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Inbox: Cards seeking any more upgrades?
- Updated: December 16, 2016
ST. LOUIS — The search for a center fielder has ended, yet there remain plenty of questions about what’s left on the winter to-do list and what’s brewing for the season ahead. With the Dexter Fowler frenzy now dying down, let’s take a look at some of the topics still on your mind.
Although the major needs have been filled by getting a reliever, outfielder and backup catcher, if the Cardinals were to go and sign/trade for one more player, what purpose would that player serve? In other words, if the Cardinals could upgrade one more area or position, what would it be? — Ryan L., Rector, Ark.
• Hot Stove Tracker
If the Cardinals were to seek more than depth and make a run at an impact player, they’d likely target a first baseman. Though the club has every intention of utilizing Matt Carpenter at first, his flexibility does provide the option for a late move across the diamond. If the Cards were to find someone like Edwin Encarnacion or Mark Trumbo still on the market in January and could swoop in to sign one to a short contract, that could be appealing.
But I still don’t see this as a likely scenario. Not only are both players likely to find more lucrative options elsewhere, but you’d also wonder how adding a slugging first baseman addresses the team’s stated direction of become more athletic and agile.
• Submit a question to the Cardinals Inbox
I assumed that when the Cardinals moved Carpenter to first that Jedd Gyorko (and his 30 homers) would start at third. However, it seems like most people think it’ll either be Jhonny Peralta or a timeshare. What do you think the Cardinals will do with their two options at third? — Jonathan O., Oklahoma City, Okla.
The Cards have indicated that Peralta will enter Spring Training atop the depth chart at third base. But that’s always subject to change. If Peralta does not arrive in optimal shape or is slow to get going once the regular season starts, the club won’t hesitate to insert Gyorko. I would imagine the Cards will try to get as much production as they can out of Peralta early in the year with the …
