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I just read something from Joe Strauss's chat last week about the Cardinals and Nick Punto:
Joe Strauss: Punto is a popular name within some quarters of the organization. The Cardinals remain interested in acquiring another left-side IF and a No. 6 starting pitcher. They prefer to get there by offering a free agent with major-league experience a non-guaranteed contract. I question whether Punto falls that far. He made $4M last season while hitting .238 with minimal power while displaying plus defense at three infield positions. He fits well here in the same role Jon Jay may play in the OF. Punto also has appeared in two postseasons with the Minnesota Twins. Punto missed most of the last two months with a severe hamstring strain.
This is shaping up to the grittiest, most Caucasian team in MLB.
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Punto was a name Chad mentioned before Christmas.
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Why put that much effort into getting someone who isnt that good.
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Punto signs.
This team better win the division, or La Russa can get to steppin'. Every move made this offseason satisfies his thirst for guys who play hard despite not having talent. So either his experiment works, or he can GTFO.
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and for all the transactions I don't see this team as being any better than last year's team, just different.
I think a lot of jobs hinge on this season, not just La Russa's. If this all fails to bring a division title to St. Louis, then I think Mozeliak's hour clock will have run out, too. If we fail, I think it means that Berkman likely failed, and he too will be done. Let's see what happens with the Pujols contract negotiations, but he could be outta St. Louis, too.