Here’s the scenario of the St. Louis Cardinals as I see it:
– You’re in first place by two games, but the past six games provide some evidence that you can’t compete with the big boys. Houston is only five games back and should get a boost from Roger Clemens’ return.
– Your starting pitching is in shambles. Chris Carpenter and Anthony Reyes are OK, but Mulder is hurt, and Marquis and Suppan both have ERAs over 5. Ponson isn’t going to be much help in the rotation, either.
– Your outfield has gaping holes. Jim Edmonds is showing his age in center field and seems to be declining quickly. Juan Encarnacion has turned it around nicely as of late, but he’s average at best. Left field is a black hole, and nobody has emerged as a legitimate big league starter there.
– Your closer is unreliable. Jason Isringhausen has a 4.06 ERA, with a dreadful 1.58 WHIP. He’s blown five saves already.
– The rest of your bullpen is unspectacular, but not terrible. Adam Wainwright has been stellar. Josh Hancock and Braden Looper have been good. Brad Thompson hasn’t been as strong as he was last year. Randy Flores is average.
– Your farm system is depleted. There are a few prospects here and there, but on the whole, there’s little to be excited about.
So, pretend you’re Walt Jocketty. What do you do? There are three options:
1. Make trades to fill holes. Try to acquire a starting pitcher and an outfielder. If you pursue this course, who do you trade? Who do you try to acquire?
2. Bail on the season. Admit that you don’t have the horses to contend legitimately for a World Series title. Trade Edmonds, Isringhausen, Marquis for some young talent to help next year.
3. Stand pat. Acknowledge that your team might be strong enough to make the playoffs as is, and take your chances once you get there. Hope that Albert Pujols and Chris Carpenter are enough to get you to the World Series. Don’t do any more damage to a weakened farm system to get the one or two players who may or may not help the team make it deep into the playoffs.
What do you say?