01
Dec
2007
News: Eks is Out, Izturis In for Cardinals
Posted by pops as St. Louis Cardinals Rumors
The Post-Dispatch reports that the Cards have filled in one piece of their off-season puzzle by signing free-agent shortstop Cesar Izturis to a one-year, $2.83 million deal. The former Gold Glover (2004 with the Dodgers) may be a defensive upgrade as David Eckstein's replacement but he seems an unlikely choice to fill Eks' spot offensively in the lead-off position. Izturiz batted just .258 last season in 110 games. Ekstein managed a .309 average in 117 games but was plagued by injuries and a career-high 20 errors.
Going into the winter meetings at the Opryland Hotel, the Red Birds are likely to focus on pitching and hope that the aging Jim Edmonds and the oft operated on Scott Rolen can return to form and provide much-needed offensive punch.
If you enjoyed this post click here to receive all the latest rumors delivered daily via email.
4 Responses
Derek Wonderland
December 1st, 2007 at 4:24 pm
1going to be weird to see somebody other than Eckstein playing SS for the Cards…but I think this move is about a year too late.
RumorMill
December 1st, 2007 at 9:57 pm
2I dunno, I don’t much care for this signing. Why not just stick with Ryan at short and save the almost 3 mil? Izturis doesn’t really bring much other than a glove. At least Eck could hit and leadoff. I would have liked to see Eck and Ryan if/when Eck got hurt.
Andrew
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:12 am
3Well sorry, but i think its a fine move.. eckster was alright and good, but we will gain some defense behind izturis (and youth, izturis being 5 years younger).. and unfortunatly 3 mill is a bargain for him (izturis) this day and age. Now, if we could move ryan to his native position 3rd, and really save some jack!.. that would be swell. BUT WE NEED ONE ELITE STARTING PITCHER STILL!!!.. and theres a couple out there, so get one.
pops
December 2nd, 2007 at 1:52 am
4What concerns me is that, like last year the Cards haven’t done anything to IMPROVE. I’m beginning to worry that the best we can hope for is a not quite major trade to placate the fans and then a lot of prayers that a few old vets will return to form or some other miracle will happen.
Although I can’t believe that’s what Tony signed up for.
RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URI
Leave a reply
to top of page...