Lots of Cardinal fans want another bat in the lineup, preferably a power bat.
Chris Davis, the most powerful bat that was on the market, has already re-signed with the Orioles and Cespedes just signed with the Mets. If the Cardinals really wanted a power bat, I think they’re best option is to trade for Carlos Gonzalez.
No the trade would not be cheap, but I think most Cardinals fans would agree they are alright potentially giving up Matt Adams, Tim Cooney, and Marco Gonzalez for one of the best bats in the league.
However, there is still one guy out on the market that brings quite a bit of power. Who is that? You guessed right if you said Ian Desmond.
Desmond hit 19 home runs in 2015 and 24 the year before. No, that isn’t Mike Trout, Davis, or Nelson Cruz numbers, but for a shortstop it’s pretty darn good. When you talk about Desmond to the Cardinals everyone panics and says, “What about Jhonny Peralta?”
There have been rumors around the league the Cardinals are looking to give Peralta a little more rest in 2016 after playing 155 games in 2015. While others say the only way Desmond would come to the Cardinals is if they moved Peralta to the outfield when Matt Holliday becomes a free agent. I’m not saying Desmond to the Cardinals is a bad idea, but he would definitely have to want to sign with a championship club.
One thing Desmond also has to realize is not many teams are looking for an everyday shortstop. Some people say the White Sox would be a good fit after losing Alexi Ramirez to the Padres, but you can’t forget about the potential of Tyler Saladino. Other people say the Angels are a fit, and Desmond could shift over to second base. The Athletics could also be a fit for a guy like Desmond. No, he probably doesn’t want to play for the A’s, but if there is money in the deal he could for sure take it. Some other teams that could be in are the Diamondbacks, Indians, Dodgers, Rays, and the Nationals, if they wanted to give Trea Turner more time to develop.
Dexter Fowler? Yes, that is right, Dexter Fowler to the Cardinals. Personally, I have never been a huge fan of Fowler probably because he played for the Cubs in 2015, but he isn’t just a terrible player. Fowler hit 17 home runs in 2015 and had a .250 batting average. No, he definitely isn’t a full out power hitter, but the guy brings some pop to the lineup.
Where would he fit?
I think the Cardinals are looking for a center fielder right now, in this very moment. I think the Cardinals would feel more comfortable with Stephen Piscotty at first, Holliday in left, and Randal Grichuk in right.
What about center field? Yes, I know the Cardinals have Tommy Pham, who could for sure play center, but why not let him develop a little more before you put him in an everyday position. I am not saying they shouldn’t let Pham start some games in center, but why not go sign Fowler, who’s contract won’t be extremely high, and let Pham back him up. The Cardinals have obviously seen Fowler play many of times with the Cubs, so they know what he brings to the table.
What about Adams and Brandon Moss? I think the Cardinals should trade Adams, not because I don’t like him, but because the Cardinals have quite a few options at first base. Moss, I think will get a lot of playing time in 2016. I think he has a lot to prove to the organization about the numbers and the power that he can bring.
Desmond or Fowler? I think that the best option would be to include Matt Adams in a trade to Colorado for Gonzalez, because, that gets rid of the load of players at first, and that gives you a really good center fielder with some pop. But, if I had to choose between either Desmond or Fowler, I would choose Fowler.
Yes, I do like Desmond overall more as a player, but I think Fowler fits better into the lineup. Plus, the Cardinals aren’t necessarily looking for a shortstop because you have Garcia and Gyroko to back up Peralta.
Let me know what you think of bringing Fowler to St.Louis instead of Desmond, and who you would include in a trade package for Carlos Gonzalez.
Thanks for reading.
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