Really? Who was going to pay him more than $8 million?

 

"I think he had greater opportunities out there financially," St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said. "This was just a place he wanted to play."

 

"Accepting an $8 million bid without incentives or options attached, the former Houston Astros All-Star declined a two-year bid from the Oakland A's to return to the National League"

He's really not a HUGE upgrade. Although he is bettter than what they had last year. Not worth 8 million at all, IMO.

 

Who else could they have gotten to upgrade their offense without putting Pujols' contract extension in jeopardy? This was a good job by Mozeliak to add pop to the order and change the clubs mentality by bringing in two great club house guys in Berkman and Theriot. Look at what a guy like Scott Rolen did for the Reds. Say what you want about the Cardinals offseason, but I see a better team right now then the team who finished the season 86-76.

 

I've said this before, but I'll say it again, the Cardinals had the a strong core with: Pujols, Holliday, Rasmus, Molina, Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia. Bring in Theriot who is better leadoff hitter then any Cardinal last year, and Berkman who can bat 5th and allows Rasmus to bat 2nd where he is most dangerous. The Cardinals are better off right now and will be better next year.

"I think he had greater opportunities out there financially," St. Louis general manager John Mozeliak said. "This was just a place he wanted to play."

 

"Accepting an $8 million bid without incentives or options attached, the former Houston Astros All-Star declined a two-year bid from the Oakland A's to return to the National League"

 

"Mozeliak described the team's payroll as "leaking," adding that Berkman received a higher salary as a trade-off for just one year."

Who else could they have gotten to upgrade their offense without putting Pujols' contract extension in jeopardy? This was a good job by Mozeliak to add pop to the order and change the clubs mentality by bringing in two great club house guys in Berkman and Theriot. Look at what a guy like Scott Rolen did for the Reds. Say what you want about the Cardinals offseason, but I see a better team right now then the team who finished the season 86-76.

 

I've said this before, but I'll say it again, the Cardinals had the a strong core with: Pujols, Holliday, Rasmus, Molina, Wainwright, Carpenter, Garcia. Bring in Theriot who is better leadoff hitter then any Cardinal last year, and Berkman who can bat 5th and allows Rasmus to bat 2nd where he is most dangerous. The Cardinals are better off right now and will be better next year.

 

I said he was an upgrade. I just don't see it as something that will put them over the top IMO. He's past his prime and putting him in the OF will only make it that much worse.

 

Also, the Reds bringing in Rolen is completely different. They didn't have ANYBODY to be a clubhouse leader. St. Louis already had Pujols, Molina, Carpenter, etc. as experienced guys and leaders.

 

Finally, Theriot is not the answer at leadoff. Not in any way, shape, or form. That was a move for the sake of making a move. It didn't improve anything. Atleast Berkman brings somthing to the table.

"Mozeliak described the team's payroll as "leaking," adding that Berkman received a higher salary as a trade-off for just one year."

 

Alright the 8 mill is more but the one year deal is huge IMO.

You said it's "common knowledge that he took a pay cut" to go to St. Louis. Where was the pay cut?

 

He took a 1 year deal instead of a potential multi-year deal. Nobody was willing to give him $8 million per year, though.

Alright the 8 mill is more but the one year deal is huge IMO.

 

And then St. Louis will be right back in the same situation next offseason.

I said he was an upgrade. I just don't see it as something that will put them over the top IMO. He's past his prime and putting him in the OF will only make it that much worse.

 

Also, the Reds bringing in Rolen is completely different. They didn't have ANYBODY to be a clubhouse leader. St. Louis already had Pujols, Molina, Carpenter, etc. as experienced guys and leaders.

 

Finally, Theriot is not the answer at leadoff. Not in any way, shape, or form. That was a move for the sake of making a move. It didn't improve anything. Atleast Berkman brings somthing to the table.

 

Theriot is better then anything we could even think about last year at the leadoff spot, I'll take him. We just need him to get on base, and he isn't great but a hell of a lot better then Ryan.

 

You'd actually be surprised with Pujols' "leadership". A guy like Mark DeRosa was huge off the field for the Cards and it showed on the field.

 

BTW, Berkman weighed 225 when the season ended, he weighed in yesterday at 212. He'll be in much better shape then last year.

And then St. Louis will be right back in the same situation next offseason.

 

But it'll give them more time to access guys like Jay and Craig and develop their farm.

I disliked The Astros and Berkman,and Brandon Phillips and I still hate the Cardnials...:ylsuper:

Theriot is better then anything we could even think about last year at the leadoff spot, I'll take him. We just need him to get on base, and he isn't great but a hell of a lot better then Ryan.

 

You'd actually be surprised with Pujols' "leadership". A guy like Mark DeRosa was huge off the field for the Cards and it showed on the field.

 

BTW, Berkman weighed 225 when the season ended, he weighed in yesterday at 212. He'll be in much better shape then last year.

 

He's still a guy with bad knees that hasn't play OF on a regular basis since 2004. Even 6 years ago he was a terrible fielder. I understand that they signed him for his offense, but even that is fading fast.

He's still a guy with bad knees that hasn't play OF on a regular basis since 2004. Even 6 years ago he was a terrible fielder. I understand that they signed him for his offense, but even that is fading fast.

 

I guess time will tell. As a fan, I look at what Mo did, with the resources, and I think he put them in a good spot.

I will be shocked if he starts more than 110 games in the OF this year.

I will be shocked if he starts more than 110 games in the OF this year.

 

I thought when they made this deal. He would play in 115-120 games.

I thought when they made this deal. He would play in 115-120 games.

 

8 Mil for a guy that plays that many games in not worth it IMO.