Quote:
Originally Posted by BigRedChief
I was reading on another board that freese and or his agent wanted a deal like Craig this off season and Mo didn't even want to discuss a deal. Anyone hear this rumor before? Think freese's days are numbered in STL?
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I feel like they always have been.
He's a guy with arthritic ankles and a history of alcoholism - does it really make any sense to lock him up long-term when you have him under team control for 3 more seasons?
I'd ride David Freese through 2015 then let him walk as a FA. He'd be approaching his age 33 season at that point and likely won't get too terribly much on the open market.
At that point you re-assess. If Wisdom or Kelly come along as you've hoped, Freese won't be needed. If Wong or Garcia have forced your hand at 2b, you can always slide Carpenter back over to 3b (though I hate doing that; why move a guy to 3b that can give you that kind of offense and plus defense at 2b, a much hard position to fill?).
The Cardinals would have plenty of options.
Freese hasn't ever been a candidate for a long-term extension, IMO. He's played overaged for most of his career and just doesn't appear to be a wise gamble for a smart ballclub. Extract as much value from him as you can from his team controlled years and then let him walk as he enters his decline years. It's the only way a mid-market payroll can keep it's best young players in the organization.
I don't think refusing to sign him to an extension means they won't have him back.