Over the past few days, Cardinal Nation has been focused on the Jhonny Peralta injury and who will take his spot. Something I have noticed is that the majority of fans want Diaz or Gyorko to step up and take the spot. After an offseason filled with people mad that the Cardinals didn’t make many deals, now people suddenly want them to use internal options. Lets take a look at some of the possible options for the Cardinals at shortstop.
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1. Jedd Gyorko
Jedd Gyorko is the guy that the Cardinals traded for during the Winter Meetings. At the time of the trade, no one really thought he would make a huge impact, but now, he has a chance to do just that. In his 3 years in the MLB, Gyorko has hit 49 HR, 171 RBI, with a .236 BA. Gyorko doesn’t have a ton of experience at SS, but I think is qualified for the job.
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2. Aledmys Diaz
Diaz has definitely made his case in the past few days. Yesterday, he went 4-4 with 2 Doubles. He isn’t the most powerful player, home run wise, but the man can hit. In 2015, he held a .278 Batting average. Whether or not he is the player that fills the SS hole, he will be called up at some point in the next few years.
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3. Erick Aybar
Erick Aybar is currently the starting shortstop for the Atlanta Braves. Multiple MLB analysts have said that Aybar would probably be a top option, if the Cardinals decided to trade. Like Diaz, Aybar isn’t a power hitter, but can put the bat on the ball. If the Cardinals were looking for experience, Aybar has 10 years in the Majors, all with the Angels. Aybar was traded to the Braves this offseason, so what they would want in return is likely just prospects. The asking price couldn’t be too much, because he is a free agents after this season. Per Jayson Stark, Aybar is the best player that the Cardinals could trade for, and MLB executives say, ”If it’s the right deal, they’ll trade anyone but Freddie Freeman.”
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4. Freddy Galvis
Galvis currently plays shortstop for the Phillies. I would be surprised if the Cardinals went after Galvis, considering he has only had 1 year where he had over a .240 batting average. Knowing the Phillies, their asking price would probably be a lot more than it should be.
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5. Ruben Tejada
Tejada currently plays for the New York Mets. With the addition of Neil Walker this offseason, and already having an abundance of infielders, the Mets could possibly be looking to move him. I personally am not a big fan of the Cardinals going after him, because of his very poor offensive numbers. In 2015, Tejada put up a .261 batting average, with 3 HR, and 28 RBI.
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6. Zack Cozart
Cozart currently plays for the Cincinnati Reds, who are looking to get rid or pretty much anyone. Having seen Cozart many times with the Reds, I personally like him. He doesn’t have outstanding offensive numbers either, but has really good defense. I would like to see Cozart in St.Louis, but there is no telling what the asking price is.
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7. Luis Sardinas
Luis Sardinas was traded from the Brewers to the Mariners this offseason, and with Dipoto being the GM, anyone could be traded. Sardinas doesn’t have that much experience to go by, and doesn’t appear to be an outstanding player. I would say that Diaz or Gyorko would both be better than trading for Sardinas.
Some other options for the Cardinals could come from the Diamondbacks with than abundance of infielders.
Honestly, I think most of these options are bad for the Cardinals. Unless Diaz or Gyorko starts playing terribly all of the sudden, the only player I think would be good target is Erick Aybar. Aybar brings experience and skill to a team that has a hole to fill.
At the moment the Cardinals haven’t been reported to be searching for a shortstop. However, it has been said that they will wait a few weeks to see how Gyorko and Diaz continue to perform.
Who do you think should fill Peralta’s spot at shortstop?
Thanks for reading.
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