3 star free agents Cardinals can sign when the lockout ends
By Mark Powell
The St. Louis Cardinals can’t sign any free agents during the lockout, as baseball is technically on a pause. But that shouldn’t stop them from plotting.
The Cardinals will have the same pressing needs after the lockout as they did before Dec. 2. The only difference will be the time that goes by, and any potential rule changes that impact exactly how St. Louis general manager Mike Girsch goes about filling those holes.
The Cardinals specifically ought to target a middle infielder, relief pitching and perhaps even a former team great. So, why don’t we start with the obvious?
Cardinals: Should they bring back Albert Pujols?
Pujols is spending his winter playing baseball in the Dominican Republic, both staying fresh during the lockout and fulfilling a career-long dream of his.
“This is something that I’m always going to have, nice memories for my life,” Pujols said. “For me, this is a dream come true.”
The future Hall of Famer was drafted into the Dominican League by the Gigantes in 2002, but didn’t play until this season. His rights were traded to Escogido.
Pujols slashed .236/.285/.433 this season, playing far better in a part-time role with the Los Angeles Dodgers than he did in a full-time first base/designated hitter role with the crosstown Angels. If the Cardinals did bring him on-board, it would be in the former role. Paul Goldschmidt has first base locked down for years to come, and the Cardinals likely have more formidable hitters they could employ at DH should the National League take on the position next year under a new CBA.
But, Pujols will go into the Hall wearing a Cardinals cap. It makes sense to give him one last run in a bench role. He can still provide some power, solid plate discipline and a steady, veteran presence.