News Release (Pun Intended)

Second baseman wanted.
Travel required.
Good health benefits.
Can't pay much as we are still paying your predecessor.
Experience a plus.
Apply within.

On Friday, Cards Cove reluctantly gave Adam Kennedy their stamp of approval for starting at second this year. Now today we see Kennedy given his unconditional release. Apparently Tony La Russa was the one urging this decision as he did not want Kennedy as his starting second baseman. What hurts even more is a condition of his release includes the Cards paying Kennedy his $4 mil due in 2009. As Mike Shannon would say: Hm-Hm-Hm-Hm-Hmm

Here's what John Mozeli-'dontknowjack' said:

"We have exhausted all trade possibilities for Adam, and have decided that it was within both the club and the player's best interests to give Adam his unconditional release...As stated last year, it has been our intention -- at Adam's request -- to try and seek a trade. As we move forward, we feel that it is best to try and fill the second base position with other players from within our organization."

So if the team had intended all along to either trade Kennedy or release him, please tell me why we didn't resign either Lopez or Miles. And I love how John makes it very clear that we are going to fill the hole with players from within the organization... Trust me Mozeliak, we didn't expect anything else.

So that takes us back to square one on second base starters. Who do you want? Brendan Ryan, Brian Barden (not to be confused with Brian Barton), Joe Thurston, or Skip? The only positive I see with skip is that not only does it fill our second base need but also opens up a spot in the outfield where we are overstaffed. But for defense I would have to go with Ryan. A lot of teams; probably 29 others, would go to the free agent bin in a situation like this and dig around to see what they could find. But with Cheapeliak at the reigns we won't get that service. Who wants Orlando Hudson when you have Joe Thurston?

So what do we expect from this team? Kennedy's absence won't have a huge effect on the team as he can easily be replaced offensively and (with a little work) defensively. Commenter 'MZS' hit the nail on the head in yesterday's post...

"My overall assessment for 2009 -- more of the same as 2008. Starting pitching is average at best, hopefully run production can overcome average pitching and shaky bullpen with no closer."

The only thing I don't agree with is the average starting pitching. I think if Carp is good to go, we have a pretty good lookin' big 3 with Chris, Wainwright, and Lohse. And if Wellemeyer can produce anywhere near the level he was at in '08 the front 4 in our rotation will look mighty fine.

5 days till pitchers & catchers. Lets get this year goin.