We are at that point in the MLB season where trade rumors start to fly. One of the biggest ones involves David Price potentially coming to the St. Louis Cardinals. Of course, there is a lot of speculation going on here at this time. Dan Buffa, over at Arch City Sports, posted a pretty good article on the subject called The Essense of Price. I had a few additional thoughts after reading this article.

Dan was exactly right about the cost being the issue. We don’t know the cost. However, even if you give the Rays a pretty sweet package, this isn’t a bad deal for the Cards. I could honestly see sending Miller, Oscar, and another prospect or bench player in return for Price and not being upset. But, as Dan mentioned, that’s only if the Rays cover a decent chunk of this year’s salary and you sign a long-term deal on the way over from Tampa. Price would give you protection if Waino had any more flare-ups, if Wacha continues to have issues, and he’d be the natural leader of the rotation as Waino’s career winds down in a few years. Trading some of our young talent away for Price was not something I was thinking about, but Wacha injury and Waino’s elbow flare up totally changed my mind.

Bernie Miklasz, of the Post-Dispatch, had a great point the other day about us focusing on Price when really the pitching move to be made could be for a middle of the rotation starter. The more I think about it, that may actually be the move. Then again, when you look at what some of these middle of the rotation guys make in salary, I’d rather just get one of the best.

Also, people want to keep hording these “prospects”. That is great, but I’ve also seen reports that the Cards are getting a reputation of blocking the young guys. We have a logjam, and that needs addressed. A deal for Price would seem to clear the logjam. As for not trading the crown jewel of the system…Oscar already has been been put in the same breath as Pujols. Are you kidding me? Never recall stories of Albert losing interest in the minors, or being “bored”. I’m not saying Oscar won’t be a great player, but that is not a guarantee, despite what some folks think. Cardinals fans are crazy if they think keeping “prospects” and other young mainly unproven inconsistent players is better than a proven Price. Predicting MLB is hard. If it were that easy EVERY AAA stud would be a MLB star. Young talent is great to have but so is proven talent.