The latest rumor I had heard was that the Oakland A’s were entertaining Lance Berkman. Surprise, here the come the Cardinals swooping in to sign the 34 year old.
Berkman signed a one year deal, someone who John Mozeliak tried to get before last July’s trade deadline. Berkman will play left field with Matt Holliday volunteering to play right.
What does this mean for young guys like Jon Jay or Colby Rasmus? At this point, I wouldn’t think much. Berkman is 34, signed for just one year, and he has had his health issues. At this point I think it would be unwise to unload any of those young outfielders at this point.
Jay struggled when the Cardinals took a chance that he could handle the outfield duties everyday, which was why they unloaded Ryan Ludwick to San Diego.
What the Cardinals do get in Berkman is a guy who hits well from both sides of the plate and more protection for Pujols and Holliday and while Pujols doesn’t sit much, another experienced first baseman for when Pujols does need a breather.
