Trade Deadline Preview: St. Louis Cardinals
By Sam Clancy
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be moved
1. Matt Adams/Allen Craig
There’s no arguing that the two guys playing first for the Cardinals have been disappointing. While they have been pretty impressive in the field, Adams at first and Craig in right, their bats have gone silent in the areas that they excelled last season. Adams hit 17 home runs in 296 PA last season, but he has nine in 252 PA so far this season.
Craig is way below his career numbers in RBIs and BA wRISP. They both have plenty of controllable years remaining, and both have a lot of talent, but they could be this July. One of these guys would only be moved if they make a move for a big bat, but that is starting to look more and more likely.
2. Stephen Piscotty/Randal Grichuk
With a log jam in the outfield on the major league roster and Oscar Tavaras banging on the door, Triple-A outfield prospects become chips for making a move. Piscotty is a 23-year-old outfielder drafted by the Cardinals in 2012. He had good power and is a sound defender. In another organization he could have already gotten a chance in the show, but there is no room for him right now.
Grichuk was the throw in player in the David Freese trade, and he has shot to the top of the Cardinals’ prospect list, and has earned time in the majors earlier this year. He still needs to develop an understanding of the strike zone, but he also has natural power. His defense is very good in center field.
These guys could be in a package for a big move or could be moved for a bench slugger that could help the team right now.
I thought he might be moved after not playing in the 2013 postseason. In his second season Miller has been struggling with his fastball this season and it has resulted in some bad numbers. He has the most walks in the National League and has an ERA of 4.10. I wouldn’t say the Cardinals have given up on Miller, but they certainly don’t look at him as the untouchable prospect he was a few years ago. With the sudden development of Joe Kelly and Michael Wacha, Miller is no longer the blue chip guy in the rotation. He would likely be the controllable centerpiece in a move for a top of the rotation starter like …