The real competition

[pravata]

The Cardinals officially have placed themselves in contention for free-agent pitcher A.J. Burnett by breaking precedent with a four-year offer worth almost $10 million per season, sources confirmed Thursday night.

The Link

Burnett's agent thinks he can get 5 for 50. The article also says the Cardinals may also be interested in Pato.  In other Cardinal news, they lost FAs Abraham Nunez, who filled in admirably for Rolen, to Philadelphia and  the Cubs picked up John Mabry.

[austro]

Quote:
...they lost FAs Abraham Nunez, who filled in admirably for Rolen...

And I owe Nunez an apology (I'm sure he's skulking around here waiting for it!).  When he first took over the job he looked a little shaky, and I mentioned that I was looking forward to Willy laying down a few bunts his direction.  But after that initial shaky period, Nunez played solid defense for the Cards.

And while I'm in the confessional, I have to acknowledge that Ramirez has really improved his defense, too.  Somebody on the Cubs must be a decent teacher.