Are you nuts?

“He is only 29, and look for him to top the 20 HR mark in 2012.”

Yes, you are nuts.

“But the Cards have not seriously pursued an extension for Molina, nor Wainwright for that matter, although they do have another year to made that happen, talking about 9 mil being their top number which will fall far short of keeping Yadi.”

Wainwright is under contract for $9 next year and $13 million in 2013. Why not wait a year to make sure he comes back from Tommy John just fine before committing a huge extension to him. As for Yadi…most catchers aren’t that great into their 30s. If the Cards get him back on a reasonable deal…great! But it would be silly to overpay for him.

“So the Cards will begin to resemble the Marlins or the Rays, as a team that will be known as sellers as players reach their maximum dollar levels, with a much poorer minor league system. When a team decides that their franchise will adopt a corporate approach, most if not all stars will wear other uniforms in their heyday.”

Huh? The Cardinals payroll is about the same as it’s always been. Just because they couldn’t match Pujols’ comically large contract doesn’t mean they’re goiing the Marlins route. Secondly, didn’t they just win the world series a year ago? Isn’t this the same group that committed over $100 to Matt Holliday just a couple of years ago?!?

“It is always quality that suffers, and the consumers (e.g. fans) are sacrificed for profit.”

Your right. Just 1 lousy WS title in 2011? The Pain!!!

I think the Molinas are bitter about Scioscia.

Prior to his 2012 campaign one could argue that his offensive contributions were a plus to his outstanding defense, but not particularly outstanding. But under the tutelage of McGwire, Molina has begun to adjust from tough out to tough out who can do damage. He is only 29, and look for him to top the 20 HR mark in 2012.

His 126 OPS+ was only surpassed by one catcher in 2011, Alex Avila.

But the Cards have not seriously pursued an extension for Molina, nor Wainwright for that matter, although they do have another year to made that happen, talking about 9 mil being their top number which will fall far short of keeping Yadi.

So the Cards will begin to resemble the Marlins or the Rays, as a team that will be known as sellers as players reach their maximum dollar levels, with a much poorer minor league system. When a team decides that their franchise will adopt a corporate approach, most if not all stars will wear other uniforms in their heyday. Just ask 45-50 year old pension holders who have just had their life savings yanked out from underneath them. It is always quality that suffers, and the consumers (e.g. fans) are sacrificed for profit.

Official 2012 BSOHL Roster

Yadier Molina – STL
Evan Longoria – TB
Brett Cecil – TOR
Freddie Freeman – ATL
Brian Wilson – SFO
Jason Heyward – ATL
Casey McGehee – PIT
Chris Tillman – BAL
Franklin Gutierrez – SEA
Miguel Olivo – SEA
Miguel Cabrera – DET
Justin Smoak – SEA
Dexter Fowler – COL
Jaime Garcia – STL
Miguel Tejada – FA
Aubrey Huff – SFO
Vicente Padilla – BOS
Carlos Zambrano – MIA
Yonder Alonso – SD
Carlos Gutierrez – MIN
Mark Teixeira – NYY
Dmitri Young – FA
Yoenis Cespedes – FA

Awaiting Confirmation:
Phil Hughes – NYY
Bill Hall – FA

I guess I will enjoy watching him this year while he still wears the Birds on the Bat jersey.