Should the Cards Just Give Up On Mark Mulder???

Question

They re-signed him last offseason. I believe St. Louis is paying him somewhere in the neighborhood of $5.5 mil. All this for a guy who has almost gone one year between starts! Now, their is still no timeframe for his return. But even when he comes back, I don't think he'll be the Mulder that everyone is expecting. So, do you think the Cards should just try to unload Mulder?

Answer 1

I would have to somewhat agree. Walt Jocketty said Mulder WILL be back in August. When he comes back though he probably won't be the Mulder of old (like in '05). Quite frankily, I don't like Mulder's attitude. I think he fit in better in Oakland where there's not as much attention from the locals on baseball. It's real laid back there and I think Mulder is too laid back. Mulder needs an attitude adjustment, he doesn't seem to be a hard-nosed competitor and is willing to just go through the motions and take his check. I'd be completely OK with the Cards trading his a s s and getting some young talent especially now that we have Maroth.

He seems J.D. Drew-ish...lots of talent, but needs a fire sparked under him.

Answer 2

I have never been a Mulder fan even when he had some decent years. I don't believe he will ever return to the form he had in those better years, and I don't think the St. Louis fans should be expecting too much.

Answer 3

I'm a Royals fan, so, I'm tryin not to be too bias here. PITCHING is at a premium. You can't give up on someone unless you have someone better to fill his spot. I think "fish or cut bait" time is coming. it will not surprise me if they do let him go, but, it depends on how much salary they will eat. Scott Elarton is the Royals example. Should he be let go? Probably, but, who takes his place? Greinke has found his home. Soria is the setup guy. I don't see anyone really ready in the minors, so, you just kinda live with what you have. I think the Cards are probably at the local Catholic Church light a WHOLE bunch of candles and looking for some Divine intervention.

Answer 4

No. He obviously hasn't been the pitcher everyone thought he would be but he was hurt. If he can come back and pitch how he is capable (after all he doesn't turn 30 till next month) then he can help Carp anchor a rotation that has been in shambles most of the year. He may not be the answer and I probably tend to agree with you that he isn't. He does deserve one last shot tho.

Answer 5

just like current player Adam Kennedy should be gone Tito Martinez same way they seem not always to get a good free agent player lately, as for Mulder lets see what happens if makes a come back if not release him at end of season

Answer 6

No. I think the Cardinals owe him the benefit of the doubt in giving a good look over when he returns.

Even if he can't be a every day starter, there could be some use for him in the bull pen and possibly an emergecy starter if needed. Having a good lefty in the bull pen for 2 or 3 innings would great.

Answer 7

there is no point in attempting to unload Mulder. he would sell to low. You might as well keep him and hope he returns to form. The cards will not receive any real talent in a trade.

Answer 8

Yep, it's time to cut the strings.

Here's my ideas for next season:

Eckstein
Kennedy
Ankiel
Duncan
Pujols
X
Rolen
Molina

Carpenter
Buehrle, Mark
Wainwright
Thompson
Narveson ?

We can use the extra money from Edmonds and Mulder to sign a young CF or SP.

Answer 9

This is a fair question.................... however, I guess I have to trust Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan. If they think he has a chance, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

It's just been sooooo long! And....as you said, he won't start off in top form - if he even ever does. I'm sure they will fish or cut bait at the appropriate time.

P.S. I wish I had thought of your logo before you did!
Go Cardinals!

Answer 10

They were patient with Morris and it payed off. Same with Carpenter.