Over the weekend, after clamoring from fans, the Cardinals acquired the versatile and coveted Mark Derosa from the Cleveland Indians. Derosa has been the subject of talk radio since the off season with respect to his being able to help the Cardinals.
Since then, the Cardinals have seen their 2009 third baseman Troy Glaus languish on the disabled list after a winter surgery, their newly acquired shortstop Kahlil Greene provide very little due to erosion of skills and an anxiety disorder that had everyone wondering how the Cardinals did not know about it before they traded for him. Throw in the fact that the outfield of Ryan Ludwick, Chris Duncan and Rick Ankiel has been ineffective and you have the Cardinals in a tough spot.
The old banter about ownership not caring and not being inclined to spend any money had reached a pitch where it was being heard far and near. The Redbirds made a move. The cost? A pitcher who had no real role with this team yet and a prospect to be named later.
Happy now? The Cardinals are lacking consistent offense from the outfield, reasonable production from the third base position and a legitimate cleanup hitter who can protect Albert Pujols.
In all of that, where does Mark Derosa fit? He has played more infield than outfield in his career, although he made the best play of the season by a Cardinal leftfielder. He is an adept infielder, and his services would be sorely required at third considering there has been less than five homeruns from a position that has seen at least five players take the field.
Derosa hitting cleanup? Not the prototypical four hitter. Pitchers will still be inclined to take their chances against him more than Albert, but then again pitchers would rather take their chances with anyone not named Ruth, Musial, Mays or Aaron.
The concern: Is this enough? I say it’s a start. As for needing more, the players who have not produced up until now will decide that. The players in question have some things working against them. They have all been hurt, they strike out in key situations and there is scant trade value, considering free agency options and history of injury.
Still, the Cardinals had to get the ball rolling and that they have. The Central Division has as many as four teams that can win it, and the first team that makes a move to get better puts themselves in a great position, considering there is not much out there right now when it comes to making a deal for a legitimate difference-maker.
The Cardinals can not be done shopping this season, as there are still glaring holes that need to be addressed. The outfield you know about. The Pitching will have to be bolstered at some point on the back end of the rotation, as now we have short outings leading to the eventual overexposure of a solid bullpen.
Mind you, there is time. Time to make a statement and win, and time for players who have contributed very little in the first half to deliver in the second half. If not, Cardinal fans will be watching the playoffs on TV.