The Cardinals have made one major move already, ditching top 20 hitter in Matt Williams and acquiring Jay Bell and Steve Finley. Cardinals are leading the Federal League in batting average and hits, but are only 5th in runs. Tim Raines leading off with his -0.7 WAR isn’t helping, but Cardinals ownership is loyal, even when it’s blind and hurting this team. That being said, outfield doesn’t seem to be the biggest need.
Need: Catcher
Dan Wilson and Mike Matheny may be nice people, but neither should be starting. Both profile as backups and offense competence behind the plate would make this team feel a lot different.
Possible Targets
Darrin Fletcher – Detroit Tigers: While the defense doesn’t fit the usual Das profile, the bat can still play, particularly versus right handed pitching
Mike Lieberthal – New York Yankees: Not convinced that he’d be available, but Lieberthal, in his third season after being the 4th overall pick in the draft, has very appealing rates and a good offensive profile. He also fits the mold of a Das kind of player.
Mike Stanley – Boston Red Sox: Just kidding.