The Peavy Sweepstakes Vol. 3: The St Louis Cardinals

There is a mega pitcher on the trade market this winter by the name of Jake Peavy, the former Cy Young winner who is currently a San Diego Padre. Peavy has allegedly named five teams for whom he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause: the Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, St Louis Cardinals, LA Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.

In this third of a five-part series, I will look at who the Cardinals have in place, who they are losing to free agency, and what pieces they have that might entice the Padres to move Peavy to St Louis.

Who's Staying: Albert Pujols.

Oh, you needed to hear about anyone else on the Cardinals roster? Troy Glaus, acquired for Scott Rolen from Toronto last winter, has a club option for 2009 worth over $11 million. Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick will all likely get arbitration, with Ludwick set for the biggest payday after his remarkable breakout season in 2008.

On the mound, the Cardinals have Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Kyle Lohse, and Ryan Franklin locked up for a couple more years.

Who's Going: Closer Jason Isringhausen has been both great and awful the past few years, and with his contract having expired he will be an intriguing decision this winter. Also entering free agency from the pitching staff of the Cardinals are Braden Looper and Mark Mulder. 

Even though he's still under contract, you can be assured that the late season comments of Adam Kennedy have written him a ticket out of Missouri, which leaves the potential departures of Felipe Lopez, Cesar Izturis, and D'Angelo Jimenez off the bench interesting.

Who's Available: The Cardinals have some players in their farm system that could make them players for Peavy. Young outfield stud Colby Rasmus projects as a major league outfielder in the very near future. This might make Duncan available as part of a package, as the Cardinals willingness to move Rasmus is debatable. Minor league pitcher Chris Perez might be the arm San Diego desires to make a deal happen

The Verdict: The biggest reason the Cardinals will take a long look in the mirror this winter is the one year that remains on manager Tony LaRussa's contract. LaRussa openly lobbied in the media this past season for management to make a deal to improve an injury-depleted roster.

LaRussa had perhaps his best season on the bench getting a devastated lineup to overachieve and contend until August. The offense has major questions as well, so the pockets of Cardinals' ownership may be stretched this winter.

Odds of a Peavy trade: 35%