FanNation

The current Sporting News lists Braden Looper as a trade candidate before the deadline. The rational is that the Cards will be unwilling to pay the going rate for Looper, based on a couple of double-digit win seasons (assuming he gets one more W) when the season is over, so it makes sense to get something for him now. Our rotation has been so thin, it hasn't really occurred to me to think about moving Looper, but if we make a deal to replace him in the rotation, and then Adam comes back, it could make sense to get something for Looper before he leaves as a FA.

LaRussa would blow a gasket if they traded him without replacing him with an equal starter in the rotation. I'd blow one as well.

I'd be right there with you..... if they move Looper without replacing him, they'd be pretty much giving up on the season, unless Carp and AW were both back and healthy and effective.

If we make a move for a starting pitcher, then get Adam back at least, it'd be nice to move Looper and get something for him, since they likely won't re-sign him.

Yeah I think Loop will stay here anyway. He deserves to make his money but he's also no dumby and has got realise that he is better off with Duncan and being in a town that actually likes him right?

I don't know, 51. A guy that wins in double figures as a starter for two straight years can command $7-$8 million a year, possibly. Look at the deals guys like Marquis, Eaton, Padilla have gotten the last few years. If the pricetag goes that high for Looper, I doubt Mozeliak will match, especially if Carpenter and Wainwright end the season healthy.

We can't trade Looper even if Carp and Waino come back strong. Wellemeyer needs to be shut down for a while as soon as we can afford it.

I think the current Wainwright/Carpenter situation is going to make trading Looper very difficult for the Cards. While I'll agree that it makes sense to try and get value for a guy that might leave at the end of the season, you never know if those two guys are going to be able to come back and pitch the rest of the year.

Adding to that, I'm not sure the Looper would command any major league ready talent. Sure you could get some prospects for him, but won't we get draft picks if he leaves after the season anyway?

I wouldn't disagree. Although I am sure Mo would like to get something for Looper....I dont' know how you can even think about trading a starting pitcher right now, given how thin we are there.