past season, but didn't collect a single hit. He did post an .834 OPS in 235 Triple-A plate appearances, while playing right field, left field, second base and third base.

Minor Moves: Velez, Hernandez, Luna, Montanez: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

 

[msgkings322]

It's official, no repeat as WS champs.

 

[filosofy29]

Looks like Holliday will see more fastballs right down the middle.

 

[Stokes1931]

Why even play the 2012 season? Just give the Cards the 2012 WS trophy on Opening Day. We can all play for runner up.

Wonder if TitoGollum will become a Cards fan.

 

[ColinCoby]

The Cardinals signed utility player Eugenio Velez, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Velez appeared in 34 games for the Dodgers this past season, but didn't collect a single hit. He did post an .834 OPS in 235 Triple-A plate appearances, while playing right field, left field, second base and third base.

Minor Moves: Velez, Hernandez, Luna, Montanez: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

I needed a laugh today. Rep.

May Velez have a long career in major league baseball. He's the joke that keeps on giving.

 

[Mays-Fan]

I needed a laugh today. Rep.

May Velez have a long career in major league baseball. He's the joke that keeps on giving.

A U GENIO !!!! AIE YIE YIE !!!!

Speed never slumps! EZ does it !!!!

 

[Stokes1931]

A U GENIO !!!! AIE YIE YIE !!!!

Speed never slumps! EZ does it !!!!

OK, tzill. Easy on the alts. That sounds so authentic, it is scaring the children.

 

[SFGRTB]

Velez has more protection now, more than that scrub white-Holliday.

Cardinals Agree To Two-Year Deal With Carlos Beltran: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Beltran-latino! EZ ALL GOOD!

 

[calsnowskier]

Velez has more protection now, more than that scrub white-Holliday.

Cardinals Agree To Two-Year Deal With Carlos Beltran: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com

Beltran-latino! EZ ALL GOOD!

You just beat me to it...

Only 2 years, but no mention of the $$ involved. It had better be astronomical!!

 

[SFGRTB]

You just beat me to it...

Only 2 years, but no mention of the $$ involved. It had better be astronomical!!

I swear if it is within the Giants price range...

But I guess we saw this coming or were at least prepared for it.

 

[calsnowskier]

I swear if it is within the Giants price range...

But I guess we saw this coming or were at least prepared for it.

I was prepared for a 4 or 5 year deal from an AL team. Not a 2 year deal from an NL team.

I am not out on the ledge YET. Let's see the $$ first. But like you said, if it is less than 25, this board will be a sour place for the next couple days...

 

[SFGRTB]

I was prepared for a 4 or 5 year deal from an AL team. Not a 2 year deal from an NL team.

I am not out on the ledge YET. Let's see the $$ first. But like you said, if it is less than 25, this board will be a sour place for the next couple days...

How about right at 25?

 

[calsnowskier]

How about right at 25?

I feel defeated.

The cards put the price for him just out of reach. Almost like they are our older brother and holding our cap JUST out of leaping distance. We are frustrated, but there is nothing we can do except cry out for Mom to help us.

 

[SFGRTB]

I feel defeated.

The cards put the price for him just out of reach. Almost like they are our older brother and holding our cap JUST out of leaping distance. We are frustrated, but there is nothing we can do except cry out for Mom to help us.

But everyone knows the youngest always gets there way...

 

[Mays-Fan]

I feel defeated.

The cards put the price for him just out of reach. Almost like they are our older brother and holding our cap JUST out of leaping distance. We are frustrated, but there is nothing we can do except cry out for Mom to help us.

Yeah, and gave away Wheeler only to get nothing out of it. Insult to injury.

 

[msgkings322]

Yeah, and gave away Wheeler only to get nothing out of it. Insult to injury.

Wheeler had nothing to do with it, we could have bid on him just as well if we didn't trade for him. It was the right move to make and you know it.

But 2 yr $26 mil? FUCK that. Not happy we didn't beat that deal because we could have. Not happy.

:nonod:

 

[Mays-Fan]

Wheeler had nothing to do with it, we could have bid on him just as well if we didn't trade for him. It was the right move to make and you know it.

But 2 yr $26 mil? FUCK that. Not happy we didn't beat that deal because we could have. Not happy.

:nonod:

Agreed - it was a fair deal at the time. Certainly worth the shot. Just bummed we got nothing more to show for it is all.

 

[mistgl]

Wheeler had nothing to do with it, we could have bid on him just as well if we didn't trade for him. It was the right move to make and you know it.

But 2 yr $26 mil? FUCK that. Not happy we didn't beat that deal because we could have. Not happy.

:nonod:

I've refrained from bitching about the "budget", because, at the time, it made sense. We got some rough contracts on the books, and it's not something they're willing to sweep under the rug.

But 2 years 26mil ?!?!?!? WTF OWNERSHIP!!!

You can toss that money at Huff, but not Beltran?

The one player who could turn us from middle of the pack to legitimately above average at a decent price, and we just stand there holding our dicks...

 

[tzill]

I've refrained from bitching about the "budget", because, at the time, it made sense. We got some rough contracts on the books, and it's not something they're willing to sweep under the rug.

But 2 years 26mil ?!?!?!? WTF OWNERSHIP!!!

You can toss that money at Huff, but not Beltran?

The one player who could turn us from middle of the pack to legitimately above average at a decent price, and we just stand there holding our dicks...

The Huff money was "tossed" when the payroll was at $115MM. The payroll is now at $130MM. But for RoRo, we could've afforded Beltran. Unfortunately, we're already at budget and have no room for Beltran.

Bottom line: I know it's a fans birthright to bitch about spending, no matter how much the payroll is. But, $130MM is PLENTY of cash to build a contender. If we can't do it with that budget, then shame on us.

What makes anyone believe that throwing more money at the problem is going to solve things? It seems to me that if we can't get it done with $130MM that $140MM or $150MM isn't going to alleviate the problem, which is misspent resources.

 

[filosofy29]

I feel defeated.

The cards put the price for him just out of reach. Almost like they are our older brother and holding our cap JUST out of leaping distance. We are frustrated, but there is nothing we can do except cry out for Mom to help us.

Wheeler had nothing to do with it, we could have bid on him just as well if we didn't trade for him. It was the right move to make and you know it.

But 2 yr $26 mil? FUCK that. Not happy we didn't beat that deal because we could have. Not happy.

:nonod:

I've refrained from bitching about the "budget", because, at the time, it made sense. We got some rough contracts on the books, and it's not something they're willing to sweep under the rug.

But 2 years 26mil ?!?!?!? WTF OWNERSHIP!!!

You can toss that money at Huff, but not Beltran?

The one player who could turn us from middle of the pack to legitimately above average at a decent price, and we just stand there holding our dicks...

It's a bummer for sure Gentlemen, of that, there is no doubt.

However, we need to examine this 2yr, $26mil offer. This is what he signed AFTER the Giants were no longer a serious target. The Giants went out and made moves to get two outfielders. With Pagan, Cabrera, Schierholtz, Belt, Huff and Justin Christian in tow, it was going to be a crowded outfield before Beltran. I think the Beltran group lost a ton of leverage after the Giants made these moves. If the Giants offered him 2 years and $26mil before they had made those moves, his price tag would have most likely been higher.

Also something to think about (although it's pure speculation on my part) is that with a 2 year offer, Beltran still might be looking at one last contract with an AL team after its expiration. The Cardinals lineup and ballpark give him a much better chance at more money at the end of those two years.

Just food for thought.

The Cardinals are relevant again though, a Holliday - Berkman - Beltran heart of the order along with Wainright coming back and they should be very tough.