Freese Tag

Just like A-Rod, today we are going to transition from the Cards shortstop situation to third. Who will step up for the first five weeks of the season until Glaus recovers from his surgery. Five possibilities have been mentioned by the front office. I'll break them down one by one, and we'll decide which direction we think the team should head.

1. David Freese
Freese, acquired last year from the San Diego as part of the Edmonds deal has a non-roster invite to spring training this year. He had a great year at AAA Memphis batting .306 with 26 bombs and 91 RBIs. He is a true third baseman and solid defensively with only 10 errors on the season last year. Freese has clearly made his case for the position.

2. Brett Wallace
Wallace, drafted by the Cards in the first round of the draft last year also has a non-roster invitation to spring training. He is a solid power hitter, like Freese; he might have even more power. Scouting reports call Wallace a 35 HR guy. He also brings that power from the left side of the plate, always a plus. His resume also includes a 2007 Pac-Ten Player of the Year Award. He might have a little too much size to stick at the hot corner, but a temporary hold on the position could be in line.

3. Joe Mather
Mather's name has been mentioned by front office people. Out of all the names thrown out there for the job, he's the one with the most major league experience. Unfortunately, only three innings of it were taken at the hot corner. Mather actually hasn't played third since A ball in '05. His offensive numbers also don't match up with the previous two candidates. He batted .241 last year in 133 ABs. Although, Mather would benefit in a huge way by reestablishing himself as an infielder as well, with all the competition for a starting spot in the Cards outfield right now.

4. Joe Thurston
I don't believe Thurston is being considered as seriously as the previous three, but it has been mentioned, so lets discuss anyway. He was signed this past December to a minor league contract. Thurston has tiptoed around the majors his entire career playing in only 59 games since 2002 stopping in L.A., Philadelphia, Boston, and now St. Louis. He has only batted .227 with no homers in his major league stint. He also has never played at third base; he has only played second and outfield. I don't really know what the Cards see in him as a possible replacement at third.

5. Outside Acquisition
Yeah, how many times have we heard this line the past couple of years from J-Mo?

"We may also look at external options."

Don't hold your breath Cardinal nation.

All in all, I think Freese would be the best option, with Wallace only lacking experience time to grow. We'll just have to wait and watch to see how the spring plays out to determine the true leading candidate.

Goodnight all.