On Monday the Cardinals signed LHRP Royce Ring. That brings the running total of LOOGY's signed this offseason to three. As much as some of us (myself included) shake our heads at yet another LOOGY signing, in actuality, it makes sense. This is simply because we have essentially let go of our three left-handed guys from last year, and we need to refill the role. Villone is gone to FA, we want no part of Flores, and Johnson has been non-tendered after not playing due to injury in '08. Now that we have a new group of left handed hurlers, I decided to take a look at some of their numbers compared to the old guys. (As well, I through in a couple of other names we may recognize)

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So all has been quiet on the Cardinals' front this past week. Everything has pretty much been at a stand still since the offer was made to Fuentes, and now it seems  the front office is waiting for his response before they make another move. But, the general consensus around here seems to be that a starting pitcher would be much more beneficial to the ball club. (I know this doe not reflect everyone's opinion around here)

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Okay, this is a lighthearted FanPost. Reading DanUp's post the other day got me to thinking...The list of free agents this year isn't the most impressive, but I started playing with an idea in my head. Let's say you are a GM of a team which has no players. That's right, none, zilch, nada.  Then your owner decides to give you unlimited funds to create a team composed of only players from the 2009 free agent market. Basically, he's saying "sign all of these guys to one year deals and win the World Series in 2009 or you're fired!" You got one shot at this so, who do you sign?

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Ok, we all know that the Cards need some middle infield help and Mo has already said that will be one of their priorities in the offseason. Brian Roberts and Robby Cano have been mentioned here as possible options to go after. Personally, I think Cano would be the better option of the two.

But I'm going to throw out a name that I haven't seen mentioned yet on VEB. (and if it has and I missed it I apologize).  Would it be out of the question for the Cards to pursue a trade with the ChiSox for Alexei Ramirez?  The guy is in his first year in the league after playing in Cuba for seven years then defecting.  His slash line is .297/.320/.483 with an OPS of .803.  He's also got some decent power with 19 homers. 

Ramirez has three years left on his contract and is earning about $1.1 million per.  He has played mostly at 2B for the ChiSox this season, but says he's most comfortable at SS.  The Cards just happen to have a second baseman who says he wants to be traded and just played one hell of a game in Chicago yesterday (yes, still hard to believe, but that was Adam Kennedy going 4-for-5 with 5 RBI's) The Sox look like they are going to need another 1B because it seems Konerko's finest days are behind him.  Would a trade like AK, Dunc/Mather, and a prospect (not Rasmus) be too much?  If the Sox decide to make Swisher their permanent 1B, I would think a trade like Kennedy and Schumaker/Mather could do it. 

I think Ramirez has a much better upside then say a Roberts.  He's cheaper, fairly comparable offensively, only 27, and could play either MIF spot. So, is this out of the question? Thoughts?