Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch explains the Cardinals’ offseason plans. The areas of concern: middle infield, lefthanded relief, and perhaps the rotation (maybe a swingman type pitcher). The Cards would also like an impact bat to protect Albert Pujols, but that is of lower priority.
Strauss says the Cardinals will investigate the price for Brian Fuentes and Joe Beimel. They’ll also consider bringing Edgar Renteria back to St. Louis on a one-year deal worth considerably less than $10MM. The Cards should have $20MM+ to spend in total.
As for trade chips, young catcher Bryan Anderson could be one. Second baseman Adam Kennedy wants out, but has negative trade value. The Cards could also move an outfielder. Derrick Goold of the P-D suggests possible matches.
